Discovering and Using God’s Gifts in the Church

The Operation of Spiritual Gifts

“Now about gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1, NIV). Nearly two thousand years ago, Paul wrote these words to the Corinthians, and they still speak directly to the Church today. Spiritual gifts are not a relic of the past. They are essential tools for God’s people in every generation.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural abilities. Natural talents often come from our upbringing, education, or experience. Spiritual gifts, however, are unique empowerments from the Holy Spirit, given to believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.

Paul makes this clear: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV). Likewise, Peter writes, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

The gifts of the Spirit are not meant to make us look impressive—they are meant to glorify God and edify His people.

Who Receives Spiritual Gifts?

Every believer. No one is exempt. If the Spirit of God dwells in you, then you have been entrusted with at least one gift. Some gifts are highly visible (like preaching, healing, or prophecy), while others may be less noticeable but just as vital (like service, mercy, or administration).

Paul uses the example of the human body to describe the church. Just as the body needs every part to function, the Church needs every gift operating in harmony (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

How Do I Recognize My Spiritual Gift?

Identifying your spiritual gift isn’t always instant. Sometimes it unfolds gradually as you grow in your walk with Christ. Here are a few indicators:

• A new passion or ability that didn’t exist before.
• A supernatural empowerment that doesn’t come from training, education, or copying others.
• Affirmation from mature believers who recognize God’s work in you.
• Fruitfulness in ministry—when you serve in a particular way, it consistently builds others up.

Spiritual gift assessments can sometimes help, but the most reliable way to discern your gifting is through prayer, service, and feedback from your church community.

Why Do We Have Spiritual Gifts?

The purpose of spiritual gifts is edification—to strengthen, encourage, and build up the people of God.

In the Old Testament, we see Bezalel and Oholiab filled with the Spirit to construct the tabernacle with skill and wisdom (Exodus 31:3–5). In the New Testament, Paul devotes entire chapters (like 1 Corinthians 12–14) to helping believers use their gifts properly, “so that the church may be built up” (1 Corinthians 14:5, NIV).

Gifts were never intended to be sidelined or hidden away. They are for the church gathered and for the church scattered. They help us worship faithfully, minister effectively, and reach the world with the gospel.

Order in the Gifts

While gifts are supernatural, they are never chaotic. Paul reminds us: “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40, NIV).

This means:

• Prophecies must align with Scripture.
• Tongues should be accompanied by interpretation when spoken publicly.
• Leaders must discern between genuine gifts and counterfeit or fleshly distractions.
• Gifts must reflect the God of peace, not disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33).

When exercised in humility and under biblical order, gifts strengthen the church rather than confuse it.

Spiritual Gifts and Revival

Church history shows that whenever God revives His people, He stirs up spiritual gifts. Early Pentecostals longed not only for the baptism in the Spirit but also for the gifts to flow in their churches. Leaders like A. J. Tomlinson urged believers to pray, seek, and weep before God until His Spirit manifested in power.

Over 100 years later, we still need this same hunger. A church without gifts is a church missing vital parts of its body. When believers neglect the operation of gifts, spiritual anemia sets in. But when gifts operate rightly, the church comes alive in power, holiness, and mission.

Moving Forward in the Gifts

Here’s the bottom line:

• Every believer has a spiritual gift.
• Gifts are given for the good of the church and the glory of God.
• Gifts must operate in order, humility, and submission to Scripture.
• The fullness of God’s work is seen when every gift is welcomed and exercised in love.

The Spirit has not stopped giving gifts. The question is: Will we step out in faith and use them?

As Paul urges, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NIV).