Spiritual Gifts: Where Faith Meets Action
This multipart lesson explores the supernatural nature of Spiritual Gifts, defining them as divine empowerments sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit to every believer at the moment of salvation. Unlike natural talents, which are blessings of birth, spiritual gifts are "grace-gifts" specifically intended to equip the local church for its mission and to bring glory to God. By resting in the assurance of our salvation, believers can confidently identify their unique roles within the Body of Christ, moving past "gift envy" or confusion to become faithful stewards of God’s grace. As we understand and exercise these varied gifts—ranging from foundational leadership to practical service and supernatural manifestations—we ensure that the Church remains a healthy, unified, and mature organism that reflects the life-changing power of Jesus Christ to a divided world.
Part 1: The Nature and Source of Spiritual Gifts
Part 1: The Nature and Source of Spiritual Gifts
Section Overview
To understand spiritual gifts, we must first distinguish them from the natural abilities we are born with. While all talents are blessings from God, a spiritual gift is a specific, supernatural empowerment given by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. This section explores the divine origin of these gifts and the critical role that the assurance of our salvation plays in identifying and activating these "grace-gifts" for the benefit of the Church.
Key Teachings & References
1. Natural Talents vs. Spiritual Gifts
Natural gifts are from God, but they are not spiritual gifts. We are born with natural abilities (talents) just as we are born with physical traits. However, spiritual gifts are received only when we accept Jesus as Savior and receive the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. These "grace-gifts" (charisma) are supernatural empowerments specifically designed for ministry.
Acts 2:38: "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..."
1 Corinthians 12:7: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
2. The Foundation of Assurance
Assurance of salvation is invaluable for understanding and using spiritual gifts. If a believer doubts their salvation, they will likely doubt the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This confusion can lead to a failure to embrace the spiritual gifts God has bestowed. When we lack assurance, we become paralyzed in our service, and the local Church body becomes deficient because our unique role is left unfilled.
1 John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Romans 8:16: "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Ephesians 1:13–14: "...in him you also... were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance..."
3. Sovereign Distribution by the Spirit
The Father is the source of all gifts, but the Holy Spirit chooses what is best for each believer. We do not choose our own gifts; they are apportioned to us according to God's perfect plan. Because God is the one who arranges the parts of the Body, there is no room for pride or "gift envy." We are called to cherish and use what God has distributed to us specifically.
1 Corinthians 12:11: "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
1 Corinthians 12:18: "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose."
Romans 12:3: "...not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
Bible References
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📜 Acts 2:38
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
📜 James 1:17
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
📜 1 John 5:13
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
📜 Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
📜 Ephesians 1:13–14
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:11
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:18
18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
📜 Romans 12:3
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
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📜 Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
📜 James 1:17
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
📜 1 John 5:13
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
📜 Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
📜 Ephesians 1:13–14
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.📜 1 Corinthians 12:11
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:18
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
📜 Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
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📜 Acts 2:38
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
📜 James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
📜 1 John 5:13
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
📜 Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
📜 Ephesians 1:13–14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.📜 1 Corinthians 12:11
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:18
18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
📜 Romans 12:3
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
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📜 Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
📜 James 1:17
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
📜 1 John 5:13
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
📜 Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
📜 Ephesians 1:13–14
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.📜 1 Corinthians 12:11
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:18
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
📜 Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
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📜 Acts 2:38
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
📜 James 1:17
17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
📜 1 John 5:13
13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
📜 Romans 8:16
16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
📜 Ephesians 1:13–14
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.📜 1 Corinthians 12:11
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:18
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
📜 Romans 12:3
3 *Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us
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📜 Atos 2:38
38 Pedro respondeu: “Arrependam-se, e cada um de vocês seja batizado em nome de Jesus Cristo para perdão dos seus pecados, e receberão o dom do Espírito Santo.”
📜 Tiago 1:17
17 Toda boa dádiva e todo dom perfeito vem do alto, descendo do Pai das luzes, que não muda como sombras inconstantes.
📜 1 Coríntios 12:7
7 A cada um, porém, é dada a manifestação do Espírito, visando ao bem comum.
📜 1 João 5:13
13 Escrevi-lhes estas coisas, a vocês que creem no nome do Filho de Deus, para que vocês saibam que têm a vida eterna.
📜 Romanos 8:16
16 O próprio Espírito testemunha ao nosso espírito que somos filhos de Deus.
📜 Efésios 1:13–14
13 Quando vocês ouviram e creram na palavra da verdade, o evangelho que os salvou, vocês foram selados em Cristo com o Espírito Santo da promessa,
14 que é a garantia da nossa herança até a redenção daqueles que pertencem a Deus, para o louvor da sua glória.📜 1 Coríntios 12:11
11 Todas essas coisas, porém, são realizadas pelo mesmo e único Espírito, e ele as distribui individualmente a cada um, conforme quer.
