You can download a printable Spiritual Gifts questionnaire here, spiritualgifts (160.5KB), and have fun working yours out!
There is so much literature available nowadays on the subject of spiritual gifts that a person can almost drown reading it all. This paper is NOT designed to be another deep study. It IS designed to target the issue in some different, and hopefully, significant ways. If a deeper study is desired, suitable material can be easily found in any local Christian bookstore.
The contents of this particular paper draw significantly from the excellent book - ‘Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow’ written by C. Peter Wagner, and acknowledgement of Wagner’s refreshing approach is noted with appreciation.
There is no attempt made within this paper to establish a major theological basis for spiritual gifts. It is assumed that you are a Christian (a real one, not a pretend one!), that you already have some idea as what spiritual gifts are, that you accept that they exist, and what is more, that they can and do operate within the Christian in the twentieth century. If any of these preceding three points are a matter of dispute to you, this paper is not for you. One of the saddest things about Christianity today is the amount of controversy generated over the person of the Holy Spirit. God doesn't have any problem with him, but God's children certainly do! This study is based, then, on the premise that the Holy Spirit can do what he wants, when he wants and in whatever way he wants.
There is no attempt made within the following pages to divide spiritual gifts into any sort of order of importance, and there is no speculating as to which may have come and which may have gone over the last two thousand years. This paper takes as many gifts as can be identified from Scripture, and talks about each one as if it could operate today, without forcing it to do so.
God desires that spiritual gifts be a blessing and releasing to others. This study is intended to enhance that desire. So it is, hopefully, more than a clinical evaluation of each gift. As you read each gift description, be alert as to little gems of information that may apply to you or to someone you know. The discovery of your, and other’s, spiritual gifts can be a journey of anticipation and excitement. May this prove true for you. No amount of study will ever cover all the possibilities for ministry available to each spiritual gift, so in a sense, our learning will never be finished. Let us then begin...
Twelve thoughts to stretch you.
[1] A spiritual gift is a special quality given by God to you and me, which enables us to do or say certain things better than other Christians.
This definition raises problems for some. They dislike the connotations of the word 'better'. Somehow it doesn't seem humble to accept such a statement. We need, however, to be honest. The fact is, people do have varying degrees of abilities. To deny such a thing in the area of spiritual gifts doesn't change the truth. Some people are better at some things than others! This does not make them more spiritual, just more skilled. Remember that spirituality does NOT come from gifts, it comes from fruit. Matthew 7:15-29 Remember too, that Jesus himself taught that people were given differing numbers of talents. Matthew 25:15-30
[2] Spiritual gifts are received, not achieved.
They are gifts, remember? The very word 'gift' demands that they are unearned, and un-earnable! So don't allow anyone to try and tell you that you must have certain gifts. Such pressure is wrong and should be resisted. The best thing to do is to relax and allow the Holy Spirit to give, and reveal your unique gift mix to you as and when he wishes.
[3] Every true function of the body of Christ has a member to perform it, and every member has a function to perform.
This means that nobody gets to do everything, and nobody gets to do nothing. If you are not functioning in your giftings, then you are cheating others by not serving them as you should. This statement lends some urgency to the need for discovering your gifts and using them.
[4] For the Church to grow, the pastor must give up the ministry, and the people must give up the leadership.
This simply builds on the previous thought, and means that the recognized head (pastor/bishop/reverend/whatever) does not have the right to restrict the ability of Church members to fully function in their gifts. The Church belongs to Jesus, not to any one leader. Similarly, the Church is not a democracy, and members have to give up any rights they may think they have to dictate Church direction or influence major decisions. The Church belongs to Jesus, not to any one member.
[5] No Church will work properly until it understands and operates in it's spiritual gifts.
How do you think your human body would work if parts of it lay down and had a holiday? Imagine the heart or kidneys declaring that they weren't important therefore they weren't going to function this week! At the other end of the scale, however, it would probably be a good thing if our tongues stopped working overtime and rested a little more!
[6] Women have spiritual gifts too! (Some would deny this.)
