~~Watch the Video~~
Scriptures:
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
- Acts 4:29-31
- Romans 12:6-8
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-12
- Acts 28:8-10
- Acts 11:28
Introduction
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul says that gifts should be used So that God will be praised (through Jesus Christ)
Why Gifts Are Given:
- To edify God
- achieve God’s plan
Not to impress others
- Not to benefit the gifted person or their loved ones
- Not to prove to other people that you are really a Christian
The measure of how well you’re using your gift is by how you serve God’s purposes for your life not by how miraculous they are
Gifts are not a sign that the person is spiritually mature or close to God
In this lesson we will demystify the spiritual gifts by
- Categorizing the gifts
- Giving language to the supernatural working up the gifts
- Getting an understanding of how the gifts work
Outline:
- Introduction
- Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
- Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
- Motivational Gifts
- Manifestation Gifts
- Ministries
- Counterfeit Gifts
- Conclusion: The Joy of the Holy Spirit
Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
The two greatest days in your life are:
- the day you were born
- the day you figure out why you were born
– – Mark twain
Purpose is the fundamental reason that something exists
The Bible tells us that everything was created by God, the Designer, for a reason
If you want to find your purpose… You have to start with God
Your calling is the purpose that God created you for
- It's the end goal of your assignment on earth
- It is how you serve his purposes in the world
A Christian’s Callings
Christians have
- General callings
- A Unique calling
General Christian Callings
All Christians are called to:
- To Love God
- Love your neighbor
- Make disciples
Unique Calling
Additionally, you were given unique
- Gifts, talents
- Personality
- Desires and preferences
- Life experiences
to serve others, and to glorify God
In this series we will discover:
- What a purpose is and why it matters
- What are your unique attributes as it relates to your calling
- What life experiences have prepared you for your destiny
- What is your unique purpose
- How to overcome the barriers preventing you from pursuing your purpose
Over the next year, I will walk alongside you and help guide you to finding your purpose
Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
Skills talents and gifts
3 qualities that make you unique
- Natural ability
- Acquired skills
- Spiritual gifts
Natural Ability
Every person was born with a set of unique abilities
- Sing well
- Run fast
- Smart
- Pattern recognition
- The ability to see logical connections in data or behavior
- Processing speed
Natural talents are abilities or physical attributes you have possessed for as long as you can remember.
Acquired Skills
Acquired skills are the result of intentional effort, education, and repetition.
Examples
- Speaking a second language
- Carpentry
- Computer programming
- Time management
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are special enablements given by the Holy Spirit
Examples
- Prophecy
- discernment of spirits
- Speaking in tongues
God can give you skills and gifts when you need them based on your current assignment
Key Takeaways
- Your gifts and talents are owned by God… Not you
- Success is Measured by Faithfulness, Not Impact
- The Only Real Failure is not trying
Gifts, Ministries, Effects
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
- Gifts
- Ministries
- Effects
Gifts
What it is: The raw spiritual "tool" or talent (e.g., the gift of teaching, prophecy, or healing).
The Difference: This is the internal enablement from the Holy Spirit
Ministries / Functions
The specific office,role or sphere of service where you use your gift.
You might have the gift of teaching, but that gift can be expressed in many different ways.
Example: Gift of teaching
- Pastor
- Bible study teacher
- Social media posting
- Jail ministry
- Leading the new members class
- Writing Bible commentaries
- Classroom
Effects
The supernatural impact or outcome of the gift being used.
The Difference: You might teach a lesson, but only God can make that lesson "click" in someone's heart to change their life (the effect)
You can feel the anointing
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx3Saw5UvOBcn4PWGIv76zg65SRmSWElwh?si=WnSOFEv0MymceX0j
- Two people can both have great voices but one makes you “feel the Spirit”
- You feel closer to the Holy Spirit when you listen to them
Manifestations vs. Permanent Gifts
Manifestations
The Holy Spirit can manifest any gift through any believer at a specific moment to meet a specific need.
Referred to as:
- "manifestation of the Spirit"
- “Spirit coming upon you”
- “ Being filled with the Holy Spirit”
Acts 4:29-31
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
story: Holy Spirit Came upon Her
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxwbYdz3RsVOI9pYGqg9MaQftAFtq_8TiJ?si=w8LhCeK5clCv608V
Permanent Gifts
“Having the gift" typically implies a consistent, recurring enablement given by the Spirit for regular service.
What people call "having the gift" is a consistent history of God choosing to work through them, rather than an on-demand supernatural talent.
Annointing
Anointing is done when you get a new role, assignment or duty. It is a one time event. In the Old Testament, priests, kings, judges and prophets were anointed prior to taking office.
Being filled by the Holy Spirit can happen whenever God wants or needs it to happen or it can be ushered in by us. In the bible things that happened when people were filled with the Holy Spirit include: speaking in tongues, having boldness in evangelism, prophesying, or being filled with joy, thankfulness or submission, or giving musical praise. This can happen many times within a Christian’s life.