📜 1 Coríntios 12:18
18 De fato, Deus dispôs cada um dos membros no corpo, segundo a sua vontade.
📜 Romanos 12:3
3 Por isso, pela graça que me foi dada, digo a todos vocês: ninguém tenha de si mesmo um conceito mais elevado do que deve ter, mas, pelo contrário, tenha um conceito equilibrado, de acordo com a medida da fé que Deus lhe concedeu.
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📜 Hechos 2:38
38 —Arrepiéntanse y bautícese cada uno de ustedes en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de sus pecados —les contestó Pedro—, y recibirán el don del Espíritu Santo.
📜 Santiago 1:17
17 Toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto descienden de lo alto, donde está el Padre que creó las lumbreras celestes y que no cambia como los astros ni se mueve como las sombras.
📜 1 Corintios 12:7
7 A cada uno se le da una manifestación especial del Espíritu para el bien de los demás.
📜 1 Juan 5:13
13 Les escribo estas cosas a ustedes que creen en el nombre del Hijo de Dios, para que sepan que tienen vida eterna.
📜 Romanos 8:16
16 El Espíritu mismo le asegura a nuestro espíritu que somos hijos de Dios.
📜 Efesios 1:13–14
13 Y ustedes también fueron incluidos en Cristo al oír el mensaje de la verdad, el evangelio que les trajo la salvación. Después de creer, fueron marcados con el sello que es el Espíritu Santo prometido,
14 Él garantiza nuestra herencia hasta que llegue la redención final del pueblo adquirido por Dios, para alabanza de su gloria.📜 1 Corintios 12:11
11 Todo esto lo hace un mismo y único Espíritu, quien reparte a cada uno según él lo determina.
📜 1 Corintios 12:18
18 De hecho, Dios ha colocado cada miembro del cuerpo como mejor le pareció.
📜 Romanos 12:3
3 Por la gracia que se me ha dado, les digo a todos ustedes: Nadie tenga un concepto de sí más alto del que debe tener, sino más bien piense de sí mismo con moderación, según la medida de fe que Dios le haya dado.
Key Aspects
Spiritual vs. Natural: We must distinguish between natural talents we are born with and spiritual gifts we are "born-again" with. While talents are blessings from the Father of lights (James 1:17), spiritual gifts are unique empowerments received through the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
The Role of Assurance: Certainty of salvation is the fuel for ministry. If you are unsure you have the Spirit, you will be hesitant to use the Spirit’s gifts. Knowing you are "sealed" with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) prevents the deficiency of an inactive member.
Sovereign Distribution: You didn't pick your gift, and you didn't earn it. The Holy Spirit distributed it "individually as he wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11). This removes the temptation to be prideful about your gift or envious of someone else's.
The Church-Centric Purpose: Gifts are not for private "status" but are manifestations of the Spirit given for the "common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). They are designed to make the local church function exactly as God arranged it (1 Corinthians 12:18).
Section Summary Statement
Part 1 establishes that spiritual gifts are supernatural empowerments sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit to every believer upon salvation. Because these gifts are distributed according to God's will and not our own, we must rely on the assurance of our salvation to confidently identify and use them. Understanding that God has strategically placed us in the Body removes pride and envy, allowing us to focus on our primary goal: serving the common good of the Church.
Section Questions
Talent vs. Gift: The lesson distinguishes between natural talents and spiritual gifts. Can you identify a natural talent you have? How might the Holy Spirit "supercharge" or use that talent as a spiritual gift to serve the church?
The Power of Assurance: Why do you think doubting your salvation might make you hesitant to use a spiritual gift? How does having the "seal" of the Spirit give you the confidence to serve?
God’s Strategic Placement: 1 Corinthians 12:18 says God arranged the members "as he chose." How does knowing that God specifically chose your place in the church help you fight feelings of "gift envy"?
Sovereign Choices: Since the Spirit apportions gifts "as he wills," how does this change the way you view leadership or highly visible gifts in the church?
The Missing Piece: If a believer doesn't use their gift, the Church body is "deficient." How does it change your perspective to know that the local church is less effective when you aren't active?
Grace vs. Merit: Since these are "grace-gifts," how should this influence the way we talk to others about the things we are "good at" within the church?
Part 2: The Purpose and Function of the Gifted Body
Section Overview
God ordained that His work on earth be accomplished through the local church. Spiritual gifts are the specialized functions that allow that body to move, grow, and complete its mission. This section focuses on the "why" of spiritual gifts: they exist to bring glory to God, to build up (edify) individual members, and to ensure that the Body of Christ functions in perfect harmony rather than division.
