Using Your Gifts
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" - 1 Peter 4:10
As the body of Christ, God has equipped each one of us with gifts to be used for the building up of the church, the extension of the kingdom, the good of others, and the glory of God. A mark of a maturing disciple is one who uses the gifts God has given them!
Three Steps to Using Your Gifts;
- Be really clear on the person of the Holy Spirit
- Understand the gifts
- Step out in faith and use yours!
Understanding the person of the Holy Spirit
The first step in using your spiritual gifts is to be clear on, and full of the Holy Spirit. Take a look here for more on the person and role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life or check out these interviews with Terry Virgo on the Holy Spirit.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
There are three lists in scripture of the gifts of the Spirit;
Romans 12:6-8
- Prophecy
- Serving
- Teaching
- Encouragement
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- Words of wisdom
- Words of knowledge
- Faith
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning spirits
- Tongues and interpretation of tongues
1 Corinthians 12:28
- Miracles
- Healing
- Helping
- Administering
- Tongues
There are also the people gifts in Ephesians 4:11
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Evangelists
- Shepherd/teachers
Have a listen to the talk (below) on knowing and using your gifts, or check out this book on Receiving the Holy Spirit and His Gifts.
For more on the gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and wisdom, check out this talk;
For more on the gifts of distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and interpretations, check out this talk;
For more on the gifts of faith, healing, and miracles, check out this talk;
Go for it!
A checklist to get moving in the gifts of the Spirit.
- Are you baptised in the Spirit?
- Are you clear on your gifts?
- Have you ever exercised your gifts?
- Who have you talked to about what your gifts might be? Who could you talk to?
- What might prevent you from using your gifts? What can you do about it?
- What contexts could you begin to use your gifts in?
- Where can you serve within the life of the church?
- What's your next step in using the gifts God has given you?
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
