The Giftings of the Holy Spirit

Exploring the Giftings of the Holy Spirit
This morning I want to talk about the giftings of the Holy Spirit. In our series, “The Only God,” we’ve spent four weeks exploring who Jesus is—the eternal God who became incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and is coming again. Then we turned our focus to the Holy Spirit. Remember when Jesus said,

“If I leave, I will send the Helper…” (John 14:16)

Today, every believer is baptized and indwelled by the Holy Spirit. We have the incredible advantage of living in liberation and freedom because there is no condemnation for those in Christ. This means that God’s work through us—the work He prepared for our lives—is enabled by the Spirit dwelling within us.

Spiritual Gifts: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
When you’re converted, the Holy Spirit bestows upon you one or more spiritual gifts. Some gifts may come naturally; others you might grow into over time. The purpose of these gifts is not for personal gain or for our own glorification. Instead, they are given so that we can build up the body of Christ. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the same Spirit for the common good.

Key Points:

• Supernatural Abilities: These are not skills we learn on our own but gifts from the Holy Spirit to empower us to serve one another.
• Diversity in Unity: There are many gifts (scholars list anywhere from 18 to 28), yet each one is essential. No single gift is more important than another, and every member has a unique role—much like puzzle pieces in a giant picture.
• Purpose: The gifts are meant to build up the church, advance God’s kingdom, and glorify Jesus Christ.

Deploying Your Gift in Community
One of the greatest challenges—and joys—is recognizing and using your gift. Whether you’re gifted in teaching, serving, prayer, evangelism, or even intercession, know that your gift is valuable.

“When I hear someone say, ‘I don’t go to church,’ I think, ‘Well, then you’re not deploying your gift.’”

I remember a youth retreat in Wisconsin where it was a bitter –35°F outside. The kids, determined and full of joy, trotted across knee-deep snow to an ice-covered lake for a cold plunge. Later, we put together a 1,000-piece puzzle—only to find one piece was missing. That missing piece reminded me that when believers do not use their gifts, the church is incomplete.

If you’re uncertain of what your gift might be, here are a few ideas:

1. Serve Actively: Join a ministry team or volunteer. Often, you discover your gift in the process.
2. Seek Feedback: Sometimes others notice strengths in you before you do.
3. Take Baby Steps: It might not happen overnight. Remember, I didn’t know I had the gift of preaching until I began stepping up in ministry.

The Delivery of Spiritual Gifts: Love and Humility
Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13 that even the most spectacular spiritual gift is worthless if not exercised in love. Whether it’s speaking in tongues or prophesying, if love isn’t at the heart of our ministry, the gift loses its power.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
—1 Corinthians 13:1

This means that as you use your gift, let God’s love and humility flow through you. The aim is to edify the body of Christ, not to draw attention to ourselves.

A Personal Journey with Spiritual Gifts
I want to share a personal story that illustrates the reality of these gifts. Back in 2007, while running the Chicago Marathon on a sweltering day, I experienced an unexpected prompting. Around mile 18, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, I noticed a man lying on the street with blood coming from his mouth. Something inside me stirred—prompting me to stop, kneel, and pray for him. I began praying in a tongue I didn’t fully understand, and those mysterious words poured out as I interceded for him.
Later, I learned that the man, Chad Scheiber, had died. I spoke with his church, and the pastor confirmed that Chad had been taken by angels to heaven. I was even invited to share that story at his funeral, where I witnessed the power of intercessory prayer firsthand. This experience deepened my appreciation for the gift of tongues—and for the importance of exercising all spiritual gifts in love, order, and humility.

Unity in Diversity: The Body of Christ
No one gift defines our spiritual maturity. Whether you have the gift of tongues, prophecy, or another ability, the Holy Spirit has uniquely equipped you to serve. We are all parts of one body, each with a role that only you can fill. As we work together in our local fellowship, let’s celebrate not only our individual gifts but also the gifts of others, recognizing that every contribution builds up the church.

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
—1 Corinthians 12:27

Final Thoughts and Communion
As we prepare for communion today across all our campuses, remember this:
Regardless of our differences in spiritual gifts, our unifying truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He died for our sins, rose again, and now lives through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s continue to pray, serve, and deploy our gifts in ways that honor Him. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning to discover your gifting, know that God has a unique plan for you. Embrace your role, encourage others, and together, let’s build a church that reflects the glory of God.

Closing Prayer
Father in heaven, we thank You for Your incredible work on the cross, Your resurrection, and the power of Your Holy Spirit. As we step forward into new seasons of ministry—whether through our upcoming Warrior Summit or our everyday acts of service—help us to use the gifts You have given us to build up Your church. May our lives be marked by love, humility, and unity. We praise You for every piece You have placed in this body, knowing that together, we reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.