Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gift Descriptions
There are 21 spiritual gifts listed in four different New Testament passages (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4). These spiritual gifts are meant to be discovered. Although there is a mystery to them, they can be understood. When you look through these passages, you see that Paul lists the gifts but only explains a couple of them.
Spiritual Gifts can be divided into 4 different categories.
1. SPECIAL GIFTS (Office Gifts)
(Ephesians 4)
Apostles
One who went out testifying to the eye-witness resurrection of Jesus.
Prophets
One who heard from God and brought forth those words to the people.
Evangelists
One who “proclaims good tidings,” to those who are far away.
Pastor/Teacher
One who guarded the flock/One who fed or feeds the flock.
Notice the Balance:
Apostles (sent out)
Prophets (sent in)
Evangelists (sent out)
Pastor/Teacher (sent in)
GOD SPREADS OUT AND MATURES HIS CHURCH AT THE SAME TIME!
2. SPEAKING GIFTS
(Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12)
Prophecy
The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely, relevant, manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification.
Teaching
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain and apply the Word of God.
Evangelizing
The divine enablement to explain the Good News in a way that brings understanding and leads to faith.
Encouragement
The divine enablement to present Truth in order to strengthen, comfort or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
Word of Wisdom
The divine enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation. It is the ability to have the wisdom of God that you share with someone in a particular situation.
Word of Knowledge
The divine enablement to know Truth and bring Truth to the body.
3. SERVING GIFTS
(Romans 12, Ephesians 4).
Most will fall within this category.
Helps
The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks in order to free up leadership to equip and serve.
Giving
The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with eagerness and singleness of mind. The ability to make money so they can give more of it away. The ability to live on less so that they can give away more.
Leadership/Administration
The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that can accomplish the goals of ministry.
Mercy
The divine enablement to be filled with compassion and moved to action to help those who are suffering or in need.
Discernment
The divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, right and wrong, and pure and impure.
Faith
The divine enablement to believe God and act on His promises with confidence and unwavering belief.
Apostleship
The divine ability to expand the Kingdom into new territories
Pastor/Shepherd
The divine ability to care for the spiritual health of the church by protecting, nurturing, guiding, and feeding the body.
Hospitality
The divine desire to receive strangers, foreigners, and those in need into your home or other environment.
4. SIGN GIFTS
(1 Corinthians 12)
Used to authenticate the Gospel message
Unknown Languages
Divine ability to speak in an unknown language.
Interpretation of that Unknown Language
The divine ability to understand an unknown language.
Miracles
The divine ability to bend or suspend the laws of nature.
Healing
The divine ability to speak or touch someone to make them well and whole.