As Christians, it is so important to know what the Bible says about the HOLY SPIRIT and His SPIRITUAL GIFTS. It is particularly important to know the difference of spiritual gifts vs. natural gifts.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding what spiritual gifts are, what they look like, and which ones still exist today. Some denominations acknowledge that the Holy Spirit exists, but do not live in the Power of the Spirit. These groups say that the Holy Spirit exists, but there is no teaching on how to LIVE in the Spirit. Some even take this further to say very adamantly that a whole bunch of gifts that are specifically listed in the Bible don’t actually exist today.
There are different gifts, but all are from the same Spirit - God’s Holy Spirit. Everyone is given a gift specific to them and the anointing/calling God has on their life.
Spiritual gifts can be used to serve those outside the church, but the primary function of spiritual gifts is to build up the church universal.
Gifts specifically listed in this passage:
Words of Knowledge/Special knowledge that there is NO earthly way to know
Strong Faith
Healing
Miracles
Prophecy
Discernment of Spirits
Unknown Languages/Tongues
Interpretation of unknown languages/tongues
ALL these gifts are some level of supernatural.
Everyone in the world has gifts and abilities. These are called natural gifts. Then there are gifts given specifically by God through the Holy Spirit. These are called spiritual gifts. The difference between the two is important.
Some Christians mix up natural gifts with spiritual gifts.
Natural gifts: talents and abilities one was born with. They are part of one’s personality, inherent abilities, and part of who God made one to be period. One would have those abilities whether one was saved or not. These gifts are still from God because He created us, but these gifts are natural. You will use them whether you are saved or not. When you are born again your natural gifts are redeemed and can be used in the service of Christ. These are not the same as the spiritual gifts that you are given when you are born again.
The SPIRITUAL gift(s) you are given can include the fact that your natural gifts have been redeemed and are now amplified to further the gospel instead of your own selfish interest. This is great, but this isn’t really the Spiritual gifts referred to in this passage.
Spiritual gifts: Gifts given by the Holy Spirit once you are saved. This can be the amplification of your natural gifts, but overall these are supernatural gifts. The Holy Spirit is God dwelling in us, which means we have the same power and authority on earth as God does.
The gifts specifically listed in this passage are all SUPERNATURAL and are accessible to us as Christians through the Holy Spirit.
TAKEAWAY: There are many gifts. Just because you don’t have one or don’t understand one doesn’t mean it’s not from God. Seek God, and ask him to give you discernment and wisdom to know what id from Him, and use the gifts he’s given you.
If you would prefer to WATCH rather than listen, click here to watch this training on Youtube.
