Finding and Using Your Spiritual Gifts.pptx
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The document discusses spiritual gifts, defining them as supernatural abilities given by God to Christians for serving Him and others. It highlights various gifts of service, such as exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, and teaching, providing insights on how individuals can discover and utilize these gifts for communal benefit. The emphasis is on recognizing these gifts through prayer, studying the Bible, and engaging with fellow believers.
Finding and Using Your Spiritual Gifts.pptx
- 1. FINDING AND USING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
- 3. Spiritual gifts are supernatural gifts given by God to the followers of Christ so that they can serve God and others in a special way.
- 4. Gifts of service are primarily given to Christians so that they can serve in the church in some capacity. These gifts include things like teaching, generosity, mercy, and evangelism.
- 5. Because there is significant debate regarding gifts of manifestation and their place in the church, in this ebook we will focus primarily on gifts of service.
- 6. A Quick List of Spiritual Gifts
- 7. Exhortation: The ability to use compelling words in order to move people to action.
- 8. Giving: A supernatural capacity to give generously of your time, resources, or money without the restraint that normally accompanies giving.
- 9. Leadership: The skill to guide and motivate people to achieve a common goal.
- 10. Mercy: The ability to have compassion for those who are suffering and take action to alleviate their pain.
- 11. Service: The willingness to do menial tasks or tasks that are beneath your station in order to serve others.
- 12. Teaching: The gift of being able to communicate truth in a way that is easy for others to understand.
- 13. Administration: The capacity to manage people and resources in an efficient way.
- 14. Encouragement: The heart to build people up and help them see the best in themselves.
- 15. Evangelism: The courage and ability to share the gospel in a way that is clear and winsome.
- 16. Faith: The strength to trust in God even when circumstances are difficult.
- 17. Helps: The ability to serve others in a practical way.
- 18. Hospitality: The ability to make guests feel welcome and comfortable in your home.
- 19. Intercession: The act of interceding on behalf of others, either through prayer or other means.
- 20. Knowledge: The ability to understand and communicate biblical truth.
- 21. Wisdom: The ability to apply biblical truth to life in a way that brings glory to God and benefit to others.
- 22. Commonly Asked Questions About Spiritual Gifts
- 23. The Bible says that God gives spiritual gifts to everyone who believes in Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:7). In other words, if you are a Christian, God has given YOU unique spiritual gifts.
- 24. As it says in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
- 25. First, God gives us spiritual gifts for the benefit of His church. As it says in 1 Corinthians 12:7, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
- 26. Second, God gives us spiritual gifts as a manifestation of His grace. As it says in 1 Corinthians 12:4, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
- 27. First, pray and ask God to reveal your gifts to you. He is the one who has given you your gifts and He knows what they are. So let Him guide you as you seek to discover your gifts.
- 28. Second, study the Bible and look for passages that speak about spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 is a great place to start.
- 29. But there are many other verses that mention spiritual gifts as well.
- 30. Third, talk to other Christians and ask them what they think your gifts might be.
- 31. We can often see things in others that we cannot see in ourselves. So it can be helpful to get the input of others as you seek to discover your gifts.
- 32. Finally, be on the lookout for opportunities to use your gifts.
- 33. As you serve others and look for ways to share the gospel, God will often give you opportunities to use your gifts. These opportunities can be a great way to confirm what your gifts are.
- 35. You may not know it, but you've experienced the gift of exhortation. Have you ever listened to someone speak and felt yourself wanting to take action?
- 36. Have you ever been encouraged by someone to keep going when you felt like giving up? If so, then you've experienced the gift of exhortation.
- 37. Exhortation is the ability to speak words of encouragement that lead others to take action. It is the ability to motivate and equip others to follow Christ.
- 38. Those who have the gift of exhortation are often very passionate and persuasive.
- 39. 1. Share your story Your story is a great way to encourage others in their faith. When you share what God has done in your life, it gives hope to others and reminds them that anything is possible with God.