3 Lists of Gifts
Today we are going to look at three different places where the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed
- Motivational gifts
- Manifestation gifts
- Ministries/function/offices
Motivational Gifts
Gifts of the Father
These are often called "redemptive" or "motivational" gifts. They are viewed as part of your basic temperament or "spiritual DNA" given by God the Father. They describe what motivates you to serve.
Romans 12:6-8
6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
The List:
- Prophecy
- Serving
- Teaching
- Exhortation (encouragement)
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
Nature:
These are usually permanent. If you have the "gift of mercy," you have it for a season or for your entire life. It colors how you see every situation.
- These are not momentary gifts that you will only manifest once
- You can generally choose to exercise them whenever an opportunity arises.
Prophecy
We will discuss in the next list
Serving
This is the gift of practical help. The word is the root for "deacon."
People with this gift have a supernatural "eye" for what needs to be done—whether it’s setting up chairs, preparing a meal, or managing logistics—and they find deep joy in doing it.
Example: Non-Christian who likes to serve
- Christmas party
- Volunteer for hospice
Teaching
The gift of teaching is the divinely empowered ability to explain the truths of the Bible in a way that makes them clear, understandable, and applicable to others.
While anyone can share a fact, someone with the spiritual gift of teaching (mentioned in Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28, and Ephesians 4:11) has a unique knack for taking complex spiritual concepts and making them "click" for the listener.
What Makes it a "Gift"?
Unlike a natural talent for public speaking or a high IQ, the spiritual gift of teaching is characterized by:
- A Hunger for Truth: A deep, internal drive to study, research, and get the details right.
- Clarity over Complexity: The ability to simplify. As the saying goes, "A smart person makes simple things sound deep; a gifted teacher makes deep things sound simple."
- Life Transformation: The goal isn't just to transfer information (head knowledge) but to produce change in the listener (heart knowledge).
Exhortation
The gift of exhortation is often called the "gift of encouragement."
The Spirit of God gives this gift to people in the church to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others as well as challenge and rebuke them in order to foster spiritual growth and action.
Giving
The person gives without "strings attached" or a desire for recognition.
Key Characteristics of the Gift
People with this gift often display specific traits that go beyond standard tithing:
• Resourcefulness: They are often very good at managing or creating wealth, but they view that wealth as a tool rather than a personal prize.
• Insight into Need: They have a "radar" for spotting genuine needs that others might overlook.
• Lack of Hesitation: They don't experience the "pain of paying." They find more joy in the release of the gift than in the security of the savings.
• Anonymity: They usually prefer to give in secret to ensure the focus remains on God, not their own philanthropy.
Example: The Macedonian Church
2 Corinthians 8:1-4
1 Now, brothers and sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,
Leadership
- Visionary Clarity: They have a supernatural ability to see where the church needs to go and the steps required to get there.
- Organizational Instinct: They can look at a chaotic situation and instinctively see how to arrange people and resources to create order.
- Motivational Influence: They don't just "give orders"; they inspire others to join a cause. They make people want to contribute to the mission.
Mercy
Heightened Empathy: This is the supernatural ability to feel empathy and provide practical aid to those who are suffering (the sick, the poor, the grieving). They can sense emotional distress in a room before a word is even spoken.
Manifestation Gifts
Gifts of the Spirit
These are the highly debated gifts.
Some argue that these are often viewed as spontaneous "bursts" of power given by the Spirit for a specific moment.
- Manifestation vs permanent gift
1 Corinthians 12:7-12
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning of Spirits
- Tongues
- Interpreting tongues
Not all Christians “have these” gifts
- the Spirit distributes them "as He wills" (v. 11)
- The spirit can manifest any of these gifts on any Christians at any given time
The Gift of Wisdom
AKA the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.”
It is the ability to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs as it relates to the living of life.
- Reformed say it’s the ability to apply Biblical wisdom
A "solution" to a problem.
- It reveals the "how" or the "next step."
How it manifests
It often appears as a "godly common sense" that cuts through confusion to provide a peaceful, righteous way forward. It’s not just being "smart".
Examples:
- Getting a solution in your dream?
- “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22)
- In Acts 15, the early church was in a heated debate over whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish laws. James spoke with a "word of wisdom" that provided a practical compromise, bringing peace to the entire group.
The Word of Knowledge
The unique ability to receive knowledge which could only be revealed supernaturally
Examples
- Knowing someone’s issue when praying for them
- Supernaturally knowing of someone’s physical ailment and asking to pray for them
- “ someone here has an issue with her back“
- Jesus telling a woman at the well how many husband she had
Faith
The "gift of faith" is distinct from the "saving faith" that every Christian possesses.
Having a supernatural peace or assurance about some situation
- Supernatural certainty
- Unshakable faith during persecution or suffering
The gift of faith is the unique ability to trust God against all circumstances.
- It can be tied to a specific area (e.g. finances)
Example:
- me in college tithing all I had
Bible examples
- Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:28–31)
- Commanding healing with confidence (Acts 3:1–16)
Some theologian say the gift of faith is the assurance you get that gives you confidence to go and give someone a word knowledge or pray for someone who needs healing when they didn’t ask
Healing
The ability to initiate supernatural intervention of God that cures a physical ailment, disease, or injury without the aid of natural medical means.
