There are different lists of “spiritual gifts” in the New Testament. 

1 Corinthians 12:7 says: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Each Christian has at least one gift. These are given to God’s people to benefit “the common good.” 

But hold on a minute. What is a spiritual gift, anyway?

Bruce Bugbee provides this definition. Spiritual gifts “are endowments or special gifts given by God that enable us to make our unique contribution. They are not natural talents, but divine abilities that enable us to do ministry.”*

Here’s today’s focus.

God doesn’t just give spiritual gifts to official religious people who have official leadership roles. When we think of gifts like teaching, serving, evangelism, and even shepherding, we can quickly conclude that, ‘Well, those aren’t my gifts because I’m not the formally designated person at the front.’

This might come as a surprise but there are a lot of teachers, servants, evangelists and shepherds out there who aren’t the “official religious person” of their church, organization or neighbourhood, but are nevertheless gifted in those areas.

-A teacher has the God-given ability to clearly explain biblical truth in a helpful way.
-A servant has the God-given ability to help others in practical ways.
-An evangelist has the God-given ability to speak about their hope in Jesus to people who don’t know him yet.
-A shepherd has the God-given ability to spiritually care for a group of Christians over a long period of time.

Might one of those be you?

As far as I know, there’s no definitive list of spiritual gifts, but there are at least 19. If you are a genuine follower of Jesus, God has given you at least one of them. 

It is given to you to benefit “the common good.” How amazing! God looked upon his people, and in his wisdom gave you a special ability to powerfully bless others.

Oh, and if you think you’re not strong enough for God to use, you’ll be happy to hear that strength isn’t a qualification. As Tim Day writes: “God consistently works through people of obvious weakness.”**

It was true for Moses, David and Paul. And it’s true for you.

If you haven’t already, give some thought to discerning your gift, and bless others powerfully for the common good.

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Notes:

–“Spiritual Gifts 102: How do I know what gift(s) I have?” Sermon. January 21, 2024. Click here.

–*As quoted in: Jon Thompson, Convergence (Sanctus Church, 2018), 76.

–**Tim Day, God Enters Stage Left (Oakville: The Meeting House, 2013), 114.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.