"A spiritual gift is a special supernatural ability that God gives to
each of His children, so that together they can advance His purposes in
this world."
(Romans 12:1) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in
view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy
and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."
What do I need in order to use my spiritual gifts?
You need to be a Christian.
(James 1:17) "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights."
You need to believe in spiritual gifts.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
You need to be willing to go through the process.
(1 Corinthians 14:12) "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."
You need to pray.
(James 1:5) "If any of you lacks wisdom, he
should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and
it will be given to him."
(Romans 12:6-8) "We have
different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is
serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is
encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of
others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
To develop your gifts:
1. Explore the possibilities.
(1 Corinthians 14:1) "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts."
2. Experiment with as many as you can.
(Psalm 34:8) "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
3. Examine your feelings.
(Psalm 37:4) "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
(Philippians 2:13) "…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
4. Evaluate your effectiveness.
(Proverbs 18:16 NKJV) "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."
5. Expect confirmation.
(1
Corinthians 1:5-7) "For in him you have been enriched in every way--in
all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony
about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any
spiritual gift…"
(Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT) "The Jews who lived near the enemy came and
told us again and again, "They will come from all directions and attack
us!" So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in
the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families,
armed with swords, spears, and bows.
(Hebrews 4:14 NLT) "Then as I looked over the situation, I called
together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, "Don't
be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious,
and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and
your homes!"
(Hebrews 4:20 NLT) "When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!"