While it is true that some gifts seem to be gender biased (certain gifts seem to be displayed more in one gender than in both), it needs to be clearly understood that to deny a woman working in any gift that she may have been given by God, is to accuse God of making a mistake! Such an accusation is foolish and somewhat dangerous.
[7] Fixing attention on my spiritual gift can be used as an excuse for not fulfilling other Biblical responsibilities.
It is said that for every gift there is a role. This means that, even though you may not have the gift of mercy, you are still expected by God to show mercy. Even though you may not have the gift of serving, you are still expected to be a servant. A spiritual gift is designed to enhance a ministry, not excuse one from ministering just because a particular gift is missing.
[8] Every spiritual gift is easy and hard, and exposes both our strong and weak points.
Spiritual gifts sure are good for building character! If you are a teacher by gift, you may well find it easy to dig deep into Scripture, but it does not mean that you will find it easy to stand up in front of a crowd. If you are a prophet, you will probably easily identify the faults of others, but you will also certainly discover many critical attitudes within yourself. While spiritual gifts are very different from spiritual fruit, they do work hand in hand to build character and develop fruit, a vital work which makes it even more important to learn what they are.
[9] We can abuse our gifts by treating them as more or less important than other gifts (this can be called gift exaltation), or by expecting others to operate just like us (this can be called gift projection).
Whole churches are built on the exalted importance of certain gifts, and it is worth considering the possibility of whole denominations being identified by certain gift strengths. It could well be argued that the Salvation Army exalts evangelism/mercy, the Apostolic church - apostles, the Brethren Assemblies - teachers, etc etc? One of the things we do, as Christians, is to befriend those with whom we are most comfortable. Like minded people. These are often those with similar gift mixes as us, and so we form cliques which exclude those who are different. Now there is no problem with the coming together of like minded people, but when an excluding process occurs, this is wrong and must be addressed.
Gift projection, on the other hand, is simply one person saying to another - "It is so easy to evangelize (or whatever), it's fun, anyone can do it, so why aren't/can't/wont you?!" It involves the process of expecting another person to function as well as yourself in your own unique areas of strength. We probably all gift project to a certain extent, but it is just as wrong as gift exaltation and must be addressed.
[10] We ask to know the will of God without guessing that his will is written into our very beings by our spiritual gifts.
The Bible teaches that God has prepared good works for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 It seems logical, does it not, that the spiritual gifts he gives us should enhance our abilities to do those works. It would be silly for God to give us a gift that would never be needed for any of the works he wants us to do. Discovering our spiritual gift mix must be, therefore, one way of focussing in on the will of God for us.
[11] Our spiritual gifts are resident within us, even within our bones!
We read of an astonishing event that happened to Elisha, 2 Kings 13:20-21 dead Elisha by the way! He was lying in a cave, minding his own business, when he had another dead body thrown on top of his bones. To everyone's amazement, the dead body sprang into life! Now we all accept (I think) that Elisha had the gift of miracles. He certainly did plenty during his lifetime. Consider this, then. The Bible states that God's gifts are given without any desire on his part to recall them. Romans 11:29 Is it possible, then, that the gifts we have been given remain with us, even into death? Is it possible that our resurrected physical bodies will be able to function perfectly in their spiritual gifts in heaven? Now that could be exciting!
If this is true, then it would also mean that we do not have to plead with God to give us our gifts, we do not have to fast for them, we do not have to worry about not knowing what they are. We simply have to reach out our hands or our words, and our gifts will operate! They live within us!
[12] Spiritual gifts divide easily into two categories, speaking and doing.
There tends to be a rather sad outcome to this truth. Because the speaking gifts are more easily and quickly evaluated, we tend to exalt their importance, whereas the quiet behind the scenes type of work is often not even noticed, and if noticed, not for some time. Who amongst us appreciates that which may have been done a fortnight ago?
This is an area of great wrong in the Church, and we must work hard to establish the equal importance of all gifts. Every spiritual gift is from God, and that truth alone makes every gift most valuable.
And now, the gifts (in alphabetical order)...
* Administration: The gift of administration is the special quality that some of us have, to easily see ahead and successfully plan for what is seen.
