“Spiritual gifts” are special abilities to give what is needed for serving the Lord. We found fifteen special gifts. And if you can spare about 30 minutes, I’d like to share them with you!
Updated: Friday, September 16, 2022
We Found 15 Special Gifts; Spiritual Gifts From God
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Gifts from God
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)
What is a “Spiritual gift”? Hopefully, this Bible study might help you as it reveals the Spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. We found fifteen special gifts. All of them are Spiritual gifts from God. Paul made the following statement to the church in Corinth:
“And so with you; since your are striving (try hard; seekG2212 or look) for spiritual gifts, be eager to excel in such as will build up the faith of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 (OEB)
Seek – G2212 ζητέω zeteo (zee-te’-ō) v. 1. to seek in order to find.
My experience
I can assure you that if you do the following two things, you will find the special gifts God has for you.
- read and study the Scriptures with an open mind. This Bible Study is a good place to start.
- believe the word is truth and that God has special gifts for you.
As I recall, my experience with the gifts that God gives began in 1979. When I read and studied God’s word, I realized I had not seen many of the gifts operate in our assemblies. But I believed what I read and God began to work Spiritual gifts through me. Some day I will share the full details :-).
Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good giftG1394 and every perfect gift G1434 is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:16-18 (KJV)
Gift – G1394 δόσις dosis (d̮o’-sis) n. 1. a giving. 2. (by implication, concretely) a gift. || G1434 δώρημα dorema (d̮ō’-ree-ma) n. an endowment (That which is given or bestowed on the person or mind by the creator; gift of nature; any quality or faculty bestowed by the creator).
Romans 12:3-8
God has given me a special gift. That is why I have something to say to everyone among you. Do not think that you are better than you are. You must see yourself as you really are. Decide what you are by the amount of faith God has given you. 4 Each one of us has a body, and that body has many parts. These parts all have different uses.
5 In the same way, we are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body. And each part belongs to all the other parts. 6 We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace that God gave us.
- If one has the gift of:
- Prophecy, he should use that gift with the faith he has.
- Serving, he should serve.
- Teaching, he should teach.
- Encouraging others, he should encourage.
- Giving to others, he should give freely.
- Being a leader, he should try hard when he leads.
- Showing kindness to others, that person should do so with joy. (ICB)
Definitions of spiritual gifts
- The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia – extraordinary gifts of the Spirit bestowed upon Christians to equip them for the service of the church.
- Holman Bible Dictionary – The skills and abilities which God gives through His Spirit to all Christians, which equip Christians to serve God in the Christian community.
- Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary – Special gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon Christians for the purpose of building up the church.
Different Gifts
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve, but we serve the same Lord. 6 And there are different ways that God works in people, but it is the same God who works in all of us to do everything. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ERV)
Our heavenly Father gives good things {Spiritual gifts} to His children. The Holy Spirit is one of those gifts. However, we are not inlcuding this gift in the forteen that we found. It is, in my opinion, the ideal gift that all of God’s children have. Without it we are not born into God’s family!
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:38 (WEB) reference Acts 10:45].
The gifts that God gives are for the benefit of all. So those who receive the gift must use it so that others are blessed.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues [1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV)].
Gifts to the assemblies of believers
Christ gave gifts to men. He gave to some the gift to be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastors and Teachers 12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. [Ephesians 4:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:28 {pastors and evangelists are not mentioned}].
- Paul was a preacher and apostle. He was also chosen to teach those who were not Jews to believe and to know the truth. [1 Timothy 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:11]
- Can you think of others in the Bible that had more than one gift?
We must know that we can get more than one special gift. Paul was an example of having many gifts from God. What an inspiration!
Premium Gift: Salvation – Eternal Life
Salvation is a gift from God. One might say it is the ultimate gift. Since salvation will result in you living forever with the Lord. Once again, this is not covered in this study but please enjoy the Salvation series.
For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 But what benefit did you get from those things of which you are now ashamed? for the result of those things is death. 22 But now, having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you gain the benefit that leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (RKJNT)
Brothers and sisters, I will not delay sharing the fifteen spiritual gifts found in Romans and 1 Corinthians. So I present the special gifts from God:
1. Prophecy
Advice:
- Use the gift of prophecy according to the faith you have (ref. Romans 12:6).
