Modern Gifts & How to Use Them

Last Week:

Miraculous Gifts have ceased

No more apostles to impart miraculous gifts

Purpose of Spiritual gifts:

God gives the church spiritual gifts:

Ephesians 4:12–16 NASB95

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Spiritual gifts are for:

Equipping Christians for service

Building up/edifying the church

Attaining unity in the faith

Attaining knowledge of the Son of God

Growing in maturity to the measure of the stature of Christ

Protecting us from falling for false teaching

1 Corinthians 12:4–27 NASB95

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

God, through His Spirit, gives a variety of gifts to his Church

And they are all intended to be used for the common good

They are to be used by each & every member…

For the benefit of one another

You are who you are & are gifted the way you are…

Because that is exactly how God intended you to be

Everyone has a Spiritual gift of some kind…

That God has gifted you to use for the service of the church

If you are not using your spiritual gifts…

Then you are not contributing to the service of the church

You are not being an active member of the body

You are a tree that is not bearing good fruit

I say that to say this:

This study is important

We need to know what gifts we possess…

And how we can use them for the growth of the church

But it’s also important to know that it isn’t all up to you

If you have love in your heart for your siblings in Christ…

And you are willing & eager to serve…

Then God will open doors of opportunity for you to do so

The purpose of this series is:

To help us identify, develop, & faithfully use our gifts…

For the edification of the church

So I want to start with a Questionnaire…

That will hopefully help you identify your gift(s)

This is not a perfect system

Questionnaires like this can only help to a certain extent

But I still think it’s a fun experiment…

That can’t hurt

Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire

For each question, rate yourself from 1–5 1 = Not like me at all 5 = Very much like me

Teaching

I find myself explaining things to people in ways they understand. _____

I enjoy studying Scripture deeply and sharing what I’ve learned. _____

When someone is confused, I naturally step in to clarify. _____

People often tell me I helped them “see something they never saw before.” _____

Total Score: _____

Encouragement

I notice when someone seems discouraged and want to lift them up. _____

I enjoy writing messages, notes, or texts that motivate people. _____

People often seek me out for advice or reassurance. _____

I tend to see potential in others, not just flaws. _____

Total Score: _____

Service

I enjoy doing jobs that help others, even if no one notices. _____

I often volunteer for practical tasks (cooking, cleaning, setup, repairs). _____

I feel satisfaction when a need is met — even when I’m not thanked. _____

I’m quick to step in when something needs to be done. _____

Total Score: _____

Leadership

I tend to see what needs to happen and naturally step forward. _____

People often look to me for direction. _____

I enjoy organizing people toward a goal. _____

I get frustrated when a group has no clear plan or structure. _____

Total Score: _____

Giving

I get joy from financially supporting people or ministries. _____

I tend to be generous even when I don’t have much. _____

I enjoy meeting needs quietly without recognition. _____

I often notice financial or material needs before others do. _____

Total Score: _____

Mercy

I easily feel compassion for people who are suffering. _____

I’m drawn to help those who are often overlooked. _____

When someone is hurting, I feel great sympathy for them. _____

I feel compelled to comfort, sit with, or support people in pain. _____

Total Score: _____

Hospitality

I love opening my home to others — guests, friends, or strangers. _____

I enjoy preparing meals or creating welcoming environments. _____

I naturally include people who are alone or left out. _____

Hosting others energizes me more than it drains me. _____

Total Score: _____

Wisdom / Discernment

People often come to me when facing complex decisions. _____

I tend to “read between the lines” and sense what’s really going on. _____

I can usually identify what choice is most life-giving or spiritually healthy. _____

I’m good at spotting potential pitfalls or dangers in decisions. _____

Total Score: _____

Shepherding / Pastoral Care

I naturally check on people to see how they’re doing. _____

I enjoy walking with someone over time, not just solving problems quickly. _____

People trust me with personal struggles. _____

I feel a deep burden to help Christians grow and stay faithful. _____

Total Score: _____

Evangelism

I enjoy having spiritual conversations with outsiders or skeptics. _____

I naturally look for moments to bring Jesus into conversations. _____

I feel energized when sharing my faith or answering questions. _____

I easily build connections with non-Christians. _____

Total Score: _____

Administration / Organization

I enjoy organizing details so others can serve effectively. _____

I naturally think in terms of schedules, systems, and efficiency. _____

I get satisfaction from bringing order to chaos. _____

People often ask me to help plan or coordinate events. _____

Total Score: _____

Scoring

Add up your 1–5 scores for each gift. Your highest two or three categories likely indicate your primary gifts.

