Reverend Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church, Kenya Assemblies of God
1 Corinthians 12
4. 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, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
12. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
We learnt that every believer is a minister with a call to serve, minister and above all, witness. We are Christ's ambassadors.
We are also empowered to do so since we have the spirit of God—the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
Every believer has this spirit of God because we are born of the Spirit. This spirit dwells in us and is at work in us and works through us.
Romans 8
11. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
We are also coworkers with Christ, and even more, we are Christ ambassadors.
Ministry is God’s work through God’s power, which is His Holy Spirit.
We therefore need the Spirit to do ministry, and the Spirit equips us with the gifts for ministry and service. It is therefore paramount that every believer knows and has a good understanding of the gifts of the Spirit so that he or she can be fruitful and productive in the kingdom.
It is only when a believer steps out in obedience to serve, minister and witness that these gifts are manifested.
Mark16:17-18.
And these signs and wonders shall follow them that believe..they shall manifest the gifts of the spirit..heal, cast out demons, speak in other tongues..
1 Corinthians 12:4-12 lists 9 spiritual gifts
These nine gifts can be put into 3 categories to get a better overview:
1. Revelation gifts (revealing)
They bring to light what is hidden. They give insight into the special thoughts and intentions of God.
Word of Wisdom: A supernatural ability to apply God's wisdom to specific situations, especially in decision-making. It entails understanding God's will and purpose.
Word of Knowledge: Divine knowledge, insight or supernatural revelation of a past or present situation, plans, condition, or event, given for a specific purpose.
Discerning of Spirits: The ability to distinguish between true and false spiritual manifestations, be it spirits or messages
2. Power - gifts (doing)
These demonstrate God’s power visibly. They convey God’s grace visually
Faith: An extraordinary faith or strong belief and trust in God that enables believers to trust and believe God for the miraculous and to achieve the impossible or perform extraordinary deeds
Gifts of Healing: The ability to supernaturally heal the sick or restore health for the sick, physical, spiritual, and emotional.
Working of Miracles: The ability to perform supernatural acts or interventions that go beyond the natural order.
3. Speaking - gifts (utterance)
They communicate God’s grace audibly
Prophecy: it is the divine ability to receive and deliver messages from God in the language known by those listening, often concerning the future. Prophecy is both foretelling and forth-telling; it is a divine utterance, speaking the mind of God.
Different Kinds of Tongues: The ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker is often used in prayer or worship.
Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to understand and interpret the meaning of utterances or messages spoken in unknown languages.
In all this, we see that God uses different means of communication to pass his grace on to the recipients.
These 9 special gifts of the Spirit are commonly referred to as spiritual gifts.
It is important to note that there are other gifts of the Spirit.
Romans 12:4-8
Here, Paul lists different gifts and associates them with specific actions: prophesying in proportion to one's faith; serving; teaching; encouraging; giving generously; leading diligently; showing mercy cheerfully.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Paul states that Christ gave gifts to people, appointing some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Peter encourages us to use whatever gift one has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. He mentions speaking and serving as broad categories of gifts.
Basically, these other gifts include:
Leadership: encouraging and helping others to build the kingdom of God, Romans 12:8
Administration: helping with long-term goals and remaining on task ( 1 Cor. 12:28 )
Giving: People with this gift will give freely and with joy to further His kingdom
Teaching: instructing in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word
Knowledge: teaching and discipleship. The ability to learn, know and explain God’s Word
Wisdom: the ability to discern works of the Holy Spirit and apply teaching and actions
Prophecy: proclaiming the Word of God with boldness (Romans 12:6)
Discernment: being able to recognise the truth about a situation
Exhortation: People with this gift are enthusiastic about the Lord, and they can motivate others
Shepherding: looking out for the spiritual welfare of others
Faith: trusting God to fulfil His plan. People with this gift are encouragers
Evangelism: the building up of the church so others will be led to Christ
Apostleship: motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls
Service/Helps: helping those in need of practical assistance (Romans 12:7)
Mercy: The person with this gift shows acts of compassion
Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted (1 Peter 4:9 )
More often than not, believers have many misconceptions about spiritual gifts, and most are ignorant of this matter. Let’s therefore take note of the following.