- How can people call on Him in whom they do not believe? And believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And hear without a preacher? 15 And how can a person preach unless sent? [ref. Romans 10:14-15]
- The gift of preaching is intended as a sign, not for those who do not believe in Christ, but for those who do [ref. 1 Corinthians 14:22 (OEM)].
- Prophecy never came simply because a prophet wanted it to. Instead, the Holy Spirit guided the prophets as they spoke. So, although prophets are human, prophecy comes from God [2 Peter 1:21 (NIRV)].
2. Ministry (ministering, attending, or serving)
Advice:
- If your gift is to minister to {or serve} others, devote yourself to {serving} your ministry [ref. Romans 12:7 (OEM)]. That is waiting on your ministry.
- Preach the word. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed. Use the Word of God to reprove (correct), rebuke (warn), exhort (patiently encourage and teach them what they should and should not do) [2 Timothy 4:2].
- Jesus gave the church 4 gifts, {some say 5, making pastors and teachers two instead of one}:
- Apostles (special messengers).
- Prophets (some of them foretell things to come {Geneva Notes}. Inspired preachers and expounders; given the gift of being able to preach well).
- Evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries; have special ability in winning people to Christ).
- Pastors and Teachers (have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God).
- Why were they given to the church? They are given to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. So that we will be spititually grown-up and like Christ. [ref. Ephesians 4:11-13 compiled from various Bible translations].
In most Christian churches there appears to be but one office, that of preacher; and one gift, that by which he professes to preach. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are all compounded in the class preachers; and many, to whom God has given nothing but the gift of exhortation, take texts to explain them; and thus lose their time, and mar their ministry. (from Adam Clarke’s Commentary)
G1248 διακονία diakonia (d̮iy-a-ko-niy’-a) n. 1. attendance (as a servant, etc.). 2. (figuratively) charitable aid. 3. (especially) official service of the Christian teacher. 4. (technically) official service of the body of stewards (deacons).
3. Teaching
Advice:
- Anyone who has the gift of teaching should devote themself to teaching others [ref. Romans 12:7].
- All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right [2 Timothy 3:16 (ICB)].
- Use the Word of God to reprove (correct), rebuke (warn), exhort (patiently encourage and teach what should and should not be done) [2 Timothy 4:2].
- Warning: The time is coming {some say it has come} when people will not listen to the truth {they avoid teachers who correct or warn them}. Instead, they will follow teachers who teach only what they want to hear {feel-good, sugar-coated teaching} [ref. 2 Timothy 4:3].
Teaching – G1319 διδασκαλία didaskalia (diy-d̮a-ska-liy’-a) n. give instruction and/or training in what is believed to be true. || Teacher – G1320 διδάσκαλος didaskalos (d̮iy-d̮a’-ska-los) n. 1. a teacher, an instructor. 2. of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit.
4. Exhortation (counselor or encouraging others)
Advice:
- If you have the gift of exhortation (counselor or encouraging others), use your gift to comfort and exhort [ref. Romans 12:8].
- Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope [Romans 15:4 (NIRV)].
G3874 παράκλησις paraklesis (pa-ra’-klee-sis) n. giving urgent counsel, encouragement, or caution. A comfort.
5. Giving (sharing or to impart)
Advice:
- If you have the gift of giving to help others, give gladly and generously [ref. Romans 12:8].
- As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! 12 Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. 13 Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes [Romans 12:11-13 (ERV)].
- So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ [2 Corinthians 9:12-13 (NLT)].
- Jesus said, Give privately and do not make a show of it. If you make a show of it, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you [ref.Matthew 6:1-4 (GNT)].
G3330 μεταδίδωμι metadidomi (me-ta-diy’-d̮ō-miy) v. to give over, i.e. share. To share a thing with anyone.
6. Leading (rule)
Advice:
- Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it {with zeal} [ref. Romans 12:8].
