“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 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.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
There are four passages in the New Testament that address spiritual gifts – all listing different ones.
| 1 Peter 4 | Romans 12 | 1 Cor. 12 | Eph. 4 |
| 1. Speaking 2. Serving | 1. Prophecy 2. Service 3. Teaching 4. Exhortation 5. Giving 6. Leadership 7. Mercy | 1. Wisdom 2. Knowledge 3. Faith 4. Healing 5. Miracles 6. Prophecy 7. Discernment 8. Tongues 9. Interpretation | 1. Apostles 2. Prophets 3. Evangelists 4. Pastors 5. Teachers |
Different lists, sent to different churches at different times and for different reasons. But notice the consistent message in all four passages:
- “Use it to serve one another” 1 Peter 4:10
- “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Rom. 12:5
- “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Cor. 12:7
- “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-12
Spiritual gifts are for THE CHURCH, not THE INDIVIDUAL.
Our American mindset, and our culture that glorifies superheroes and celebrities, elevates those with exceptional abilities and all of us long to become exceptional. The best student gets the scholarship. The best athlete gets the accolades. The best employee gets the bonus. The most talented rise to the top. So the message of our culture is to find your strengths and leverage your unique talents to maximize your “success.” Teamwork and humility can be positive virtues, but in the end it’s all about you and the desired outcome is recognition for you.
Not so in the church! Our hero is Jesus, not Caesar! Our Lord humbled himself and went through suffering to the cross. He laid down His own desires and gave Himself for us and He calls us to follow that same path of self-denial, suffering and sacrificial service for the sake of His body, the Church.
Yes, you have a spiritual gift! God designed you to play a unique and valuable role as a member of the body of Christ. Our church will not function as it ought to without you serving with the gift God has entrusted to you. So find your gift and use it to serve the church! Here is a helpful FREE spiritual gifts test that can help you discover your supernatural ability from the Lord.
But even our gifts are not about us or for us – they are about the body and for the glory of the Giver of the gifts. So the best way to find your gift is to SERVE. Simply ask around and you’ll find there are always opportunities to meet needs within the local church family. As you serve, you will find that certain tasks and assignments resonate with you in terms of your passions, strengths and effectiveness. Consider your S.H.A.P.E. for ministry:
S. Spiritual Gift
H. Heart (passion)
A. Abilities (natural talents)
P. Personality (temperament)
E. Experiences
Process all of these aspects of calling with your brothers and sisters in your Community Group, and as you serve together, it will become clear where you are best suited to serve within the body. The Holy Spirit, who gave you your gift, will help you discover and use that gift, empowering you to build up the body of Christ as only YOU can!