The Believer’s Gift Giver

Not only does the Holy Spirit empower individual believers to grow and mature in Christ, but he also imparts to each believer as he chooses different spiritual gifts to serve others. Eighteen different spiritual gifts are enumerated in four New Testament epistles (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 37-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11). These are not exhaustive lists; each list differs from the others.

These gifts are more than just natural talents which we receive at birth; they are given by grace as gifts from the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit to achieve God’s purposes. The Bible states explicitly that God gives differing gifts to different individuals according to his sovereign plan and purpose. “All these [gifts] are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11, emphasis mine). The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts.

Paul compares the church, which is the body of Christ, with its differently gifted individuals to different members of the human body (eyes, ears, and hands). Every gift is graciously and freely given by a sovereign God. According to the biblical teaching, each Christian in the body of Christ, gifted differently, is important. It is the nature of spiritual gifts that while each one is different, they are all important.

These spiritual gifts are intended for serving fellow members in the body of Christ. The purpose of the gifts is not to exalt self but to serve others and glorify Christ. Paul taught: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another . . . in order that in everything God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:10-11, emphasis mine). God has determined what gift each of us should have. Humility, gratitude, and faithfulness should be our response.

Reflection

Reread the passages that describe the spiritual gifts. Ask God to reveal to you what some of your gifts might be. How might you use this gift this week to serve other believers in the body of Christ?

To learn more about how the Holy Spirit is our perfect helper in daily life read the whole book.