This gifts finds projects easy to do, but does not like long term commitments. It makes lots of notes. It enjoys working by itself. It dislikes having to handle multiple projects at the same time, and can be irritable if interrupted. To administrate is a nautical term and applies to the captain of a ship, one who is responsible for organizing crew and cargo and getting the ship to the correct destination. The administration gift will sit on the sideline watching others do a job it knows it could do better, but will not become involved unless asked.
Use in the Church? To provide planning and coordination.
Luke 14:28-30, Acts 6:1-7, Acts 27:11, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Titus 1:5
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* Apostle: The gift of apostle is the special quality that some of us have, to assume and exercise general and acceptable spiritual leadership over a number of Churches.
This gift superimposes on other gifts within a person, producing an authority which, though unseen, is nevertheless very real. It has the ability to unite numbers of Churches, and could well be a root reason for the establishment of denominations. It must, of necessity, be a gift clothed in humility, yet with a strength of purpose that will withstand challenges to its authority when opposed. It has to discipline as well as encourage, and must be willing and able to excommunicate the rebel if called upon to do so.
Use in the Church? To provide unity for scattered believers.
Acts 1:2, Romans 1:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Ephesians 4:11, Revelation 2:2
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* Craftsmanship: The gift of craftsmanship is the special quality that some of us have, to work with consistent quality and success in multiple areas of handiwork.
Whatever it puts its hands to, this gift will do a top quality job. It has as its goal the pursuit of excellence, a goal which can produce frustration in both its owner and those who are associated. Intricate, clever designs and products are the norm. It is a very neat and tidy gift, thorough in execution, precise in application. It is very patient, although this patience can quickly turn sour if things don't go right.
Use in the Church? To ensure buildings, chattels and property are kept at a standard befitting God.
Exodus 31:1-5, Exodus 35:30-35
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* Deliverance: The gift of deliverance is the special quality that some of us have, to cast out evil spirits.
The forces of darkness recognize this gift from a distance, and will create antagonism through gossip and slander against any person with this gift so as to keep themselves at a distance. The deliverance gift is authoritative, and impatient. It doesn't worry about the spiritual suffering another may be going through, just so long as deliverance occurs!
Use in the Church? To clean out the devil.
Matthew 12:22-32, Luke 10:12-20, Acts 8:5-8, Acts 16:16-18
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* Discerning of spirits: The gift of discerning of spirits is the special quality that some of us have, to know whether something is divine, human or satanic.
This gift can go into a room/house and recognize something as being wrong. When in conversation, it can sense darkness in or around someone. If a prophecy or a tongue is brought at a meeting, it can tell the 'spirit behind the message'. The prophet gift evaluates the human character, the discernment gift evaluates the spirit character. While it is not the same as the deliverance gift it more often than not goes hand in hand with that gift.
Use in the Church? To find the devil.
Matthew 16:21-23, Acts 5:1-11, Acts 16:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 4:1-6
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* Evangelism: The gift of evangelism is the special quality that some of us have, to share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that they are saved.
This gift finds it easy to talk about Jesus with non-believers. It doesn't get upset with criticism or adverse comments. It is generally frustrated and uncomfortable in a Church setting because it believes that saving the lost is really the only important thing to do. It will share the gospel in season and out of season, whether a person wants to hear the gospel or not! It enjoys the challenge of public debate about Christianity, and is not at all fazed by any crowd of hecklers.
Use in the Church? To provide numerical growth.
Acts 8:5-6, Acts 8:26-40, Acts 14:21, Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:11-14, 2 Timothy 4:5
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* Exhortation: The gift of exhortation is the special quality that some of us have, to speak in a way that makes others feel better.
Exhortation loves to lift others out of depression. This gift is never stuck for words. It will exaggerate if necessary to make sure the point gets across. It needs response from others so much that it will make its owner stand close to another to make sure a response is received! It is different from the teacher in that it will find an issue and then seek Scripture to back it up, whereas the teacher will find Scripture and then seek an issue that is relevant. It enjoys intense eye contact, and winning arguments! It can be the life of the party.