- 40. 2. Give Words of Encouragement A few well-chosen words can make all the difference in someone's life. If you see someone struggling, take a moment to encourage them.
- 41. 3. Help Others Reach Their Potential If you see someone with potential, help them reach it. Use your words to challenge them and push them to become all that God has created them to be.
- 42. If you have the gift of exhortation, then use it for the glory of God. Share your story, give words of encouragement, and help others reach their potential. As you do, you will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
- 44. Most people aren't naturally generous. It's not easy to give, especially when we know that we may never get anything in return. But those who have the gift of giving are different.
- 45. They find joy in giving, even when they don't receive anything in return.
- 46. Paul tells us that God loves a generous giver: "For God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).
- 47. The gift of giving is the ability to sacrifice your own desires and resources for the sake of others.
- 48. It's not just about giving money, but it's also about giving your time, your talents, and your energy.
- 49. 1. Give Financially If you have the resources, then give financially to those in need. There are many organizations that exist to help people who are struggling. Find one that aligns with your values and give generously.
- 50. 2. Give Your Time Your time is one of the most valuable things you have. If you have the gift of giving, then use your time to bless others. Volunteer your time at a local church or nonprofit organization.
- 51. 3. Give Your Energy Giving your time and finances is important, but sometimes the best thing you can give is your energy. If you see someone struggling, don't just stand by and watch. Get involved and help them.
- 52. If you have the gift of giving, then use it for the glory of God. Give generously of your time, your talents, and your resources.
- 54. Leadership is not necessarily the most popular spiritual gift.
- 55. In our individualistic culture, we value independence and self-sufficiency. We don't like to be told what to do, and we don't like to be accountable to others.
- 56. The gift of leadership is the ability to guide and direct others. It's about taking responsibility for the lives of those around you.
- 57. In order for a group or organization to be successful, it needs vision. Leaders are essential in providing that vision. They need to be able to see beyond the current situation and into the future.
- 58. 1. Be a Role Model If you want to lead others, then you need to be a role model. You need to live your life in such a way that others will want to follow you. Be authentic and honest.
- 59. 2. Be Visionary Leaders are those who can see beyond the current situation. They have a vision for the future and they are willing to take risks to make that vision a reality. If you have the gift of leadership, then use it to inspire others.
- 60. 3. Be Decisive Leaders need to be able to make tough decisions. They can't be wishy-washy. They need to be able to weigh the options and make a decision that is in the best interest of those they are leading.
- 61. Leadership is a vital gift. If you have it, then use it to build up God's people and lead them to good places.
- 62. Be a role model, be visionary, and be decisive. Lead others to Jesus Christ.
- 64. The gift of mercy is often misunderstood. We tend to think of mercy as something we give to those who deserve it.
- 65. But the truth is, mercy is not about deserving. It's about giving compassion and forgiveness to those who need it, even when they don't deserve it.
- 66. Mercy is one of the most important gifts we can give. It's what Jesus did for us.
- 67. He showed mercy to us even when we didn't deserve it. He died for our sins even though we were His enemies.
- 68. This is a powerful promise. When we show mercy to others, God shows mercy to us.
- 69. When we extend compassion and forgiveness, we are extended compassion and forgiveness.
- 70. 1. Be Compassionate If you have the gift of mercy, then you need to be compassionate. You need to feel the pain and suffering of others. You need to be able to see the world through their eyes.
- 71. 2. Be Forgiving This is probably the most important aspect of mercy. To show mercy means to forgive, even when it's hard. It means letting go of anger and resentment.
- 72. 3. Be an Advocate Advocates are those who speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. They are the ones who fight for justice. If you have the gift of mercy, then use it to be an advocate for those who need it.
- 73. Mercy is a vital gift. If you have it, then use it to show compassion and forgiveness to those who need it. Be an advocate for those who can't speak for themselves.
- 75. We often tend to think of service as something we do for others. But the truth is, service is not only about what we do for others. It's primarily about what we do for God.
