What is a spiritual gift?
A spiritual gift is an empowerment brought about by the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Paul describes it as the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The word "manifestation" means the Holy Spirit reveals or makes himself known to each believer. The Holy Spirit lives within believers and empowers them to serve others with a supernatural ability and impact far beyond mere human effort. A spiritual gift is not a thing it is actually the Holy Spirit himself working in and through a believer to accomplish God's will. See 1 Corinthians 12:7.
Where do spiritual gifts come from?
God gives spiritual gifts when his Holy Spirit comes to reside in us at the moment a person crosses the line of faith to accept Jesus Christ as the Forgiver of their sins and Leader of their life. See Acts 2:38-39.
Who has spiritual gifts?
Every believer has been empowered with the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's will. Therefore, as a believer you have a spiritual gift. See 1 Corinthians 3:16.
Why are spiritual gifts important?
God chooses to accomplish His work through His people. He empowers believers with spiritual gifts to accomplish the work He gave each of them to do. God works through our spiritual gifts to serve others; conversely, others serve us as God works through their gifts. As believers use their spiritual gifts, the Body of Christ is strengthened and the Kingdom of God is extended. See Romans 12:4, John 17:4, 1 Corinthians 12:7 and Ephesians 4:12-15.
Can I choose my spiritual gifts?
No. God determines your part or role within the body and the Holy Spirit empowers you to fulfill it. See 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 and 11.
How are spiritual gifts discovered?
Spiritual gifts are revealed to you by exploring ministry opportunities, evaluating how the Holy Spirit worked through you and the impact you had on others. As you serve, look for the spiritual impact on others that you cannot attribute to your own efforts and talents. Also notice when the people you serve or serve with tell you that God worked through you in specific ways. See 1 Corinthians 12:14.
Will my spiritual gifts change?
Although the Holy Spirit can work through you at any time and in any way, a spiritual gift is specific and consistent. The Holy Spirit doesn't change your gift. As you grow in faith and ministry experience, however, your understanding of how the Holy Spirit works through you may change. See Philippians 3:12-16.
How many spiritual gifts do I have?
Every believer has at least one spiritual gift but no one has all the gifts. Some believers have one spiritual gift; others have multiple gifts. The number of gifts is unimportant; rather, it's your faithfulness and obedience in using your gifts.
See 1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 14:12.
How do spiritual gifts differ from talents?
Everyone has talents; believers also have spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are a reflection of God's powers while talents are a reflection of our natural abilities. Spiritual gifts have a spiritual impact that exceeds the result of mere human talent.
See Zechariah 4:6.
How can I have spiritual impact?
Spiritual impact is the outcome of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is the result of the Holy Spirit using a believer to change, shape or affect the spiritual life of others. Spiritual impact flows out of the spiritual power available to believers in a close relationship with Jesus Christ. However, sin cuts off the flow of spiritual power. So it is important to confess our sins so God can forgive us, restoring our relationship with him and his power in us. See Ephesians 3:20-22, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 15:5, 1 John 1:9 and Ephesians 5:18.