Key Teachings & References
1. Glorifying God through Edification
The primary purpose of any spiritual gift is to bring glory to God. We do this by fulfilling our God-given purpose in the church and by assisting other members. Our gifts are not for our own entertainment or status; they are the "manifestation of the Spirit" given so the whole community benefits. As we use our gifts to "equip the saints," the entire church grows in unity and maturity, becoming more like Christ.
Ephesians 4:11–13: "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..."
1 Peter 4:10–11: "...whoever serves, as one who aids by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 14:12: "...strive to excel in building up the church."
2. Interdependence: No Division in the Body
Gifts are designed so that church members must cooperate with one another. God intentionally arranged the parts so that no member is self-sufficient—the "eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you.'" When each part does its share, the body is "joined and knit together," ensuring that members have equal concern for one another. This divine arrangement prevents division and creates a family where if one part suffers, every part suffers; if one is honored, all rejoice.
1 Corinthians 12:25: "...that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
1 Corinthians 12:26: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Ephesians 4:16: "...when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
3. Stewardship and the Danger of Misuse
A spiritual gift is a trust from God, not a possession of our own. As Dr. Charles Stanley noted, failing to use our gifts is a "gross misuse" of what God has entrusted to us. We are called to "true and proper worship" by offering our whole selves—including our abilities—as a "living sacrifice." Being a "faithful steward" means actively using what we have received with diligence and cheerfulness, rather than letting confusion or laziness paralyze our service.
Romans 12:1, 6: "...present your bodies as a living sacrifice... Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them."
1 Peter 4:10: "...as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Romans 12:7-8: "...the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Bible References
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📜 Ephesians 4:11–13
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
📜 1 Peter 4:10–11
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:12
12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
📜 Romans 12:1
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
📜 Romans 12:6
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
📜 1 Peter 4:10
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
📜 Romans 12:7–8
7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
📜 Ephesians 2:21
21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
📜 Ephesians 4:14
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
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📜 Ephesians 4:11–13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:📜 1 Peter 4:10–11
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.📜 1 Corinthians 14:12
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
📜 Romans 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
📜 Romans 12:6
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
📜 1 Peter 4:10
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
📜 Romans 12:7–8
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.📜 Ephesians 2:21
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
📜 Ephesians 4:14
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
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📜 Ephesians 4:11–13
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.📜 1 Peter 4:10–11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
11 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.📜 1 Corinthians 14:12
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
25 So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
📜 Romans 12:1
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
📜 Romans 12:6
6 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;
📜 1 Peter 4:10
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
📜 Romans 12:7–8
7 If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 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.📜 Ephesians 2:21
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
📜 Ephesians 4:14
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
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📜 Ephesians 4:11–13
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;📜 1 Peter 4:10–11
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.📜 1 Corinthians 14:12
12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
25 That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
📜 Romans 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
📜 Romans 12:6
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
📜 1 Peter 4:10
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
📜 Romans 12:7–8
7 Or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.📜 Ephesians 2:21
21 In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
📜 Ephesians 4:14
14 That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
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📜 Ephesians 4:11–13
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
📜 1 Peter 4:10–11
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:12
12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will build up the whole church.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
📜 Romans 12:1
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
📜 Romans 12:6
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
📜 1 Peter 4:10
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
📜 Romans 12:7–8
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
📜 Ephesians 2:21
21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
📜 Ephesians 4:14
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
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📜 Efésios 4:11–13
11 E ele designou alguns para apóstolos, outros para profetas, outros para evangelistas, e outros para pastores e mestres,
12 com o fim de preparar os santos para a obra do ministério, para que o corpo de Cristo seja edificado,
13 até que todos alcancemos a unidade da fé e do conhecimento do Filho de Deus, e cheguemos à maturidade, atingindo a medida da plenitude de Cristo.📜 1 Pedro 4:10–11
10 Cada um exerça o dom que recebeu para servir aos outros, administrando fielmente a graça de Deus em suas múltiplas formas.
11 Se alguém fala, faça-o como quem transmite a palavra de Deus. Se alguém serve, faça-o com a força que Deus provê, de forma que em todas as coisas Deus seja glorificado mediante Jesus Cristo, a quem seja a glória e o poder para todo o sempre. Amém.📜 1 Coríntios 14:12
12 Assim também vocês, visto que estão ansiosos por terem dons espirituais, procurem crescer naqueles que trazem edificação para a igreja.
📜 1 Coríntios 12:25–26
25 A fim de que não haja divisão no corpo, mas, sim, que todos os membros tenham igual cuidado uns pelos outros.
26 Quando um membro sofre, todos os outros sofrem com ele; quando um membro é honrado, todos os outros se alegram com ele.📜 Efésios 4:16
16 Dele todo o corpo, ajustado e unido pelo auxílio de todas as juntas, cresce e edifica-se a si mesmo em amor, na medida em que cada parte realiza a sua função.
