Introduction: What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Are spiritual gifts still active today?

What is the gift of prophecy?

What does speaking in tongues mean?

Can God still heal people?

And how do you know which spiritual gifts you have?

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to followers of Jesus for the purpose of serving others and building up the Church.

Paul writes:

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:4

Spiritual gifts aren’t reserved for pastors, exceptionally spiritual Christians, or people on a church platform.

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts throughout the body of Christ.

First Corinthians 12:7 says:

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

That means spiritual gifts aren’t ultimately about us.

They’re given through us for others.

In this guide, we’ll look at what spiritual gifts are, the different gifts listed in the Bible, whether the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active today, how to discover your spiritual gifts, and how to use them in a healthy, biblical way.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are abilities and manifestations given by the Holy Spirit that enable followers of Jesus to serve others and build up the Church.

They aren’t simply natural talents.

God can certainly use our personalities, experiences, skills, and natural abilities.

But the New Testament describes spiritual gifts as something the Holy Spirit gives and empowers.

First Corinthians 12:11 says:

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

Notice who decides which gifts are given.

The Holy Spirit does.

Spiritual gifts aren’t trophies we earn by becoming more spiritual.

They’re gifts of grace.

The Greek word often translated spiritual gift, charisma, is connected to the idea of grace.

We don’t earn spiritual gifts.

God graciously gives them.

Why Does God Give Spiritual Gifts?

The purpose of spiritual gifts is not to make us look impressive.

It’s to build others up.

Peter writes:

“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

Paul says the gifts are given:

“…for the common good.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:7

And Ephesians 4 describes ministry gifts being given:

“To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

— Ephesians 4:12

God gives spiritual gifts so that we can:

• Serve other people

• Strengthen the Church

• Encourage believers

• Share the gospel

• Demonstrate God’s love

• Help people

• Equip others

• Advance God’s Kingdom

• Glorify Jesus

The gifts of the Spirit aren’t primarily about discovering what makes you special. They’re about discovering how God wants to use you to serve others.

Where Are the Spiritual Gifts Found in the Bible?

There isn’t one single chapter containing every spiritual gift.

Several New Testament passages describe different gifts and functions within the Church.

The major passages include:

• Romans 12:6–8

• 1 Corinthians 12:7–11

• 1 Corinthians 12:27–31

• Ephesians 4:11–13

• 1 Peter 4:10–11

These lists overlap in purpose but contain different gifts.

For that reason, we should be careful about treating any one list as necessarily exhaustive.

The emphasis of the New Testament isn’t simply:

“Identify your gift and label yourself.”

The emphasis is:

Receive what God gives you and use it faithfully to serve others.

What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12?

One of the best-known lists appears in 1 Corinthians 12.

Paul writes:

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:8–10

This passage describes nine manifestations of the Spirit.

Let’s look at each one.

1. The Gift of Wisdom

Paul describes a message of wisdom given through the Spirit.

This appears to involve Spirit-given wisdom for a particular situation.

Throughout Scripture, God gives His people wisdom to know what to do, how to respond, and how to apply truth.

This is more than simply being intelligent.

It’s wisdom that ultimately comes from God.

James 1:5 says:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.”

A word of wisdom may help bring clarity or direction into a situation where human wisdom alone isn’t enough.

2. The Gift of Knowledge

Paul also mentions a message of knowledge.

Christians understand the precise operation of this gift in different ways.

Many continuationist Christians understand it as the Holy Spirit revealing information or insight that someone would not ordinarily know.

Others understand it more broadly as Spirit-given understanding of truth.

Whatever position someone takes, the gift should never be used to manipulate people or establish someone’s spiritual superiority.

Anything we believe the Holy Spirit has revealed should be handled with humility and tested biblically.

3. The Gift of Faith

Every Christian is called to have faith.

So the spiritual gift of faith appears to describe something beyond ordinary saving faith.

It can be understood as an unusual Spirit-given confidence in God’s power, character, or promises in a particular situation.

Some people seem able to trust God boldly when everyone else sees impossibility.

Their faith strengthens the faith of others.

Jesus said:

“With God all things are possible.”

— Matthew 19:26

4. Gifts of Healing

First Corinthians 12 specifically mentions gifts of healing.

Throughout the Gospels and Acts, we see God healing people.

