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Worshiping God through Spiritual Gifts

While on a mission trip in South Asia, I was paired with a native believer to do evangelistic outreach. For our main conversation with three college students, she did most of the talking since she spoke the same language as the students, even though they could speak some English. I observed their conversation intently, seeing how my partner was so enthusiastic and engaging with the students. She shared the gospel easily and had a magnetic personality with everyone she interacted with. On a separate occasion, serving alongside her, I observed the same thing again. She makes evangelism look easy! This is not in her own strength alone- she is gifted!

The Bible makes it clear that every disciple of Jesus receives spiritual gifts. Paul told the church in Corinth, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

From just these few verses, we learn that Spiritual Gifts are:

Intentionally diverse

Distributed by the Holy Spirit

Under the Lordship of Christ

Empowered by God

For the common good

Opportunities to serve God

No gift is better than another, and all are equally important. We cannot choose our gifts; they are specially given to us by the Holy Spirit. Spiritual Gifts serve two primary purposes: to glorify God and to edify others (build up others).

The Bible does not include an exhaustive list of Spiritual Gifts. The primary passages that mention the Gifts are 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Additional gifts are mentioned in various places throughout the scriptures.

Spiritual Gifts found in the scriptures include: administration, craftsmanship, creative communication, encouragement, faith, giving, helps, hospitality, intercession, leadership, mercy, apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, shepherding, teaching, discernment, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, healing, interpretation, miracles, and tongues. That’s a long and diverse list!

Do you know what your Spiritual Gifts are?

Are you using your Spiritual Gifts to serve the Lord?

Using your Spiritual Gifts is another regular opportunity to worship the Lord.

I believe my partner in South Asia has the gift of evangelism. The Holy Spirit has given her the supernatural ability to communicate the Gospel with those who need to hear it. The confirmation of her gift is found in the fruit of transformed lives. I also believe that the Holy Spirit has given me the gift of evangelism. I feel a burden for the world to know Christ, and I get excited about what he will do when I speak to someone about him. When I share the Gospel, I know the Holy Spirit is at work. Even with this gift, I must admit I still get nervous at times. This is a good thing, though, as it keeps me dependent on the Holy Spirit and not on my own strength.

Here are a few examples of the gifts at work:

• If you have the gift of giving, you may feel excited to share with others what God has entrusted you with. This may include money, material items, or other resources.
• If you have the gift of apostleship, you may feel led by the Holy Spirit to bring God’s Kingdom into a new space or context.
• If you have the gift of faith, you may often encourage others to trust in the Lord, even when situations seem hopeless.

Throughout Scripture, we see God give Spiritual Gifts to accomplish Kingdom service.

Joseph was gifted by God as an administrator. Moses displayed leadership and prophesy. Rahab displayed unexplainable faith in the Lord. King Solomon was gifted with great wisdom and discernment. Paul exhibited teaching and apostleship. Barnabas had the gift of giving. Stephen was full of faith and wisdom. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna are all mentioned together as Kingdom givers. Each of these men and women used their gifts to build God’s Kingdom on Earth, and we benefit from their investment!

Let’s follow their model and invest wisely in God’s Kingdom!

Reflection:

Do you know your Spiritual Gifts?

Have there been times when using your Spiritual Gifts has brought you joy?