📜 Romanos 12:1
1 Portanto, irmãos, rogo-lhes pelas misericórdias de Deus que se ofereçam em sacrifício vivo, santo e agradável a Deus; este é o culto racional de vocês.
📜 Romanos 12:6
6 Temos diferentes dons, de acordo com a graça que nos foi dada. Se alguém tem o dom de profetizar, use-o na proporção da sua fé;
📜 1 Pedro 4:10
10 Cada um exerça o dom que recebeu para servir aos outros, administrando fielmente a graça de Deus em suas múltiplas formas.
📜 Romanos 12:7–8
7 Se o seu dom é servir, sirva; se é ensinar, ensine;
8 se é dar ânimo, que assim o faça; se é contribuir, que contribua generosamente; se é exercer liderança, que a exerça com zelo; se é mostrar misericórdia, que o faça com alegria.📜 Efésios 2:21
21 Nele o edifício inteiro é ajustado e cresce para tornar-se um templo santo no Senhor.
📜 Efésios 4:14
14 O propósito é que não sejamos mais como crianças, levados de um lado para outro pelas ondas, nem jogados para cá e para lá por todo vento de doutrina e pela astúcia e esperteza de homens que induzem ao erro.
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📜 Efesios 4:11–13
11 Él mismo constituyó a unos, apóstoles; a otros, profetas; a otros, evangelistas; y a otros, pastores y maestros,
12 a fin de capacitar al pueblo de Dios para la obra del servicio, para edificar el cuerpo de Cristo,
13 hasta que todos lleguemos a la unidad de la fe y del conocimiento del Hijo de Dios, a una humanidad perfecta que se conforme a la plena estatura de Cristo.📜 1 Pedro 4:10–11
10 Cada uno ponga al servicio de los demás el don que haya recibido, administrando fielmente la gracia de Dios en sus diversas formas.
11 El que habla, hágalo como quien expresa las palabras mismas de Dios; el que presta algún servicio, hágalo como quien tiene el poder de Dios. Así Dios será en todo alabado por medio de Jesucristo, a quien sean la gloria y el poder por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.📜 1 Corintios 14:12
12 Así también ustedes, puesto que están interesados en tener dones espirituales, procuren que estos abunden para la edificación de la iglesia.
📜 1 Corintios 12:25–26
25 Así no habrá división en el cuerpo, sino que sus miembros se preocuparán los unos por los otros.
26 Si uno de los miembros sufre, los demás comparten su sufrimiento; y si uno de ellos recibe honor, los demás se alegran con él.📜 Efesios 4:16
16 Por su acción todo el cuerpo crece y se edifica en amor, sostenido y ajustado por todos los ligamentos, según la actividad propia de cada miembro.
📜 Romanos 12:1
1 Por lo tanto, hermanos, tomando en cuenta la misericordia de Dios, les ruego que cada uno de ustedes, en adoración espiritual, ofrezca su cuerpo como sacrificio vivo, santo y agradable a Dios.
📜 Romanos 12:6
6 Tenemos dones diferentes, según la gracia que se nos ha dado. Si el don de alguien es profetizar, que lo use en proporción con su fe;
📜 1 Pedro 4:10
10 Cada uno ponga al servicio de los demás el don que haya recibido, administrando fielmente la gracia de Dios en sus diversas formas.
📜 Romanos 12:7–8
7 Si es de prestar un servicio, que lo preste; si es de enseñar, que enseñe;
8 si es de animar a otros, que los anime; si es de socorrer a los necesitados, que dé con generosidad; si es de dirigir, que dirija con empeño; si es de mostrar compasión, que lo haga con alegría.📜 Efesios 2:21
21 En él todo el edificio, bien ensamblado, va creciendo hasta llegar a ser un templo santo en el Señor.
📜 Efesios 4:14
14 Así ya no seremos niños, zarandeados por las olas y llevados de aquí para allá por todo viento de enseñanza y por la astucia y los artificios de quienes andan tramando engaños.
Key Aspects
The Local Church Focus: God ordained that His work be accomplished through the local church. Gifts are not for private use but are tools to ensure the whole building is "joined together" (Ephesians 2:21) to serve the household of God.
Interdependence: You cannot use your gift alone; the body requires "what every joint supplies" (Ephesians 4:16). Gifts force us to have "equal concern for each other" and eliminate division (1 Corinthians 12:25).
Maturity and Protection: Using gifts prevents the church from being "tossed to and fro" by false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). An active, gifted church is a protected church that grows into the "fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).
Stewardship: A gift is a trust. We must act as "faithful stewards of God's grace" (1 Peter 4:10). Failing to use it is a misuse of a divine empowerment; instead, we must use them diligently and cheerfully (Romans 12:8).
