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What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
Talking about spiritual gifts can be confusing and at times controversial. But what does the Bible teach?
1 Peter 4:10-12 says:
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…”
Here are three things we learn about spiritual gifts from this passage:
First, each believer is given a spiritual gift. We are to receive the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us with gratitude and without comparison because not everyone gets the same gift.
Second, spiritual gifts do not exist for us. They are given so that we can serve one another. Spiritual gifts are given to build up the body of Christ.
Lastly, spiritual gifts are ultimately to glorify God as we serve one another.
If spiritual gifts are being used in a way that magnifies the individual, creates spiritual second-class citizens, or leads to disunity then they are not operating the way God intended.
While there may be some things we wish we knew about spiritual gifts. These three biblical guidelines are clear:
They are to be received as a gift of God’s grace. They are given to us so that we might serve one another, and God is the one who is to get the glory—not us.
Two great resources to help you discover your spiritual gifts and life purpose are S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life by Erik Rees and The 210 Project.
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