- Not the receiving of healing
Examples
Acts 28:8-10
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.
—------
Biblical causes of sickness
- Consequence Sin (including Adam’s)
- To give God glory
- Demonic attack
5 Means of Healing
- Forgiving Sins
- Casting out Demons
- Praying
- Laying on of hands
- Commanding
Working of Miracles
Literally dynameis, or "acts of power." This describes when the Holy Spirit chooses to "over-ride" the laws of nature, working in or through an available person.
Examples:
- Water to wine
- Restoring limbs
- Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:14-21)
- Raising someone from the dead (Matthew 9:23-25)
Prophecy
The telling-forth of God's message in a particular situation.
- Sometimes this has the character of foretelling the future.
- You are delivering a message from God to a group or individual
Examples
- “ take the job at HP“
Acts 11:28
One of them, named Agabus, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there would definitely be a severe famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius.
Instructor: Michael Leadon
References
Previous Unchained Disciples lessons
- Spiritual Gifts
- Does Everyone Have Spiritual Gifts?
- The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
- Being Filled With the Holy Spirit
- Spiritual Gifts - Review
Do what you do
Darius Daniels
Win from within | “purpose” Wednesday night Bible study
Darius Daniels TV
Extra
Three types of prophecy
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSbd51Ij9Ol/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Creativity.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8y3aR3q/
Your talent is what makes you feel like you have art in your bones
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8feKNoY/
God told you to plant a seed, not a tree
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8f5LLKX/
Natural ability
1. Cognitive & Intellectual Aptitudes
These are the "brain-based" advantages that dictate how quickly someone processes information.
• Pattern Recognition: The ability to see logical connections in data or behavior. People high in this often excel in mathematics, coding, or detective work.
• Spatial Visualization: The "mental 3D" ability. This is the natural gift for imagining how objects fit together in space, giving an edge to architects, surgeons, and engineers.
• Rapid Processing Speed: Some people are born with a higher "clock speed," allowing them to react to stimuli and make decisions faster than the average person.
2. Physical & Sensory Advantages
These are biological "head starts" that can't be taught.
• Proprioception & Kinesthetic Intelligence: An innate sense of where your body is in space. This is the "natural athlete" or "natural dancer" trait—an effortless grace and coordination.
• Height & Bone Density: While it seems simple, being born with a specific frame provides a massive advantage in specific domains (e.g., basketball or heavy labor).
• Perfect Pitch: A rare neurological trait where a person can identify or recreate a musical note without a reference tone.
3. Temperamental & Personality Traits
Modern psychology suggests that a significant portion of our temperament is hereditary.
• High "Stress Ceiling": Some individuals are born with a less reactive amygdala, meaning they stay calm in high-pressure situations. This is a massive advantage in leadership or emergency services.
• Natural Charisma/Extraversion: A biological predisposition toward social energy. People high in this find networking and public speaking less taxing on their nervous system.
• Trait Conscientiousness: The innate drive to be organized and goal-oriented. Studies show this is one of the highest predictors of long-term career success.
Speaking versus serving gifts
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
========
The Two Broad Categories
In the very next verse (v. 11), Peter simplifies these "various forms" into two main buckets to help us identify how we are serving:
* Speaking Gifts: "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God."
* Serving Gifts: "If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides."
——
Here is how those two categories break down according to 1 Peter 4:11:
1. The Speaking Gifts ("The Oracles of God")
If your "form" of grace falls here, your primary way of serving is through communication. Peter says you should speak as if you are delivering the very words of God.
* The Goal: To provide clarity, truth, and direction.
* Examples: Teaching, prophecy, exhortation (encouragement), wisdom, and knowledge.
* The Danger: Speaking out of your own opinion or ego rather than seeking God’s heart for the person listening.
2. The Serving Gifts ("The Strength God Provides")
If your "form" of grace falls here, your primary way of serving is through action and support. Peter says you should do this with the strength God provides so that you don't burn out.
* The Goal: To provide tangible help, comfort, and stability.
* Examples: Administration, acts of mercy, giving, hospitality, and physical help/service.
* The Danger: Trying to do everything in your own power, leading to resentment or exhaustion.
How to Identify Your "Color"
Think about what happens when you see a need in your community or church:
| If your first instinct is to... | You likely have a... |
|---|---|
| Explain the situation or offer a word of comfort/truth. | Speaking Gift |
| Fix the problem or physically assist the person involved. | Serving Gift |
The Purpose: "So that God may be glorified"
Peter ends the passage by saying the reason we use these various forms of grace is so that in everything God gets the credit. When a "Speaker" speaks truth or a "Server" provides a meal, the person receiving it shouldn't just think "Wow, you're great"; they should feel like they just had an encounter with God's "multi-colored" grace.
Since Peter mentions hospitality right before this (v. 9), would you like to see how "Hospitality" fits into these gifts? It’s a unique one that actually uses both speaking and serving!
