5-FOLD Episode 6: How Do I Know What Spiritual Gifts I Have?
THE 5-FOLD FORUM 6: How Do I Know What Spiritual Gifts I Have?
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EPISODE 6: How Do I Know What Spiritual Gifts I Have?
INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the 5-Fold Forum Talk Show with your hosts Carrie Hurley, Carolyn Davis and myself Niccie Kliegl, and today’s episode we’re tackling a question many believers ask: How do I know what spiritual gifts I have? Discovering your spiritual gifts is a key step in fulfilling your God-given purpose. Whether you’re uncertain about your gifts or wondering how they fit into God’s plan, today we’ll explore Scripture and practical steps to help you discern and walk in your gifts.
THE PROBLEM:
Potential Struggles Related to the Topic
Lack of Awareness: Not knowing that spiritual gifts are available or even questioning their existence.
Comparison: Comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior or unsure of one's unique role in the body of Christ.
Confusion: Struggling to identify specific gifts and how they are meant to be used.
Fear of Using Gifts: Worrying about stepping out or misusing spiritual gifts.
THE WORD:
Scripture-Based Guidance
LACK OF AWARENESS:
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
This passage assures us that every believer has been given spiritual gifts by God. They are diverse, intentional, and meant to glorify Him.
The enemy is the father of lies and we must be aware that he lies to us - we must know the Truth and get much needed inner healing from past wounds and generational issues so that we can be free from the lies and embrace all that God has created us to be and do.
John 8:44b
“He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
I would like to add that helping believers to see what spiritual gifts are is part of awareness as well
Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace (CRU) bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon Christians for the purpose of building up the church (NIBD) - the body of Christ. It’s a God-given ability uniquely given to an individual Saint (MT. Carmel Ministries)
1 Corinthians 12:1
“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant”
God wants us to know about spiritual gifts.
COMPARISON:
Romans 12:6
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith."
This verse reminds us that God has given each of us unique gifts by His grace. We are called to embrace and use them faithfully without comparing ourselves to others.
1 Corinthians 12:14-20 & 27
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
We each are needed and diminishing our personal gifts because we don’t feel they are as good as someone else’s diminishes the plan of the Father. Let’s be grateful instead of comparing.
2 Corinthians 10:12
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Like Paul, we are not to compare ourselves to others (human standards) but to Jesus Christ who is our standard (a divine standard). As stated we have the gift the Lord wanted us to have - He equipped us to do the work He has ordained for us - we do it all to his glory and purpose.
CONFUSION:
Ephesians 4:11-12
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
This passage emphasizes that spiritual gifts are purposeful and meant to equip and build up the church. Seek God’s guidance in prayer and study His Word to gain clarity.
2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT
“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.”
Human reasoning & false arguments must go! Reminder - God is a God of order. Confusion is of the enemy.
1. Acknowledge That Every Believer Has Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7 – "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
Every believer is given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to serve and benefit the body of Christ.
“And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.”
Hebrews 2:4 NLT
1 Peter 4:10
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Another verse to support that point - “Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift that he must use to the glory of God and the building up of the church” (BEC)
1 Corinthians 12:29-30
“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
I want to reiterate that every believer is given at least one gift, but no believer is given all the gifts. (Outline Bible)
2. Seek God in Prayer
James 1:5 – "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Praying for clarity and discernment about your gifts is a vital step.
Isaiah 45:3 NLT. “And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.”
As we go deeper in relationship with the Lord through prayer and Bible study He brings revelation of the gifts He has given.
Philippians 4:6-7 is another verse that exhorts us to pray and present our request to God - in this case we have been talking about praying and asking God to show us our gifts
It says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Be Willing to Surrender to God’s Will
Romans 12:1-2 – "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God... Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Spiritual gifts are discovered when we fully surrender ourselves to God’s purposes.
Isaiah 45:9 - “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’
Accept the Sovereignty of God.
Psalm 40:8
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
Like King David, we should desire to do God’s will in accordance with the Word of God - that includes desiring, discovering, developing, and using our spiritual gifts.
4. Explore the Gifts Through Scripture
Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, 28-30 provide lists of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, wisdom, healing, and leadership.
Understanding these gifts through Scripture helps you identify how they align with your life.
Study individuals in Scripture who walk in the different gifts -
Apostle - Peter, Paul Prophet - Deborah, Elijah & Elisha, Silas, Agabus
Evangelist - Matthew, Mark, & Luke Teacher - Jesus, Solomon & Paul
Pastor - Ezra, Timothy, & John
I just want to reiterate the need to study the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts to explore the gifts.
Scripture reminds us to study.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
5. Pay Attention to Your Passions and Abilities
1 Peter 4:10-11 – "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
The things you’re naturally drawn to and excel in could point to your spiritual gifts.
Our calling is typically where our passions & gifts intersect -
Exodus 31:2-6 NLT ““Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:”
I agree too! I can say I am very passionate about my gifts, teaching, exhortation, and knowledge. One way I know these are my gifts.
Give a brief testimony here:
6. Look for Confirmation from Others
Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
The body of Christ often helps confirm your gifts through encouragement and recognition.
Acts 15:32 - “Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith.”
Yes, being open to evaluation and counsel to godly people help to confirm your gifts.
Give a brief testimony here:
7. Practice and Serve to Discover
2 Timothy 1:6 – "Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you..."
Spiritual gifts are often revealed as you step out in faith and serve others.
1 Peter 4:10 - “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Yes!
Practice, pursue opportunities, pay attention to opportunities, experiment with as many gifts as you can, etc.
8. Trust the Holy Spirit’s Leading
John 16:13 – "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
The Holy Spirit works within you to guide and reveal your gifts as you grow in relationship with Him.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.”
We are commissioned, tasked by God and He has given us the Holy Spirit as our enabling to accomplish that commission.
Amen!
FEAR OF USING GIFTS:
2 Timothy 1:7
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."
This verse assures us that God has given us His Spirit to operate boldly in our gifts with love and self-discipline. Ask him to help you and connect to him
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Hebrew definition for fear here: to be afraid or feel anxious or apprehension about a situation or event
Matthew 25:14-30 A Caution - fear is not an excuse
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver[a] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”
THE GIFT:
The Blessing of Embracing the Gift of Healing
Understanding your spiritual gifts allows you to partner with God more fully, walking in His divine purpose for your life. As you operate in your gifts, you’ll experience greater joy, effectiveness, and fulfillment in ministry and daily life. You’ll also become a vital part of the body of Christ, contributing to the growth and unity of the church while glorifying God.
THE CHOICE:
Challenge & Action Steps
Here’s your challenge for the week:
Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts. Spend time in His Word meditating on passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
Take note of what comes naturally to you or what others affirm in you—it’s often a reflection of your gifting.
Get involved in serving within your church or community. Gifts are often discovered and developed through action.
Consider taking a spiritual gifts assessment as a helpful starting point, but always seek God’s confirmation through prayer and His Word.
https://fulfillyourlegacy.com/5-fold-workshop
Go live, love, learn, and lead according to the call God has on your life.
Niccie Kliegl
Faith-Based Discipleship & Business Coach for Life & Ministry
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