Jesus healed the sick.

The disciples prayed for the sick.

The early Church continued to pray for healing.

James 5:14–15 instructs believers to pray for those who are sick.

At Elan Church, we believe God still heals today.

We pray boldly because God is able.

At the same time, we don’t pretend to understand why some people experience healing and others don’t.

We don’t blame people who aren’t healed for lacking faith.

We don’t exaggerate or manufacture miracles.

And we don’t believe seeking prayer should replace appropriate medical care.

We can pray boldly for healing while humbly trusting God with the outcome.

5. Miraculous Powers

Paul also mentions miraculous powers, sometimes translated working of miracles.

Throughout Scripture, God performs works that go beyond ordinary human ability.

Miracles ultimately point toward the power and authority of God.

The goal isn’t spectacle.

The goal is God’s glory.

Acts 4:30 records the early believers praying:

“Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

They expected God to act supernaturally.

We believe we can still ask Him to do the same.

6. The Gift of Prophecy

Prophecy is one of the most discussed spiritual gifts in the New Testament.

Paul writes:

“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:3

New Testament prophecy can involve the Holy Spirit prompting someone with something intended to strengthen, encourage, comfort, or sometimes bring conviction or direction.

But prophecy must be tested.

Paul says:

“Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21

At Elan Church, we believe the Holy Spirit still speaks and the gift of prophecy still operates today.

But no prophetic word has the authority of Scripture.

God’s written Word is our standard.

Any prophetic impression should be handled humbly and tested against Scripture.

7. Distinguishing Between Spirits

This gift is often called discernment of spirits.

It involves Spirit-given discernment concerning the spiritual source or nature of something.

Not everything spiritual comes from God.

First John 4:1 says:

“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

Discernment helps believers recognize what is from God, what may simply be human, and what may come from a harmful spiritual source.

This gift should produce wisdom and protection—not suspicion, paranoia, or spiritual pride.

8. Speaking in Tongues

The New Testament describes believers speaking in tongues in several places, particularly Acts and 1 Corinthians.

Acts 2 records believers speaking in languages they had not learned as the Holy Spirit empowered them.

First Corinthians 12–14 also discusses tongues as a spiritual gift within the Church.

Paul writes:

“I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:5

At Elan Church, we believe the gift of tongues is still available and active today.

We also believe it should be practiced according to the biblical instructions Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 12–14.

Tongues shouldn’t become a measure of someone’s spiritual maturity or a reason to create unnecessary division.

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to build the Church—not divide it.

9. Interpretation of Tongues

Paul also describes the interpretation of tongues.

When a tongue is given publicly to a gathered church, Paul teaches that it should be interpreted so that the congregation can understand and be strengthened.

He writes:

“The one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:13

Again, Paul’s concern is that spiritual gifts strengthen other people.

This brings us to one of the most important principles for understanding all spiritual gifts:

The question isn’t merely, “Did something supernatural happen?” The question is, “Did it build up the Church and glorify Jesus?”

What Are the Spiritual Gifts in Romans 12?

Romans 12 provides another list.

Paul writes:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

— Romans 12:6

He then mentions:

• Prophecy

• Serving

• Teaching

• Encouragement

• Giving

• Leadership

• Mercy

These gifts remind us that spiritual gifts aren’t limited to what people sometimes call the “supernatural gifts.”

The person faithfully serving behind the scenes may be operating in a spiritual gift.

The person generously giving may be operating in a spiritual gift.

The person encouraging someone who is struggling may be operating in a spiritual gift.

The person teaching Scripture may be operating in a spiritual gift.

Don’t become so fascinated with spectacular gifts that you overlook supernatural grace expressed through everyday service.

What Are the Fivefold Ministry Gifts?

Ephesians 4 describes another group of gifts:

“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers.”

— Ephesians 4:11

These are sometimes called the fivefold ministry gifts:

Apostle

Apostolic ministry is associated with being sent, establishing, pioneering, strengthening, and helping advance the mission of the Church.

Christians differ over how the title and office of apostle should be understood today, particularly in relation to the unique authority of Christ’s original apostles.

Prophet

Prophetic ministry helps people hear and respond to what the Holy Spirit is saying while remaining grounded in Scripture.

