How to Use Spiritual Gifts in Church and Your Everyday Life

Learning how to use spiritual gifts deepens your personal walk with God and increases your ability to serve others effectively. The Holy Spirit has equipped every believer with nine powerful gifts designed to build up the Church and advance God's Kingdom, and they're your inheritance as a child of God.

Here in this article, you'll discover practical steps for exercising the gifts of the Spirit during believer's gatherings 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 ministry.

God's Plan: How to Use Spiritual Gifts

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

Paul writes, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to EACH ONE for the profit of ALL" (1 Corinthians 12:7, emphasis added). The Greek word συμφέρω (sympherō), translated profit of all means to bring together, 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; that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to unite believers and help them to encourage and build each other up for service.

From Spectator to Participant

God's plan invites ALL believers to actively participate in ministry, to move beyond the role of spectator and become engaged participants in the work of the Kingdom.

Paul states, "[Christ] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS for the WORK OF THE MINISTRY, for the EDIFYING of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11–12, emphasis added).

Believers must be equipped to serve (minister) effectively and edify the Body of Christ of which they are a part. This includes developing confidence in operating the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. When believers are fully equipped and actively using their spiritual gifts, they will come alive, and the Body of Christ will grow and mature as God intends.

How Fruits of The Spirit Refine Your Gifts

The Bible clearly outlines the nine fruits 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 fruits because they are inseparable parts of His character. Just as you cannot divide the Holy Spirit into pieces, you cannot separate these fruits from one another. They exist within every born-again believer, gradually becoming more visible as we learn to walk in step with the Spirit.

How Fruits Refine Gifts

The fruits of the Spirit work in beautiful harmony with the gifts of the Spirit. As the fruits mature in our lives, they create the perfect environment for the gifts to operate effectively.

For instance, God's love ensures we use spiritual 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 fruits build the character foundation that enables us to steward the gifts responsibly and impact others positively.

As we grow in Christ, these nine fruits gradually develop and transform us to reflect Jesus' character more clearly. It would be illogical to suggest that a believer could manifest only one or two fruits while lacking the others, as they all stem from the Holy Spirit.

When learning how to use spiritual gifts effectively, you'll find that all nine gifts are equally available, just as all nine fruits develop within us. The nine fruits work together to shape our character for ministry, and the nine gifts work together to equip us for service in God's Kingdom.

Why Love Must Guide Your Spiritual Gifts

Christians refer to 1 Corinthians 13 as "The Love Chapter" yet rarely consider its scriptural context and intended meaning when learning how to use spiritual gifts effectively.

Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian Church to address crippling doctrinal and practical issues that they had written to him about 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.

The Corinthian Problem

The Corinthian believers lacked a clear understanding of how to use spiritual gifts in the Church. Some were selfishly using the gifts for their own ends without understanding their shared role in the Church, while others were selfishly inactive, always receiving ministry from others while rarely ever contributing ministry themselves.

Paul begins his letter 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).

Understanding "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 really saying, "Earnestly desire these GREAT gifts!"

Agape: The More Excellent Way

The "more excellent way" Paul speaks of is the LOVE he goes on to describe while purposely using the Greek word ἀγάπη (agapē) — God's love, a fruit of the Spirit. Agape is distinct from emotional affection, or the brotherly love (philadelphia) mentioned in Romans 13:10 and elsewhere. It's not the love that's commonly discussed, depicted, or sung about in society.

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

Love Is Something You Do

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 use spiritual gifts in the Church properly, signifying their importance.

Clearly, it is agape (love) that motivates believers to step beyond their comfort zones to speak prophetic words and interpret messages in tongues. 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).

The Greek word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē) means edification; it refers to building up, the act of one promoting the growth of others. Paul emphasizes that believers should DESIRE spiritual gifts in the Church, as long as their focus is on edifying the Body of Christ.

Paul says, "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).

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!"

Three Tests Every Spiritual Gift Must Pass

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, any manifestation of a spiritual gift must meet any of these three characteristics to be considered a genuine gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift's manifestation should leave individuals or groups in a better physical, mental, or spiritual condition than before.

Paul emphasizes 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, an interpretation of a tongue, and so on (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Our role is to attend believer meetings motivated by agape (love) to build up our fellow believers in the Body of Christ by sharing spiritual gifts when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Similarly, we'll be edified by the similar participation of other believers.

