How can we discern our spiritual gifts according to 1 Corinthians 12:11? Foundation Verse “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11) What This Verse Tells Us Up Front • Every genuine spiritual gift originates with the Holy Spirit, not human talent. • The Spirit is personally involved—He “distributes to each one individually.” • The timing, measure, and nature of every gift are under His sovereign will. Steps for Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts • Anchor Yourself in Scripture – Spend focused time in passages that list or describe gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11). – Expect Scripture to read you while you read it (Hebrews 4:12). Notice which verses stir conviction, excitement, or clarity. • Submit to the Spirit’s Lead – Ask Him to “search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). – Trust that He knows where you will bear the most fruit (John 15:16). His will, not personal preference, determines gifting. • Evaluate Your God-Given Desires – Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” – Genuine Spirit-prompted desires often align with a gift: e.g., compassion points toward mercy; delight in teaching Scripture hints at teaching. • Look for Evident Fruit – Matthew 7:16: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” – Gifts manifest in edifying results: people grow, needs are met, the gospel advances. Notice where ministry efforts consistently bear fruit. • Invite Affirmation from the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:7: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” – Fellow believers can confirm what they regularly receive through you—encouragement, wisdom, service, leadership, etc. • Serve Faithfully in Varied Settings – Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” – As you volunteer in different ministries, patterns will surface. The Spirit often clarifies gifting while you’re already serving. • Guard against Comparison – 1 Corinthians 12:21: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” – Celebrate diverse gifts; jealousy clouds discernment, gratitude sharpens it. • Confirm through Peace and Joy – Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” – Sustained inner peace and joy while exercising a gift signal the Spirit’s endorsement. Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Mistaking natural skill for spiritual gifting without spiritual fruit. • Forcing a gift you admire rather than embracing the one God assigned. • Neglecting small opportunities while waiting for a platform. • Ignoring corrective feedback from mature believers. Living Out Your Discovered Gift • Cultivate it: “Fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). • Use it to serve: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). • Stay dependent: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Aim for edification: “Let all things be done for building up” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Encouraging Reminder The Spirit, who carefully chose your gift, will faithfully empower its use (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Your role is joyful cooperation; His role is fruitful multiplication. |
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