Evangelist

Evangelists have a particular grace for communicating the gospel and helping people come to faith in Jesus.

Pastor

Pastors shepherd, care for, protect, guide, and nurture God’s people.

Teacher

Teachers help people understand and apply God’s Word faithfully.

And notice why these gifts are given:

“To equip his people for works of service.”

— Ephesians 4:12

The purpose of ministry isn’t for a handful of gifted people to do everything.

Healthy ministry equips God’s people to become ministers themselves.

What Is the Difference Between Spiritual Gifts and Natural Talents?

Natural talents and spiritual gifts can overlap, but they aren’t necessarily the same thing.

Someone may naturally be:

• Musical

• Organized

• Creative

• Athletic

• Persuasive

• Analytical

• Good with people

Those abilities can absolutely be used for God.

But spiritual gifts are specifically described as expressions of God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of others.

A talented communicator may or may not have a spiritual gift of teaching.

Someone who isn’t naturally outgoing may nevertheless be powerfully used by God to encourage others.

Someone who has never considered themselves a leader may discover that God gives them unusual grace to lead people.

God can use what comes naturally to you, but He isn’t limited to what comes naturally to you.

Does Every Christian Have a Spiritual Gift?

First Peter 4:10 says:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

And 1 Corinthians 12:7 says:

“To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

The New Testament presents every believer as having a role within the body of Christ.

Paul compares the Church to a human body.

A body has many different parts.

The eye doesn’t do what the hand does.

The ear doesn’t do what the foot does.

But every part matters.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:27

You don’t need someone else’s gift.

You need to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to you.

Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Still Active Today?

Christians have different views on this question.

Cessationism

Some Christians believe certain miraculous gifts—particularly prophecy, tongues, and miraculous signs—were primarily given during the apostolic era and are no longer normative for the Church today.

This position is often called cessationism.

Continuationism

Other Christians believe the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament continue to operate in the Church today.

This position is commonly called continuationism.

Pentecostal and charismatic Christians generally hold a continuationist view.

At Elan Church, we believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active today.

Paul told the Corinthian church:

“Eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:1

He later writes:

“Do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:39–40

We don’t see a clear biblical reason to believe Christians should stop pursuing what Scripture tells the Church to eagerly desire.

But being open to the gifts doesn’t mean accepting everything that claims to be spiritual.

We want to be both open and discerning.

We don’t want to quench what the Holy Spirit is doing.

And we don’t want to attribute everything unusual to the Holy Spirit.

Scripture calls us to both:

Desire spiritual gifts.

And:

Test everything.

What Is the Greatest Spiritual Gift?

First Corinthians 12 ends with Paul saying:

“Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”

Then comes 1 Corinthians 13.

The famous chapter about love.

That’s not an interruption in Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts.

It’s central to it.

Paul says:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:1

You can be gifted and immature.

You can operate in spiritual gifts and still lack love.

You can have powerful experiences and still have poor character.

That’s why the fruit of the Spirit matters just as much as the gifts of the Spirit.

Gifts reveal what God can do through you. Fruit reveals what God is doing in you.

And we need both.

What Is the Difference Between the Gifts and Fruit of the Holy Spirit?

Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit:

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Forbearance

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

• Self-control

Spiritual gifts equip us to serve.

Spiritual fruit reflects the character being formed in us.

A person may have a powerful gift and still need significant growth in character.

That’s why spiritual maturity should never be measured merely by someone’s gifting.

Jesus cares about both power and character.

Both gifts and fruit.

Both what happens through us and what is happening in us.

Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how gifted you are. It’s measured by how much you are becoming like Jesus.

How Do I Know What My Spiritual Gifts Are?

Many Christians wonder:

“What is my spiritual gift?”

A spiritual gifts assessment can be helpful.

But don’t make discovering your gifts more complicated than it needs to be.

Here are several practical ways to begin.

1. Ask the Holy Spirit

Start with prayer.

Ask:

“Holy Spirit, how have You gifted me?”

“How do You want to use me?”

“Who can I serve?”

2. Read the Biblical Passages About Spiritual Gifts

Study:

• Romans 12

• 1 Corinthians 12–14

• Ephesians 4

• 1 Peter 4

Don’t simply learn definitions.

Ask what these passages reveal about why God gives gifts.

3. Start Serving

Sometimes you discover your gift while using it.

