FAQs about Spiritual Gifts

What are Spiritual Gifts?
These are the abilities and talents that the Holy Spirit bestows on the body – the Church. 1 Cor. 12:11

Does everyone get the Gifts?
Yes. Each and every Christian has gifts. But each one of us received different gifts. (1 Cor 12:4) No one person has all the gifts (12:14-21), nor is any one of the gifts given to all people. (12:28-30) Therefore each one of us in the Body needs each other.

What are the different kinds of Gifts?
This is a short list of the gifts taken from Paul’s writings. But this summary is not exhaustive. These are just samples of the gifts God has given us.
Rom 12:6-8 1Cor 12:4-11 Eph 4:11
Prophecy, wisdom, apostles, Service, knowledge, prophets, faith, teaching, evangelists, exhortation, healing, pastors, working of miracles, Giving aid, Acts of mercy, ability to distinguish spirits, Various tongues, Interpretation of tongues

Why are there different kinds of Gifts?
We cannot all be pastors at the same time, nor can we all be singers at the same time. Each one of us received different gifts so that we may serve in different ways in the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each one as He determines. (1Cor 4:11) God has arranged the parts of the body -each one of us- the way He wants us to be. (1Cor 4:18-20)

Why is it that some people have more gifts than others?
These people just SEEM to have more gifts than others. It may be because they are using their gifts more than others; or maybe because their gifts are more conspicuous and obvious too. But ALL gifts, big or small, are important in the Body of Christ. (1Cor 12:22-26)

Can I use these gifts for myself?
You can use your gifts for you to be mature spiritually and for you to be equipped and prepared to serve the Lord. The gifts are given primarily for the edification of the whole Body, not merely for the enjoyment or enrichment of the individual person possessing the gifts. (1 Cor 12:7; & 14:12) Whenever you use your gifts, acknowledge the giver. Remember that as Christians, our life’s purpose is to glorify God. Use your gifts to glorify God.

How can I know the Will of God?

If you haven't asked this question openly or secretly you are probably not a Christian. Most Christians struggle with this question at one time or another. A boy asks if this girl is God’s will to be his spouse or not, a lady asks if this career move is God’s will or not. Has the will of God been a mystery to you?

The very first thing you must do is to look at the Word of God. The Scripture is a record of common people who found the will of God. These people were not special men. Moses stuttered, Jacob was a compulsive liar. Joseph was a spoiled brat. Paul had a disability. You will not find anyone born naturally gifted or talented among them. But all had one thing in common – they knew and did the will of God. They were willing to do God’s commands. They were willing to learn from Him and available to be sent by Him.

Do you have a willing heart? A willing heart to do His will?Sacrificing what you enjoy and desire in order to obey Him? God does guide His people. He guides us generally by His providence. Are you willing to trust Him?

Do you have a regular time of prayer and reading the Word of God? God's will is expressly revealed in His Word. It is indeed a foolish and inexcusable thing to neglect the Scriptures. Bible study and prayer show us what God expects in daily living. There are no gray areas in the Bible. You just have to learn and follow the Scriptural principles in the Bible and act on them. Examples of principles: no sexual immorality, do not be yoked with unbelievers, do not repay evil for evil, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. It is true the Bible does not mention movies, or make-up or the maximum speed limit on the highway. But we can make judgment calls based on the scriptural principles. For example, the Bible clearly says we have to treasure life. Therefore, we will be careful behind the wheels of a car, at all times. All decisions and judgment calls that we make should always be based on Scriptural principles, done prayerfully, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Be on guard against the temptations that may come your way. For instance, when a man chooses a woman to court, he usually considers the physical looks first and probably the intelligence or wealth. But has he considered whether she is a Christian or not? The Bible says this should be the first consideration, the other factors become secondary. Knowing God’s will for most part, is simply walking in the Spirit and being obedient to God’s word. Probably most of the time, the problem is not in knowing God’s will but in the willing ness to listen and obey.

God’s ultimate will for your life and mine is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus. This goal NEVER changes. It is the point we are trying to get to - it sets our direction. It is a life-long process. If you let God lead you everyday, you will be successful – not as the world defines success. In the end, you will be happy and fruitful. Who would not want to hear “Well done my faithful servant!” from our Master?

Managing Your Money

Perhaps you've heard the tale of the three bricklayers who were working on a project. When asked what they were making, the first said, "$18 an hour." The next replied, "We're making a wall to help support the roof." But the third said, "We're building a cathedral for worshipping God!" They were all engaged in the same task, but only one of them caught the bigger vision.

Let’s imagine a new version of the story that features investors contacting their brokers in order to make some investments. A spouse, or one of their children, comes along and asks what they're doing. One says, "Oh, just placing some mutual fund orders." Another replies, "I'm investing for our future." But the third responds, "I'm managing God's money for His glory."

Do you have a big vision for your stewardship duties? Or do you think of it as merely paying the bills, putting some money into an investment account, and giving to the church? If it's the latter and your money management routine seems humdrum, you've lost sight of the big picture. Your financial decisions have the potential for life-changing blessings and eternal impact—for you, your loved ones, and those you minister to through your giving. Make better decisions and, like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents, your efforts will bring a smile to the Master. Make indifferent or undisciplined decisions and you'll have wasted a lifetime of opportunities.

What are our stewardship duties? We should assign a high priority to giving generously to the Lord and His kingdom work. Live within your means. Be responsible in your use of credit. Build a contingency fund. Learn the basics so you can invest wisely.

Taken individually, none of these tasks is particularly difficult, but they all require self-discipline. They take effort and a degree of sacrifice. But the end result is worth it. Not only because we will enjoy greater success in money matters, but more importantly, living up to our potential brings glory to our gracious God.

John Piper put it this way: "God made us with the highest creaturely purpose in mind—to enjoy and display the Creator's glory. This is why we were made ('All things were created through Him and for Him'). This is why we eat and drink ('So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God’). This is why we pray ('Whatever you ask the Father in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son'). This is why we do all good deeds ('Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven').

That is why we exist—to display the glory of God.... When we fulfill this reason for being, we have substance. As in all things we do, we should manage our money… for the glory of God.

Excerpted from: Managing Your Money for the Glory of God. Austin Pryor. www.crosswalk.com