Use in the Church? To provide the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Acts 14:22, Romans 12:8, 1 Timothy 4:13, Hebrews 10:25
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* Faith: The gift of faith is the special quality that some of us have, to see where God wants to go, and to believe with certainty that it will happen.
Faith turns away from circumstances, and focuses on God. It has ability, therefore, to encourage and strengthen others who are weaker. It can also produce guilt in others by expecting of them faith that they don't have. True faith never presumes on God, but is able to grasp his desires and plans and walk in the confidence that they will happen. It does not plan, but rather identifies THE plan. It remains serene even when circumstances all around are hostile.
Use in the Church? To provide confidence.
Acts 11:22-24, Acts 27:21-25, Romans 4:18-21, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 11:1-40
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* Giving: The gift of giving is the special quality that some of us have, to contribute our material resources to the work of the Lord with generosity and cheerfulness.
This gift likes to operate secretly. It is turned off by any sort of pressure appeals, yet it desires to know what the needs are. It likes to buy the best, but at the best price, and will wait, if necessary, for that best price. This gift does not mean that its possessor will be rich. Some may be quite poor, but the gift description remains the same. Some givers, however, do have a mysterious ability to make lots of money. Don't expect them to flaunt their wealth, because they wont. This gift gets upset if one dollar is squandered, yet will give away a thousand dollars without a second thought.
Use in the Church? To provide financial growth.
Mark 12:41-44, Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:2-8
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* Healing: The gift of healing is the special quality that some of us have, to restore health to a sick person.
As faith looks to God and miracles to a situation, so healing looks to a sick person. It has the ability to speak authoritatively into sickness or disease, commanding that the natural bodily processes of decay, disfunction or disability be reversed. Just as the pastor is concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of another, so the healing gift is concerned about the physical wellbeing of another.
Use in the Church? To provide physical health.
Acts 3:1-10, Acts 5:12-16, Acts 9:32-35, Acts 28:7-10, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:28
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* Helps: The gift of helps is the special quality that some of us have, to successfully help others use their spiritual gifts more effectively.
This gift is active in looking out for the struggles of another. It is perhaps best described in the words - "Can I help?" or "Let me give you a hand." It releases other gifts to concentrate on their abilities and priorities. It is a kind of home handyman/jack of all trades gift. Not so much a person gift, but rather an action gift. It is especially effective in releasing other gifts to get on with what they are supposed to do.
Use in the Church? To provide forward momentum.
Mark 15:40-41, Luke 8:2-3, Acts 9:36, Romans 16:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:28
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* Hospitality: The gift of hospitality is the special quality that some of us have, to provide open house and warm welcome for anyone who wants to come.
It will welcome strangers in with ease, even those who perhaps shouldn't be let in. It does not worry about or apologize for the state of a home when someone arrives. It prefers spontaneous arrivals rather than planned invitations. It has the ability to spread whatever food it has in the pots around as many as may turn up unexpectedly. It will sleep on the floor so as to provide its own bed for the guest. Like the server, the hospitality gift will gladly make do with what it has available rather than searching for or organizing something better.
Use in the Church? To provide friendship.
Acts 16:14-15, Romans 12:9-13, Romans 16:23, Hebrews 13:1-2, 1 Peter 4:9
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* Intercession: The gift of intercession is the special quality that some of us have, to pray more specifically, more intensely and longer than most Christians.
The intercession gift often receives its prayer subject directly from the Holy Spirit. It will then hang on to that prayer subject, like a dog with a bone, until God releases it. It can, of course, hang on even after God has said stop, and so move into barrenness of prayer. Because of its intensity, it can want to manipulate the answers to its prayers. Weeping/pain is common, and praying can go on for hours at a time. It needs a focus in prayer, and doesn't enjoy the 'pray around the world' type of prayer meeting.
Use in the Church? To provide prayer covering.
Luke 22:41-44, Acts 12:12, Colossians 1:9-12, Colossians 4:12-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, James 5:14-16
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* Interpretation of tongues: The gift of interpretation of tongues is the special quality that some of us have, to tell us what is the meaning of the unknown language spoken.