Don’t wait until you’ve perfectly identified your spiritual gift before serving.

Join a team.

Pray for someone.

Encourage someone.

Share Jesus.

Help someone.

Lead.

Give.

Serve.

Teach when given the opportunity.

Your gifts often become clearer as you use them.

4. Pay Attention to Grace

Where does God seem to use you?

Where do you consistently see fruit?

What seems to happen through you that genuinely helps other people?

5. Ask Other People

Mature Christians can often see gifts in us that we don’t recognize ourselves.

Ask a trusted pastor, leader, mentor, or friend:

“Where do you see God using me?”

6. Stay Open

Don’t limit yourself to one label.

You aren’t a personality type with one permanent spiritual job description.

The Holy Spirit may use you differently in different seasons and situations.

Don’t become more committed to your gift label than you are to being available to God.

Can You Have More Than One Spiritual Gift?

Yes.

Nothing in Scripture suggests that every Christian receives exactly one spiritual gift.

Paul describes different gifts and manifestations of the Spirit distributed throughout the Church.

Someone may be especially gifted in teaching and leadership while also operating in encouragement.

Someone may regularly operate prophetically while also having unusual faith.

And the Holy Spirit may empower someone in a particular moment in a way that isn’t their normal area of gifting.

Instead of asking only:

“What is my gift?”

A better prayer might be:

“Holy Spirit, how do You want to use me today?”

Can You Ask God for Spiritual Gifts?

Yes.

Paul explicitly tells believers:

“Eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:1

There is nothing wrong with asking God to use you in spiritual gifts.

You can ask God for greater faith.

Ask Him to use you to encourage others.

Ask Him to give you prophetic words that strengthen people.

Ask Him to use you in healing.

Ask Him to help you share the gospel.

Ask Him to give you wisdom.

But our motive matters.

Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 wanted spiritual power for the wrong reasons and was sharply corrected.

We don’t pursue gifts so people will think we’re spiritual.

We pursue gifts because we love people and want God to use us to serve them.

How Should Spiritual Gifts Be Used in Church?

First Corinthians 12–14 gives extensive instruction about spiritual gifts in gathered worship.

Paul isn’t trying to stop spiritual gifts.

He’s teaching believers how to use them well.

Several principles emerge.

Gifts Should Build People Up

Paul repeatedly emphasizes edification.

“Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:26

Gifts Should Operate Through Love

First Corinthians 13 sits directly between chapters 12 and 14 for a reason.

Spiritual power without love misses God’s heart.

Gifts Should Be Tested

“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:29

Biblical spirituality isn’t gullible.

We test what we hear.

Gifts Should Operate With Order

“God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:33

And:

“Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:40

Being Spirit-led doesn’t mean being chaotic.

Gifts Should Point to Jesus

The Holy Spirit’s ministry glorifies Jesus.

Jesus said of the Spirit:

“He will glorify me.”

— John 16:14

When spiritual gifts become primarily about personalities, platforms, hype, or attention, something has gone wrong.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit should make Jesus bigger, not us.

Can Spiritual Gifts Be Misused?

Yes.

Much of 1 Corinthians 12–14 exists precisely because spiritually gifted people were using gifts immaturely.

A genuine gift can be handled poorly.

That’s why Scripture gives boundaries.

Spiritual gifts should never be used to:

• Manipulate people

• Control decisions

• Draw attention to ourselves

• Establish spiritual superiority

• Override Scripture

• Avoid accountability

• Pressure someone into a major decision

• Excuse unhealthy behavior

Saying “God told me” carries weight.

We should handle those words carefully.

When sharing something we believe the Holy Spirit may be showing us, humility is healthy.

There is a significant difference between:

“God told me you have to do this.”

and:

“I believe the Holy Spirit may be highlighting this. Please pray about it and test it.”

Confidence that God speaks should always be accompanied by humility about our ability to hear perfectly.

Should Christians Be Afraid of Spiritual Gifts?

For some people, spiritual gifts feel unfamiliar.

Maybe you’ve seen them used strangely.

Maybe you’ve witnessed manipulation.

Maybe you grew up in a church that didn’t talk about them.

Maybe you’ve seen excesses that made you uncomfortable.

Bad examples can make us want to avoid the subject entirely.

