What Does God Say About Spiritual Gifts?

The Bible discusses spiritual gifts in several passages, emphasizing the importance of these gifts for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Here are some key points about spiritual gifts from the Bible:

1. Diversity of gifts: In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the Apostle Paul explains that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

2. Unity in diversity: While there are various spiritual gifts, Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that all believers are part of one body, the body of Christ. Each member of the body has a unique function and contributes to the overall health and functioning of the body.

3. Purpose of spiritual gifts: The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up and strengthen the church. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul explains that spiritual gifts are given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

4. Proper use of spiritual gifts: In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides guidelines for the proper exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly in the context of the church gathering. He emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts in an orderly and edifying manner, with love as the motivating factor.

5. Fruits of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit, which are characteristics that should be evident in the lives of believers who are walking in the Spirit. These fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Overall, the Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the church and should be used in love and unity to build up the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to discover and develop their spiritual gifts, using them to serve others and glorify God.

Here are some key scriptures in the Bible that discuss spiritual gifts:

1. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "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. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

2. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 - "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts."

3. Ephesians 4:11-12 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

4. Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

5. 1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

These scriptures highlight the diversity of spiritual gifts, the purpose of these gifts for building up the body of Christ, and the importance of using them for the common good and the glory of God.