Understanding Spiritual Gifts: More Than Just Blessings

Many Christians are curious about spiritual gifts—what they are, who can receive them, and how to obtain them. Common questions include whether spiritual gifts can be actively pursued through persistent prayer or if God has already predetermined who receives which gifts. A key issue in churches today is that some people see themselves more as recipients than active participants in ministry. This mindset can lead to disinterest in discovering spiritual gifts, especially if there’s no intention to use them to serve others.

Common Problems: Competition and Misunderstanding

Some believers, like those in the Corinthian church, tend to compare and compete with one another, elevating certain gifts—such as speaking in tongues—above others. This often results in looking down on those who don’t have these “greater” gifts. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians, urging believers to understand the spiritual gifts properly and warning against being uninformed.

Discernment: True vs. False Spirituality

Not everything spiritual is good. Scripture teaches that there are two kinds of spirituality: true spirituality from the Holy Spirit and false spirituality from evil spirits. It’s important not to confuse supernatural experiences rooted in paganism or deception with the true work of the Holy Spirit. The clearest way to discern the source of a spiritual manifestation is by asking whether it leads to the exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord.

The Grace of Spiritual Gifts: Not What We Deserve

Spiritual gifts are an expression of grace—derived from the Greek word charis, meaning grace. They are not earned or deserved, but freely given by God. This truth turns attention toward the Giver and away from boasting or comparing. All gifts come from God and are to be received with humility.

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: Serving Others and Glorifying God

The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to glorify God and benefit others. As 1 Peter 4:10 teaches, believers are to use their gifts to serve one another as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Each Christian is given strength from God to meet the needs of others. Spiritual gifts are meant to work together in unity—not in competition—to fulfill God’s purpose for the church.

Dangers: Pride and Neglect

There are dangers on both ends: pride for those who perceive their gifts as more important, and neglect from those who feel their gifts are lesser. Neither mindset is healthy. Spiritual gifts are not about personal elevation but about building up the body of Christ. Romans 1 shows that gifts are meant to strengthen others, especially in their faith.

Misconceptions: Spirituality, Exemptions, and Identification

Several misconceptions surround spiritual gifts. One is equating them with spiritual maturity—when in fact, gifts are a sign of the Spirit’s presence, not a measure of someone’s spiritual level. Another is thinking that having a certain gift exempts a person from general Christian responsibilities (e.g., someone with no “gift of evangelism” feeling exempt from sharing the gospel). Lastly, it’s wrong to believe one must first identify their spiritual gift before they can serve—often, gifts are discovered through service.

Spiritual Gifts vs. Human Talents: Faith and Fruit

Spiritual gifts differ from natural talents. They are activated by faith and aim to build faith in others. According to John Piper, a spiritual gift is anything we do by faith that helps another person grow in faith. Unlike natural talents, which may entertain or impress, spiritual gifts bear spiritual fruit—like leading someone to Christ or encouraging a believer in their walk with God.

Discovering Your Gifts: Prayer and Service

Praying for God to reveal your spiritual gifts is good, but answers may not always be immediate. A more practical path is to start serving where there is need. When a particular need catches your attention, it may indicate a God-given burden or direction. Spiritual gifts are often revealed as you step into service, guided by a mix of your passion, personality, and experiences. And yes—believers may possess more than one spiritual gift.

Enhancing Your Gifts: Faithful Use and Development

Spiritual gifts can and should be developed. A person gifted in teaching, for example, can grow by studying Scripture deeply or attending seminary. Faithfulness in using what God has given leads to greater responsibility and effectiveness. As Jesus taught, those who are faithful with little will be entrusted with more. Developing your gifts is part of being a good and faithful steward.

[AI-generated notes from this sermon]