How to Exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit With Purpose in Church & Life

Part 7 of 7 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 18 minute read

Learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit is essential for every believer who wants to deepen his or her walk with God and dramatically increase their ability to serve others. The Holy Spirit has equipped every believer with nine powerful gifts designed to build up the Body of Christ (the worldwide community of believers) and advance God's Kingdom, and they are your inheritance as a child of God.

In this final installment in our series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you'll discover practical steps for exercising these gifts during church meetings and daily encounters while learning to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings. The real-world examples and supporting Scriptures will help to guide you and build confidence on your journey into Kingdom work.

God’s Plan for How to Exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Paul writes, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Corinthians 12:7). The Greek word συμφέρω (sympherō) is translated as "profit of all," meaning to bring together or to contribute in order to help.

Before discussing the nine gifts of the Spirit, Paul made clear that these gifts are given to each individual in the Body of Christ, not just a select few, and that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to unite believers and help them encourage and build each other up for service.

Moving From Spectator to Active Participant

God's plan invites all believers to participate actively in ministry, moving beyond the passive role of spectator to become engaged participants in the work of advancing the kingdom.

Local leaders are given by the Lord to equip believers for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–13), and the gifts of the Spirit are essential tools for that work. Leaders must equip believers to serve effectively to strengthen the body of Christ to which they belong.

This includes developing believers' confidence in exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Understanding how to exercise these gifts enables believers to move from passive observation to active participation. Only when believers are fully equipped and actively using their spiritual gifts will they fully come alive; then, the body of Christ will grow and mature as God intends.

When all is said and done, Kingdom life isn't just for Sunday mornings; it's a full-time commitment — it extends into every area of our daily lives. It's like having a constant, day-to-day partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Scripture says, "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people" (Matthew 4:23).

Jesus gave us His example to follow:

1. He taught
2. He proclaimed
3. He demonstrated

The apostle Paul says, "All things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18) — the work of helping people be restored to relationship with God. This call to the ministry of reconciliation isn't just for pastors; it's your calling too!

Why the Fruit of the Spirit Must Accompany the Gifts

The Bible clearly outlines the ninefold fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are not separate entities but integrated aspects of the Holy Spirit's nature.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive all nine aspects of the fruit because they are inseparable parts of His character. Just as you cannot divide the Holy Spirit into pieces, so you cannot separate these aspects from one another. They exist within every born-again believer, gradually becoming more visible as we learn to walk in step with the Spirit — following His lead in our daily lives.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Fruit and Gifts

The ninefold fruit of the Spirit works in beautiful harmony with the gifts of the Spirit. As this fruit matures in our lives, it creates the perfect environment for the gifts to operate effectively. Of all the fruit that accompanies the gifts, love holds a uniquely central position — so much so that Paul devoted an entire chapter (1 Corinthians 13) to explaining its vital role in spiritual ministry.

Walking in God's unconditional (agape) love ensures that we use the Holy Spirit's gifts to serve others instead of promoting ourselves. God's peace helps us exercise gifts with confidence and wisdom. Self-control prevents the misuse of spiritual gifts, while faithfulness keeps us consistent in their application. The fruit builds the character foundation that enables us to handle the gifts responsibly and impact others positively.

As we grow in Christ, this ninefold fruit gradually develops and transforms us to reflect Jesus’s character more clearly. It would be illogical to suggest that a believer could manifest only one or two aspects of the fruit while lacking the others, as they all stem from the Holy Spirit.

When learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit effectively, you'll discover that all nine gifts are available for use, just as all nine aspects of the fruit develop within us. The fruit works together to shape our character for ministry, while the nine gifts work together to equip us for service in God's Kingdom.

Of all the fruit that accompanies the gifts, love holds a uniquely central position — so much so that Paul devoted what came to be an entire chapter to explaining its vital role in spiritual ministry.

The Vital Role of Love in Spiritual Ministry

Christians refer to 1 Corinthians 13 as "The Love Chapter," yet they rarely consider its scriptural context and intended meaning when learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church to address crippling doctrinal and practical issues about which they had written to him in a previous letter, asking for his help. One of the main issues he tackles is the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church.

Learning from the Mistakes of the Corinthian Church

The Corinthian believers lacked a clear understanding of how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the local church setting. Some were selfishly using the gifts for their own ends without understanding their shared role in the church; others were selfishly inactive — always receiving ministry from others while rarely, if ever, contributing ministry themselves.

