There is a mandate upon the Body of Christ to minister life through spiritual gifts. Every member has a function within the body, and there are different gifts of the Spirit. Similarly, there are also different graces given to function in these gifts.
Spiritual Gifts in the Church
As part of the Body of Christ, we are many members with different functions. Romans 12:3-8 speaks about the gift potential that we each have – a measure of faith which is given to us (the grace or anointing to operate in spiritual gifts).
This measure of faith which is given is for the benefit of His Church and the extension of His kingdom. However, our faith development takes time. It is a progressive journey as we step out in the expression and operation of the gifts of the Spirit.
While we all have the opportunity of receiving spiritual gifts, there are also character qualifications. In Romans 12:10-12, Paul notes the importance of practising love in action and honouring others above ourselves. Our character, our lives, and our spiritual gift expressions should show evidence of humility, patience, perseverance, and prayer.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 we read about nine distinct spiritual gifts. This is a passage in the Bible which gives us a specific grouping of gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 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. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
- Word of Wisdom – Supernatural Counsel
- Word of Knowledge – Supernaturally knowing that which cannot otherwise be known
- Faith – The conviction to believe that a thing is as God says
- Gifts of Healings – The manifestation of different supernatural healings
- Working of Miracles – The instantaneous demonstration of the miraculous
- Prophecy – Making known the mind, will and intention of God
- Discerning of Spirits – Supernatural determination of a person’s inner state and / or specific revelation of demonic activity
- Tongues – Speaking in spiritual languages
- Interpretation of Tongues – Supernatural interpretation of spiritual languages
Being Spiritual
We are all called to be spiritual men and women. But what does it mean to be spiritual? The Greek word for spiritual is Pneumatikos which means ‘non-carnal’, ‘supernatural’; not that which is humanly natural.
Therefore, to be ‘spiritual’ is to be in a state of the Spirit. Being spiritual is an awareness which lifts one out of that which is humanly obtainable into that which is only supernaturally obtainable.
When the mind is no longer governed by the five senses but is released from their control and governed by the person of the Holy Spirit then that person is in a state of being ‘spiritual’. However, there are degrees to this. The objective of God is that this be not a rare and fleeting occurrence in our lives but rather a constant state of being.
You may have heard the phrase ‘naturally spiritual’. This is what we are called to be – naturally living in a state of being spiritual. And we all express this differently.
Galatians 5:25 exhorts us: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit”. Living a spiritual life is a daily thing that we choose to do.
With all spiritual gifts there is a need for integrity, sensitivity, and proper relationships within the Body of Christ for accountability. We have all been given a measure of faith, and we each have a gift function within the church. Our gifts are unique; therefore, we will have a different expression to those around us.
It is important to note that the spiritual gifts being expressed in our lives at various times can (and do) change. While there are different gifts, they are given by the same Spirit. Therefore, regardless of the diversity of our spiritual gifts, they should always point people towards God.
Listen to a podcast from Steve McCracken on desiring and stirring up spiritual gifts.
