Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
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.
Acts 2:38
The point of beginning in any study or discussion of spiritual gifts is this: All followers of Jesus Christ receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at the time of their baptism, thus, each of us has the gift, and the spiritual gift is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we speak of “spiritual gifts” we are really referring to the manner in which the Holy Spirit chooses to manifest Himself in our lives― if we understand this, we are halfway home. Now, let’s consider a few things…
- The first and last commands of Christ: Follow Me and Make Disciples
- Why you should care about spiritual gifts.
So, there you have it; you should care about spiritual gifts because an understanding of what they are and which ones you have will tell you a great deal about God’s plans for your life as a follower of Jesus Christ! Gone is resentment about why I do this and he gets to do that, and the baggage centering around holy obligation, duty and transactional love, for there is simply no greater joy in this life than to exercise our spiritual gifts to advance the building of the Body of Christ.
- . All Christians have a spiritual gift.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1Peter 4:10
Note that Peter uses the word “each” so that includes everyone. It’s very important that we recognize that the spiritual gift that all Christians receive is that of the Holy Spirit Himself. What we commonly refer to as “spiritual gifts” are actually the ways in which the Holy Spirit is made manifest within each of us. The most important question is this: Are we using our gift in ministry?
- Here’s how we know that for sure:
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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38-39
God gave us spiritual gifts to glorify Himself;
God has given us gifts so that we might exalt His name, that we might do things that will glorify Him.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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 Peter 4:11
It is way too easy for us to get caught up in being busy or to build something up and forget that our purpose is to give glory to God. When this happens, we sometimes get the idea that our ministry is ours and not His. The result is that we often come to resent anyone else becoming involved in it, and this is not how we make disciples, for making disciples always leads us to teach others to take our place.
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