As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to live extraordinary lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reveals a profound truth that has the potential to revolutionise our walk with God and our impact on the world around us. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, we discover the incredible reality of spiritual gifts – supernatural abilities given to every believer for the edification of the church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Today, we’ll embark on a journey to explore these gifts, understand their purpose, and learn how to embrace and utilise them in our daily lives. As we delve into this topic, let’s open our hearts to the moving of the Holy Spirit and expect God to speak to us in powerful ways.
The Source of Spiritual Gifts
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NIV)
Paul begins by emphasising a crucial point: all spiritual gifts come from the same source – the triune God. The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts, Jesus Christ orchestrates their service, and God the Father empowers their working. This unity in diversity reminds us that despite the variety of gifts, they all serve the same purpose and originate from the same divine wellspring.
As believers, we must recognise that these gifts are not earned or developed through human effort. They are freely given by God’s grace, just as our salvation is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). This understanding should foster humility and gratitude in our hearts as we exercise these gifts.
The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is not personal gain or self-aggrandisement. Instead, they are given “for the common good” – to build up the body of Christ and to further God’s mission on earth. This aligns perfectly with Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:34-35) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
When we operate in our spiritual gifts, we become conduits of God’s love and power to those around us. Whether through a word of wisdom that brings clarity to a confusing situation, a miraculous healing that demonstrates God’s compassion, or a prophecy that encourages and strengthens a fellow believer, these gifts are meant to showcase God’s active presence in our midst.
The Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
In verses 8-10, Paul lists nine specific gifts of the Spirit:
- Word of wisdom
- Word of knowledge
- Faith
- Gifts of healing
- Miraculous powers
- Prophecy
- Distinguishing between spirits
- Speaking in different kinds of tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
Let’s briefly explore each of these gifts:
1. Word of Wisdom
This gift involves the supernatural ability to apply spiritual knowledge to specific situations. It’s not merely human wisdom, but divine insight that brings God’s perspective to complex issues.
2. Word of Knowledge
This is the supernatural revelation of facts or information that couldn’t have been known through natural means. It often serves to confirm God’s presence and activity in a person’s life.
3. Faith
While all believers have a measure of faith, this gift refers to an extraordinary faith that enables a person to trust God for the impossible, often in critical situations.
4. Gifts of Healing
This supernatural ability allows the believer to be a channel of God’s healing power, bringing physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration to others.
5. Miraculous Powers
Also known as the working of miracles, this gift involves supernatural interventions that alter the ordinary course of nature.
6. Prophecy
This gift involves speaking forth God’s message under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, often to encourage, comfort, or challenge the body of Christ.
7. Distinguishing Between Spirits
This gift enables the believer to discern the source of a spiritual manifestation – whether it’s from God, human, or demonic origin.
8. Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues
This is the supernatural ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, either human languages or the “tongues of angels” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
9. Interpretation of Tongues
This gift allows the believer to interpret messages given in tongues, making them understandable to the congregation.
The Sovereignty of the Spirit in Distribution
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11, NIV)
Paul concludes this passage by reiterating that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes these gifts. We don’t choose which gifts we receive; rather, the Spirit determines how to equip each believer for their unique role in the body of Christ.
This truth should free us from comparison or envy. Instead of coveting others’ gifts, we should focus on faithfully stewarding the gifts we’ve been given and appreciating the diverse ways God works through our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Embracing and Exercising Spiritual Gifts
Now that we understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, how can we embrace and exercise them in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
1. Seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that His followers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). This empowerment, often called the baptism in the Holy Spirit, is distinct from salvation and opens the door to a deeper experience of God’s supernatural power in our lives.
If you haven’t yet received this baptism, seek it earnestly. Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you with His Spirit and to manifest His gifts in your life.
2. Cultivate a Lifestyle of Worship and Prayer
Spiritual gifts flourish in an atmosphere of intimacy with God. Regular times of worship, prayer, and Bible study create an environment where you can become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
3. Step Out in Faith
Don’t wait until you feel “qualified” to use your gifts. Step out in faith, trusting that God will work through you. Remember, it’s not about your ability but about your availability to be used by God.
4. Serve in Your Local Church
Find opportunities to serve in your local church. As you serve, you’ll often discover and develop your spiritual gifts in the context of community.
5. Seek Mentorship and Accountability
Find mature believers who can guide you in understanding and exercising your gifts. Their wisdom and experience can help you grow in confidence and effectiveness.
6. Embrace a Lifestyle of Evangelism
Many spiritual gifts find their fullest expression in the context of sharing the gospel. As you step out to share your faith, expect God to confirm His Word with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20).
7. Pursue Love
Paul follows his teaching on spiritual gifts with his famous discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13. This reminds us that love must be the motivation and context for all use of spiritual gifts. Without love, even the most impressive manifestations of spiritual power are meaningless.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we conclude this exploration on the gifts of the Spirit, I want to challenge you to take action. Don’t let this teaching remain merely theoretical. Here are three specific steps you can take today:
- Pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, asking God to manifest His gifts in your life.
- Identify one area where you can step out in faith to exercise a spiritual gift this week.
- Share this teaching with a fellow believer and discuss how you can encourage each other in pursuing and exercising spiritual gifts.
Remember, the gifts of the Spirit are not relics of a bygone era or reserved for a select few. They are vibrant, powerful tools given by God to every believer for the building up of the Church and the advancement of His Kingdom. As we embrace these gifts and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we’ll see lives transformed, the Church strengthened, and God’s power displayed in remarkable ways.
May we, like the early Church, be known as a people full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5), moving in the power of God to bring hope, healing, and transformation to our world. Amen.
