Spiritual Gifts 101

What are spiritual gifts?
These are the gifts endowed by the spirit on us according to the grace that is given to us. In the body of Christ, every member has a different gift and function. All members work together for the common good.
Some of the spiritual gifts are,
  • Prophecy
    - speaking to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort (I Cor 14:3)
    - edifying the chruch (I Cor 14:4)
  • Teaching
    - teaching the way of God according to truth (Matt 22:16)
    - teaching "all nations" to obey his commandments (Matt 28:20)
  • Encouraging
    - encouraging others to remain true to the faith (Acts 14:22)
    - encouraging others to live lives worthy of God (I Thess 2:12)
  • Leadership / Administration
    - governing diligently (Rom 12:8)
  • Pastorship
  • Apostleship
    - showing signs, wonders and miracles (II Cor 12:12)
  • Evangelism
    - preaching the gospel with zeal
  • Healing
  • Miracle-working
  • Discerning spirits
  • Speaking in tongues
  • Interpreting tongues
  • Wisdom
  • Knowledge
  • Faith
  • Serving
  • Giving
    - giving through God's grace, out of extreme poverty (II Cor 8:1,2)
    - not tithing!
  • Showing mercy
How do I use my spiritual gift?
The first step is to identify your spiritual gift. Though we have received the gift of the spirit it is possible that we have not realized it. Paul urges Timothy in I Tim 4:14 not to neglect the gift that he had received. Once we have identified the gift, it is just the question of applying the gift. Though we may have more than one gift, in varying degrees, it is likely that there is one gift that fits well into the body of Christ.

Is it possible to have more than one spiritual gift?
Yes, Paul, who extensively talks about these gifts says in II Timothy 1:11 that he was appointed to be preacher, and an apostle and a teacher of gentiles. He had the gift of speaking in tongues (I Cor 14:18) and also many of the other gifts mentioned above. But again, it is likely that there is one gift that fits well into the body of Christ

Is one gift greater than another?
Yes, though some gifts are greater than others all gifts are equally important for the body of Christ (I Cor 12:28). Since all gifts should be used for the glory of God no one should look down on some one because of their gift (I Cor 12:14-26). In I Cor 14:5, Paul say the person who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless his words are interpreted for the edification of the church.

Where can I find more information in the Bible about spiritual gifts?
Romans 12, I Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4 and I Peter 4.

Kannagi Keziah Baniel   3/6/2008
Just in response to Belle's question, regarding the difference between spiritual gifts and fruit of the spirit. Fruit of the spirit love, joy, peace etc., is meant to be demonstrated in your Christian life. You may have gifts of the holy spirit like speaking in tongues but still you may be living in your flesh a carnal Christian life and you may gossip about others, where you are not demonstrating love, you may have a sickness and you may not have the peace that passes all understanding, and you may be worrying, and may even doubt God. But it takes a hard work for you demonstrate Christ in your life, by dying to your flesh.2) Gifts you give someone to whom you love very much. So God gives us to demonstrate His love for us. But how are we using them is the question, is it used to glorify self, or to glorify God. Gifts are given for your own spiritual edification and to bless others, and God in return wants us to be more like Him in holiness and character which is the fruit of the spirit. Again the spiritual gifts are given to build God's kingdom on earth.
 
A Learner   6/8/2006
Anyone knows of any other spiritul gifts that are not mentioned above?
 
Ariel   6/10/2006
Wisdom is pure,peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial and sincere. Jam 3:17 -seen by his good life, by deeds done in humility. Jam 3:13
 
Belle   6/10/2006
Can anybody explain the difference between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the spirit?