But misuse isn’t a reason for disuse.

Paul didn’t respond to the Corinthians’ misuse of spiritual gifts by telling them to stop.

He corrected them.

He taught them.

And then he said:

“Eagerly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:39

We don’t need to choose between being biblical and being Spirit-filled.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible.

We can eagerly desire everything God has for us while remaining deeply grounded in everything God has written.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Spiritual gifts are abilities and manifestations given by the Holy Spirit to followers of Jesus for serving others and building up the Church.

What Are the Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

First Corinthians 12:8–10 lists nine manifestations:

1. Message of wisdom

2. Message of knowledge

3. Faith

4. Gifts of healing

5. Miraculous powers

6. Prophecy

7. Distinguishing between spirits

8. Tongues

9. Interpretation of tongues

Other New Testament passages contain additional lists of spiritual gifts.

How Many Spiritual Gifts Are There?

The Bible doesn’t explicitly give one definitive total.

Different lists appear in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.

Because these lists differ, it’s best not to become overly rigid about establishing an exact number.

Does Everyone Have a Spiritual Gift?

The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts throughout the body of Christ and that every believer has a role in serving others.

Are Spiritual Gifts Still Active Today?

Christians disagree on this question.

At Elan Church, we believe the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament continue to operate today and should be practiced according to biblical instruction.

What Is the Gift of Prophecy?

New Testament prophecy involves Spirit-prompted communication that can strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.

Prophetic words should be tested and never treated as equal to Scripture.

What Is the Gift of Tongues?

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift described in Acts and 1 Corinthians in which a person speaks as the Holy Spirit enables.

The New Testament gives instructions for its personal and corporate use.

Does God Still Heal Today?

We believe He does.

The New Testament instructs Christians to pray for the sick, and we believe Christians should continue praying boldly for healing while trusting God with the outcome.

What Is Discernment of Spirits?

It is Spirit-given discernment concerning the spiritual nature or source of something.

What Is the Difference Between Spiritual Gifts and the Fruit of the Spirit?

Spiritual gifts equip believers to serve others.

The fruit of the Spirit describes Christlike character produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.

Christians should desire both.

How Do I Discover My Spiritual Gift?

Pray, study the biblical passages, begin serving, pay attention to where God uses you, ask mature Christians for feedback, and remain open to how the Holy Spirit may want to work through you.

Can I Have More Than One Spiritual Gift?

Yes. Scripture doesn’t teach that every believer is limited to exactly one spiritual gift.

Can I Ask God for a Spiritual Gift?

Yes.

First Corinthians 14:1 specifically tells believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts.

What Is the Most Important Spiritual Gift?

Paul encourages believers to desire gifts that most effectively build others up, while emphasizing that every spiritual gift must operate through love.

First Corinthians 13 makes clear that spiritual gifts without love accomplish very little.

Eagerly Desire the Gifts—And Pursue Love

Paul gives the Church two instructions that belong together:

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:1

We don’t have to choose.

We can pursue love and pursue spiritual gifts.

We can pursue character and pursue power.

We can be deeply biblical and deeply Spirit-led.

We can eagerly desire God to work through us while remaining humble, accountable, and grounded in Scripture.

The goal isn’t to become impressive.

The goal isn’t to have the most dramatic spiritual experiences.

The goal isn’t even simply to discover your spiritual gift.

The goal is to become available to the Holy Spirit so He can use your life to reveal Jesus and serve people.

So ask Him:

“Holy Spirit, how do You want to use me?”

Then be available.

Looking for a Holy Spirit-Led Church Near Naperville, Illinois?

If you live in Naperville, Aurora, or the greater Chicago area and want to grow in your relationship with the Holy Spirit and learn how to operate in spiritual gifts in a healthy, biblical way, we’d love to invite you to Elan Church.

Elan Church is a Holy Spirit-led, Bible-immersed, non-denominational church in the Naperville area.

We believe the Holy Spirit is active today, the gifts of the Spirit are for the Church today, and everything the Holy Spirit does should ultimately point people toward Jesus.

Whether spiritual gifts are completely new to you or you’ve been following Jesus for years, we’d love to help you grow in knowing God, hearing His voice, understanding His Word, and becoming a passionate disciple of Jesus.

We’d love to have you join us this Sunday.