- 76. Service is a spiritual gift that God has given to some of His people. It's a gift that enables us to serve Him and His people in a special way.
- 77. Jesus placed an extremely high priority on serving others. In Mark 10:45 we read,
- 78. "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
- 79. 1. Use your time to serve others If you have the gift of service, then use your time to serve others. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Visit the sick and elderly in hospitals or nursing homes.
- 80. 2. Use your talents to serve others If you have the gift of service, then use your talents to serve others. Use your gifts to bless those around you. Play music for a local nursing home.
- 81. 3. Use your resources to serve others If you have the gift of service, then use your resources to serve others. Give money to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Sponsor a child in another country. Use your resources to bless those in need.
- 82. Service is an incredibly important gift that can make a huge difference in people's lives.
- 83. If you have it, then use it to serve God and His people. Use your time, talents, and resources to make a difference.
- 85. If you have the gift of teaching, then God has called you to teach His Word.
- 86. He has called you to share the good news of the gospel with others. He has called you to help others grow in their faith.
- 87. Teaching is an important gift because it helps people understand and apply the Bible to their lives.
- 88. It's a gift that can be used in a variety of settings, from the local church to the global mission field.
- 89. 1. Teach a Bible Study If you have the gift of teaching, then use it to teach a Bible study. There are many people who would love to learn more about the Bible but don't know where to start. You can help them by leading a Bible study.
- 90. 2. Teach a Sunday School Class Another way to use the gift of teaching is to teach a Sunday School class. Sunday School is a great place to share the gospel with kids and adults alike. It's also a great place to help people grow in their faith.
- 91. 3. Teach a Small Group If you have the gift of teaching, you can use it to teach a small group. Small groups are an outstanding place to study the Bible and learn more about God.
- 92. God uses the gift of teaching to help others learn more about Him. If you have the gift of teaching, use it to serve God's people. Use it to help others grow in their knowledge of God.
- 94. If God has blessed you with the spiritual gift of administration, then He has called you to serve in a specific type of leadership role.
- 95. He has called you to organize and manage His church. He has called you to use your gifts to help His people.
- 96. Administration is an important gift because it helps the church run smoothly. Without administration, the church would be a chaotic mess.
- 97. But with administration, the church can function like a well-oiled machine.
- 98. Think about the difference between a well- administered church and a poorly administered church.
- 99. One is a place where people can worship and grow in their faith. The other is a place where people are constantly fighting and bickering.
- 100. 1. Serve on a Church Board One way to use your gift of administration is to serve on a church board. Church boards are responsible for the overall governance of the church.
- 101. 2. Serve as a Deacon or Elder Another way to use your gift of administration is to serve as a deacon or elder. Deacons and elders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the church.
- 102. 3. Serve as a Church Administrator If you have the gift of administration, you can also serve as a church administrator. Church administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the church.
- 103. 4. Serve on a Mission Trip You can also use your gift of administration to serve on a missions trip. Mission trips are a great way to share the gospel with people all over the world. They're also a great way to help people in need.
- 104. If you have the gift of administration, use it to ensure that God's church is well-ordered and a place where people can have their needs effectively met.
- 106. Have you ever felt yourself getting weary and tired? Have you ever felt like giving up? If so, then you know how important encouragement can be.
- 107. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." This verse tells us that we are to encourage one another. We are to build each other up.
- 108. 1. Pray for Others One way you can encourage others is by praying for them. When you pray for someone, you are asking God to bless them and meet their needs. You are interceding on their behalf.
- 109. 2. Send an Encouraging Note or Card Another way to encourage others is to send them an encouraging note or card. This is a simple way to let someone know that you're thinking about them and that you're praying for them.
- 110. 3. Give Words of Encouragement A third way to encourage others is to give them words of encouragement. When you speak words of encouragement, you are speaking life into their situation. You are giving them hope.
- 111. 4. Give a Hug A fourth way to encourage others is to give them a hug. Hugs are a physical expression of our love and care for others. They let others know that we're here for them.