Section Summary Statement
Part 2 emphasizes that spiritual gifts are the essential tools God provides to ensure the local church functions as a healthy, unified organism. These gifts are intended to build up the members, foster mutual care, and ultimately bring glory to God. By serving as faithful stewards of these "grace-gifts," believers prevent division and contribute to the spiritual maturity of the whole Body, ensuring the Church reflects the power of Christ to the world.
Section Questions
Fighting Division: The text says gifts are given so there is "no division." How could gifts like mercy or encouragement "knit" a divided group back together?
A Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1 calls using our gifts our "spiritual worship." How does this shift your view of worship from just singing to the way you serve during the week?
Shared Suffering and Joy: 1 Corinthians 12:26 says when one member suffers, all suffer. How has seeing the church support a hurting person made the whole body stronger in your experience?
The Stewardship Challenge: Charles Stanley mentioned that not using your gift is "grossly misusing" it. What is one practical step you can take to be a better steward?
The Common Good: In what ways does your specific gift benefit other people rather than just personal satisfaction?
Maturity Check: How does being active in a church with diverse gifts help protect you from spiritual confusion?
Part 3: Identifying and Exercising the Gifts
Section Overview
The Bible provides specific lists to help us identify how we serve. Every believer has at least one gift, but these gifts only function effectively when they are built upon the correct foundation. This section explores the individual categorization of gifts and reinforces the truth that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone—the one who holds the entire structure of the Church and its gifts together.
Key Teachings & References
1. Christ the Cornerstone and the Foundational Gifts
The Church is not a human invention; it is a spiritual building. Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the primary stone that sets the alignment and provides the strength for the entire structure. On this cornerstone, God placed the foundational gifts of Apostles and Prophets to establish the Church and reveal the "mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:4-5). Without the Cornerstone, the gifts have no direction; without the foundation, the building has no stability.
Ephesians 2:19-22: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone..."
Ephesians 3:5-6: "which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets."
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers."
2. Manifestation Gifts: Supernatural Insight and Power
The Holy Spirit provides specific manifestations that serve as supernatural "breakthroughs" for the Church in moments of need. These are not permanent badges of status or personal "titles," but rather temporary empowerments where the Spirit "shows up" through a believer for the common good. These gifts demonstrate that the Church is not just a social organization, but a spiritually charged organism dependent on the active power of God.
Wisdom: A supernatural flash of insight into deep doctrinal truth, providing a "word" that clarifies God’s mind on a matter (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Knowledge: The divine ability to understand or speak a specific fact about a situation or a truth of Scripture that could not be known by natural means, often for the purpose of applying doctrine to life (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Faith: Not just saving faith, but an unusual, supernatural surge of confidence in God’s power to do the impossible in a specific crisis (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Healing: The supernatural capacity to serve as a channel for God’s restoring power, bringing health to the physically, emotionally, or spiritually broken (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Miracles: Specific acts of divine power that bypass or overrule natural laws—such as the casting out of demons—to authenticate the Gospel and protect the Church (1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 19:12).
Prophecy: The ability to receive and declare a spontaneous, specific message from God to His people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Discerning of Spirits: A supernatural "spiritual radar" that allows a believer to detect the source of a message or activity—distinguishing between the Holy Spirit, human spirit, or satanic deception (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1).
Tongues: The supernatural ability to speak in an unlearned language—whether human or angelic—as a sign to unbelievers or a means of direct prayer to God (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:2).
Interpretation of Tongues: The supernatural ability to translate a message given in "tongues" so that the entire gathered Body can understand and be edified by it (1 Corinthians 12:10).
3. Service and Leadership Gifts: The "Effective Working" of the Body
God provides a second category of gifts focused on the daily, practical "effective working" of the Church. These gifts are the "connective tissue" that ensures the Body is joined and knit together (Ephesians 4:16) through consistent ministry. While they may seem more "natural" than manifestation gifts, they are equally empowered by the Spirit and are essential for the long-term stability, growth, and health of the local church.
Serving: The supernatural drive and ability to identify practical needs and meet them, often behind the scenes, so that the ministry of the Church continues without hindrance (Romans 12:7).
Helping: A specialized gift of providing supportive aid to those in distress or offering administrative "arms" to church leadership to lighten their load (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Teaching: The Spirit-empowered ability to take the complexities of the Bible and explain them so clearly that others can understand, believe, and obey the truth (Romans 12:7).
Encouragement (Exhortation): The gift of "coming alongside" someone to provide the specific comfort, counsel, or challenge they need to stand firm and move forward in their faith (Romans 12:8).
Giving: The supernatural desire to manage one's resources and finances in a way that allows for extreme generosity, contributing to the work of the Gospel without ulterior motives (Romans 12:8).
Leadership: The ability to stand before a group and provide a clear sense of direction, motivating others to work together toward a common goal with diligence and zeal (Romans 12:8).