Paul begins his teaching on spiritual gifts by saying, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Corinthians 12:1). He goes on to explain the manifestations of the nine gifts and makes it clear that each member of the Body of Christ has great value and a role in exercising the gifts of the Spirit — not just a few who might consider themselves better educated or more important. He urges, "Earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31).

What Paul Meant by "The Best Gifts"

The Greek word μέγας (megas), translated as "best," has been misunderstood to imply that some gifts are more desirable than others. However, megas is more accurately translated as "great," as it is elsewhere in the New Testament. Paul is actually saying, "Earnestly desire these great gifts!"

Moreover, the best gifts are those that best meet the need of any given moment. For instance, when there's a need for decisions to be made, apply the gift of a word of wisdom, when there's a need for healing, apply a gift of healing.

But even when we understand which gifts to use in any given moment, Paul reminds us that there's something even more fundamental to effective ministry.

Agape Love: The More Excellent Way to Minister

The "more excellent way" Paul speaks of is the love he goes on to describe, purposely using the Greek word ἀγάπη (agapē) — God's love. Agape is distinct from emotional affection or from the brotherly love (philadelphia) mentioned in Romans 12:10 and elsewhere. It is not the love that's commonly discussed, depicted, or sung about in society or, dare I say it, in some of today's churches.

Agape is pure love; it transcends denominational and cultural boundaries, bringing believers together in unity and enabling us to minister effectively to one another.

Demonstrating Love Through Action

Agape and spiritual gifts flow together in perfect harmony — love provides the motivation while gifts provide the means to minister effectively. So it's no coincidence that after 1 Corinthians 13, Paul offers teaching on how to properly exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church.

Clearly, love motivates believers to use the gifts — to step beyond their comfort zones to prophesy and interpret messages in tongues to bless their fellow believers. Paul affirms this, saying, "Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel" (1 Corinthians 14:12).

How can you tell whether God's agape is present and flowing in a gathering of believers? They will desire the gifts of the Spirit and actively use them to edify the Body of Christ. The late healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman was famous for saying, "Love is something you do!"

When love motivates our use of spiritual gifts, certain characteristics will always be present. Paul identifies three specific qualities that mark genuine spiritual ministry

Three Biblical Tests for Genuine Spiritual Manifestations

Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:3 that those who prophesy should speak words of edification, exhortation, and comfort to others. These three qualities are basic to prophecy and, by extension, to each of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

• Edification means to build others up.
• Exhortation means to offer strong encouragement.
• Comfort means to bring others into a more peaceful state.

Therefore, when learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit, ensure that any operation of the gifts meets at least one of these three characteristics to be considered genuine. The gift's manifestation should leave individuals or groups in a better physical, mental, or spiritual condition than before.

Applying the Three Tests in Gatherings

Paul emphasizes that believers should desire spiritual gifts and focus on edifying the Body of Christ. He writes: "How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Corinthians 14:26).

This highlights the importance of edification when believers gather, suggesting that each person should be willing to contribute something to benefit the group — such as a teaching, a word of revelation, or a tongue with its interpretation (1 Cor. 14:26).

Our role is to build up our fellow believers by sharing spiritual gifts as prompted by the Holy Spirit. In turn, we are edified by the participation of others. Furthermore, when led by the Spirit, we can be instruments to meet people’s needs at any time and in any place. Our ministry is empowered by His anointing when we are motivated by a genuine desire to love and serve others.

Learning How to Exercise the Gifts from Jesus' Example

Let's consider the miracle that Jesus performed while staying at Simon Peter's house in Capernaum. Jesus was teaching, and the crowd not only filled the modest house, but people gathered outside in the street eager to hear His message.

Analyzing the Miracle at Peter's House

Four men had carried their paralytic friend to Peter's house, believing that Jesus would heal him. Seeing the crowd of people, they carried him up the outside stairway and onto the roof, where they removed a section of its covering and lowered the young man on his mat down to where Jesus was seated.

Carefully read the following Scripture to identify the gifts of the Spirit that Jesus used.

Learning From the Master: Identifying the Gifts Jesus Used

Notice how Jesus operated multiple gifts of the Spirit in this single encounter:

• Word of Knowledge: Because the Holy Spirit ministers to the heart of the matter, Jesus received a word of knowledge revealing the paralytic man's underlying spiritual condition. He then forgave the man's sin, bringing restoration and relief, so the paralytic could now believe himself worthy to exercise faith and accept healing for his body.
• Discerning of Spirits: Jesus then "perceived in His spirit" that some of the scribes were accusing Him of blasphemy. The Greek word ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) is translated as "perceive," meaning to gain knowledge, to be fully acquainted in a discerning manner.
• Word of Wisdom: Blasphemy could lead to a serious charge that was punishable by death, so the Holy Spirit gave Jesus wisdom on how best to respond to the serious situation developing. He presented the scribes with a trick question for which they'd be unable to give a clear answer.
• Working of Miracles: Jesus then performed a miracle, and the man's physical mobility was restored. It was likely not a "gift of healing," since the cure was instant. The miracle sealed Jesus' right to pardon the man, and it silenced the scribes.

