Healing – Although God does still heal today, and while there is no biblical reason that God could not empower an individual with the spiritual gift of healing today, God miraculously healing people directly through the spiritual gifting of an individual seems to have primarily been limited to the ministry of the apostles and their close associates in the very early days of the church (2 Corinthians 2:12 Hebrews 2:4). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.įaith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (Galatians 5:22-23). Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment. Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. Leadership – The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over, or has the management of other people in the church. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money, and time with them as needs arise. Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.Įncouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials. Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need. Prophecy – The Greek word translated “prophecy” in both passages properly means “a speaking forth.” According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the word refers to “discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden especially by foretelling future events.” To prophesy is to declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God that is designed to influence people. A brief description of each gift follows:
The list in 1 Corinthians 12:28 includes healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 includes the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. The spiritual gifts identified in Romans 12 are prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy. We could also include Ephesians 4:11, but that is a list of offices within the church, not spiritual gifts, per se. The three main passages describing the spiritual gifts are Romans 12:6–8 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. There are actually three biblical lists of the “gifts of the Spirit,” also known as spiritual gifts.