THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

In the Intro to this series on the spiritual gifts of Romans 12, we came to see that every believer is called by God and given certain spiritual gifts – grace endowments - to fulfill that calling. No one was left out!

Just prior to listing those “charismas”, Paul reminds us of an important principle: Just as we have one body with many parts, those parts don’t all have the same function but are all equally important for proper functioning.  Each part serves a specific purpose, and belongs to all the others. 

So, too, all of us who call ourselves Christians! Not only do we belong WITH each other, we are arranged FOR each other so that the whole body operates in perfect harmony.

PURPOSE

What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? 

Paul gives us a glimpse into this right out of the gate. He’s only a few lines into the letter to the Roman church when he says:

“For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you, that we may be mutually strengthened, encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith.” – Romans 1:11, 12 (Amplified)

Have you ever yearned for something? Then you know what Paul was feeling when he wrote this, and how important it was to him! Spiritual gifts help strengthen and encourage ourselves and other believers. If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know that being a Christian is a wonderful, miraculous walk with Jesus that is also often filled with difficult, challenging times. Like cool drinks of water on a long, hot hike, God will place people in our lives to do or say something to refresh and sustain us just when we need it. And He uses us to be that cool refreshment for someone else.

The New Testament has many other scriptures detailing the purpose of spiritual gifts. Some are:

To bring praise to God: “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God might be praised.” (1 Peter 4:11) 

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that we are lights in this world darkened by sin and encourages us to let our light shine brightly! When we are motivated and energized by the light of God’s spirit within us, others “will see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”

To bring testimony about Jesus:  “For in him you have been enriched in every way…God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.” (1 Cor. 1:6) 

Think of the Samaritan woman that met Jesus at the well one day (John 4). Not only was her life changed forever, but she ran back to her neighbors saying, “Come! See a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Christ?” Later in the chapter we find out that many from her hometown believed in Jesus because of her testimony.

To serve others: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Using our gifts to serve others is one major way God displays His character and love for humankind. The Gospels all detail a powerful account of this in the story of the loaves and fishes. Moved by compassion, and aware of the physical needs of the crowds that came to listen to Him, Jesus took a child’s lunch – a handful of barley loaves and two small fish - and fed thousands of men, women and children. In His hands, a child’s small offering was a miracle for a multitude!

Service is a cornerstone of our Christian faith, and the way we most powerfully exemplify the life of Jesus – perfectly answering the question: What Would Jesus Do?

Next week we will dig deeper into operating in the gifts of grace we’ve been given before discussing the gifts themselves. Have a blessed week!

 GUEST BLOGGER - Janece Herrington