Spiritual gifts are a supernatural empowering given to each believer at the point of salvation for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Each person also has natural talents and abilities that may closely relate to their gift(s), but these do not require the ministry of the Holy Spirit for effectiveness.

Teaching on spiritual gifts occurs in four New Testament portions (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; I Peter 4). These are representative, or partial listings, because no New Testament church would have had a complete list, and the Old Testament notes additional gifts.

Every born-again believer is given at least one gift at the point of salvation according to the sovereign choice of God (I Corinthians 12:4f; Hebrews 2:4). God expects believers to use their gift(s) to bring Glory to His Name and meet the needs of others (I Peter 4:10,11).

I. Distinguishing Between Giftedness and Servanthood
All believers should be recognized for demonstrating love through hospitality, giving, and service (Hebrews 13:2; II Corinthians 9:6,7; John 13:34,35; I Peter 4:8-9).

II. Focusing Time and Energy
According To How God Has Made You God created each of us with unique drives and desires. Those who follow Him will be granted the desires of their heart (Psalm 37:4). We find the greatest fulfillment when we are doing those things that God has pre-built into our character. Your passions and your spiritual gifts will always fit together.

What social, global, political, or church issues cause a deep emotional stirring within you? (You like to talk about these things.)

What kind of person or group do you enjoy spending time with? (Do you gravitate to children, teens, senior adults? One on one, or larger groups?)

If you knew you would not fail, what would you become involved in? (Ask God for Kingdom-building and Kingdom-sized dreams.)

What do you sometimes feel guilty about not having done? (When we quench the prompting's of God’s Spirit and suppress the passions of our own character, we should feel depressed and at a loss.)

What experiences in the past have left you feeling truly blessed by God? (You came away sensing a
“Wow, that was tremendous!”)

III. Discovering Your Spiritual Gift(s)
Be certain you are clean of all sin (I John 1:9) and fully committed to be used however God may lead
(Romans. 12:1-2).

What past ministries have brought you joy in doing them? When did the ‘creative juices’ and extra
energy really flow? At what times did the result of your tasks change people’s lives for God? (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 13:23; Zechariah 4:6).

What have others suggested that you get involved in? (Proverbs 13:10; Acts 13:1-3).

IV. Lies That Prevent Joy Filled Service
“I will wait on God to tell me what to do”. The Bible already tells us to serve. And gifts are only discovered through trial & error. So get busy, take a risk, and God will direct you.

“I will serve as long as people tell me I’m appreciated”. We should encourage each other, this is biblical. However, whether anyone else ever notices, God sees what we are doing, and the Bible plainly teaches that He will reward us.

“I am not very talented, so my service and my gift(s) are not really needed”. The Apostle Paul makes it plain in First Corinthians 12 that EVERY person’s participation is vital to the health of a local church.

VI. Suggested areas of Giftedness noted in the Bible
Encouragement/Exhortation / Admonishment – words of hope, challenge, correction.

Evangelism – unique ability to lead people to Jesus Christ.

Counseling – listening and directing toward God’s unique design.

Creative Communication – (Arts, Music, Writing) - a supernatural touch of God’s hand produced through these mediums.

Wisdom – comprehension of God’s truth, understanding of current culture, and ability to make responsible applications.

Knowledge – helpful information from God that is in agreement with biblical truth. (note: you have been given a ‘word of knowledge’ when God tells you to phone someone with a particular concern of which you had no previous knowledge.)

Discernment – ability to ascertain a person’s true spiritual condition.

Teaching – communication of God’s biblical truth with clarity.

Preaching – teaching, plus application and challenge to apply truth.

Tongues – speaking in an “angelic” voice, or in a known language that previously was unknown to the speaker.

Interpretation of Tongues – immediate translation of a Tongue.

Prophecy – a) stating of Bible truth in a setting where no written biblical truth has yet become available. b) discerning spiritual and social causes in a fashion that prompts action.

Leadership – offering vision, direction, and motivation towards God’s plans.

Administration – supervision and management that maximizes the gifts and abilities of God’s people.

Hospitality – joyful and generous use of assets to benefit others.

Pastoring, Shepherding - care, protection, and assisting toward spiritual growth.

Craftsmanship – handiwork skills that honor God and benefit His people.

Mercy – active empathy and sympathy.

Prayer – intercession for advance of God’s Kingdom and care for people.

Helps – tangible assistance at the right time and place.

Serving – taking the servant role with enthusiasm and joy.

Giving – using financial and other tangible assets to advance the Kingdom.

Faith – ability to discern God’s will and then unwaver in trust.

Healing – ability to bring people to wholeness with God. Note: this usually means spiritual and emotional wellness, sometimes including physical healing.

“...and I show you a still more excellent way...if I do not have love, it profits me nothing.”
(I Corinthians 12:31f)