- Bishops [aka overseer, supervisor, elder, church leader, or pastor {1 Timothy 3:1-7}] and Deacons [aka teacher, Christian steward, servants in the church, Church officers or helpers, or ministers {1 Timothy 3:8-13}] are advised to rule their houses {both mention children} well. “(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God? [1 Timothy 3:5(NKJV)]);
Ruleth – G4291 προΐστημι proistemi (pro-iy’-stee-miy) v. 1. to stand before. 2. (in rank) to preside. 3. to be a protector or guardian; to give aid. To rule.
7. Showing mercy or kindness
Advice:
- If you have the gift of showing mercy to others, you should do it cheerfully {with joy or gladness} [ref. Romans 12:8].
- God blesses {makes happy} those who are merciful {kind}, for they will be shown mercy [ref. Matthew 5:7].
- Showing mercy to the backslider: Jude 22 (from Geneva Notes) “Among those who wander and go astray, the godly have to use this choice, that they handle some of them gently”. Some people are not sure what they believe. Be kind to them by sharing in their troubles. 23 Pull them out of the fire and save them. There are other people to whom you must be kind, but be careful about it. But you must hate even the clothes that bad people have worn. Jude 1:22-23 (WE)
G1653 ἐλεέω eleeo (e-le-e’-ō) v. 1. to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering. 2. to have or show mercy or compassion (by word or deed).
8. Wisdom i.e. to speak with wisdom
Advice:
- Every word we speak was taught to us by God’s Spirit, not by human wisdom. And this same Spirit helps us teach spiritual things to spiritual people [1 Corinthians 2:13 (CEV); read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16].
- Our words are wise because they are from God, telling of God’s wise plan to bring us into the glories of heaven. This plan was hidden in former times, though it was made for our benefit before the world began [1 Corinthians 2:7 (TLB)].
- We preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one to God as a mature individual in union with Christ [Colossians 1:28 (NSB)].
G4678 σοφία sophia (so-fiy’-a) n. wisdom; the ability to speak clearly and powerfully.
9. Knowledge i.e. to speak with knowledge
Advice:
- Remember what you are taught. And listen carefully to words of knowledge [Proverbs 23:12 (ICB)].
- There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel [Proverbs 20:15 (NET)].
- Well then, my brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how am I going to bring you any benefit unless I speak to you either in a revelation or in a word of knowledge or in a prophecy or in teachin [1 Corinthians 14:6 (NTE)]?
G1108 γνῶσις gnosis (gnō’-sis) n. i.e. an exhaustive knowledge without error; not merely subject to or based on personal observation or perception; actual rational truth, not merely that which is based on or bound only by sight and experience; such knowledge comes from Yahweh.
10. Faith
This gift was a surprise as it is the same Greek word, G4102 πίστις pistis (piy’-stis), as the faith that “comes by hearing the preached Word of God” {ref. Romans 10:17}.
- Ellicott’s Commentary says “This cannot mean the faith which is necessary to salvation, for that belongs to all Christians;”.
- Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says, “Not the rudimentary principle which was the essential condition of all Christian life, but that higher realization of things Divine which enables a man to remove mountains (St Matthew 17:20; ch. 1 Corinthians 13:2).”
- Finally, Vincent’s Word Studies says, “Not saving faith in general, which is the common endowment of all Christians, but wonder-working faith.”
Advice:
- Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Go, fall into the sea.’ And if you have faith, it will happen” [Matthew 21:21 (NCV)]
- If you have faith when you pray for sick people, they will get well. The Lord will heal them, and if they have sinned, he will forgive them. [James 5:15 (CEV)]
G4102 πίστις pistis (piy’-stis) n. 1. a trust. 2. a firm persuasion, a confidence. 3. (especially) a reliance upon Jesus for salvation.
11. Healing
Advice:
- Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge. 9 Don’t take along gold, silver, or copper for your money-belts. [Matthew 10:8-9 (HCSB)]
G2386 ἴαμα iama (iy’-a-ma) n. 1. a cure (the effect). 2. The ability to restore health; a healing.