Guidance (Administration): Like a "pilot" steering a ship, this gift provides the organizational skill to manage the details, people, and systems of the church so it reaches its destination (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Mercy: A supernatural sensitivity to the suffering of others, paired with a joyful, practical effort to alleviate that pain—done with a "cheerfulness" that lifts the spirit of the broken (Romans 12:8).
Bible References
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📜 Ephesians 2:20
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
📜 Ephesians 3:4-5
4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
📜 Ephesians 2:19–22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
📜 Ephesians 3:5-6
5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
📜 Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 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. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
📜 Acts 19:12
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
📜 1 John 4:1
4 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.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
📜 Romans 12:6–8
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:28
28 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.
📜 Ephesians 4:15
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
📜 Ephesians 4:12
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
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📜 Ephesians 2:20
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
📜 Ephesians 3:4–5
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;📜 Ephesians 2:19–22
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.📜 Ephesians 3:5–6
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:📜 Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.📜 Acts 19:12
12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
📜 1 John 4:1
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
📜 Romans 12:6–8
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.📜 1 Corinthians 12:28
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
📜 Ephesians 4:15
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
📜 Ephesians 4:12
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
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📜 Ephesians 2:20
20 Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
📜 Ephesians 3:4–5
4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.📜 Ephesians 2:19–22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.📜 Ephesians 3:5–6
5 Which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.📜 Ephesians 4:11
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10 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.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.📜 Acts 19:12
12 So that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
📜 1 John 4:1
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
📜 Romans 12:6–8
6 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;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 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.📜 1 Corinthians 12:28
28 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.
📜 Ephesians 4:15
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
📜 Ephesians 4:12
12 To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
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📜 Ephesians 2:20
20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
📜 Ephesians 3:4–5
4 By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.📜 Ephesians 2:19–22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.📜 Ephesians 3:5–6
5 Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.📜 Ephesians 4:11
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.📜 Acts 19:12
12 So that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
📜 1 John 4:1
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
📜 Romans 12:6–8
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.📜 1 Corinthians 12:28
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
📜 Ephesians 4:15
15 But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
📜 Ephesians 4:12
12 For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
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📜 Ephesians 2:20
20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
📜 Ephesians 3:4–5
4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.
5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.📜 Ephesians 2:19–22
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.📜 Ephesians 3:5–6
5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.📜 Ephesians 4:11
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
📜 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.📜 Acts 19:12
12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
📜 1 John 4:1
1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
📜 1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.
📜 Ephesians 4:16
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
📜 Romans 12:6–8
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.📜 1 Corinthians 12:28
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can administer, and those who speak in unknown languages.
📜 Ephesians 4:15
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
📜 Ephesians 4:12
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
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📜 Efésios 2:20
20 Edificados sobre o fundamento dos apóstolos e dos profetas, tendo Jesus Cristo como pedra angular.
📜 Efésios 3:4–5
4 Ao lerem isto, vocês poderão entender a minha compreensão do mistério de Cristo,
5 que não foi dado a conhecer aos homens de outras gerações, mas agora foi revelado pelo Espírito aos santos apóstolos e profetas de Deus.📜 Efésios 2:19–22
19 Portanto, vocês já não são estrangeiros nem forasteiros, mas concidadãos dos santos e membros da família de Deus,
20 edificados sobre o fundamento dos apóstolos e dos profetas, tendo Jesus Cristo como pedra angular,
21 no qual todo o edifício é ajustado e cresce para tornar-se um santuário santo no Senhor.
22 Nele vocês também estão sendo edificados juntos, para se tornarem morada de Deus por seu Espírito.📜 Efésios 3:5–6
5 Que não foi dado a conhecer aos homens de outras gerações, mas agora foi revelado pelo Espírito aos santos apóstolos e profetas de Deus;
6 significa que, mediante o evangelho, os gentios são herdeiros com Israel, membros do mesmo corpo e co-participantes da promessa em Cristo Jesus.📜 Efésios 4:11
11 E ele designou alguns para apóstolos, outros para profetas, outros para evangelistas e outros para pastores e mestres,
📜 1 Coríntios 12:7–11
7 A cada um, porém, é dada a manifestação do Espírito, visando ao bem comum.
8 Pelo Espírito, a um é dada a palavra de sabedoria; a outro, pelo mesmo Espírito, a palavra de conhecimento;
9 a outro, fé, pelo mesmo Espírito; a outro, dons de curar, pelo único Espírito;
10 a outro, poder para operar milagres; a outro, profecia; a outro, discernir espíritos; a outro, variedade de línguas; e a ainda outro, interpretação de línguas.
11 Todas essas coisas, porém, são realizadas pelo mesmo e único Espírito, e ele as distribui individualmente, a cada um, conforme quer.📜 Atos 19:12
12 De modo que até lenços e aventais que Paulo usava eram levados e colocados sobre os enfermos; estes eram curados de suas doenças e os espíritos malignos saíam deles.
