For various reasons, many have played down the importance of knowing their spiritual gift. Today we’re going to look at several reasons why it is imperative for every Christian to know their gift(s).
One of the ways we can measure the importance of a principle or a doctrine is to determine the amount of space devoted to it in God’s Word. Subjects or doctrines which are merely implied are surely of less significance than those clearly stated. Matters mentioned infrequently should not be regarded as crucial as matters frequently dealt with. Using this standard of measurement, the subject of spiritual gifts is a vital one. We find spiritual gifts addressed or seen in most New Testament books after the four Gospels. In addition to the four central passages we looked at on Days 106 and 107, spiritual gifts are mentioned many times in the life of the new Church and believers. Spiritual gifts must be important to God who inspired the writing of the Bible and thus they should be important to us.
When 1 Corinthians was written, it was addressed to those who were obviously not very mature in the faith. There were many forms of worldliness cited by Paul in this epistle. The things Paul wrote about in this epistle were not matters of the ‘deeper life,’ but rather the elemental truths of the Christian life. Due to the emphasis on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians, we conclude that the doctrine of spiritual gifts is important and that it is foundational and fundamental to the Christian life.
When Peter spoke of spiritual gifts in his first epistle, he considered them a matter of personal stewardship. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Peter meant that just as we must give account of our use of the material things God has placed under our control, and just as we must give account of the use of our time, so we must also be accountable for the use of our spiritual gifts.
Since every Christian has a particular function in the Body of Christ, since your spiritual gifts equip you to carry out this function, then knowing your gifts help you to plug into the ministry of your local church.
Being able to label your gift(s) is not of utmost importance, but using your gift(s) is. Knowing your gifting, however, helps you to be able to develop that gift better. You will know what to look for and you can avoid pitfalls that someone with that gift might fall into. You will be able to use your knowledge to encourage others in their gifting. You will have a point of reference for plugging into ministry where you can be most effective.
Considering what has been covered in the last three days, why do you think God gives the Body of Christ spiritual gifts?
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.