T2L9 Spiritual Gifts [Discipleship Class]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 15 minutes ago
- 16 min read
THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE
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T2L9: SPIRITUAL GIFTS
KEY VERSE TO MEMORIZE
"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all." - 1 Corinthians 12:7
LESSON OVERVIEW
Every Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are not natural talents or abilities we're born with, but supernatural abilities given for serving God and building up the church. Today we'll discover what spiritual gifts are, explore the different types mentioned in Scripture, and learn how to discover and use our own gifts effectively.
WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for serving God and others:
"Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all." (1 Corinthians 12:7)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS VS. NATURAL TALENTS
While related, spiritual gifts and natural talents are different:
Natural Talents:
• Present from birth
• Enhanced through practice and education
• Can be used for any purpose
• Available to believers and non-believers
Spiritual Gifts:
• Given at salvation or after
• Enhanced through faith and use
• Intended for serving God and others
• Available only to believers
"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
All spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit:
"But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires." (1 Corinthians 12:11)
"For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
TO BUILD UP THE CHURCH
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to strengthen the body of Christ:
"So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the church." (1 Corinthians 14:12)
"Let all things be done to build up." (1 Corinthians 14:26)
TO SERVE OTHERS
Gifts are for serving, not for personal glory:
"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all." (1 Corinthians 12:7)
"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
TO DEMONSTRATE GOD'S GRACE
Gifts show God's grace and power at work:
"But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:7)
"Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us." (Romans 12:6)
TO PROMOTE UNITY
Gifts help different people work together as one body:
"For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12)
"From whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16)
TO ADVANCE GOD'S KINGDOM
Gifts enable the church to fulfill its mission:
"For the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
TYPES OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
GIFTS LISTED IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10
"For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healings, by the one Spirit; to another workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, to another various kinds of languages, and to another the interpretation of languages."
Word of Wisdom: Insight into how to apply God's truth to specific situations
Word of Knowledge: Understanding of God's truth and facts
Faith: Extraordinary trust in God for difficult situations
Gifts of Healings: Supernatural ability to heal physical or emotional ailments
Working of Miracles: Performing supernatural acts that demonstrate God's power
Prophecy: Speaking God's message to encourage, comfort, or correct
Discerning of Spirits: Ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil
Various Kinds of Languages: Speaking in languages not previously learned
Interpretation of Languages: Understanding and explaining unknown languages
GIFTS LISTED IN ROMANS 12:6-8
"Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."
Prophecy: Speaking God's message
Service (Ministry): Practical helping and meeting needs
Teaching: Explaining and applying God's Word
Exhortation (Encouragement): Motivating and inspiring others
Giving: Generous sharing of resources
Leadership (Ruling): Guiding and directing others
Mercy: Showing compassion to those who suffer
GIFTS LISTED IN EPHESIANS 4:11
"He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers."
Apostles: Church planters and missionaries (foundational gift)
Prophets: Those who speak God's message (foundational gift)
Evangelists: Those gifted in sharing the gospel and winning souls
Pastor-Teachers: Those who shepherd and teach the flock
1. The office of Apostle
This is the foundational, unrepeatable role.
In the strict sense, an Apostle was personally chosen and commissioned by Christ, and served as an authoritative witness to His resurrection.
Consider the requirements:
Direct appointment by Christ
Eyewitness of the risen Lord
Authority to lay the doctrinal foundation of the Church
You see this clearly in Acts 1:21–22
“Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us— one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
And again in Ephesians 2:20
“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.”
That “foundation” language matters. Foundations are laid once, not repeatedly. The office, therefore, is not ongoing.
2. The broader use of “apostle”
The word itself simply means “one who is sent.”
In a few passages, it is used in a wider, non-foundational sense for commissioned messengers of the church. For example, Philippians 2:25 refers to Epaphroditus as a “messenger” (apostolos).
This already shows that Scripture allows a distinction between:
Capital-A Apostles (the Twelve, Paul)
Lowercase “sent ones” (church envoys)
3. The gift of apostleship
In Ephesians 4:11 we read:
“And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.”
Here, the focus is not on office but on Christ’s ongoing provision to His Church.
So how do we understand “apostles” in this list, if the original office is no longer repeatable?
The best synthesis, grounded in the whole of Scripture, is this:
The gift of apostleship is a function, not a foundational authority.
