A biblical clarification of spiritual gifts (Part One)

Biblically, spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer at salvation for the common good of the church, building it up in love, not for self-glorification. Key passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 list various gifts (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, serving, teaching, etc.) that serve different functions, emphasizing stewardship and selfless use for others, distinct from natural talents or learned skills. Biblically, the primary difference is that a naturally talented teacher has a human ability given at birth, available to anyone, while a gifted teacher has a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to believers specifically for building up the church. Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor