What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?

by | Articles, The Church

Introduction

Spiritual gifts are a vital aspect of Christian life and ministry, as outlined in the Bible. Understanding these gifts is crucial for every believer, as they play a key role in the functioning and growth of the church. This exploration seeks to delve into what the Bible says about these gifts, their nature, purpose, and how they are to be used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

The Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

The Bible speaks of spiritual gifts as divine endowments bestowed upon believers for specific purposes in the body of Christ.

  • Varieties of Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”

This passage highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts, all coming from the same Spirit. It underscores that despite the differences in these gifts, they are all equally valuable and purposed for serving the Lord.

  • Gift for Benefit: Romans 12:6 (ESV): “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;”

Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are given according to God’s grace and should be used in accordance with one’s faith. This verse encourages the active use of these gifts to benefit the church community.

  • For the Common Good: 1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV): “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His will, and each gift is meant for the common good of the church. It highlights the sovereignty of God in the giving of these gifts.

  • Grace Given to Each: Ephesians 4:7 (ESV): “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

Here, Paul notes that spiritual gifts are a form of grace from Christ. Each believer receives these gifts in a measure that Christ determines, signifying the personalized nature of how these gifts are given.

Diversity of Gifts

The Bible emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts, each serving a unique and necessary role within the body of Christ.

  • Many Gifts, One Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV): “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to others gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

This passage lists various gifts given by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that while the gifts are diverse, they all originate from the same Spirit. The purpose of these gifts is unified – the common good of the church.

  • Serving as Good Stewards: 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Peter instructs believers to use their diverse gifts to serve each other, being stewards of God’s grace. He highlights that the ultimate goal of using these gifts is to glorify God through Jesus Christ.

  • Members of One Body: Romans 12:4-5 (ESV): “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

This metaphor of the body illustrates the unity and diversity within the church. Just as different parts of a body have different functions, so do the members of the church, each with unique gifts.

  • God’s Appointed Roles: 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (ESV): “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”

Paul continues the body analogy, listing roles and gifts that God has appointed in the church. This list shows the hierarchical and functional diversity intended to work together for the edification of the church.

The Gift of Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts highlighted in the New Testament, playing a significant role in the church.

  • Pursue Love and Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”

Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy, placing it as a gift to be particularly sought after. This indicates the importance and value of prophecy in the church.

  • Edification, Encouragement, and Consolation: 1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV): “On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”

This verse clarifies the purpose of prophecy – it is not for self-edification but for the building up, encouragement, and consolation of others in the church.

  • Strengthening the Church: 1 Corinthians 14:4 (ESV): “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.”

Paul contrasts speaking in tongues with prophecy, highlighting that prophecy serves to strengthen and edify the church community as a whole.

  • Prophecy for Believers: 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (ESV): “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.”

Here, the impact of prophecy extends beyond the church to unbelievers and outsiders. It suggests that prophecy can lead to conviction, accountability, and ultimately recognition of God’s presence, thereby playing a pivotal role in both edification and evangelism.

Gifts of Healing and Miracles

The spiritual gifts of healing and miracles are vital expressions of God’s power within the church.

  • Healing as a Spiritual Gift: 1 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): “To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,”

This verse recognizes healing as a distinct spiritual gift, indicating its divine origin and purpose within the church. It shows that the Holy Spirit imparts this gift to certain individuals, enabling them to perform acts of healing. This gift is a manifestation of God’s compassion and power, meant to bring comfort and restoration to those in need.

  • Miracles to Edify the Church: 1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV): “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”

Miracles are listed as a gift within the church, showcasing the supernatural workings of God through believers. This scripture emphasizes that miracles, like healing, are God-appointed and serve a specific role in the church’s ministry. They are meant to edify the body of Christ, affirm the Gospel’s truth, and demonstrate God’s sovereignty.

  • Healing Through Faith: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV): “To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

Alongside other gifts, the working of miracles, including healing, is highlighted as a spiritual endowment. This verse implies that such gifts require faith, both in the giver and the receiver. The diversity of these gifts underlines the Holy Spirit’s multifaceted work in the church.

  • Prayer of Faith for the Sick: James 5:14-15 (ESV): “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

James provides a practical directive for exercising the gift of healing. The involvement of church elders and the use of anointing oil signify the communal and sacred nature of this healing practice. It underscores the power of prayer in faith, aligning with God’s will for physical and spiritual restoration.

Discerning of Spirits

The gift of discerning spirits is essential for the church to distinguish between divine, human, and demonic influences.

  • Distinguishing Spirits: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV): “To another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

This gift is vital for discerning truth from falsehood in spiritual matters, enhancing the church’s spiritual wisdom and discernment. The ability to distinguish between spirits is crucial in a world where spiritual realities intersect with everyday life. It equips the church to navigate complex spiritual dynamics and to uphold doctrinal purity.

  • Testing the Spirits: 1 John 4:1 (ESV): “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

John emphasizes the importance of discerning spirits to protect against false teachings and prophets. This instruction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the church’s teachings and for safeguarding believers from deception. The verse calls for vigilance and spiritual discernment, grounded in biblical truth.

  • Evaluating Prophetic Words: 1 Corinthians 14:29 (ESV): “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.”

