By Rich Peterson, Church Relations
Biblical Passages: 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:6-8
Definition: A Spiritual gift is ANY ability that is GIVEN and EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and used in ANY ministry (service) of the church (Wayne Grudem).
10 Truths:
- Spiritual gifts are not for the elite – they are for everybody in the church
- Spiritual gifts are not ego-driven – they are God-given
- Spiritual gifts are not self-propelled – they are Holy Spirit empowered
- Spiritual gifts are not for selfish consumption – they are for mutual edification.
- Spiritual gifts are not limited to those listed as illustrations in the Bible – they are any ability given and empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the body of Christ.
- Spiritual gifts are not to be overstated or understated – they are to be understood and used to help others grow spiritually.
- Spiritual gifts are not to be used to label or pigeonhole people – they are to be used for the good of others and for the glory of God’s kingdom
- Spiritual gifts are not meant to be listed and inventoried as much as they are meant to be used to “faithfully administer God’s grace in its various forms.”
- Spiritual gifts are not ours for the choosing – they are gifts from the Holy Spirit given to us as he alone determines.
- No single spiritual gift has been given to all the members and no one single member has all the spiritual gifts.
Application: The Holy Spirit has given you special grace to be effective in service to others!
Discussion Questions:
On your social media, in a private journal, or in the comments below, answer the questions below.
- How can we cultivate humility in using our gifts?
- How does this blog affirm or challenge your understanding of spiritual gifts?
- How can you help others in your church understand and use their gifts?
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- How to Get Your Congregation Excited About Missions
- The Chair Thief
- The Sweetness of The Gospel
- How to Use Your Church Livestream