Principles to Understanding Your Spiritual Gifts

Principles from Romans 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:1-13; Eph. 4:1-16; I Peter 4:10-11

1.     There is a wide range of perspectives regarding spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ. At one end of the theological continuum, some believe spiritual gifts are not available today.  At the other end of the theological spectrum, others believe that unless you have a specific spiritual gift—usually the gift of tongues—a person isn’t even saved.  Our approach is that God’s gifts are available to His children today. 

2.     “Spiritual gifts are the power of God above and beyond our personality.”  It is where the Lord does what we can’t do humanly…He does supernaturally! 

3.     We focus on the Giver more than the gifts.

4.     The evidence of the Spirit’s fullness is holy love.

5.     The fruit of the Spirit regulates the power of His gifts.

6.     Gifts are consistent, but sometimes situational.

7.     Think “mix” more than “list”.  The gifts are not stand alone and separate, but coordinate and complement each other.

8.     You may have a “lead gift” which is stronger than others.

9.   What’s the difference between “gifts” and “skills”?   Paul Ford answers, “Experiencing God’s power, joy, and fruit.”  If you experience God’s power, joy, and fruit in ways that can only be from Him, it is probably a spiritual gift.  If you do well when you do something but don’t sense God’s power, joy, and fruit, it is probably a skill.

10. Spiritual gifts are an important aspect of the Gospel…Word, deed and power.  Gifts build up the Body of Christ and are an essential part of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Coach Yourself Forward

1. What has influenced your understanding of spiritual gifts?

2. What has been your experience with spiritual gifts?

3. What stands out to you from these principles?  What do you agree with?  What do you struggle with?

Photo by Taisiia Shestopal on Unsplash