12. Miracles
Advice:
- God worked unusual miracles through Paul. 12 People would take handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul’s skin to those who were sick. Their sicknesses would be cured, and evil spirits would leave them. [Acts 19:11-12 (GWT)]
- [Note: This is amazing, Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth.] Jesus had been telling them, “A prophet is without honor only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own home.” 5 He couldn’t perform a miracle there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went around to the villages and continued teaching. [Mark 6:4-6 (ISV)]
G1411 δύναμις dunamis (d̮ï ’-na-mis) n. power for performing miracles. an event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event. https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/
13. Discernment (discerning of spirits)
Advice:
- Do not try to deceive God, Peter had the gift of discernment. In Acts 5:1-10 Ananias, who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property. They kept some of the money but gave the rest to the Apostles. “Peter said, “Why has Satan made you keep back some of the money from the sale of the property? Why have you lied to the Holy Spirit [Acts 5:3 (CEV)]?”” They both died instantly after lying about the money [read Acts 5:1-10].
- “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined [discerned] the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. Revelation 2:2-3 (NLT)
G1253 διάκρισις diakrisis (d̮iy-a’-kriy-sis) n. a distinguishing, discerning, judging. || Spirits – G4151 – spirits: an angel, demon. used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men.
14. Different kinds of tongues (languages)
Advice:
- The “tongues,” however, must be regarded as real languages. The “divers kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28 the “tongues of men,” 1 Corinthians 13:1 point to differences of some kind and it is easier to conceive of these as differences of language than as belonging to utterances all equally mild and inarticulate [Smith’s Bible Dictionary].
- I would like all of you to have the gift of speaking in different languages. But what I want more is for you to prophesy. Anyone who prophesies is more important than those who can only speak in different languages. However, if they can also interpret those languages, they are as important as the one who prophesies. If they can interpret, then the church can be helped by what they say. 1 Corinthians 14:5 (ETRV).
G1100 γλῶσσα glossa (glōs’-sa) n. a language not naturally acquired.
15. Interpret tongues
Advice:
- No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately [1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (NLT)].
- Speaking in tongues without an interpreter is vainly speaking in the air with no one understanding (1 Corinthians 14:9 Holman Bible Dictionary)].
G2058 ἑρμηνεία hermeneia (her-mee-nei’-a) n. interpretation; translation.
Spiritual Gifts: Conclusion
Together you are the body of Christ, and singly its parts. 28 In the church God has appointed:
- first apostles, secondly preachers, thirdly teachers
- then he has given the power to work miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, speaking in many different [unknown] languages ‘tongues.’
- 29 Can everyone be:
- an apostle?
- a preacher?
- or a teacher?
- and can everyone have:
- the power to work miracles?
- 30 the gift of healing?
- or can everyone:
- speak in many different [unknown] languages ‘tongues’?
- interpret them?
31 Strive for the better gifts. But now I will show you the best way of all. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (combined from many versions)
We must learn to love each other and work together in unity as the body of Christ, using the Spiritual gifts to build the kingdom of God. The Spiritual gifts are essential and of great value when used properly, BUT, the “better way” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:31 is in 1 Corinthians 13.
If we use our Spiritual gifts to speak or act, and do not say or do it with love, it is nothing. ♥ Bishop Tim.
Love, the magic four-letter word must be part of all we do for Christ, especially when using our Spiritual gifts from God. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺
Scriptures to read and study
1 Corinthians 4:6-13 (focus verse: 8); 1 Peter 4:7-11 (focus verse: 10); 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (focus verses: 27-31); Romans 12:3-8 (focus verses: 6-8); 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (focus verses: 4-6); Romans 1:8-15 (focus verses: 11-12); James 1:12-18 (focus verses: 16-18); Romans 6:15-23 (focus verses: 20-23); Ephesians 2:1-10 (focus verses: 8-9); Romans 11:1-36 (focus verses: 29 and 33-36); Ephesians 4:7-16 (focus verses: 7 and 11-13); 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 focus verses: 1-3 and 13); 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 (focus verses: 7 and 9)
Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:
Articles of interest:
I did not address the denominational controversy of the gifts operating in the early church vs. today, but I refer you to an excellent article: Are there Spiritual Gifts today or have they Ceased.
♥ Question for “Spiritual Gifts – Gifts from God”: Do you know what Spiritual gifts you have; are you using them in LOVE?
See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.
IN Jesus name…(+)..I accept and receive the passage of scripture in whichI have read….Thank you Bishop for this week’s. bible study passage…
Have a blessed weekend..to you and First Lady Ann…