BIBLE TEXT
1st Corinthians 12 :1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren ,I would not have you ignorant.4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
MESSAGE
Spiritual gifts are God’s empowerment of His people for His work. More specifically defined :Spiritual gifts are unique endowments from the Holy Spirit, generously shared with Christians in community for building up the body of Christ in practical ways. Every Christian has at least one unique spiritual gift waiting to be discovered. God has designed the church so that people can find deep meaning and experiences powerful joy when they use their gifts to minister to others.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ;In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverb 3:5,6)
A spiritual gift differs from a natural one in that it is used through the church for God. It may be used to lead children to the Lord, to strengthen them in the faith, or beyond that in shaping them and their gifts in the service of God. That is a spiritual gift.
TYPES OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Every Christian has at least one unique spiritual gift waiting to be discovered. God has designed the church so that people can find deep meaning and experiences powerful joy when they use their gifts to minister to others. We need to mention and teach the gifts of the spirit in this message because Apostle Paul mentioned the gift of tongues, of healing, of,wisdom,knowledge,faith, working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; the interpretation of tongues. Paul himself urges the Corinthians to seek the more important gifts, like teaching, serving, giving. As a matter of fact, Paul strongly emphasizes that the most excellent gift is love.
1st Corinthians 1: 4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
HOW DO I DISCOVER SPIRITUAL GIFT
How do you then discover what your gift is or gifts are, or what you received from the Holy Spirit, really are? There are a number of things that will point the way.
First there are things you enjoy doing in the body of Christ and you discover that that you can do better than most people, that is the gift of the Spirit .You enjoy them, because you are good at them. And you are good at them because it is a spiritual gift/gifts from God that contributes to the Kingdom of God .
Secondly, you can ask from God ,and you will find yourself operating in it unconsciously.
Thirdly is the confirmation from a child of God experienced in the work of the Kingdom of God like Established Apostles and Senior Pastors,Pastors,Holy Ghost filled servants of most high God whom must have observed this divine quality/qualities in you and affirm the confirmation to you .
SLUMBERING AND NEGLIGENCE
But some spiritual gifts are slumbering. That is to say we are not aware of them. Again we may have the gift of teaching, but we were never in the position of testing ourselves and so we remain unaware of it. In that case we need to pray so that hidden talents must be discovered, because the body of Christ are dire need of them.
WHAT MAKES SPIRITUAL GIFT/SPIRITUAL GIFTS DORMANT
Sin and Immoralities makes spiritual gift dormant, also disobedience attract curses and also makes spiritual gift dormant as well.
Romans 6: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Proverb 6:16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Lastly , appraisal need to be done by us on a regular basis ;(1) Observation of spiritual gift in us 2) How do we use it/them to serve and edify the body of Christ.3)Evaluate our Gifts, Offices, Functions, and Fruit of the Spirit. 4) How does the gift of Spirit in us affects our Community 5)What impact does it have among the Disciples of Christ 6)How does it encourages us and our neighbour 7) How does it equip the Saints in the Ministry
Prayer : May God Almighty continue to increase us and guide us in all aspect of our live in JESUS NAME.Amen
Source;
Immanuel Foundation
