Summer in the Spirit – Part 4

SUMMER IN THE SPIRIT – Part 4

Gifted by The Spirit to bring glory to God

1Co 12:4  Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers].

1Co 12:5  And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served].

1Co 12:6  And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].

1Co 12:7  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

The Holy Spirit gives every believer spiritual gifts—not for personal glory—but to serve the Church and impact the world. Discovering, developing, and deploying your gift is not optional—it’s your calling.

Paul’s point is unmistakable: though the gifts differ, the Giver is one. And when the Giver is one, the Church must be one.

1. The Source of the Gifts

The Holy Spirit is the giver of spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 – “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… same Lord… same God

The Purpose of the Gifts

• 1 Corinthians 12:7 – “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
• Ephesians 4:12 – “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

Your spiritual gift is not about you—it’s about us.

 You are gifted for others the common good of all.

Advance the Kingdom of God

Reach the lost

Edify the saints

Give glory to God

To neglect your gift is to starve the body of Christ of what God intended you to provide.

How should they be utilized?

Love should be the motivation for our desire to utilize the gifts God has given us.

1Co 13:1  If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction].

1. The Categories of the Gifts –

Three categories for clarity: Speaking, Serving and Signs

1. Speaking Gifts – Building up through the Word
2. Prophecy – Declaring God’s truth boldly (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 14:3)

Rom 12:6  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed;

2. Teaching – Explaining Scripture clearly (Rom. 12:7)

he who teaches, in the act of teaching;

3. Exhortation – Encouraging or urging action (Rom. 12:8)

Rom 12:8  or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement.

4. Word of Wisdom – Applying truth skillfully (1 Cor. 12:8)
5. Word of Knowledge – Supernaturally revealed insight (1 Cor. 12:8)

1Co 12:8  To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit;

6. Tongues & Interpretation – Spirit-led speech/ prayer with spiritual benefits (1 Cor. 12:10, 14), Jude 1:20

to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.

1Co 12:11  All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

Jud 1:20  But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit,

7. Evangelism – Proclaiming the gospel with clarity and power (Eph. 4:11)
8. Pastor/Teacher– Shepherding and feeding the flock (Eph. 4:11)
9. Apostles- Spirit-empowered pioneers who are sent to plant churches, advance the gospel in new territories, and provide foundational leadership.

Eph 4:11  And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct],

1. Serving Gifts – Building up through action
2. Helps/Service– Meeting practical needs (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7)
3. Giving – Providing resources generously (Rom. 12:8)
4. Leadership/Administration – Organizing and guiding the church’s work (Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28)
5. Mercy– Showing compassion with cheerfulness (Rom. 12:8)

You may not preach, but are you lifting chairs, organizing events, funding missions, or comforting the hurting? These are no less spiritual than preaching!

1. Sign Gifts – Demonstrating God’s power
2. Faith – Bold trust for impossible things (1 Cor. 12:9)
3. Healing – Restoring health through prayer (1 Cor. 12:9, 28)
4. Miracles – Supernatural acts displaying divine authority (1 Cor. 12:10)
5. Discernment of Spirits – Recognizing truth from deception (1 Cor. 12:10)
6. Tongues (as a sign) – Sign for unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22)

These gifts remind us: our faith is supernatural. Don’t limit your ministry to what you can do. Ask what only God can do through you.

What Do We Do with Them

Every Believer Has a Gift

• 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…”

No believer is exempt. If you’re saved, you’re gifted. And if you’re gifted, you’re called.

Gifts Are to Be Used

• Romans 12:6 – “Having gifts that differ… let us use them.”
• The parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14–30) warns of burying what God gave us.

The Body Needs Every Part

• 1 Corinthians 12:21–26 – “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’”

There are no spectators in the church—only players on the field.

How do I Discover the gifts God has given me

Step 1: Pray for Discernment

• Ask God to reveal your gift (James 1:5; 1 Cor. 14:1).

Step 2: Examine the Word

• Study passages on the gifts; let Scripture guide your understanding.

Step 3: Experiment in Service

• Step into ministry opportunities. Gifts are discovered in motion.

Step 4: Seek Feedback

• Others can affirm what they see God doing through you.

Step 5: Commit to Growth

• Like natural talents, spiritual gifts grow with use and maturity (2 Tim. 1:6 – “fan into flame the gift”).