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Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed (1 Corinthians 12:1, ESV).
The Greek word translated as “uninformed” can also be translated “not know” and even “misunderstand.”
We all seek to better understand and release our spiritual gifts. With some gifts (speaking in tongues) more controversial than others (encouragement), are we informed, knowing, and understanding spiritual gifts?
I’ve read dozens of books on the gifts of the Spirit and preached many sermons, taught classes, and even developed my own spiritual gifts test (available soon), and during my studies I’ve concluded that there are five essentials that we should all know about the gifts of the Spirit.
- We all have gifts from the Spirit. Paul writes in Romans 12:6a (NASB1995), “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to each of us…” That’s our starting point — we have spiritual gifts.
- They are specific gifts. There’s a debate as to the number of spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, and some believe there are gifts (like leading worship) that aren’t mentioned. I’ve counted 22 gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. (To remember where the gifts are in the New Testament, think “12, 12, 4, 4.”)
Each gift is specific — something actionable.
- We must be good stewards of our spiritual gifts. A pastor once told me, “With spiritual gifts it’s like the Lord giving you $100 at the beginning of the day and saying He wants you to serve other Christians with the money today. And that He will come back at the end of the day to see exactly what you have done.” Then the pastor said, “If we consider our gifts as a generalized empowerment, we don’t use them. But knowing our specific gift and that Jesus expects us to use it, that’s a different story.”
- The gifts are irrevocable. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29, ESV). We receive spiritual gifts that can be used or not used and abused or used correctly. Grace imbues a spiritual gift (the word “gift” in the New Testament is a derivative of the Greek word for “grace), and experiencing grace while using our gifts is essential. As we make mistakes, without grace, we would use our gifts “once and done”.
Praise God, our grace gifts are irrevocable!
- We should seek spiritual gifts. Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1). Most Christians believe in spiritual gifts. Even churches with a doctrinal statement limiting spiritual gifts to the first century rarely emphasize this point. One pastor said, “We are open to any gift that blesses the body of Christ.”
I agree but know there is a difference between a gift-tolerant and a gift-seeking church. The Apostle Paul said to “earnestly desire,” which is the Biblical approach to spiritual gifts.
In summary, read what Ray Stedman said in his book Body Life…
The church is primarily and fundamentally a body designed to express through each unique, individual member the life of the indwelling Lord. Every member of the body is equipped by the Holy Spirit with gifts designed to express that life. Once you become fully aware that God himself has equipped you with spiritual gifts, and that He has strategically placed you exactly where He wants you in order to use those gifts, then you enter a whole new dimension of exciting possibilities!