Spiritual Gifts: Introduction and the Foundation of the Kingdom

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Aug 14
3 min read

A white dove takes flight from an outstretched hand against a clouded sky, evoking a sense of freedom and peace. Black and white tones.

Pentecost: The Wind of Heaven Opening the Door to Gifts

This was not just an ancient story but the beginning of a spiritual revolution that forever changed the history of the Church. The sound of a mighty wind filled the room, tongues of fire rested on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4). The Church was born by the breath of God, not human strategy, and the gifts began to operate as a sign that the Kingdom of God had come among men.

The question is: do these gifts still operate in every believer today?

Spiritual Barriers: Fear, Misuse, and Lack of Knowledge

Though many profess to believe in the Holy Spirit, few understand His gifts:

Fear of deception leads to neglect of gifts. Some avoid using gifts altogether, fearing spiritual error, missing the blessing and power.
Misuse for self-glory causes division. Some use gifts for fame or control, losing God’s purpose.
Seeing them as history weakens present faith. Some think gifts belong only to the past, failing to expect God to act today.

Paul stresses the need for proper knowledge: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Without this, the Church loses its power to build believers and witness to the world.

Different Perspectives: From Rejection to Embracing the Gifts

The Church has faced three main views:

Gifts ceased after the apostles. Claimed to be needed only to confirm the gospel in the early Church (Mark 16:20), then no longer necessary after Scripture was complete. This view lacks direct biblical support and lowers expectation of the Spirit’s work today.
Gifts equal natural talents. Confuses God-given natural abilities (James 1:17) with spiritual gifts, missing their unique role in Kingdom service (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
Gifts continue today. Believes the Spirit still distributes gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11) to build the Church and spread the gospel (Acts 1:8), fulfilling God’s promises (Joel 2:28–29).

Thus, “all these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Gifts are grace-given tools for advancing God’s Kingdom.

Gifts as Signs of the Expanding Kingdom

Gifts signal the arrival of God’s reign. From Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 61:1–3; Joel 2:28–29) to fulfillment in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:18–21) and the early Church (Acts 2:16–18), gifts show the Kingdom’s presence, breaking darkness (1 John 3:8) and shining gospel light (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Every believer is part of God’s mission. 1 Corinthians 12:7 affirms each believer’s role in God’s redemptive work. In the light of prophecy (Joel 2:28) and its fulfillment in Christ (Acts 1:8), gifts empower participation in spreading the Kingdom.
Gifts unite believers in Christ’s body. As foretold (Zechariah 8:23) and fulfilled in the Church (Acts 2:44–47), gifts bind believers of all nations, fulfilling Christ’s purpose (Ephesians 4:11–13).
Love is the foundation. In the New Covenant promise of the law written on new hearts (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:26–27) and Jesus’ teaching (John 13:34–35), love reigns supreme. Without love, gifts are empty (1 Corinthians 13:1–2).

Living Faithfully with God’s Purpose in the Gifts

Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 daily.
Distinguish between gifts, talents, and the fruit of the Spirit.
Pray: “Holy Spirit, teach me to recognize and use the gifts You have given me to build the body of Christ.”
Partner with others to strengthen the Church.

Questions for Spiritual Growth

What is the difference between a gift and a natural talent?
Why is it important to distinguish gifts from the fruit of the Spirit?
Why does God distribute different gifts?

Sending Blessing: Courage and Love in Service

May the Lord open the eyes of your heart, giving you the vision of hope and faith. May He grant you courage to live without fear, using your gifts with true, selfless love. May He guide you as a faithful witness, standing by you in every step, so that every action, word, and breath bears witness to His glory.