This gift simply gives us the message in our common language, after a tongue gift has been used publicly. It is most important to recognize that the interpretation does not have to be of the same length as the tongue. This is because its purpose is to interpret, not translate. Therefore, such an interpretation may come in the form of word, feelings, pictures, or even as part of a jigsaw, where multiple and differing interpretations are possible.
Use in the Church? To provide immediate understanding of what God has said through tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:30, 1 Corinthians 14:13, 1 Corinthians 14:26-28
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* Knowledge: The gift of knowledge is the special quality that some of us have, to discover the humanly unknown in a situation.
This gift enables its user to learn previously unknown information so as to use this knowledge for the blessing of another. It can warn of danger or sin, events of the past, present or future. It does not provide solutions as does the gift of wisdom, but it does provide information, normally unavailable through human means, but necessary all the same, upon which wise solutions can be built.
Use in the Church? To provide necessary but undiscovered information.
Acts 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 2 Corinthians 11:6, Colossians 2:2-3
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* Leadership: The gift of leadership is the special quality that some of us have, to understand and set goals in a way that others will willingly trust and follow.
The leadership gift is interested only in the future. Once nightfall arrives, the day has gone forever, and is therefore of no further use. It has the ability to 'see' the future clearly and plan for it with ease. If the administrator is the captain of the ship, the leader is its owner, planning the cargo and destination. The leadership and faith gifts can go together, but they don't have to. Faith reaches out into the unknown, but leadership already 'knows' the unknown future and works to make it happen. This gift is found more in men than women.
Use in the Church? To provide direction and focus.
Luke 9:51, Acts 7:10, Acts 15:7-11, Romans 12:8, 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17
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* Martyrdom: The gift of martyrdom is the special quality that some of us have, to undergo suffering for the faith, even to death, and be glad about it.
This gift shows a high tolerance to physical and emotional pain. When another comes to comfort the martyrdom gift, martyrdom generally ends up comforting the other. It is content to suffer, recognizing that there will be reasons for God to allow such a thing to happen, and it is therefore willing to allow such suffering for an unknown glory. This gift is patient and can be quite gentle in nature.
Use in the Church? To provide hope.
Acts 7:60, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Colossians 1:24, Hebrews 11:35-40
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* Mercy: The gift of mercy is the special quality that some of us have, to recognize pain and to want to do something about it.
It can have endless patience with the genuinely weak, but little sympathy for those whose own foolishness has brought the pain. It dislikes confrontation and will avoid speaking the truth if doing so jeopardizes harmony. It becomes upset when another is emotionally hurt, but the physical suffering of another produces little upset. The mercy gift seems to be able to 'switch off' another's physical pain in order to do what has to be done. It is skilled in knowing the best solutions for the hurting, and will gladly become involved in any sort of gory situation without personal reaction.
Use in the Church? To provide comfort.
Matthew 20:29-34, Matthew 25:34-40, Mark 9:41, Luke 10:33-35, Acts 11:28-30, Acts 16:33-34, Romans 12:8
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* Miracles: The gift of miracles is the special quality that some of us have, to change the ordinary and expected course of nature.
It is hard to describe without giving specific illustrations, but the Bible has plenty. We do not see this gift operating greatly in our western society, not because it isn't functioning, but because our eyes are dimmed through unbelief and skepticism. It has the ability to speak authoritatively into nature, commanding that the natural event be changed or reversed. It is different from the faith gift, for as the faith gift turns its eyes to the Creator, the miracles gift turns its eyes to the creation. It is different from the healing gift, though it can overlap, because it focuses more on things and events, than on people.
Use in the Church? To provide blessing/direction through nature.
Acts 9:36-42, Acts 19:11-20, Acts 20:7-12, Romans 15:18-19, 1 Corinthians 12:10,1 Corinthians 12:28, 2 Corinthians 12:12
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* Missionary: The gift of missionary is the special quality that some of us have, to easily use whatever other spiritual gifts we have in a different culture.
This gift is generally uncomfortable in its own home church or culture. It seems to be the 'odd man out' at home. God has especially designed it thus, so that its possessor will get out to where he/she is wanted by God to be. This gift finds furloughs hard work, and is often glad to get back to the mission field! If there are more than one cultures in a meeting, this gift immediately heads towards the one that is different from itself. Its owner is happy to eat any food put before him/her - without a care as to what it may consist of.
