“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.”- 1 Corinthians 12:1 (NKJV)
Have you ever bought a device with multiple functions, only to realise it could do far more than you initially thought? For example, the primary purpose of a cell phone is to make calls and send text messages. However, phones have evolved significantly, allowing users to scan and sign documents.
Similarly, the life of a believer in Christ is transformed with the advent of the Holy Spirit. Just as we sometimes have limited knowledge of how our devices function, many believers do not fully understand the impact of having God’s Spirit dwelling within them. In Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:4-5, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to perform signs and wonders, spreading the gospel with great effectiveness.
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Spirit of God to every believer. In Ephesians 1:13, Paul states that when we hear the word of truth—the gospel—we receive the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, he identifies various spiritual gifts and emphasizes that the same Spirit enables all of them. This means that only those who have received the gospel and the seal of the Spirit can genuinely manifest these gifts. An example of this distinction is seen in Acts 16:16-18, where a girl exhibits the gift of exhortation but not by the Holy Spirit.
The gifts of God have been given to us for a purpose—but how can we use them if we do not even know what they are? In Romans 12:6-8, Paul highlights various gifts, including teaching, prophecy, exhortation, healing, and giving, among others. In 1 Corinthians 1:4, he describes spiritual gifts as graces bestowed upon us because Jesus has identified us as His own.
As believers, knowing what we possess in the Spirit should evoke joy, a sense of responsibility, and hope. First, we rejoice, recognizing that God has not left us without a witness—we carry power that can be used to meet every need. Second, we embrace responsibility. Just as the apostles did, we must use these gifts to advance God’s kingdom and help other believers live up to their divine calling. Lastly, we live with an eager expectation of the Lord’s return, knowing that we carry the very agent of resurrection.
Dear believer, now that you know what you possess, respond accordingly. Let the power of God find expression in and through you. Be open and willing to yield to the Spirit of God.
Say this: The gifts of God find expression in my life.
Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 14-16; Acts 17:10-34