The Purpose Of Spiritual Gifts In The Body Of Christ Series

THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11

INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer, designed to empower the church to function effectively and glorify God. These gifts are not for personal elevation or status but are intended to serve others and build up the body of Christ. Unfortunately, misunderstanding or misuse of spiritual gifts can cause division, pride, or competition within the church, which contradicts God’s original purpose.

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 highlights the diversity of gifts but the unity of purpose: every gift is given for the common good. The emphasis is on service, humility, and love, not on self-exaltation. Understanding the purpose of spiritual gifts helps believers to operate in their gifting with the right heart, contributing to the growth and maturity of the church.

Today, we will explore the true purpose of spiritual gifts and how each believer can maximise their gift for the glory of God and the edification of His people.

1. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS

a) Gifts are tools for ministry, not trophies: Spiritual gifts are meant to serve others, meeting their needs and encouraging their faith, not for boasting or elevating oneself (1 Peter 4:10).

b) Service reflects Christ’s example: Jesus came to serve and not to be served, setting the pattern for how spiritual gifts should be used (Mark 10:45).

c) Serving builds the church: Each gift contributes to strengthening and unifying the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

d) Gifts should be exercised in love: Without love, service loses its value and effectiveness (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Biblical Example: The early church in Acts 6 appointed deacons to serve the widows, showing that spiritual gifts of service bring practical help and unity (Acts 6:1-7).

2. SPIRITUAL GIFTS PROMOTE UNITY, NOT DIVISION

a) Gifts complement each other: No gift is superior; all are necessary for the body to function properly (1 Corinthians 12:14-20).

b) Unity comes from recognising diversity: Different gifts are given so that the body is complete and interdependent (Romans 12:4-5).

c) Pride causes division: When believers use gifts for self-promotion, it creates jealousy and rivalry (1 Corinthians 3:3-4).

d) The Spirit empowers unity: The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to bring harmony and cooperation, not competition (Ephesians 4:3).

Biblical Example: Paul corrected the Corinthians for quarreling over gifts, teaching them to appreciate every gift as part of God’s plan (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS BUILD UP THE CHURCH

a) Gifts equip believers for ministry: They prepare the saints to serve effectively and grow in faith (Ephesians 4:11-12).

b) Edification is the goal: The purpose of gifts is to build others up, encouraging maturity and stability (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

c) Gifts foster spiritual growth: They help individuals discover their purpose and develop spiritually (2 Timothy 1:6).

d) The church is strengthened: A functioning body with active gifts is strong and resilient against attacks (Colossians 2:6-7).

Biblical Example: The gift of teaching in the early church helped believers understand God’s Word and grow in faith (Acts 18:24-28).

4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS REQUIRE HUMILITY AND DEPENDENCE ON GOD

a) Gifts come from the Holy Spirit: They are not earned or deserved but given according to God’s grace (1 Corinthians 12:11).

b) Humility keeps us grounded: Recognising that gifts are from God prevents pride and misuse (James 4:6).

c) Gifts must be stewarded wisely: Believers must develop their gifts through prayer and obedience (2 Timothy 2:15).

d) Dependence on God sustains gifts: Without the Spirit’s power, gifts are ineffective (John 15:5).

Biblical Example: Moses needed God’s power to lead; his effectiveness came from dependence on God, not his own ability (Exodus 4:10-12).

5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS GLORIFY GOD THROUGH SERVICE

a) Gifts point to God’s power: They demonstrate God’s presence and glory in the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).

b) Service is worship: Using gifts to serve others honours God and reflects His character (Colossians 3:23-24).

c) Gifts bring testimony: When exercised rightly, gifts attract others to Christ (Acts 3:1-10).

d) Eternal rewards follow faithful service: God rewards those who serve with their gifts (1 Corinthians 3:8).

Biblical Example: The healing gifts displayed by Peter and John brought glory to God and led many to faith (Acts 3:6-10).

CONCLUSION:

Spiritual gifts are divine tools designed to serve, unify, build, and glorify within the body of Christ. They are not meant for personal status or competition but for selfless service that benefits the entire church family. When believers operate in their gifts with humility, love, and dependence on God, the church thrives, and God is glorified.

Let us therefore embrace our gifts with the right heart and purpose, always remembering that we are stewards of God’s grace. May we commit to serving one another faithfully, promoting unity, and advancing the kingdom of God through our God-given gifts.