- 112. If you have the gift of encouragement, use it to help others when they're feeling down. Use your gift as a source of hope in their lives.
- 114. Few things are more important than faith. In Hebrews it says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
- 115. Those with the gift of faith are especially good at this. They have a strong belief in God and His promises, even when things are tough.
- 116. They trust that God is good, even when they can't see His hand at work.
- 117. The Bible tells us that faith is essential if we want to please God.
- 118. As it says in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
- 119. 1. Share Your Testimony One way you can use your gift of faith is by sharing your testimony. Your testimony is a powerful tool that can be used to encourage others to trust in God.
- 120. 2. Encourage Others to Trust in God Another way you can use your gift of faith is by encouraging others to trust in God. When you encourage others to trust in God, you are helping them to see that He is good and trustworthy.
- 121. 3. Give Hope to the Hopeless A third way you can use your gift of faith is by giving hope to the hopeless. When you give hope to the hopeless, you are showing them that there is still reason to believe, even when things are tough.
- 122. If you have the gift of faith, use it to encourage others to trust in God. Use your gift to give hope to the hopeless.
- 124. The gift of helps may sound odd, but it's truly a very important spiritual gift. Those with the gift of helps are always looking for ways to serve others.
- 125. They are quick to lend a hand, even when they don't know the person well. They enjoy serving and serving others is their joy.
- 126. The Bible tells us that God has called us to serve one another.
- 127. As it says in Galatians 5:13, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
- 128. 1. Serve in Your Church One way you can use your gift of helps is by serving in your church. There are many different ways you can serve in your church. You can serve on a team, such as the worship team or the children's ministry team.
- 129. 2. Serve in Your Community Another way you can use your gift of helps is by serving in your community. There are many different ways you can serve in your community. You can volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
- 130. 3. Serve Those in Need A third way you can use your gift of helps is by serving those in need. There are many different ways you can serve those in need. You can donate clothes or food to a local shelter.
- 131. If you have the gift of helps, use it to serve others. Use your gifts to be a blessing to those around you.
- 133. The spiritual gift of wisdom isn't some mystical gift that you only can get if you take a lengthy spiritual journey into the desert.
- 134. Rather, it's a gift that God gives to those who seek Him. It's a gift that is available to all of us, if we only ask for it.
- 135. The Bible tells us that if we lack wisdom, all we need to do is ask God for it.
- 136. As it says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
- 137. 1. Share your wisdom with those who are younger One way you can use your gift of wisdom is by sharing your wisdom with those who are younger.
- 138. 2. Share your wisdom with those who are new to the faith Another way you can use your gift of wisdom is by sharing your wisdom with those who are new to the faith.
- 139. 3. Share your wisdom with those who are struggling A third way you can use your gift of wisdom is by sharing your wisdom with those who are struggling. Many times people simply have no idea what they should do in a given situation.
- 140. If you have the gift of wisdom, share your wisdom with those who will benefit from it. Help people gain clarity on both God and their lives.
- 142. Evangelism is simply sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who don't know Him.
- 143. It's telling people about the hope that is available to them through a personal relationship with God. There are so many people in the world who need the light of God in their life. They need hope and life.
- 144. In Romans 1:16 Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."
- 145. When you share the gospel with people, God uses that message to bring salvation into their lives.
- 146. 1. Share Your Salvation Story One way you can share the gospel is by sharing your testimony. Your testimony is your story of how you came to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
- 147. 2. Share the Gospel in One-On-One Conversations Another way you can share the gospel is by having one-on-one conversations with people about Jesus Christ. This could be done informally, such as in a coffee shop or at work.
- 148. 3. Share the Gospel Through Your Lifestyle A third way you can share the gospel is by living out your faith in such a way that people take notice. People are watching you, whether you realize it or not.
- 149. If you have the gift of evangelism, share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it. Be a light in the darkness and bring hope to the hopeless.