📜 1 João 4:1
1 Amados, não creiam em qualquer espírito, mas examinem os espíritos para ver se eles procedem de Deus, porque muitos falsos profetas têm saído pelo mundo.
📜 1 Coríntios 14:2
2 Pois quem fala em línguas não fala aos homens, mas a Deus. De fato, ninguém o entende; em espírito fala mistérios.
📜 Efésios 4:16
16 Dele todo o corpo, ajustado e unido pelo auxílio de todas as juntas, cresce e edifica-se a si mesmo em amor, na medida em que cada parte realiza a sua função.
📜 Romanos 12:6–8
6 Temos diferentes dons, de acordo com a graça que nos foi dada. Se alguém tem o dom de profetizar, use-o na proporção da sua fé.
7 Se o seu dom é servir, sirva; se é ensinar, ensine;
8 se é encorajar, encoraje; se é contribuir, contribua generosamente; se é exercer liderança, que a exerça com zelo; se é mostrar misericórdia, que o faça com alegria.📜 1 Coríntios 12:28
28 Na igreja Deus estabeleceu primeiro os apóstolos, em segundo lugar os profetas, em terceiro lugar os mestres; depois os que realizam milagres, os que têm dons de curar, os que prestam ajuda, os que administram e os que falam diversas línguas.
📜 Efésios 4:15
15 Antes, seguindo a verdade em amor, cresçamos em tudo naquele que é a cabeça, Cristo.
📜 Efésios 4:12
12 Com o fim de preparar os santos para a obra do ministério, para que o corpo de Cristo seja edificado.
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📜 Efesios 2:20
20 Edificados sobre el fundamento de los apóstoles y los profetas, siendo Cristo Jesús mismo la piedra angular.
📜 Efesios 3:4–5
4 Al leer esto, podrán darse cuenta de mi comprensión del misterio de Cristo,
5 misterio que en otras generaciones no se dio a conocer a los seres humanos, tal como ahora ha sido revelado por el Espíritu a los santos apóstoles y profetas de Dios.📜 Efesios 2:19–22
19 Por lo tanto, ustedes ya no son extraños ni extranjeros, sino conciudadanos de los santos y miembros de la familia de Dios,
20 edificados sobre el fundamento de los apóstoles y los profetas, siendo Cristo Jesús mismo la piedra angular.
21 En él todo el edificio, bien armado, se va levantando para llegar a ser un templo santo en el Señor.
22 En él también ustedes son juntamente edificados para ser morada de Dios por su Espíritu.📜 Efesios 3:5–6
5 Misterio que en otras generaciones no se dio a conocer a los seres humanos, tal como ahora ha sido revelado por el Espíritu a los santos apóstoles y profetas de Dios.
6 Esto es, que los gentiles son, junto con Israel, coherederos, miembros del mismo cuerpo y partícipes de la promesa en Cristo Jesús mediante el evangelio.📜 Efesios 4:11
11 Él mismo constituyó a unos apóstoles, a otros profetas, a otros evangelistas y a otros pastores y maestros,
📜 1 Corintios 12:7–11
7 A cada uno se le da la manifestación del Espíritu para el bien de los demás.
8 A uno Dios le da por el Espíritu palabra de sabiduría; a otro, por el mismo Espíritu, palabra de conocimiento;
9 a otro, fe por medio del mismo Espíritu; a otro, dones para sanar enfermos por ese único Espíritu;
10 a otro, poderes milagrosos; a otro, profecía; a otro, discernir espíritus; a otro, hablar en diversas lenguas; y a otro, interpretar lenguas.
11 Todo esto lo hace un mismo y único Espíritu, que reparte a cada uno según él lo determina.📜 Hechos 19:12
12 Incluso les llevaban pañuelos o delantales que él había tocado, y al ponérselos a los enfermos, estos se curaban de sus enfermedades y los espíritus malignos salían de ellos.
📜 1 Juan 4:1
1 Queridos hermanos, no crean a cualquiera que pretenda estar inspirado por el Espíritu, sino sometan a prueba si los espíritus provienen de Dios, porque han salido por el mundo muchos falsos profetas.
📜 1 Corintios 14:2
2 Porque el que habla en lenguas no habla a los hombres, sino a Dios. En efecto, nadie le entiende; aunque por el Espíritu dice misterios.
📜 Efesios 4:16
16 Por su acción todo el cuerpo crece y se edifica en amor, sostenido y ajustado por todos los ligamentos, según la actividad propia de cada miembro.
📜 Romanos 12:6–8
6 Tenemos dones diferentes, según la gracia que se nos ha dado. Si el don de alguien es profetizar, que lo haga en proporción con su fe.
