DISCOVERING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DISCOVERING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Key Verse: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Exodus 31:1-6; 1 Timothy 4:14

Description: Spiritual gifts are gracious abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the service of God and the edification of His church. Discovering your spiritual gift helps you understand how God wants to use you, serve others effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the body of Christ.

INTRODUCTION

God has not called every believer to perform the same function. Within the body of Christ, He has distributed different spiritual gifts and abilities so that every member can contribute to His kingdom. Paul therefore did not want the Corinthian believers to remain ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. Their diversity was not a problem; the problem was misunderstanding and misusing the gifts God had given them.

First Corinthians 12:1-11 teaches that spiritual gifts originate from the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit gives different gifts to different believers according to His sovereign will. These gifts are not given for personal pride, competition, or self-promotion but for the benefit of others. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

Discovering your spiritual gift is therefore more than identifying what you enjoy doing. It involves recognising the grace God has placed upon your life, developing it through prayer and practice, and using it faithfully to serve others. Every believer should seek to understand how God wants him or her to contribute to the work of His kingdom.

1. UNDERSTAND THAT SPIRITUAL GIFTS COME FROM GOD

Spiritual gifts are divine provisions for kingdom service.

a) The Spirit Gives The Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His sovereign will.

b) Every Good Gift Comes From God (James 1:17)
God is the ultimate source of every genuine ability and blessing.

c) Grace Is Given To Each Believer (Romans 12:6)
God gives different measures of grace for different functions.

d) Christ Gives Gifts To His People (Ephesians 4:7-8)
The gifts of believers are connected to Christ's purpose for His body.

Biblical Example: Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God and given wisdom, understanding, and skill for the work of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).

2. KNOW THAT EVERY BELIEVER HAS A CONTRIBUTION

God does not intend for His people to be passive spectators.

a) Every Member Has A Function (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
The body of Christ needs the contribution of its different members.

b) There Are Different Gifts (Romans 12:6-8)
Diversity of gifts is part of God's design.

c) Every Believer Is A Steward (1 Peter 4:10)
We are entrusted with gifts that should be used faithfully.

d) No Gift Is Without Purpose (1 Corinthians 12:18)
God places members in the body according to His wisdom.

Biblical Example: Dorcas used her practical gift of service to bless widows and others in her community (Acts 9:36-39).

3. DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT

Discovery requires intentional spiritual examination.

a) Pray For Understanding (James 1:5)
Ask God to give you wisdom concerning your calling and gifting.

b) Examine Your Areas Of Grace (Romans 12:6)
Pay attention to areas where God consistently enables you to minister effectively.

c) Observe The Fruit Of Your Service (1 Corinthians 12:7)
A genuine gift produces benefit and blessing in the lives of others.

d) Listen To Godly Counsel (Proverbs 11:14)
Mature believers can help identify gifts and areas of ministry potential.

Biblical Example: Timothy's spiritual gift was recognised and affirmed through the ministry of Paul and the elders (1 Timothy 4:14).

4. DISTINGUISH SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM NATURAL TALENTS

Natural abilities and spiritual gifts can work together, but they are not always identical.

a) Natural Ability Can Be Consecrated To God (Exodus 31:3-5)
God can use practical skills for His kingdom purposes.

b) Spiritual Gifts Are Empowered By The Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
Spiritual gifts have a divine purpose and empowerment.

c) Gifts Must Be Used For God's Glory (1 Peter 4:11)
Whether the gift is speaking or serving, God should receive the glory.

d) Do Not Compare Yourself With Others (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Your calling should not be measured by another person's gifting.

Biblical Example: David's skill with the sling became an instrument in God's hand when he confronted Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40-50).

5. DEVELOP YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT

Discovery is only the beginning; gifts must be developed.

a) Stir Up Your Gift (2 Timothy 1:6)
Spiritual gifts require intentional cultivation.

b) Practise Your Ministry (1 Timothy 4:15)
Growth comes through consistent use and discipline.

c) Grow In Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:14-15)
Gifts should operate alongside maturity and sound doctrine.

d) Remain Faithful In Service (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God values faithful stewardship.

