SERVING THROUGH SPIRITUAL GIFTS

SERVING THROUGH SPIRITUAL GIFTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7

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

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 1:6; Matthew 25:14-30

Description: Spiritual gifts are divine enablements given by the Holy Spirit to believers for service. God does not give gifts merely for personal recognition or spiritual experience; He gives them so that others may be blessed, the church may be strengthened, and His name may be glorified. Every believer is called to discover, develop, and faithfully use his or her spiritual gifts.

INTRODUCTION

God has given every believer a place in His kingdom and something with which to serve. Spiritual gifts are part of His provision for the growth and effectiveness of the church. First Corinthians 12:7 makes the purpose of these gifts clear: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” In other words, spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of others.

The Corinthian believers had many spiritual gifts, but some were using them improperly. Instead of allowing their gifts to promote unity and edification, they had become opportunities for pride and competition. Paul therefore redirected their attention from personal recognition to the purpose of the gifts. A spiritual gift is not a badge of superiority; it is a responsibility to serve.

Every believer should therefore ask, “How can I use what God has given me to bless others?” The gift of teaching should teach, the gift of encouragement should encourage, the gift of giving should give, the gift of leadership should lead faithfully, and the gift of mercy should show mercy. When gifts are surrendered to God and governed by love, the church becomes stronger and the Gospel advances.

1. RECOGNISE THAT YOUR GIFT COMES FROM GOD

Spiritual gifts are divine provisions.

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

b) Grace Is Given To Each Believer (Romans 12:6)
Every believer has received grace for service.

c) Christ Gives Gifts To His Church (Ephesians 4:7-8)
The gifts are part of Christ's provision for His body.

d) Every Good Gift Comes From Above (James 1:17)
God is the ultimate source of what we possess.

Biblical Example: Bezalel was empowered by God with wisdom and skill to perform the work of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).

2. UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF YOUR GIFT

The purpose of spiritual gifts is service.

a) Given To Profit Others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
God gives gifts so that others can benefit.

b) Given For The Work Of Ministry (Ephesians 4:12)
Gifts equip believers for kingdom service.

c) Given For The Edification Of The Church (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Spiritual activity should strengthen the body.

d) Given To Glorify God (1 Peter 4:11)
The ultimate purpose of ministry is God's glory.

Biblical Example: Stephen's spiritual wisdom and grace enabled him to serve the church and effectively defend the Gospel (Acts 6:8-10).

3. DISCOVER THE GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

You cannot effectively use what you have not recognised.

a) Ask God For Wisdom (James 1:5)
Prayer helps you understand your calling and gifting.

b) Examine Your Areas Of Grace (Romans 12:6)
Notice where God consistently enables you to bless others.

c) Observe The Fruit (Matthew 7:16)
Fruit can help confirm the effectiveness of your ministry.

d) Receive Godly Counsel (Proverbs 15:22)
Mature believers can help identify and develop your gifts.

Biblical Example: Timothy's gift was recognised and affirmed through the laying on of hands and prophetic ministry (1 Timothy 4:14).

4. DEVELOP YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT

A gift must be cultivated to become effective.

a) Stir Up The Gift (2 Timothy 1:6)
Paul encouraged Timothy not to allow his gift to become dormant.

b) Give Yourself Wholly To Your Calling (1 Timothy 4:15)
Consistent dedication produces visible progress.

c) Grow In Knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)
Spiritual gifts should operate alongside spiritual understanding.

d) Remain Faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God requires faithful stewardship of what He has entrusted to us.

Biblical Example: Timothy developed his ministry through continued teaching, preaching, example, and faithful service (1 Timothy 4:12-16).

5. SERVE WITH HUMILITY

Giftedness must never become a reason for pride.

a) Do Not Think Too Highly Of Yourself (Romans 12:3)
Recognise that your ability comes from God.

b) Esteem Others Better Than Yourself (Philippians 2:3)
True ministry values people above personal recognition.

c) Remember That You Are A Steward (1 Peter 4:10)
A steward manages what belongs to someone else.

d) Give God The Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
God deserves the honour for every successful ministry.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist understood his assignment and willingly pointed people away from himself towards Christ (John 3:28-30).

