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Ask God: You are special and unique to God. He made you for a special purpose and has given you one or more spiritual gifts for you to use in serving and honoring Him. Your special spiritual gift equips you to uniquely serve in His kingdom.

Good Evening Reader,

Today we study chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians of Paul's letter to the church at Corinth. They were misusing the spiritual gifts God had given them and Paul enlightens them (and us) about spiritual gifts and how to honor God with them.

May God bless you and keep you in His love.

All Glory to God.

Elvin

How Spiritual Gifts Benefit Believers and the Church?

God did not design the Christian life to be lived in isolation. He has given each believer special abilities, called spiritual gifts, to help us serve Him and bless others. These gifts are not talents we develop on our own—they are given by the Holy Spirit when we place our faith in Jesus. Paul reminds us, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Spiritual gifts are meant to be used for “the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7), meaning they help the church grow stronger and more united. Whether it is teaching, encouraging, serving, showing mercy, or giving, each gift plays an essential role in God’s work.

When we use our spiritual gifts, we not only help others but also experience joy from serving God’s purpose. They are God’s way of making sure every believer has a part in building His kingdom.

What are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer in Jesus Christ to help build up the church. The Bible says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Paul explained that spiritual gifts are “to each,” meaning all believers receive a gift. Spiritual gifts are not earned—they are given by God’s grace when we are saved.

There are many different spiritual gifts, such as teaching, encouragement, giving, mercy, leadership, and serving (Romans 12:6-8). Some gifts help us speak God’s truth, while others help us show God’s love through action.

For example, someone with the gift of teaching can explain the Bible clearly so others can grow in faith. A believer with the gift of mercy might comfort those who are hurting, showing Christ’s compassion.

All gifts are significant, and no gift is better than another. Just as the body needs every part to work together, the church needs every believer to use their gift (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). When we use our spiritual gifts, God is glorified, and His people are strengthened. Our goal is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to Jesus and encourage believers to grow in faith.

Purpose of the Spiritual Gifts?

As I began to prepare for this lesson, I wanted to make sure we did not confuse spiritual gifts with the fruit of the Spirit. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church. These gifts are given so the church can grow and serve God’s purposes. Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4). In Corinth, some of the believers were using spiritual gifts to draw attention to themselves, which was causing division in the church.

The spiritual gifts Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 are: “⁴ There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 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.”

For example, a person with the gift of faith might pray boldly for God to provide in an impossible situation. Someone with the gift of wisdom might help solve a conflict in the church by applying biblical truth. Paul reminds us that all these gifts come from the same Spirit, and they are to be used for the benefit of everyone, not for personal glory.

Who Are Spiritual Gifts for, and What is their Purpose?

Paul tells us spiritual gifts are for every believer in Jesus Christ. The gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and work together for all in the church. This means that no Christian is left out—God provides each person with at least one gift to use in serving Him and helping others. They are for all believers who have trusted Christ as Savior.

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ, the church. Paul writes, “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 14:12). Spiritual gifts help believers grow in faith and encourage one another. They glorify God.

For example, a believer with the gift of encouragement can speak hope to someone going through a hard time and help them through a tough time in their life. Someone with the gift of giving might quietly provide for a family in need. When we use our gifts with love and humility, God’s work moves forward, and His name is glorified.

How do Believers Receive Spiritual Gifts?

You may be wondering how to receive your spiritual gift. These gifts are called gifts for a reason. Believers receive spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit at the moment they are saved. Paul explains, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). This means we do not choose our gifts, and we cannot earn them. They are given freely by God’s grace according to His perfect plan for our lives.

Some may wonder why a gift was given to them. Remember Moses? God called Moses to be the leader of the Israelites and to lead them out of Egypt. Moses could not imagine himself being the leader of the Israelites and tried to convince God to choose someone else. But God knew Moses was the right person for the task.

When we put our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us (Ephesians 1:13-14). Along with giving us new life, He equips us with spiritual gifts so we can serve God and others. These gifts may become clear right away, or they may develop as we grow in our faith and serve in different ways.

For example, a believer who begins teaching a small Bible class may discover that God has gifted them to explain Scripture clearly. Another person who helps behind the scenes may realize they have the gift of serving or hospitality.

It’s important to pray and ask God to reveal our gifts. As we use our gifts, they grow stronger and bring glory to God. And you will find great pleasure in serving God with your gift.

How Spiritual Gifts Benefit Believers?

Spiritual gifts benefit believers by helping them grow in faith and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. When believers use their gifts, the whole church is strengthened, and individual believers are encouraged.

Gifts also help believers work together in unity, just as the parts of a body work together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). No one has all the gifts, so we need each other. When every believer uses their gifts, the church becomes more effective in ministry and service.

In short, spiritual gifts are not just for personal blessing—they are tools for building God’s kingdom. As we use them faithfully, we grow spiritually and bring glory to the Lord.

In Summary

God has given every believer spiritual gifts—special abilities from the Holy Spirit—to serve Him and bless others. These are not natural talents but divine empowerments given when we put our faith in Jesus.

These gifts are for “the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7), meaning they strengthen and unite the church. Whether it is teaching, encouraging, serving, showing mercy, or giving, each gift is vital to God’s work.

When believers use their spiritual gifts, they help others grow, meet needs in the body of Christ, and bring glory to God. In the process, they also experience joy, spiritual growth, and a deeper sense of purpose. Spiritual gifts remind us that every believer has a meaningful role in building God’s kingdom, and no one is left without a way to serve.

Elvin

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Ask God to Show you your Spiritual Gift.

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net

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