It refers to those who are:
Sent out to establish new works
Instrumental in planting and ordering churches
Operating with unusual initiative, authority, and missionary reach
Burdened to extend the gospel where Christ is not yet named
In modern terms, this often overlaps with:
Church planters
Mission pioneers
Strategic ministry leaders
But crucially, they do not possess:
New revelation equal to Scripture
Foundational doctrinal authority
Eyewitness status of the resurrection
OTHER GIFTS MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE
Administration: Organizing and managing (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Helps: Assisting others in ministry (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Hospitality: Welcoming and caring for others (1 Peter 4:9)
Celibacy: Remaining single for more effective service (1 Corinthians 7:7-8)
UNDERSTANDING THE LISTS
These lists are not exhaustive but representative:
• Different passages emphasize different aspects of ministry
• Some gifts overlap or are closely related
• The Spirit may manifest gifts in ways not specifically listed
• What matters is serving faithfully with whatever gifts we have
"Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:4)
EVERY BELIEVER HAS SPIRITUAL GIFTS
UNIVERSAL DISTRIBUTION
Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift:
"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all." (1 Corinthians 12:7)
"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
NO USELESS MEMBERS
Every believer is necessary in the body of Christ:
"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now they are many members, but one body. The eye can't tell the hand, 'I have no need for you,' or again the head to the feet, 'I have no need for you.'" (1 Corinthians 12:18-21)
DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME IMPORTANCE
No gift is more important than others:
"No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety." (1 Corinthians 12:22-23)
MULTIPLE GIFTS POSSIBLE
Some believers may have more than one gift:
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?" (1 Corinthians 12:29)
The rhetorical questions expect "no" answers, but this doesn't prevent someone from having multiple gifts.
DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
EXAMINE YOUR PASSIONS
What areas of ministry excite you most?
"For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
God often gives desires that align with gifts:
• What ministry activities energize rather than drain you?
• What needs in the church burden your heart?
• What areas of service bring you joy?
ASSESS YOUR EFFECTIVENESS
Where do you see God blessing your efforts?
"But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation." (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Look for evidence of impact:
• Where do people respond positively to your ministry?
• What activities produce lasting fruit?
• Where do others affirm your effectiveness?
SEEK FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS
Ask mature believers what gifts they see in you:
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel." (Proverbs 12:15)
"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." (Proverbs 15:22)
Others can often see gifts in us that we miss.
EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT MINISTRIES
Try various forms of service to discover your gifts:
"In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
• Volunteer for different church ministries
• Serve in areas that interest you
• Be willing to step out of your comfort zone
• Pay attention to where you feel most effective
PRAY FOR WISDOM
Ask God to reveal your gifts and how to use them:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
"Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don't know." (Jeremiah 33:3)
USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS PROPERLY
USE GIFTS IN LOVE
Love must motivate and guide the use of all spiritual gifts:
"If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
"Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Without love, gifts become meaningless noise.
SERVE WITH HUMILITY
Gifts are for serving, not for showing off:
"Do nothing from rivalry or through vain glory, but in humility, each counting others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3)
"Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
DEVELOP YOUR GIFTS
Gifts grow through use and development:
"For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6)
1. The primary category: commissioning with associated gifting
This passage most directly fits the category of ordination and commissioning, with a clear connection to spiritual gifting.
We know this because of the parallel passage:
1 Timothy 4:14“Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.”
Taken together, these two texts show:
A formal, identifiable event took place
Timothy was set apart for ministry
Both Paul and the elders participated
A spiritual gift was given or confirmed in that context
So the laying on of hands here is not casual. It is ecclesial and intentional.
2. What actually happened in that moment?
There are two elements operating together:
a. Public recognition and commissioning
Timothy was being:
Set apart for ministry
Affirmed by recognized leaders
Entrusted with responsibility in the church
This aligns with what we see in Acts 13:3:
“Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
b. Divine bestowal or confirmation of a gift
Paul says the gift is “through” his laying on of hands. That language indicates instrumentality, but not causality in a mechanical sense.
Scripture maintains the balance:
God is the giver
The laying on of hands is the appointed occasion
The gift is not generated by Paul, but it is conferred in connection with that moment.
3. Not apostolic authority transfer
It is important to be precise here.
This does not mean Timothy received:
Apostolic office
Foundational authority
New revelation equal to Scripture
Those belong uniquely to the Apostles.