Important points to note
1. Every believer has spiritual gifts
v7. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given. Every single believer should manifest these gifts in one form or more at a certain moment in ministry.
2. Spiritual gifts are not rewards but gifts from the Father
There are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit and a variety of activities or ministries, but God is the one who empowers them all.
It is important to note that these gifts are from God and are not earned; they are given by Him (1 Corinthians 12:18).
Remember, they are gifts and not rewards. It is not something we have worked for rest any man can be proud of them. We are not to boast about our gifts because we cannot earn spiritual gifts from God.
Spiritual gifts, therefore, don't qualify us to be special people and may not necessarily a Mark of approval.
Matthew 7:22-23
Didn't we heal, prophesy, miracles?
You cannot, therefore, measure a person’s spiritual maturity through gifts. The true measure of spiritual maturity is the fruit of the Spirit.
3. Spiritual gifts are for the common good, not personal gain
All these gifts are from the same Spirit and are given for the common good.
They are for the edification of the church. We are called to use these gifts to share His love and the message of God.
Therefore, spiritual gifts are not for personal gains, pride or commercialisation or building our empires.
We are to use these gifts in helping others with their relationship with God, and in the process, we too get to draw closer to Him.
All these special gifts are given through the Holy Spirit to build up the church, share His message, and glorify God.
4. Spiritual gifts are for God’s glory
They are not for building our personal profile and making a name for ourselves or glorifying ourselves.
God gives these spiritual gifts to communicate His grace( unmerited favour) to bring glory and honour to Himself
We are called to share the love of Christ, not place ourselves on top or lift ourselves. The glory goes to God, not us.
When we use our spiritual gifts, it should be with humility and a heart aimed at service, ensuring that all glory and honour are directed towards God.
This humble approach not only aligns with the teachings of the Bible but also strengthens our witness to the world.
As we continue to explore and employ the spiritual gifts entrusted to us, let's commit to using them as instruments of love and beacons of hope, all while exalting God above all.
In closing, let us remember that our calling is to reflect the love and grace of Christ through our actions
5. Spiritual gifts are not for special people
Some people think that spiritual gifts is are only possessed by certain "special" individuals within a faith community. But we see that spiritual gifts are distributed among all believers, given by the Holy Spirit to serve the church and glorify God.
6. Spiritual gifts are not exclusive to leaders only
Others believe that these gifts are exclusive to leaders, such as pastors or those perceived as more spiritually mature.
Each believer is granted gifts not as a sign of superiority or exclusivity but as a means for contributing to the well-being and growth of the church community.
"It is crucial to understand that these gifts are meant to foster unity, service, and mutual edification, not to create hierarchies or divisions among church members." Melissa Henderson
Big misconception
Some people also think spiritual gifts are permanent and unchanging once they are received. This perspective can lead individuals to feel complacent or locked into specific roles that may not fully utilise their evolving capabilities or spiritual growth.
In reality, the nature of spiritual gifts can be dynamic, and their expression may change over time as one grows in faith and encounters different needs within the community. The purpose of these gifts is to adapt and serve the church in various capacities as required. Recognising the fluid nature of spiritual gifts allows individuals to remain open to new ways God might use them, encouraging continuous growth and flexibility in their spiritual journey.
The Holy Spirit can, of course, activate various gifts simultaneously on certain occasions. The gifts of the spirit work together like the fingers of a hand: Each finger is important and takes on certain roles, but only when they work together, the purpose of the hand is fulfilled.
Your spiritual gifts change from moment to moment, day to day, depending on how you are able to share the love of Christ.
Verse 11: The Holy Spirit distributes them to each one, just as he determines
My spiritual gift might be Word of knowledge, as I am doing counselling. Another day, my spiritual gift might be helpful, as I reach out to offer help to others in need. When I pray for the sick, the gifts of healings may healing may come into play.