The crowd merely saw the man pick up his sleeping mat and walk home healed, and they would say that an amazing miracle had taken place. They wouldn't have realized that Jesus was using spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to do the miraculous work.

We read in Scripture, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38).

Remember, Jesus did not perform miracles through His deity alone; He performed miracles as a man filled with the Holy Spirit — showing us that we, too, can operate in God's power. Not only did He call on us to do His works (John 14:12), but He demonstrated how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do them.

Understanding the historical context of this miracle helps us appreciate even more fully how Jesus operated in the gifts.

How to Recognize and Respond to the Holy Spirit's Promptings

Peter writes, "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold [many-faceted] grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies" (1 Peter 4:10–11, emphasis added).

Paul writes, "One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11, emphasis added). When the Holy Spirit is allowed to operate freely in a gathering of believers, He hovers over those assembled and distributes His gifts to meet specific needs of the Body of Christ.

Understanding the Holy Spirit's Distribution of Gifts

For example, the Holy Spirit will gently prompt (nudge) someone in the gathering to give a word of prophecy, and if that person doesn't respond, He'll move on to prompt someone else to give it, and so on until someone chooses to obey and speak the prophetic word to those assembled.

He might also prompt someone in the same gathering to reveal a word of knowledge, and prompt someone else to speak an unknown tongue and give its interpretation. This is a key principle in knowing how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit: each of the nine gifts is manifested in turn at the time it's needed, and the Holy Spirit decides which gift is needed and whom He'll prompt to manifest it.

The more you cultivate the ability to hear God clearly, the more you'll become acutely aware of the Holy Spirit's promptings. That's why you should be willing to operate the gifts in public whenever you get the opportunity, so you can grow in faith and confidence.

For example, when the Holy Spirit gently prompts you to prophesy in a gathering, don't sit waiting for a confirming lightning bolt from the sky or hoping for someone else to begin speaking. Realize that God wants you to speak or you wouldn't sense His prompting. Just step out in faith (act on what you sense God is prompting you to do, even when it feels uncertain) and prophesy when there's an opening!

Overcoming Fear to Step Out in Faith

Recognizing the Holy Spirit's promptings is one thing; having the courage to respond is another. For believers to come together in unity and for the Body of Christ to be strengthened in faith, they must be willing to step out in faith and operate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are not meant to lie dormant in the believer, but to be actively and courageously utilized for the benefit of the others.

By surrendering to the leading of the Holy Spirit, believers can tap into a wellspring of divine power and inspiration. The Holy Spirit's anointing flows through individuals who are open and receptive, and it's in this state of surrender and obedience that incredible blessings are experienced.

Dealing with the Fear of Making a Mistake

You say, "My heart's really pounding, and I'm pretty sure it's the Holy Spirit, but it might just be me!" This is the common experience that many believers face when learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That's why it's called stepping out in faith!

I would love to promise that it will become easier for you, and it will — to a point — with experience. However, despite your proficiency in spiritual gifts, faith will always be required when using them.

We always have the freedom to respond or not. Choosing to step out in faith keeps us sensitive to His leading and allows rivers of blessing to flow. As Paul counsels, "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19) — that is, don't suppress or ignore His promptings, for each prompting represents a God-ordained appointment to be a conduit of God's grace to someone in need. When believers fail to respond, needs can go unmet.

Why Faith Is Essential for Spiritual Operation

Scripture says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

So believe God. Have faith that He is a "rewarder" — that He won't leave you empty-handed! He won't let you down!

Applying Gifts of the Spirit in Personal Ministry

There are times when the Holy Spirit will call on you to minister to an individual. Learning how to exercise the gifts in personal, one-on-one situations is just as important as using them in gatherings. It might be someone in your local church, your workplace, your circle of friends, your family, or even a stranger on the street.

When Multiple Gifts Flow Together

Sometimes, knowing how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit means operating several gifts in sequence, because each gift has its unique characteristics. For example, you might give a word of prophecy, or a word of knowledge accompanied by a word of wisdom, or maybe use the gift of discerning of spirits with a word of wisdom, followed by a miracle when a healing occurs or when an evil spirit is cast out.