- 151. Hospitality is the act of welcoming others into your home and making them feel at ease. It's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can relax and be themselves.
- 152. There are so many people who don't have a true "home", in the sense that it's a place they can go and rest.
- 153. If you have the spiritual gift of hospitality, God has called you to open your home and your heart to others. He has called you to be a gracious host and to make everyone feel welcome.
- 154. 1. Invite People Into Your Home One way you can practice hospitality is by inviting people into your home. This could be done on a regular basis, such as by having people over for dinner once a week.
- 155. 2. Make People Feel Welcome Another way you can practice hospitality is by making people feel welcome when they're in your home. This means going out of your way to make them feel comfortable and at ease.
- 156. 3. Get to Know People A third way you can practice hospitality is by getting to know the people who come into your home. This means taking the time to talk to them and get to know them on a personal level.
- 157. If you have the gift of hospitality, welcome others into your home and make them feel at ease. Get to know the people around you and build relationships with them.
- 159. Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others. It's about taking the time to lift up others in prayer and to intercede on their behalf.
- 160. When we intercede for someone, we're standing in the gap for them and carrying their burdens to the Lord.
- 161. Because Jesus intercedes for us, we can be saved. And because He is our model for intercession, we are called to do the same for others.
- 162. 1. Pray for Those Who Are Lost One way you can intercede for others is by praying for those who are lost. This could be done by praying for those who don't know Christ or by praying for those who are struggling in their faith.
- 163. 2. Pray for the Sick Another way you can intercede for others is by praying for the sick. This could be done by praying for those who are physically ill or by praying for those who are struggling with mental illness.
- 164. 3. Pray for the Persecuted A third way you can intercede for others is by praying for those who are being persecuted. This could be done by praying for those who are being persecuted for their faith or those who are being persecuted because of their ethnicity.
- 165. If you have the spiritual gift of intercession, lift others up in prayer. Stand in the gap for those who cannot pray for themselves. You have the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
- 167. The gift of knowledge sounds mystical, but it's really not. It's the ability to have an in- depth understanding of a subject.
- 168. It's about having God-given knowledge that goes beyond the basics. It's about being able to understand the nuances of challenging ideas and objects.
- 169. The gift of knowledge is different from the gift of wisdom. Wisdom is the application of knowledge.
- 170. It's about knowing what to do with the knowledge you have. Knowledge is about having an understanding of something.
- 171. If you have the gift of knowledge, God has given you the ability to understand complex ideas and subjects.
- 172. He has called you to be a student of His Word. Take advantage of the resources available to you and study the Bible.
- 173. 1. Share your God-given knowledge with others One way you can use your gift of knowledge is by sharing it with others. This could be done by teaching a Bible study or writing a blog post about a theological concept.
- 174. 2. Use your knowledge to defend the faith Another way you can use your gift of knowledge is by using it to defend the faith. This could be done by engaging in apologetics or by writing a book about Christianity.
- 175. 3. Use your knowledge to help others understand the Bible A third way you can use your gift of knowledge is by using it to help others understand the Bible. This could be done by leading a Bible study or writing a Bible commentary.
- 176. If you have the spiritual gift of knowledge, use it for the good of others. Share your knowledge with those who need it. Help others understand complex concepts. Use your gift to defend the faith.
- 177. The Spiritual Gifts in Your Life
- 178. We've covered a LOT of ground in the book and talked about many different spiritual gifts.
- 179. It’s unlikely that you will have all the spiritual gifts, but you have at least one! In fact, you probably have more spiritual gifts than you even realize.
- 180. Remember, your gifts are meant to be shared with others, not primarily used for your own benefit. So ask God to help you use your gifts for the good of others. And as you do, you'll find that God will be glorified and people will be blessed.
- 181. How will you use your spiritual gifts? Who needs to hear what you have to say?
- 182. What truths do you need to share? Don't be afraid to use your spiritual gifts. God has given them to you for a reason. Use them for His glory and the good of others.