Spiritual Gifts: Introduction and the Foundation of the Kingdom
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Pentecost: The Heavenly Wind Unlocking the Door of Gifts
This event was not just an ancient story, but the beginning of a spiritual revolution that changed the church forever. The sound of a mighty wind filled the room, tongues of fire rested upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4). The church was born by the breath of God, not by human strategies, and the gifts began to operate as signs that the Kingdom of God had arrived among people.
The question is: do these gifts still work today for every believer?
Spiritual Barriers: Fear, Misuse, and Lack of Knowledge
Although many confess faith in the Holy Spirit, few truly understand His gifts:
Fear of misuse leads to neglecting the gifts. Some see the danger of abuse and therefore avoid spiritual gifts altogether, losing their blessing and power.
Using gifts for self-exaltation brings division. Some use gifts to gain fame or authority, losing sight of God’s purpose.
Viewing gifts as only historical weakens present faith. Some think gifts are only for the past, and stop expecting God to work today.
Paul emphasizes the importance of right knowledge about gifts. He warns clearly: “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Without this knowledge, the church loses its strength to build up believers and witness to the world, and ultimately misses its effective place in the mission of Christ.
Different Perspectives: From Rejecting to Embracing the Gifts
On its journey, the church has witnessed three main views regarding spiritual gifts:
Gifts ceased after the apostolic age. This view claims that gifts were needed only in the early church to confirm the gospel (Mark 16:20), but after the completion of Scripture, they are no longer necessary. However, this view lacks direct biblical support and reduces expectation of the Spirit’s work today.
Gifts are the same as natural talents. This view equates natural-born abilities with spiritual gifts (James 1:17), seeing both as God-given. While natural talents are gifts from God, spiritual gifts are unique works of the Spirit for Kingdom service (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
Gifts fully continue today. This view teaches that the Spirit still distributes gifts to all believers (1 Corinthians 12:11) for building the church and spreading the gospel (Acts 1:8). This aligns with prophecy and the fulfillment of God’s promises (Joel 2:28–29), and it draws the church into Christ’s mission until He returns.
Therefore, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Gifts are not natural talents, but the gracious gifts of God, given according to His will for advancing His Kingdom on earth.
Gifts as Signs of the Spreading Kingdom
Gifts are signs of 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 confirm the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth. They break the power of darkness (1 John 3:8) and shine the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:6) in a world in need of salvation.
Everyone is included in God’s mission. 1 Corinthians 12:7 confirms that every believer has received a share of grace for the good of all, directly involving each one in God’s work to save and restore the world. In the light of prophecy (Joel 2:28) and its fulfillment in Christ (Acts 1:8), gifts enable everyone to participate in spreading God’s Kingdom on earth.
Gifts unite believers within the Body of Christ. As prophesied regarding the unity of God’s people (Zechariah 8:23) and fulfilled in the church (Acts 2:44–47), gifts unite believers from every nation, accomplishing Christ’s purpose to “equip the saints” (Ephesians 4:11–13) and make one body under Christ the Head (1 Corinthians 12:12–14).
Love is the foundation for using gifts. As promised in the New Covenant—God’s law written on new hearts (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:26–27) and fully displayed in Jesus’ life and service (John 13:34–35)—love rules over every gift. 1 Corinthians 13:1–2 teaches that without love, even the greatest spiritual gifts are empty. The purpose of gifts is to reveal God’s grace to all (1 Peter 4:10), and to give us a foretaste of what God will accomplish in the new world (Revelation 21:1–4).
Living Out Your Gifts with Faithfulness and Purpose
Start with daily grounding. Make a habit of turning to 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 each day, letting its wisdom shape your vision, just as we return to our roots to find our purpose.
Reflect on your design. Take time to reflect on the difference between what you were born with and what God has placed in you by His Spirit—remembering that gifts, talents, and the fruit of the Spirit each have their own song to sing in the choir of your life.
Pray with courage and humility. Pray with humility and boldness: “Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see, my hands to serve, and my heart to cherish the gifts You have given me, so I might help build up the body of Christ with hope and love.”
Link arms in unity. Join hands with others—knowing that no one builds alone. Together, lift each other, strengthen the church, and let your unity shine as a light in the darkness.
Reflection Questions for Spiritual Growth
In what ways are spiritual gifts different from the talents or skills you were born with? How can you tell if something you do well is a natural ability or a gift given by the Holy Spirit?
What makes the fruit of the Spirit unique compared to spiritual gifts? How does recognizing the difference shape how we grow and serve as believers?
Why do you think God gives a variety of spiritual gifts to His people? What does this diversity of gifts show us about God’s plan for the church and our need for each other?
Blessing for Mission: Courage and Love in Service
May the Lord open the eyes of your heart and give you the strength to see with hope and faith. May He grant you courage to live without fear, using the gifts He placed within you with true, selfless love. May He guide you as a faithful witness, stand with you in every step of your faith journey, so that every act, every word, and every breath bears witness to the glory of His name.
Fellowship and Feedback
This journey is richer when traveled together. How have you discovered or grown in your spiritual gifts? Share a story of how your gifts have impacted your life or the lives of others, or ask a question that can spark further reflection and growth in our fellowship. Your voice matters here—let’s encourage one another, learn together, and build up the body of Christ in love.
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