7 Si es servir, que sirva; si es enseñar, que enseñe;
8 si es animar a otros, que los anime; si es socorrer a los necesitados, que dé con generosidad; si es dirigir, que dirija con esmero; si es mostrar compasión, que lo haga con alegría.📜 1 Corintios 12:28
28 En la iglesia Dios ha puesto, en primer lugar, apóstoles; en segundo, profetas; en tercero, maestros; luego los que hacen milagros, después los que tienen dones para sanar enfermos, los que ayudan a otros, los que administran y los que hablan en diversas lenguas.
📜 Efesios 4:15
15 Más bien, al vivir la verdad con amor, creceremos hasta ser en todo como aquel que es la cabeza, es decir, Cristo.
📜 Efesios 4:12
12 A fin de preparar al pueblo de Dios para servir y para edificar el cuerpo de Cristo.
Key Aspects
Christ the Cornerstone: Every spiritual gift finds its alignment in Jesus. Because He is the "chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20), our use of gifts must always point back to His authority and the foundation laid by the apostles.
Specific Manifestations: By distinguishing between individual gifts—like the difference between Faith (trusting God) and Miracles (acts of power)—we better understand the diverse ways the Spirit helps the Body (1 Corinthians 12:9-10).
The Goal of Ministry: The equipping gifts are given to "equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). This proves that ministry is the responsibility of the whole body, not just a few leaders.
Active Discernment: We are commanded to "distinguish between spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10). This ensures the church is protected from deceivers and remains built on "truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
Section Summary Statement
Part 3 provides a scriptural roadmap for identifying and exercising the various spiritual gifts, all of which are anchored in Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. Whether foundational, supernatural, or practical, these individual gifts are designed to work together to build a "holy temple" for God's dwelling. By understanding the specific definitions and purposes of these gifts, believers can move past confusion and into their God-given roles, ensuring the church grows in maturity, remains protected from error, and functions effectively in love.
Section Questions
The Cornerstone: How does viewing Jesus as the "Chief Cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20) change the way you think about your spiritual gift? Does it make you feel more or less "essential"?
Equipping the Saints: Since pastors and teachers are given to equip the saints to do ministry (Ephesians 4:12), how can you be more proactive in asking your leaders to help you use your gift?
The Gift of Miracles: The text mentions miracles can include things like "exorcising demons" (Acts 19:12). How does this supernatural aspect remind us that the Church's mission is a spiritual battle?
Knowledge vs. Wisdom: How might a church suffer if it had people with Knowledge (applying truth) but no one with Wisdom (deep insight into doctrine)?
Mercy and Cheerfulness: Why do you think God specifically commands that the gift of mercy be done with "cheerfulness" (Romans 12:8)? How does a reluctant mercy-giver affect the Body?
Built Together: Ephesians 2:22 says we are being "built together." What is one gift you have seen in another person that has helped "build" your own faith recently?
Closing Encouragement
If you do not know or are not sure of your spiritual gifting then let the conclusion of this study be an invitation to active stewardship. By intentionally asking the Holy Spirit for revelation and courage, you can move from theoretical knowledge to practical ministry. This personal commitment to discover and exercise spiritual gifts ensures that the local church remains a vibrant, healthy, and unified testimony of God’s grace in the world.
Understanding the theology of spiritual gifts is only the first step; the true blessing comes when these gifts move from the pages of Scripture into the life of your local church. You were not placed in the Body of Christ to be a spectator. God has invested a portion of His "varied grace" into you, and the people around you need what you have been given.
Do not let fear, a sense of inadequacy, or the "paralysis of analysis" keep you on the sidelines. Remember that these are grace-gifts—you don’t have to be perfect to use them; you simply have to be available. When you use your gift, you are participating in the supernatural work of God and helping the whole Church grow into the fullness of Christ.
A Step of Faith: Seek and Serve
As you conclude this lesson, take a moment to move from learning to seeking. We encourage you to take these two practical steps:
Ask the Holy Spirit: Set aside time to pray specifically for revelation. Ask, "Holy Spirit, you have apportioned a gift to me according to your will. Please reveal to me how you have equipped me to serve your people." Be attentive to the needs you feel a "burden" for and the activities that bring spiritual fruit to others.
Request Courage: Stepping out in a new area of service can be intimidating. Pray for the boldness to offer your gift to your local church leadership or to a brother or sister in need. Ask God for the courage to be a "living sacrifice," trusting that He will provide the strength and wisdom for the task.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and for the unique way You have equipped me to serve. I ask that You would clear away any confusion or doubt regarding my spiritual gifts. Reveal to me the specific ways I am to contribute to the 'effective working' of Your Church. Give me a heart of cheerfulness and a spirit of diligence. Grant me the courage to step out in faith, so that through my service, Your people would be built up and Your name would be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.