How can we discern and use our spiritual gifts for God's glory today? Understanding Spiritual Gifts: God’s Intent (1 Corinthians 12:1) “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” Paul’s opening line signals two core truths: • Spiritual gifts are real, present-tense provisions from the Holy Spirit. • Believers must move from ignorance to informed, purposeful use. Ground Rules for Discernment • Gifts originate with the triune God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • They are distributed “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Every believer receives at least one gift (1 Corinthians 12:11). • Love must govern all exercise of gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Biblical Pathways to Identification 1. Scripture Study – Compare the lists: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11. 2. Prayerful Asking – “Earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). 3. Local-Body Confirmation – Mature believers “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and recognize grace at work in you. 4. Providential Opportunities – God often opens doors that match the abilities He supplies (Colossians 4:3). 5. Inner Witness and Joy – The Spirit “bears witness” (Romans 8:16) as you serve; joy and fruit appear together (John 15:11). Daily Practices That Confirm Gifting • Keep a journal of service experiences—note effectiveness, feedback, and personal delight. • Regularly meditate on gift passages, asking the Spirit for illumination (Psalm 119:18). • Fan into flame what you already know (2 Timothy 1:6) by consistent, small-scale practice. • Invite accountability partners to speak candidly about observed strengths. Channels for Exercising Our Gifts Today • Local church ministries—teaching, mercy, administration, helps, giving. • Community outreach—evangelism, hospitality, healing prayer. • Marketplace witness—wisdom, knowledge, craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3-5), leadership. • Digital platforms—encouragement, discernment, prophecy in biblically faithful ways. • Global missions—apostolic pioneering, tongues with interpretation, intercession. Protecting the Purity of Our Service • Submit every manifestation to Scriptural testing (Acts 17:11). • Operate under church oversight to avoid lone-ranger distortions (Hebrews 13:17). • Pursue edification over spectacle (1 Corinthians 14:12). • Maintain humility: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Remember the purpose: “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). Finishing Thoughts Spiritual gifts are divine tools placed in redeemed hands. By grounding discernment in Scripture, seeking Spirit-led confirmation, and serving boldly yet humbly, believers today can magnify Christ and build up His body—exactly what Paul envisioned when he urged, “I do not want you to be uninformed.” |
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