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Gifts of the Spirit

One Spirit, many gifts, one purpose

Paul teaches that every spiritual gift is given by the Holy Spirit for the common good of the church. These gifts are not self-made or self-serving—they are God’s work in us, meant to serve and build up the body of Christ. Though there is great variety in the gifts, there is unity in their purpose, because they all flow from the same Spirit and aim toward the same mission.

Matt Humphrey First Corinthians
Verses
Table of contents

Principles

  1. What I have is not from me or just for me.
    • Every gift is a grace from God, not earned, and meant to serve others (v. 7).
  2. There is a variety in the gifts, but singularity in their purpose.
    • Many roles, one Spirit, one mission (v. 4–6).
  3. The church isn’t made by Ikea.
    • It’s not mass-produced or identical.
    • God builds it uniquely through many different members (v. 14–20).
  4. You are a part of the more complete rendering of the church.
    • Your gift fits into the bigger picture of Christ’s body (v. 21–27).

Definitions of spiritual gifts

  1. Wisdom: Spirit-given ability to apply God’s truth in decisions and situations with insight.
  2. Knowledge: Spirit-revealed understanding of truth, facts or mysteries of God.
  3. Faith: Extraordinary trust in God’s power and promises beyond ordinary belief.
  4. Healing: Spirit-empowered ability to restore physical, emotional or spiritual health.
  5. Miracles: Acts of divine power that go beyond natural explanation.
  6. Prophecy: Speaking a message from God to strengthen, encourage or correct His people.
  7. Discernment of spirits: Ability to recognize whether a spiritual influence is from God, human or demonic.
  8. Tongues: Speaking in a language not previously learned, for prayer, praise or proclamation.
  9. Interpretation of tongues: Spirit-given ability to understand and convey the meaning of tongues.
  10. Apostle: Foundational leader and messenger of the gospel, often pioneering new works.
  11. Teacher: Ability to clearly explain and apply God’s Word so others understand and grow.
  12. Helper: Spirit-empowered service to support and strengthen others in ministry.
  13. Guidance/administration: Ability to organize, lead and steer ministry or church affairs effectively.

How to know what gifts you have

  1. Pray and ask God.
    • He is the giver.
    • Seek His guidance first.
  2. Take a spiritual gifts test.
    • Helpful, but not authoritative.
    • Take with a grain of salt.
  3. Be connected to biblical community.
    • Gifts are best recognized and affirmed by others in the body.
  4. Start serving.
    • Gifts are often discovered and developed through action.

Insight

Paul emphasizes that the body of Christ needs every part—even those that seem weaker are indispensable (v. 22–25). No one has all the gifts, and no gift exists for self-promotion. Unity in diversity is the Spirit’s design for a healthy, functioning church.

Order at the table
The greatest measure is love