The church is encouraged to critically evaluate prophetic utterances, applying the gift of discernment to ensure alignment with God’s truth. This practice promotes accountability and discernment within the church, ensuring that prophetic messages align with biblical doctrine and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

  • Discernment in Paul and Silas’ Encounter: Acts 16:16-18 (ESV): “As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination… Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.”

This account demonstrates discernment in action, as Paul identifies and confronts a spirit of divination. It showcases the practical application of this gift in a real-world scenario. Paul’s discernment and subsequent action underline the gift’s significance in dealing with spiritual opposition and affirming God’s authority.

Gifts of Leadership and Administration

Leadership and administration are recognized in the Bible as spiritual gifts, playing key roles in church governance and function.

  • Leadership as a Gift: Romans 12:8 (ESV): “The one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

This verse acknowledges leadership as a spiritual gift, emphasizing the importance of leading with enthusiasm and dedication. It highlights that effective leadership in the church involves both guidance and compassion, serving with a spirit of joy.

  • Varieties of Service: 1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV): “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”

Within the diverse functions in the church, administration is mentioned as a distinct gift. This role involves organizing, managing, and facilitating church activities, ensuring that the body of Christ operates efficiently and orderly.

  • Leadership as Stewardship: Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): “Remember your leaders, who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

This scripture encourages believers to respect and emulate the faith of their leaders. It implies that spiritual leadership involves stewardship of the Word and exemplifying a life of faith and integrity.

  • Wisdom in Administration: Acts 6:3 (ESV): “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

The appointment of the seven in Acts shows that administrative roles require wisdom and spiritual maturity. It indicates that such roles are not merely logistical but are integral to the church’s spiritual health and mission.

Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation

The gifts of speaking in tongues and interpretation are mentioned in the New Testament as means for edification and communication within the church.

  • Variety of Tongues: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV): “To another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

This verse introduces the gift of speaking in different tongues and the complementary gift of interpretation. These gifts allow for supernatural communication and understanding, enhancing the church’s spiritual experience.

  • Edification Through Interpretation: 1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV): “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.”

Paul expresses a desire for the church to experience the gift of tongues, but with the caveat of interpretation. This ensures that the use of tongues contributes constructively to the congregation’s edification.

  • Praying for Interpretation: 1 Corinthians 14:13 (ESV): “Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.”

This instruction underlines the responsibility accompanying the gift of tongues. It is not enough to speak in tongues; there should be a desire and effort to interpret, ensuring that all can benefit from the spiritual message.

  • The Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:4 (ESV): “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The events of Pentecost mark the first instance of speaking in tongues in the New Testament. This miraculous occurrence signified the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and exemplified the gift’s role in signifying God’s presence and power.

Wisdom and Knowledge

Wisdom and knowledge are spiritual gifts that enhance understanding and decision-making within the church.

  • Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge: 1 Corinthians 12:8 (ESV): “For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,”

This verse distinguishes between the gifts of wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom involves insight and practical discernment, inspired by the Holy Spirit, while knowledge is the deep understanding of spiritual truths.

  • Asking God for Wisdom: James 1:5 (ESV): “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

James encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives it generously. This passage affirms that wisdom is a divine gift, available to all who earnestly seek it for guidance and understanding.

  • Riches of Wisdom in Christ: Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,”

Paul links wisdom and knowledge with a deep understanding of Christ. This connection implies that true spiritual wisdom and knowledge find their fullest expression in the revelation of Jesus Christ and His teachings.

  • Solomon’s Request for Wisdom: 2 Chronicles 1:10 (ESV): “Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

Solomon’s request for wisdom to lead God’s people illustrates its importance. It shows that spiritual leadership is greatly enhanced by divine wisdom and knowledge, ensuring just and effective governance.

The Unity and Edification Principle

Spiritual gifts are given for the unity and edification of the church, fostering growth and harmony among believers.

  • Equipping the Saints: Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”

This scripture illustrates that spiritual gifts are intended for equipping believers in ministry. Their purpose is to build up the church, promoting spiritual maturity and unity in Christ.

  • Edifying the Church: 1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV): “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”

Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to use their spiritual gifts to edify the church. This instruction emphasizes that the primary purpose of spiritual gifts is not self-promotion, but the communal strengthening of the church.

  • Orderly Worship for Edification: 1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV): “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”

This verse addresses the conduct of worship services, highlighting the need for order and mutual edification. It suggests that spiritual gifts should be exercised in a manner that benefits all attendees, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and growth.

  • Pursuing Peace and Mutual Edification: Romans 14:19 (ESV): “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”

Paul’s exhortation to pursue peace and mutual edification underlines the goal of spiritual gifts. They are not just individual endowments but tools for fostering peace and building up the faith community.

Conclusion

The biblical exploration of spiritual gifts reveals their diversity and essential role in the life and growth of the church. These gifts, ranging from wisdom and knowledge to healing and prophecy, are divinely bestowed for specific purposes – to equip, edify, and unify the body of Christ. They are not for personal glory but for serving others and glorifying God. The proper understanding and use of these gifts are crucial for the church’s health and effectiveness. As believers, we are encouraged to identify and nurture our spiritual gifts, always using them in love and for the common good of the church community. Let this exploration inspire us to actively engage our gifts in service to one another, fulfilling our God-given roles in His grand design.