SPIRITUAL GIFTS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Supporting Texts: Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:7-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Acts 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
Spiritual gifts are divine abilities given to believers by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Every believer has been endowed with at least one spiritual gift, and it is God's desire that we discover, develop, and deploy these gifts for His glory. They are not given for personal pride or gain, but for service, unity, and growth of the body of Christ.
Sadly, many Christians either ignore or misunderstand their spiritual gifts. This leads to confusion, comparison, and even spiritual idleness in the Church. A clear understanding of spiritual gifts helps each believer function effectively in their God-given role and position.
Today’s message will help you recognise the importance of spiritual gifts, understand their purpose, and encourage you to stir up the gifts God has placed within you.
1. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
These gifts are not earned or acquired through human effort but are sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills.
a) The Holy Spirit is the source of all spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7):
All spiritual gifts originate from the same Spirit and are given for the benefit of all believers, not for self-exaltation.
b) The gifts are diverse, but the Giver is One (1 Corinthians 12:11):
Though there are various types of spiritual gifts—such as prophecy, healing, or teaching—they all come from the same Holy Spirit, who knows exactly what each person and the Church needs.
c) Spiritual gifts are a sign of God’s grace (Romans 12:6):
Each believer receives gifts according to the grace given to them. This ensures that no one boasts, and all serve with humility.
d) Every believer has a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10):
No Christian is giftless; each one is a steward of God's manifold grace and is called to use their gift for service.
Biblical Example: The disciples received the gift of tongues and boldness to witness on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
2. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH
God gives gifts not for entertainment or self-promotion but to build up and strengthen the body of Christ.
a) Gifts are for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7):
The Church is like a body with different parts working together. Spiritual gifts ensure that every area is healthy and active.
b) The Church thrives when gifts are used properly (Ephesians 4:12):
God gave gifts to equip the saints for ministry, build up the Church, and bring believers to maturity.
c) Misuse or neglect of gifts weakens the Church (1 Corinthians 14:12):
When believers hoard, neglect, or misuse their gifts, it causes imbalance, confusion, and spiritual stagnation.
d) Gifts promote love and unity (1 Corinthians 13:1-2):
Without love, even the greatest spiritual gifts are meaningless. Love must be the motivation behind every gift.
Biblical Example: Barnabas used his gift of encouragement to build up the early Church and support Paul (Acts 9:26-27).
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS SHOULD BE DISCOVERED AND DEVELOPED
Many believers live far below their potential because they have not taken time to discover or grow their gifts.
a) You must not be ignorant of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1):
Paul urges believers to be informed and intentional about understanding their spiritual gifts.
b) Discovery begins with a desire and openness to God (1 Corinthians 14:1):
Believers should earnestly desire spiritual gifts and seek to understand what God has placed within them.
c) Gifts must be stirred and not buried (2 Timothy 1:6):
Like Timothy, we are instructed to fan into flame the gift of God within us through prayer, study, and service.
d) Growth comes through use and faithful stewardship (Luke 19:13):
Like the servants in the parable of the talents, we must put our gifts to work to increase them.
Biblical Example: Timothy was reminded by Paul to stir up the gift in him, which was given through prophecy and the laying on of hands (2 Timothy 1:6).
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS MUST BE USED IN LOVE AND ORDER
Love must govern the use of spiritual gifts, and all operations must reflect God's character of peace and order.
a) Love is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-3):
Without love, gifts lose their spiritual value. Love ensures gifts are used for the right reasons.
b) Order is essential in public ministry (1 Corinthians 14:40):
God is not the author of confusion. All gifts must operate decently and in order to benefit the entire congregation.
c) Self-control is necessary in using spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:32):
The spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet. Even in spiritual manifestation, self-control is expected.
d) Gifts should glorify Christ, not man (John 16:14):
The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus. Any use of spiritual gifts must exalt Christ and not the vessel.
Biblical Example: Paul corrected the Corinthian church when they used tongues and prophecy without order, teaching them how to flow in the Spirit with discipline (1 Corinthians 14).
CONCLUSION:
Spiritual gifts are a beautiful expression of God’s grace, power, and purpose in our lives. They equip us to serve, build others up, and demonstrate the presence of God in our generation. As believers, we must desire spiritual gifts, discover them, grow in them, and use them with love and responsibility. When each part of the body functions as God designed, the Church will flourish in unity, power, and effectiveness.
Let us open our hearts today and ask the Lord to activate the gifts within us and help us use them for His glory. Your gift is needed. Don’t hide it—release it for the benefit of all.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to recognise and understand my spiritual gifts.
2. Father, stir up every dormant gift within me by Your Spirit.
3. Help me to use my gifts in love and humility.
4. I reject every spirit of fear or inferiority that hinders my gift.
5. Let my spiritual gift be a blessing to the body of Christ.
6. Father, teach me how to grow and develop in my spiritual calling.
7. Remove every confusion and help me walk in my divine assignment.
8. Fill me with wisdom to use my gifts decently and in order.
9. Let there be a release of fresh spiritual gifts in our church.
10. Lord, may my life glorify You through the operation of my gift.