Instead, Timothy received:
A ministry gift
Empowerment for service
A charge to shepherd and teach
WORK TOGETHER
Gifts are meant to complement each other:
"From whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16)
"For as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5)
MAINTAIN PROPER ORDER
Gifts should be used in an orderly way:
"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40)
"For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
FOCUS ON BUILDING UP OTHERS
The goal is always to strengthen and encourage others:
"Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up." (Romans 15:2)
"So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the church." (1 Corinthians 14:12)
COMMON MISTAKES ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS
THINKING SOME GIFTS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
All gifts are important and necessary:
"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired." (1 Corinthians 12:18)
"No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary." (1 Corinthians 12:22)
COMPARING YOUR GIFTS TO OTHERS
God distributes gifts as He chooses:
"But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires." (1 Corinthians 12:11)
"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired." (1 Corinthians 12:18)
USING GIFTS FOR PERSONAL GAIN
Gifts are for serving others, not self:
"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all." (1 Corinthians 12:7)
"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
NEGLECTING TO USE YOUR GIFTS
We're accountable for using what God has given us:
"Don't neglect the gift that is in you." (1 Timothy 4:14)
"For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away." (Matthew 25:29)
EXPECTING EVERYONE TO HAVE THE SAME GIFTS
God creates diversity in the body:
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?" (1 Corinthians 12:29-30)
The expected answer to each question is "no."
THE SUPREMACY OF LOVE
LOVE IS THE GREATER WAY
Paul introduces the famous love chapter in the context of spiritual gifts:
"And moreover, I show a most excellent way to you." (1 Corinthians 12:31)
"If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
GIFTS WITHOUT LOVE ARE WORTHLESS
Even the most spectacular gifts are meaningless without love:
"If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)
"If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3)
LOVE IS ETERNAL
While gifts will pass away, love remains forever:
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with." (1 Corinthians 13:8)
"But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR USING YOUR GIFTS
START WHERE YOU ARE
Begin using your gifts in your current situation:
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
"Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much. Whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10)
SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Look for ways to use your gifts in your church:
• Volunteer for ministries that match your gifts
• Ask church leaders how you can help
• Start small and be faithful
• Be willing to serve in humble ways
LEARN FROM OTHERS
Find mentors who have similar gifts:
"The things which you heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)
"Follow my example, as I follow Christ's." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
BE PATIENT WITH GROWTH
Gifts develop over time through use:
"But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14)
"being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
STAY TEACHABLE
Be open to correction and growth:
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel." (Proverbs 12:15)
"Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." (Proverbs 12:1)
KEY POINTS SUMMARY
• Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers
• Gifts differ from natural talents and are given for serving God and others
• The purpose of gifts is to build up the church, serve others, and advance God's kingdom
• Scripture lists various types of gifts including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, teaching, and serving
• Every believer has at least one spiritual gift and is necessary in the body of Christ
• Gifts can be discovered through examining passions, assessing effectiveness, seeking feedback, and experimenting with ministry
• Gifts must be used in love, with humility, and for building up others
• Common mistakes include thinking some gifts are better, comparing to others, and using gifts for personal gain
• Love is more important than any gift and should motivate all service
SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What spiritual gifts do you think God has given you? What evidence supports this?
How are you currently using your spiritual gifts to serve God and others?
What steps can you take to better discover and develop your spiritual gifts?
How can you ensure that love motivates your use of spiritual gifts rather than pride or personal gain?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Take a Gifts Assessment: Use a spiritual gifts questionnaire or assessment to help identify your potential gifts, but remember these are just tools.
Experiment with Service: Volunteer in different areas of ministry to discover where God has gifted you and where you find joy and effectiveness.
Ask for Feedback: Talk to mature believers who know you well and ask what gifts they see in your life and ministry.
Start Serving: Don't wait until you're certain about your gifts - begin serving somewhere and let your gifts emerge through use.
Develop Your Gifts: Once you identify your gifts, seek training, mentoring, and opportunities to grow in those areas.
QUIZ - SPIRITUAL GIFTS
True or False: Spiritual gifts are the same as natural talents that we're born with.
Fill in the blank: "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the ____profit_____ of all."
Multiple Choice: According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, who receives spiritual gifts? a) Only pastors and leaders b) Only mature Christians c) Each believer d) Only those who ask for them
True or False: Some spiritual gifts are more important than others.
Fill in the blank: "As each has received a gift, employ it in _______serving______ one another, as good managers of the grace of God."
Multiple Choice: What is the primary purpose of spiritual gifts? a) To make us feel special b) To build up the church c) To prove our spirituality d) To compete with others
True or False: Love is more important than any spiritual gift.
Fill in the blank: "But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he ___desires__________."
Multiple Choice: How can you discover your spiritual gifts? a) Examine your passions b) Assess your effectiveness c) Seek feedback from others d) All of the above
Short Answer: Why must spiritual gifts be used in love?
Any answer mentioning: without love gifts are worthless/meaningless, love motivates proper use, gifts are for serving others not self, love never fails, etc.
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