Are Spiritual Gifts Important?
Every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. One body part is not better than another. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.
Just as the Apostle Paul explained in his letters to the Corinthians, each of us is uniquely equipped with gifts meant to serve and uplift the church. Whether you have the gift of teaching, prophecy, healing, encouragement, or hospitality, each plays a crucial role in the community of believers. Embracing and exercising these gifts not only strengthens our collective faith but also spreads the essence of Christ's love through tangible acts. When we utilise our spiritual gifts, we are actively participating in the divine tapestry woven by God, showcasing the vibrant diversity and unity of His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 - While primarily focusing on the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues, this chapter provides guidance on how these gifts should be used within the church to ensure order and edification.
You can take a spiritual gift assessment by looking at areas where you are already excelling, or you may have learned of an area God is calling you to focus on.
How to Identify and Nurture Your Spiritual Gifts
2 Timothy 1:6-7 King James Version (KJV)Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Just as we strengthen our faith and walk with the Lord through studying Scripture, sharing conversation with God, and worshipping Him, our gifts may strengthen as we use them.
Exploring and nurturing your spiritual gifts is truly a rewarding journey! It's all about discovering the unique talents God has given you and seeing how they can deepen your faith and make a real difference in your community. Let's walk through practical tips to help you figure out and develop these gifts in your own life:
1. Prayer and Reflection
Begin with prayer, asking God to reveal your spiritual gifts to you. Spend time in meditation and reflection, listening for God’s guidance. Sometimes, spiritual gifts are revealed through insights during these quiet times with the Lord.
2. Study Scripture
The Bible outlines various spiritual gifts and provides examples of these gifts in action. Familiarise yourself with passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. These scriptures not only list gifts but also show how they contribute to the life of the church.
3. Seek Feedback
Often, others around us can see what we might not notice ourselves. Ask trusted friends, family members, or church leaders if they notice any particular talents or gifts in you. Their observations can be very insightful and affirming.
4. Experiment with Different Ministries
Get involved in various church activities and ministries. Whether it's helping with the youth, participating in the music ministry, or assisting with community outreach, engaging in different services can help you discover where your strengths and passions lie.
5. Attend Workshops or Classes
Many churches offer workshops, seminars, or classes focused on discovering and nurturing spiritual gifts. These can provide valuable tools and knowledge to help identify your gifts and learn how to develop them effectively.
6. Practice and Evaluate
As you start to identify potential gifts, put them into practice. Whether it’s teaching a Bible study, offering counsel, or organising events, use your gifts actively. Reflect on your experiences and evaluate what feels fulfilling and where you seem to have the most impact.
7. Mentorship and Guidance
Seek mentorship from someone in your church or faith community who is experienced in spiritual matters. A mentor can provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback as you explore and develop your spiritual gifts.
8. Continual Growth and Education
Spiritual gifts can always be enhanced through further education and personal growth. Continue studying, practising, and praying to evolve your gifts. Remember, nurturing your spiritual gifts is an ongoing process that flourishes with commitment and dedication.
By embracing these steps, you'll be able to uncover and grow your spiritual gifts. This journey will not only allow you to make valuable contributions to your church and community but also honour God with your actions and life. It’s all about using what He’s given you to shine His light in the world.
If there is a time when you don’t know what your spiritual gift is or how to use the gift you’ve been given, go to God. Pray and ask for His guidance in sharing the gift.
Perhaps there may be a crisis where you need to use your gift. Pray and ask God how to best share your spiritual gift so He will be glorified, and you will be able to help someone in need.
God is ready to help us whenever we reach out to Him.
Pray about your own spiritual gift. Ask God to help you recognise the special gift He has given you. Ask God to help you use your spiritual gifts to lead others to Him.
There are various ways you can share your gifts with others.
helping a neighbour, serving a meal at a homeless institution or a children's home. sharing the Gospel with someone serving in your church. Donating clothing, food, or funds, etc.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
Romans 12: 4-8
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
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