Some Christians believe they have not been given spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:7 reminds us of the opposite, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

The apostle Paul begins the discussion by highlighting the most important gift of faith that God gives: “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit has blessed every Christian with faith as well as with spiritual gifts!

The purpose

The purpose of spiritual gifts is not for personal glory or fulfillment but to serve others.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.

List at least four points Paul is trying to make by comparing the church to a body.

Having read a portion of what God has to say about spiritual gifts, discuss the following statements, paying special attention to the italicized portion.

• I’m an important part of the body.
• I’m an important part of the body.
• I’m an important part of the body.

My spiritual gifts

How do you know what your spiritual gifts are? There are a number of things that you can do to find out:

• Study the Word and pray for understanding when it comes to your gifts.
• Take a spiritual gifts analysis such as this one from WELS Discipleship: “Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool.”
• Consider what you enjoy doing. Often what you enjoy coincides with your gifts.
• Experiment with different areas of service. Remember that Paul tells us to “eagerly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31), meaning some gifts can be gained and learned.
• Ask other people for input and seek their honest evaluation.

Below are a number of spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. Consider the list and make note of your gifts. Then think of opportunities to use your gifts and volunteer them for the good of the body!

• Serving (working in supportive roles)
• Teaching (explaining truths of God’s Word in an understandable way)
• Encouraging
• Contributing (sharing what you have with extra generosity)
• Leading
• Showing mercy
• Knowledge
• Wisdom (ability to understand and apply God’s truth)
• Faith (full confidence in God’s ability to work great things)
• Administration (organizing, delegating, motivating to get things done)
• Evangelism

Author: David Scharf
Volume 109, Number 11
Issue: November 2022

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David Scharf

David Scharf served as a parish pastor at lmmanuel in Greenville, Wisconsin, from 2005-2016. He now serves as a Professor of Theology at Martin Luther College as well as the chairman for the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling. A graduate of Luther Prep (1996), Martin Luther College (2000), and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (2005), Dave and his wife, Beth (nee Koelpin), have six children.

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