But also consider:

What brings you the most joy?

What do others affirm in you?

What do you consistently find yourself doing even without being asked?

Spiritual Gifts: Who, What, When, Where, How, Why?

1. WHO?

Who receives spiritual gifts?

Core idea: Every Christian—not just leaders or “talented” people.

Key Texts:

1 Corinthians 12:7 NASB95

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Peter 4:10 NASB95

10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Discussion prompts:

Are gifts limited to certain Christians?

Does age, gender, experience, or role affect who receives gifts?

What does this say about Christians who think they “have nothing to offer”?

2. WHAT?

What are modern spiritual gifts?

Core idea: Spirit-shaped capacities for service and edification—not miraculous abilities.

Key Texts:

Romans 12:6–8

Ephesians 4:11–12

Discussion prompts:

How are gifts different from natural talents?

How are gifts different from miraculous signs?

Why does Scripture often describe gifts in everyday terms (teaching, serving, encouraging)?

3. WHERE?

Where are these gifts meant to be used?

Core idea: In the body of Christ and in everyday life.

Key Texts:

1 Corinthians 12:12–27

Matthew 5:16

Discussion prompts:

Are gifts limited to the assembly?

How do gifts function outside a church building?

What happens when gifts are only used on Sundays?

4. WHEN?

When are spiritual gifts used or developed?

Core idea: Throughout a Christian’s life, growing through practice and faithfulness.

Key Texts:

1 Timothy 4:14–15

Hebrews 5:12–14

Discussion prompts:

Do gifts appear instantly or grow over time?

Can gifts change depending on season or need?

What role does practice play in developing a gift?

5. WHY?

Why does God give spiritual gifts?

Core idea: For mutual edification, unity, and maturity—not personal status.

Key Texts:

1 Corinthians 12:7

Ephesians 4:13

1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Discussion prompts:

What happens when gifts are used selfishly?

Why does Paul place love in the middle of the gifts discussion?

How do gifts serve the mission of the church?

6. HOW?

How should modern spiritual gifts be used?

Core idea: Humbly, lovingly, and in coordination with others.

Key Texts:

Romans 12:3 NASB95

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

1 Peter 4:10–11 NASB95

10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Discussion prompts:

What attitudes should govern the use of gifts?

How do gifts work together rather than compete?

How do we create space for people to use their gifts safely?

Core Premises

Miraculous gifts have ceased, but the Spirit continues to empower believers with abilities, inclinations, and roles within the body.

These gifts are not “superpowers” but Spirit-formed capacities—shaped through personality, experience, and sanctification.

Every Christian has a gift (1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10).

The goal of gifts is always love, mutual edification, and service (1 Cor. 13; Eph. 4:12).

Gifts are discerned by community affirmation, fruitfulness, and personal faithfulness.

WEEK-BY-WEEK OUTLINE

Week 1 — Understanding Modern Gifts

Key Texts: Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12–14; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11

Week 2 — The Gift of Teaching & Knowledge

Key Texts: Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 2:2 Concept: Not everyone teaches publicly, but many teach informally—one-on-one, in small groups, mentoring. Application:

How to know if I have this gift

How to use it in the assembly (teaching, class facilitation, reading Scripture, offering insights)

In everyday life (family devotionals, mentoring younger Christians, explaining Scripture to seekers) Activity: Guided practice: “Explain this verse in 2 minutes to someone who’s struggling.”