Biblical Example: Timothy was instructed to give himself wholly to his ministry so that his progress would become evident (1 Timothy 4:15).

6. USE YOUR GIFT TO SERVE OTHERS

Spiritual gifts are given for ministry, not self-glorification.

a) Gifts Are For The Common Good (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to benefit others.

b) Serve One Another (1 Peter 4:10)
Every believer should use his or her gift in service.

c) Build Up The Body (Ephesians 4:12)
Ministry gifts are intended to equip and strengthen God's people.

d) Serve In Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
A gift without love can become spiritually unproductive.

Biblical Example: Stephen used his spiritual grace and wisdom in service to the early church (Acts 6:8-10).

7. AVOID COMPARISON, PRIDE, AND COMPETITION

Different gifts do not mean different levels of worth.

a) One Spirit, Different Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4)
Diversity does not destroy unity.

b) One Body, Many Members (1 Corinthians 12:12)
Every believer has a distinct place.

c) Do Not Think More Highly Of Yourself (Romans 12:3)
Gifts should produce humility rather than pride.

d) Honour Other People's Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:21-25)
No member should despise another because their function is different.

Biblical Example: The disciples sometimes argued about greatness, but Jesus taught them that greatness in God's kingdom is expressed through service (Mark 9:33-35).

8. USE YOUR GIFT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Spiritual gifts must remain subject to God's purpose.

a) The Spirit Gives As He Wills (1 Corinthians 12:11)
The Holy Spirit remains sovereign over the distribution of gifts.

b) Walk In The Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
Our ministry should flow from continual fellowship with the Spirit.

c) Test Spiritual Manifestations (1 John 4:1)
Not every spiritual claim should be accepted without discernment.

d) Let Love And Order Govern Your Gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1, 40)
Spiritual gifts should operate in love, truth, and biblical order.

Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas were directed by the Holy Spirit and sent into ministry according to God's purpose (Acts 13:2-4).

CONCLUSION

Spiritual gifts are God's gracious provisions for the advancement of His kingdom and the strengthening of His church. Every believer has a place in the body of Christ, and every gift has a purpose. We should therefore resist the temptation to compare ourselves with others and instead discover, develop, and faithfully use the grace God has entrusted to us.

Do not bury what God has placed inside you. Pray for understanding, study God's Word, seek mature counsel, serve faithfully, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your ministry. Your gift may be different from someone else's, but it is valuable when surrendered to God. When every believer discovers and faithfully uses his or her gift, the whole body of Christ becomes stronger and more effective.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my understanding to discover the spiritual gifts You have placed within me, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me wisdom to recognise and understand my divine assignment, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to identify every grace and ability You have deposited in my life, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, jealousy, insecurity, and the desire to imitate another person's calling, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to develop and strengthen every spiritual gift You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to use my gifts faithfully for the blessing and edification of others, in Jesus name.

7. Father, remove every spirit of pride and selfish ambition from my service, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let Your Holy Spirit guide me in the proper use of every gift and ability You have given me, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me a useful and faithful vessel for the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my spiritual gifts produce lasting fruit, strengthen Your church, and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your spiritual understanding shall increase, and you shall discover the gifts God has deposited in you.

2. You shall not remain a passive spectator in the work of God's kingdom.

3. Every gift and grace assigned to your life shall be awakened and properly developed.

4. You shall not be distracted by comparison or competition with others.

5. Your spiritual gifts shall grow stronger through prayer, study, discipline, and faithful service.

6. Your gifts shall become instruments of blessing and edification to many people.

7. Every root of pride and selfish ambition shall be removed from your ministry.

8. You shall be sensitive to the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit.

9. You shall become a faithful steward of every gift and opportunity God has entrusted to you.

10. Your life and ministry shall fulfil God's purpose, strengthen His church, and bring glory to His name, in Jesus name.