USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
The biblical Word of God says, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to followers of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians, chapters 12 and 13). Gifts are given to glorify our Lord (1 Peter 4:11); and to serve others, especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). The Holy Spirit guides and helps us to use our spiritual gifts according to the Bible (John 14:15-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES DIFFERENT SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Holy Spirit gives many different gifts to the body of believers in Jesus Christ. But he deems that all gifts are important for glorifying the Lord and serving others:
- There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).
- The apostle Paul was given many noticeable spiritual gifts. He was “caught up to the third heaven” and received “surpassing great revelations.” He was able to perform “signs, wonders and miracles” (2 Corinthians 12:7). In comparing his gifts and abilities to those of others, Paul said he might have boasted in his great gifts. However, God prevented him from becoming conceited, and forgetting that his gift came from God–by giving him “a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).
- Tabitha (Dorcas) was given less noticeable gifts than those given Paul. However, she and her gifts were important in the eyes of God for what she did with her gifts. “She was always doing good and helping the poor.” When she died, those who were affected by her loving service used their gift of faith to pray to God to restore her to life. God recognized their faith. God used the gift of miracles given to the apostle Peter to restore Tabitha to life (Acts 9:36-42).
THE SPIRIT USES THE BIBLICAL WORD OF GOD TO GUIDE US IN USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
As the Holy Spirit empowers us with gifts, he uses principles of the Word of God to guide us in using our gifts most productively.
- “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you” (John 16:13-14).
- Recognize God’s only begotten Son as his greatest gift to us. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
- Loving God with all our heart, soul and mind is the greatest gift we can give back to God (Matthew 22:37; 1 Corinthians 13:13; ).
- Love one another as the Lord has loved you (John 13:34).
- Acknowledge that you and all spiritual gifts come from God, for his glory and purpose—not for self-glory (1 Colossians 1:16; James 1:17).
- To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).
- Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; but in humility esteem others above self (Philippians 2:3).
- Understand that love is greater than all other gifts; and without love in using our gifts we “gain nothing” from God of eternal value (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Love lasts forever; but all other gifts come to an end (1 Cor. 13:8-10).
- Thank God for opportunities to use your gifts to glorify him, and to serve and do good for others (Galatians 6:10).
The Holy Spirit has blessed all believers with important spiritual gifts, in accordance with the biblical will of God. Whatever gifts the Spirit has given you, you should use them to glorify God and serve others. But do everything in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).