Week 3 — The Gift of Encouragement / Exhortation

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8; Acts 4:36–37; Heb. 10:24 Concept: The ability to comfort, motivate, reassure, and strengthen the fainthearted. Applications:

In the assembly (welcoming, prayer comments, following up with discouraged members)

In everyday life (texts, notes, discipleship, crisis support) Activity: Write a 3-sentence encouragement to someone facing a trial.

Week 4 — The Gift of Service / Helps

Key Texts: Rom. 12:7; Acts 6:1–4 Concept: Quiet, behind-the-scenes, practical ministry that becomes the backbone of a congregation. Applications:

In the assembly (setup, communion prep, AV, cleaning, greeting)

Everyday life (meals, errands, rides, yard work, hospitality) Activity: “If resources were unlimited, what need in our church would you solve?”

Week 5 — The Gift of Giving & Stewardship

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 8–9 Concept: Some people have Spirit-formed generosity—resource sharing, management, and benevolence. Applications:

Assembly (benevolence leadership, financial wisdom, giving quietly)

Everyday life (supporting missions, private charity, creative benevolence ideas) Activity: Brainstorm “non-money ways to give.”

Week 6 — The Gift of Leadership / Administration

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 3:4–5 Concept: Those who organize, guide, plan, and help the church move forward. Applications:

Assembly (team leader roles, coordination, class planning)

Everyday life (mentoring new Christians, leading family spiritually) Activity: Give the class a ministry problem; let them propose solutions.

Week 7 — The Gift of Mercy & Compassion

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8; Luke 10:25–37 Concept: Deep sensitivity to suffering + the drive to alleviate it. Applications:

Assembly (visiting, prayer ministry, grief support, follow-up)

Everyday life (hospital visits, adopting a widow/widower, crisis care) Activity: Map the “circles of suffering” in your congregation—who needs mercy right now?

Week 8 — The Gift of Hospitality

Key Texts: Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9 Concept: Welcoming, hosting, making people feel safe and included. Applications:

Assembly (greeters, area lunches, making visitors feel at home)

Everyday life (meal ministry, coffee conversations, opening your home weekly) Activity: “Plan a simple hospitality event you can do this month.”

Week 9 — The Gift of Evangelism

Key Texts: Eph. 4:11; Acts 8:4–5 Concept: Not just preaching—relational connectors who bring seekers to Jesus. Applications:

Assembly (visitor follow-up, outreach planning, one-on-one Bible studies)

Everyday life (conversations at work, investing in neighbors) Activity: Identify 3 spiritually open people in your life; craft a next-step conversation.

Week 10 — Finding Your Gifts

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:4–7; 1 Tim. 4:14 Concept: How to discern gifts through:

Desire: What am I drawn toward?

Ability: What am I good at / growing in?

Fruitfulness: Where do others say I make a difference?

Opportunity: What needs exist right now?

Community confirmation: Are others strengthened when I do this?

Activity:

Spiritual gifts reflection inventory (not a test—more like guided questions)

Peer affirmation exercise (“I see this gift in you because…”)

Ministry matching (class identifies open needs in the church)

Additional Ideas for the Series

1. Create a “Ministry Map” of Your Congregation

List all ministries, formal and informal

Show which gifts typically fit each one

Invite members to match themselves to areas they haven’t considered before

2. Do Mini-Practices (very effective)

Throughout the series, give people simple, low-pressure exercises that demonstrate gifts. Examples:

five-minute prayer teams

practice welcoming a visitor

role-play “encouraging someone in crisis”

rewrite a hard Bible verse in your own words (teaching gift exercise)

3. Emphasize That Gifts Grow Through Use

Spiritual gifts are not static; they mature with practice, feedback, and submission to the Spirit.

Word Study: χάρισμα / χαρίσματα (“gift,” “gracious gift”)

1. Root Meaning

χάρισμα comes from the root χάρις (charis) meaning grace, favor, kindness. So χάρισμα literally means:

“a gift of grace” or “something given freely by God’s favor.”

It emphasizes God’s initiative, not human achievement.

2. Lexical Definitions

BDAG (top Greek lexicon)

χάρισμα: that which is freely and graciously given, a gift, a gift of grace.

