A biblical clarification of spiritual gifts (Part Two)

Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:11, Romans 12:6-8) makes it clear that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. The Holy Spirit decides which gift each Christian receives for the common good and to build up the church. However there are certain characteristics about the distribution of gifts. First, they’re limited by the Spirit who gives them. He knows best what’s needed by the church along with what best fits each believer for service. Knowing and embracing that keeps us from comparing ourselves with each other and would motivate us to use to the fullest extent possible the gift or gifts God has given each of us. Second, the gifts are limited as to extent. In other words, although every believer has been given at least one of the gifts (see 1 Peter 4:10), no one believer has all of them. For this reason we need the service each can give to others. Be encouraged!

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