"Spiritual Gifts"

Spiritual Gifts: A Biblical Overview

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ (the Church) and glorifying God.

Key Scripture: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

These gifts are not natural talents, though they may complement them. They are Spirit-empowered and intended to be used in love, service, and humility.

Biblical Passages on Spiritual Gifts

1. Romans 12:3–8 — Gifts of Grace

Prophecy

Serving

Teaching

Encouraging

Giving

Leading

Showing Mercy

Emphasis: Humility and sincere love are how gifts are exercised.

2. 1 Corinthians 12–14 — Unity in Diversity

Word of Wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Faith

Healing

Miraculous Powers

Prophecy

Distinguishing between Spirits

Tongues

Interpretation of Tongues

Emphasis: Every gift is valuable; love is essential (chapter 13).

3. Ephesians 4:11–13 — Equipping the Church (Gifts to the Church | 5-Fold Ministry)

Apostles

Prophets

Evangelists

Pastors

Teachers

Emphasis: Maturing the Church in unity and faith.

4. 1 Peter 4:10–11 — Stewarding God’s Grace

Speaking gifts

Serving gifts

Emphasis: Use gifts to glorify God and serve others.

Are Spiritual Gifts Still Active Today?

This is a key question with diverse views within the Church.

Here are the two main perspectives:

1. Cessationism

Belief that the miraculous or sign gifts (like tongues, healing, prophecy) ceased after the apostolic age (after the first century) because their purpose (confirming the Gospel and apostolic authority) was fulfilled.

Scripture cited: “But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” — 1 Corinthians 13:10 (Cessationists interpret "the perfect" as the completed canon of Scripture.)

2. Continuationism

Belief that all spiritual gifts continue today, including miracles, tongues, healing, and prophecy, and are available as the Spirit wills.

Scripture cited: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8 “Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” — 1 Corinthians 14:1

Where most Christians agree:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers today.

Gifts must be used in love (1 Cor. 13).

They are given for the edification of the Church, not personal glory.

Discernment and Scripture are crucial in evaluating how gifts are used.

Small Group Discussion Prompts

What spiritual gifts have you seen in others? In yourself?

Have you ever experienced a spiritual gift in action? What did it teach you?

Why is love the most important context for using spiritual gifts? (Read 1 Corinthians 13)

Do you believe miraculous gifts (like healing or prophecy) are still active today? Why or why not?

How can our group better encourage and steward the gifts among us?

Takeaway Truths

God gives spiritual gifts to all believers. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

No gift is more important than another. (1 Corinthians 12:21–26)

Spiritual gifts are always to be exercised in love. (1 Corinthians 13)

Seek to build up others, not yourself. (1 Corinthians 14:12)