Often refers to:

spiritual gifts given by the Spirit

divine enablement

blessings given for the benefit of the community

Louw–Nida

A supernatural ability or enablement given by God for service.

Not inherently miraculous; includes non-miraculous abilities (e.g., teaching, serving, encouraging).

Thayer

A favor with which one is endowed; a gracious endowment; a divine qualification.

3. Occurrences in the New Testament

The word appears 17 times. It has three major uses:

A. Spiritual Abilities (Gifts for Ministry)

These are the most well-known and include both miraculous and non-miraculous gifts.

Key Texts

Romans 12:6

“Having gifts (χαρίσματα) that differ according to the grace given to us…”

Here Paul lists non-miraculous gifts:

serving

teaching

encouraging

giving

leading

showing mercy

These are grace-based abilities for serving the body.

1 Corinthians 12:4, 9, 28, 30–31

This includes both miraculous and non-miraculous:

wisdom

knowledge

leadership

helps

teaching

administration

and also tongues, healings, etc.

The emphasis is that all are grace-gifts from one Spirit.

1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift (charisma) given to him — likely referring to his spiritual ability for ministry.

B. God’s Gift of Salvation / Life / Grace

Sometimes charisma isn’t about abilities at all but about God’s saving action.

Romans 5:15–16

“The gift (χάρισμα) is not like the trespass…”

Here, charisma = the gracious gift of God’s saving work in Christ.

Romans 6:23

“The gift (χάρισμα) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This is not an ability but God’s grace-gift of life.

C. God’s Favor in Circumstances

A few uses refer to God’s gracious intervention.

1 Corinthians 1:7

Believers lack no “gift” — likely meaning God’s gracious provisions for their spiritual maturity.

2 Corinthians 1:11

Their deliverance from danger is described as a “gracious gift” (χάρισμα).

4. What Charisma Is Not

This is important for non-miraculous spiritual-gift studies.

Charisma never means:

a natural talent (though God may use those)

a personality trait (e.g., “he’s charismatic”)

something earned

something self-generated

It is always given, not achieved.

5. Theological Observations

1. All charismata are rooted in grace

Paul’s use emphasizes that we are stewards, not owners.

2. Gifts differ from roles

A role (elder, evangelist) is a task. A charisma is the Spirit’s empowerment to accomplish ministry whether or not you hold a role.

3. Gifts are for the body

Every discussion of charismata stresses:

Gifts are not for personal elevation but for building others up.

4. Not all charismata are miraculous

Romans 12 proves this clearly. The same word describes:

miraculous gifts (1 Cor 12)

non-miraculous gifts (Rom 12)

salvation (Rom 6:23)

deliverance (2 Cor 1:11)

Meaning:

The word itself doesn't tell you whether a gift is miraculous; the context does.

6. Summary Statement

Charismata = God’s grace-gift(s), freely given for the purpose of blessing, strengthening, and building up the Church, ranging from the gift of eternal life to Spirit-empowered abilities for ministry.

Romans 12:1–8 · 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 · 1 Peter 4:10–11

1. Objective

By the end of this class, students will be able to:

Define “charismata” as grace-based gifts given for serving others.

Identify the non-miraculous spiritual gifts taught in the NT.

Begin recognizing how God has gifted them personally to build up the body.

See spiritual gifts as everyday tools for ministry, not mysterious abilities.

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 — Principles of All Gifts

Highlight:

Gifts differ

Same Spirit

Given for the common good

Ask:

“Why does God give different gifts instead of making everyone good at the same thing?”

1 Peter 4:10–11 — Two Big Categories

Peter simplifies all gifts into:

Speaking gifts

Serving gifts

Ask:

“Which category do your abilities naturally fall into?”

Indicators of a Spiritual Gift

Give the class four diagnostic questions:

Desire What ministry activities do you want to do?

Effectiveness What do you do that consistently helps others?

Affirmation What do other Christians say you’re good at?

Joy What brings you spiritual satisfaction when you do it?

Tell them:

When desire + effectiveness + affirmation + joy align, you’re probably operating in a gift instead of merely a talent.