The nine gifts can be likened to the instruments in a nine-piece band. The band leader can call on one or several instruments at any given time to perform the musical number.

Similarly, because you have nine gifts of the Spirit available for immediate use, the Holy Spirit can call on one or several gifts at any time to perform the work that's needed.

From Beginner to Breakthrough: Flowing in Daily Ministry

As you gain experience ministering to individuals and groups, you'll notice a significant shift in how naturally the gifts begin to operate. When first learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you'll be conscious of each gift and its operation, but as you gain understanding and as your spiritual senses become sharpened through experience, the anointing and gifts of the Spirit will begin to flow automatically without your having to think about them.

When you encounter a sudden need, you won't ask, "Holy Spirit, what gift should I use?" You will immediately minister to the need as the Spirit prompts, using the supernatural abilities that He supplies. The nine gifts of the Spirit will flow seamlessly the moment they're needed and sometimes without our even knowing.

A Real-Life Example of Gifts Flowing Naturally

This experience illustrates an important principle about spiritual maturity and gift operation. Scripture says, "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).

God has created each of us as a unique individual, and He will always manifest His gifts through our uniqueness. For that reason, neither I nor anyone else can teach you step-by-step how to exercise any of the nine spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you in how to operate them.

However, what I have tried to do is share what the gifts are and what they are not, so you can better understand their functioning. Then, whenever the Holy Spirit prompts you to use a gift to meet the needs of an individual, or to bless a gathering of believers, you can obediently step out in faith and perform that gift.

The Importance of Practicing in Safe Environments

When you're learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it's always best to begin ministering in a group of like-minded believers and to have someone seasoned in the gifts of the Spirit present, so there's both support and correction available if needed.

Proficiency in operating the gifts requires time and practice; it doesn't happen overnight. Expect God to give you many opportunities to exercise the gifts of the Spirit. Be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, knowing that He won't ask you to step out beyond your capability. However, He will ask you to step out beyond your comfort zone. So build up your faith and be obedient when He prompts.

It's through the exercising of spiritual gifts that believers can find their unique roles within the Body of Christ, contributing to its growth and development. These gifts serve as powerful tools for promoting unity, fostering an environment of support, encouragement, and God's love among believers.

Whenever we exercise spiritual gifts, we become conduits for the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as a fire hose is drenched while soaking everything in its path, we are also blessed when God's anointing flows through us to bless others.

Building Mutual Faith Through the Gifts of the Spirit

Paul writes to the Romans, "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established — that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me" (Romans 1:11–12).

I believe Paul is expressing his desire to visit the Roman believers to manifest a gift of the Spirit that will provide them with strength and encouragement. His words imply that he can hardly wait to get there!

Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual faith as a source of encouragement for both him and the recipients of the inspired gift. This should also serve as a guiding principle for us when meeting with other believers.

How Mutual Faith Grows in Practice

Faith increases when believers are motivated by God's love to actively obey the Holy Spirit's promptings to exercise their supernatural abilities and edify one another. The importance of learning how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church to uplift and support one another cannot be overstated. A Spirit-filled church naturally overflows with life, growth, and reproduction.

Fulfilling the Lord's Command to Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts

Paul writes, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:37–40).

God desires you to become proficient in using the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that you can fulfill your part in building up the body of Christ to do the works of Jesus and advance the Kingdom of God.

When spiritual gifts flow freely in the church, every member becomes a conduit of God's power. I strongly encourage you to take the next step with what you've learned. Consider this: your interest in how to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit may well be the Spirit's invitation to a deeper walk in ministering to others.

Your Next Steps in Mastering the Holy Spirit's Gifts

You've now completed this comprehensive journey through the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. You understand what they are, why they're given, that they're available to every Spirit-baptized believer, how Jesus modeled them, and how to activate and exercise them yourself. But knowledge without action profits nothing.

Here's my challenge to you: Within the next seven days, ask the Holy Spirit for an opportunity to step out in one of these gifts. It might be a word of encouragement, a supernatural insight about someone's need (word of knowledge), or a prayer of faith for healing. Start small. Be faithful. Watch God work.

The Giver of the gifts is in you — the same Spirit who empowered Jesus, Peter, Paul, and countless believers throughout history. His gifts are activated and ready to perform. The world is waiting.

This concludes our 7-Part series.

Return to Part 1 to review the series: The Nine Gifts of the Spirit

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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Encouraged by This Page? Please Share It

Hi, I'm Don

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you — a fellow believer — build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God. Let's discover together what God has in store for you.