6. SERVE IN LOVE

The effectiveness of a spiritual gift depends greatly on the attitude with which it is used.

a) Love Is Essential (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
A gift exercised without love can become empty.

b) Serve One Another In Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian service should flow from genuine concern.

c) Love Builds Up (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Ministry should strengthen rather than destroy.

d) Let Love Govern Everything (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Every ministry activity should be shaped by love.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan used his resources and compassion to serve a wounded man without seeking recognition (Luke 10:30-37).

7. BE FAITHFUL WITH YOUR OPPORTUNITIES

God expects us to use what He has entrusted to us.

a) Do Not Bury Your Talent (Matthew 25:18)
Fear and negligence should not prevent service.

b) Be Faithful In Little Things (Luke 16:10)
Small assignments can prepare us for greater responsibilities.

c) Serve While You Have Opportunity (Galatians 6:10)
We should make good use of every opportunity to bless others.

d) Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6:9)
Faithful service requires perseverance.

Biblical Example: The faithful servants in Jesus' parable invested what their master entrusted to them and were commended for their faithfulness (Matthew 25:20-23).

8. USE YOUR GIFT FOR THE GROWTH OF THE BODY

Individual service contributes to corporate growth.

a) Every Member Has A Function (1 Corinthians 12:14-18)
The body needs the contribution of its different members.

b) Build One Another Up (Ephesians 4:16)
The church grows as members faithfully function.

c) Work Together In Unity (Ephesians 4:3)
Different gifts should cooperate rather than compete.

d) Advance The Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)
Our gifts should contribute to Christ's mission in the world.

Biblical Example: When the early church appointed Spirit-filled servants to handle practical needs, the apostles could continue focusing on prayer and the ministry of the Word, and the church continued to grow (Acts 6:1-7).

CONCLUSION

Spiritual gifts are not given merely to make us feel special; they are entrusted to us so that we can serve. First Corinthians 12:7 makes this purpose unmistakable: the manifestation of the Spirit is given “to profit withal.” Therefore, every gift should become an instrument through which someone else is strengthened, encouraged, taught, helped, or brought closer to Christ.

Do not bury your gift, misuse it, or use it to compete with others. Discover it, develop it, and deploy it in love and humility. Whether your ministry is highly visible or quietly performed behind the scenes, God sees your faithfulness. When every believer serves through his or her spiritual gift, the body of Christ is strengthened, the Gospel advances, and God receives the glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for every spiritual gift and grace You have deposited in my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, reveal clearly the spiritual gifts and abilities You have given me for kingdom service, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me wisdom to understand how and where I should use my gifts, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, awaken every dormant gift within me and give me grace to develop it faithfully, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from pride, selfish ambition, comparison, and competition in ministry, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let genuine love govern the way I exercise every spiritual gift, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make me faithful with every opportunity You give me to serve and bless others, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, use my gifts to strengthen, encourage, teach, restore, and build up Your people, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my service contribute to the growth, unity, and effectiveness of Your church, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let every gift You have entrusted to me fulfil its divine purpose and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every spiritual gift deposited in your life shall be awakened and activated for kingdom service.

2. You shall discover and understand the divine grace operating in your life.

3. You shall receive wisdom to know where, when, and how to use your gifts effectively.

4. Every dormant gift in your life shall become productive and fruitful.

5. You shall serve God with humility and shall not be corrupted by pride or selfish ambition.

6. Love shall govern your gifts, ministry, relationships, and service.

7. You shall be faithful with every opportunity God places before you.

8. Your gifts shall become instruments of encouragement, healing, teaching, strengthening, and blessing to many.

9. Your faithful service shall contribute meaningfully to the growth and unity of the body of Christ.

10. Your spiritual gifts shall fulfil their divine purpose, your ministry shall bear lasting fruit, and God shall be glorified through your life, in Jesus name.