S - Spiritual Gifts | John Muffler
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Have you ever wondered why God wired you the way He did? Why do certain things bring you joy? Why do some needs around you tug at your heart? Why are you energized in some situations but drained in others? Scripture makes it clear: you were created on purpose, for God’s purpose.
Paul writes, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). That’s because spiritual gifts aren’t a “bonus feature” of the Christian life—they’re central to how God equips us to serve others and live out His mission.
Step One: Discover Your Gifts
Every follower of Jesus has at least one spiritual gift. Paul reminds us, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT). That means your gifts are not for you, or even about you—they are meant to build up the church and bless others.
👉 Action: Take a Spiritual Gift survey. We like this one - https://obcc.church/GIFTS. This will help you identify patterns and see how God may have gifted you.
Remember:
Gifts are not the same as your personality. Your personality is the vehicle—the gift is the engine.
Gifts are not the same as natural talents. You may be good at a job skill, but your gift is a Spirit-powered ability.
Gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Every Christian should grow in love, joy, peace, and the rest, but gifts are specific ways God works through you.
Step Two: Embrace the Giver
Peter puts it this way: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
That means:
God is the gift-giver, not us.
Your gift isn’t about status or recognition—it’s about service.
The church is healthiest when every believer uses their gift, not just a few.
Step Three: Explore and Experiment
It’s one thing to take a survey. It’s another to try out your gifts. The best way to discover how you’re wired is to serve. Test it out. See where God multiplies your effort and where you feel most alive.
Scripture gives us a long list of spiritual gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4). They include things like teaching, leadership, encouragement, mercy, giving, faith, and more. None is better than another. Together, they form a picture of Christ’s body at work.
Step Four: Guard Against Traps
Satan knows the power of God’s gifts, so he tries to neutralize them. Four common traps to watch out for:
Comparison – Looking at someone else’s gift and thinking yours doesn’t matter.
Projection – Expecting others to be just like you.
Rejection – Ignoring or refusing the gift God has given you.
Deception – Believing you have a gift you don’t, or that your gifts don’t count.
Paul reminds Timothy, “Fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Don’t let comparison or fear blow out your fire—tend it, grow it, and use it.
Questions To Consider:
What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you?
How do you see your gifts at work in everyday life right now?
Where could you step out and use your gifts to serve others in your church, your community, or your family?
Takeaway
Spiritual gifts aren’t just about knowing—they’re about doing. When we use them, the church thrives, people meet Jesus, and our own faith comes alive. You were never meant to sit on the sidelines. God has uniquely shaped you to make a difference.
So, what’s your next step? Will you discover, embrace, and use your gifts this week?
👉 Next Step at Capitol City: Put your gifts into action at our Volunteer Fair on October 18, 2025. Explore new ways to serve and find where your SHAPE fits in our mission of people helping people find and follow Jesus.