Furthermore, when prompted by the Holy Spirit, we can be instruments to meet people's needs at any time and any place. Our ministry will be empowered by His anointing when we allow ourselves to be motivated by a genuine desire to love and serve others.

How to Use Spiritual Gifts: Learning from Jesus

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.

The Scene 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

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

• Word of knowledge: Since 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 release 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) translated perceive means 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 to best 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 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; He performed miracles through His Spirit-filled humanity. Not only did He call on us to do His works (John 14:12), but he demonstrated how to use spiritual gifts to do them.

Recognizing When the Spirit Prompts You

Paul writes, "As EACH ONE has received a GIFT, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold 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 also 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 (charismata) to meet specific needs of the Body of Christ.

How the Spirit Distributes Gifts

For example, the Holy Spirit will gently prompt (quicken) 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 how to use spiritual gifts: each gift 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 acknowledge and develop your spiritual sight and hearing, 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 Heaven or hoping for someone else to begin speaking. God is wanting YOU to speak. Just step out in faith and prophesy when there's an opening!

Stepping Out in Faith: Your First Steps

For believers to come together in unity and for the Body of Christ to be strengthened in faith, it's crucial that believers are willing to step out in faith and operate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are not meant to lay dormant in the believer, but to be actively and courageously utilized for the benefit of the Church.

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.

Overcoming Initial Hesitation

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 use spiritual gifts. 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, given experience. However, despite your proficiency in spiritual gifts, faith will ALWAYS be required when using them.

We always have the freedom of choice 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), for each prompting represents a divine appointment to be a channel of God's grace to someone in need. When believers fail to respond, needs can go unmet.

Faith: The Constant Requirement

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!

How to Use Spiritual Gifts in Personal Ministry

There are times when the Holy Spirit could call on you to minister to an individual. 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 use spiritual gifts means operating several at once, 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 discernment of spirits with a word of wisdom, followed by a miracle when an evil spirit is dispensed with.

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

How to Use Spiritual Gifts Daily: From Beginner to Flowing in Confidence

While learning how to use spiritual gifts, 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 you 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.

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, emphasis added).

God has created each of us 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. Holy Spirit will lead and guide you in how to operate them.

However, what I can 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 (quickens) you to manifest a gift to meet the needs of an individual, or to bless a gathering of believers, you can obediently step out in faith and manifest that gift.

Starting in Safe Environments

When you're learning how to use spiritual gifts, 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 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 in the Church, we become conduits for the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as a fire hose drenches everybody in its path, when God's anointing flows through us to bless others, we're also edified and blessed in the process.

How Spiritual Gifts Build Mutual Faith

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 participate and share a spiritual gift 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.

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 use spiritual gifts in the Church to uplift and support one another cannot be overstated. A Spirit-filled Church naturally overflows with life, growth, and reproduction.

The Lord's Command: Earnestly Desire These 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, emphasis added).

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 encourage you to take the next step with what you've learned. Your interest in how to use spiritual gifts may well be the Holy Spirit's invitation to a deeper walk in ministering to others.

Next Steps in Your Spiritual Gift Journey

You've discovered how to use spiritual gifts as powerful tools for Kingdom advancement, understanding that God's agape is what motivates every authentic manifestation. Through selected Scriptures and real-world examples, you've learned to recognize the Holy Spirit's promptings, step out in faith, and allow these nine supernatural abilities to flow through you for the edification of others.

As you put into practice what you've learned, the spiritual gifts will begin flowing more naturally, equipping you to fulfill your unique role in the Body of Christ. This concludes our 7-Part series introducing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you haven't already, start with Part 1, The Nine Gifts of the Spirit, and discover how God can transform your life through these powerful supernatural abilities He has given you.

Endnotes

¹ Kuhlman, Kathryn. "I Believe in Miracles." South Plainfield, NJ: Bridge Publishing, Inc., Revised Edition 1992.

² "The House of Peter: The Home of Jesus in Capernaum?" biblicalarchaeology.org. Biblical Archaeology Society Staff, 12 Oct. 2023, Web. 7 Apr. 2024.

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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 lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don, and my prayer is Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.