Use in the Church? To provide cross cultural growth.
Acts 8:4, Acts 13:2-3, Acts 22:21, Romans 10:15, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
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* Music: The gift of music is the special quality that some of us have, to minister to others through the use of voice or instrument.
This gift, perhaps more than any other, is especially designed to draw others to worship God. It interweaves notes, tones and sounds in such a way that the listener will find attractive and appealing. The musician can often be a loner, finding his/her fulfilment in the creation of melody and sound. Like the gift of tongues, it grabs attention. Its message is powerful, whether subtle or clear, and can cause great blessing or great damage, depending on the motives of its user.
Use in the Church? To provide worship.
1 Chronicles 6:31-33, 1 Corinthians 9:33, 1 Corinthians 25:6-7, Ezekiel 33:32, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16
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* Pastoring: The gift of pastoring is the special quality that some of us have, to take up long term responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.
Pastoring is definitely a gift focussed on people. It is patient and gentle. It sets long term goals for spiritual growth and will work endlessly to see those goals achieved even if progress seems to be small. It enjoys chatting with others and prefers steady spiritual progress rather than fluctuating and perhaps emotional growth. It listens easily and enjoys learning about another. Because of this desire for detailed knowledge about another, it generally does not reach out to many people, maybe only a dozen or so. It finds it hard to say no when called on and can thus neglect its own backyard. Personal health can also suffer through over-commitment. This gift is found more in women than men.
Use in the Church? To provide spiritual health.
John 10:1-18, Ephesians 4:11-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-3
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* Prophecy: The gift of prophecy is the special quality that some of us have, to receive and pass on a direct message from the Holy Spirit.
This gift is often misunderstood and therefore rejected. It tends to see everything as black unless it can be proven to be white! Its owner, then, can be critical and judgmental. It is designed to build others up, and this can be achieved through rebuke as well as encouragement. It tends to evaluate character, and has the ability to easily detect hypocrisy or deceit in another. Its owner is often a loner, maybe through the rejection of others, but also through self-choice. Its owner often struggles with reluctance to share what God has laid on his/her heart.
Use in the Church? To find 'the flesh'.
Luke 7:26, Acts 15:32, Acts 21:9-11, Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-14
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* Service: The gift of service is the special quality that some of us have, to identify unmet needs, and to use what we have available to help meet those needs.
Whenever something needs doing, the service gift will do it with speed and efficiency. This gift specializes in going the extra mile, even when that extra mile is not required! It is able to quickly recognize neglect and will jump to remedy that neglect. It tends, though, to neglect its own back yard. It is different from the mercy gift, for it focusses on things as distinct from people. It is different from the giving gift, for it will use whatever it has available, and will not wait to purchase the best. It needs lots of praise, for it is a quiet, generally unnoticed gift, and keenly feels that lack of recognition.
Use in the Church? To provide cleanliness and decency.
Acts 6:1-7, Romans 12:7, Galatians 6:2, Galatians 6:10, 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Titus 3:14
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* Singleness: The gift of singleness is the special quality that some of us have, to enjoy remaining unmarried without suffering much sexual temptation.
There is not much needs to be said about this gift! The key attribute seems to be the ability to conquer natural sexual longings. The singleness gift doesn't mean such longings are never evident. It does mean that they are not a regular, strong temptation. Singleness has the advantage of being able to concentrate more time and attention on the Lord without the distractions of a partner, or children. People of God such as missionaries, apostles, evangelists, whose ministry demands a lot of traveling, could well be candidates for this gift.
Use in the Church? To provide purity and single minded devotion.
Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:7-8
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* Teaching: The gift of teaching is the special quality that some of us have, to share truth in a way that causes those who listen, to learn.
The teaching gift loves study, detailed study. So detailed, in fact, that often the original reason for the study is lost as innumerable sidetracks are explored. This gift believes that if a truth is not found within the pages of Scripture, then it is not a truth at all. Because of this suspicion about anything outside God's Word, even illustrations can be limited to those found in the Bible. To this gift, the character of a person is more important than any displayed ability, hence the need for credentials to be established before what is said will be accepted. Because of the integrity of this gift, the listener quickly accepts what is taught, so betrayal of truth can be costly.
Use in the Church? To provide doctrinal health.
Acts 18:24-28, Acts 20:20-21, Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-14
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* Tongues: The gift of tongues is the special quality that some of us have, to speak in a language not learned.
This is an attention grabbing gift and is indeed designed by God to be so. Its public or private use guarantees that we will take notice. There can be multiple tongue gifts within one person. Attempts to prove it linguistically are a waste of time. The Bible records God as declaring that his ways are different from ours, Isaiah 55:8-9 therefore we cannot prove him or validate tongues by any human reasoning process. It has the strength of cleansing the inner person when used privately, and the possibility of being counterfeit if not tested, most probably by the gift of discernment of spirits.
Use in the Church? To provide knowledge that God wants to say something.
Mark 16:17, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-7, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinthians 14:13-19
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* Voluntary poverty: The gift of voluntary poverty is the special quality that some of us have, to willingly and cheerfully lay aside personal wealth and comfort in order to live with those who are poor.
Voluntary poverty isn't comfortable with wealth or its display! It would rather sleep on the floor than in a soft warm bed. It prefers simple food to banquets. It is not afraid to get dirty for another's benefit. Its focus is to reach out to those who are poorer and more needy. It will, at any meeting, seek out such people and come alongside them, building bridges with ease, and making such people feel warm and acceptable.
Use in the Church? To provide cross social/economic class growth.
Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:34-37, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9
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* Wisdom: The gift of wisdom is the special quality that some of us have, to discover the very best answer in a situation.
Have you ever been in a predicament where the solution seems out of sight until someone suddenly suggests something and everyone, with a sigh of relief, gives instant recognition to that suggestion? This gift is generally quiet and unimposing. It listens well and is slow to speak. When it does speak, its words are few but carry authority. When wisdom speaks, the result is for others to wonder why they didn't think of that answer themselves, it being so obvious somehow. Its owner can, however, become proud of this gift and abuse it by replacing it with human wisdom when the Holy Spirit 'fails to come through' from time to time.
Use in the Church? To discern what is best.
[[Acts 6:3,10]], 1 Corinthians 2:1-13, 1 Corinthians 12:8, James 1:5-6, 2 Peter 3:15-16
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In summary
Administration: To provide planning and coordination.
Apostle: To provide unity for scattered believers.
Craftsmanship: To ensure buildings, chattels and property are the very best.
Deliverance: To clean out the devil.
Discernment of Spirits: To find the devil.
Evangelism: To provide numerical growth.
Exhortation: To provide the 'garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness'.
Faith: To provide confidence.
Giving: To provide financial growth.
Healing: To provide physical health.
Helps: To provide forward momentum.
Hospitality: To provide friendship.
Intercession: To provide prayer covering.
Interpretation of tongues: To provide immediate understanding of what God has said through tongues.
Knowledge: To provide necessary but undiscovered information.
Leadership: To provide direction and focus.
Martyrdom: To provide hope.
Mercy: To provide emotional health.
Miracles: To provide blessing/direction through nature.
Missionary: To provide cross cultural growth.
Music: To provide worship.
Pastoring: To provide spiritual health.
Prophecy: To find 'the flesh'.
Service: To provide cleanliness and decency.
Singleness: To provide purity and singleminded devotion.
Teaching: To provide doctrinal health.
Tongues: To provide knowledge that God wants to say something.
Voluntary poverty: To provide cross social/economic class growth.
Wisdom: To discern what is best.
So there you have it. There will obviously be many other insights possible to help clarify giftings. Everyone has a number of gifts, which, when mixed together in God's unique way, makes each one of us unique and therefore VERY precious.
You can download a printable Spiritual Gifts questionnaire here, spiritualgifts (160.5KB), and have fun working yours out!
Lord bless
This paper seeks to accurately represent the teachings of Holy Scriptures. You are free to copy or alter all or any part of this paper PROVIDED that the Holy Scriptures are not misrepresented as a result.
