Lesson 58: How to Use Your Gifts for the Glory of God
God does not save believers so they can remain spiritually inactive.
He brings them into the body of Christ and gives them opportunities and abilities through which they may strengthen others.
Peter writes:
“As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
— 1 Peter 4:10, KJV
A gift is not given merely to be admired, discussed, or placed into a personal identity.
It is given to be ministered:
“one to another.”
God gives gifts so His people can serve.
What Is a Spiritual Gift?
A spiritual gift is a gracious ability, enablement, or ministry entrusted by God for service within the body of Christ.
The gift does not originate in human merit.
It is received.
Paul writes:
“But unto every one of us is given grace
according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:7, KJV
The believer does not earn a gift by becoming more important than others.
The gift is an expression of grace.
That means it should produce gratitude rather than pride.
Gifts and Natural Abilities Are Not Always Identical
God may use abilities a person possessed before salvation.
He may use:
intelligence;
communication;
organization;
craftsmanship;
musical ability;
leadership experience;
compassion;
or practical skill.
But natural ability and spiritual gifting should not be treated as exactly the same thing.
A person may possess natural speaking ability while lacking biblical truth, spiritual maturity, or a calling to teach.
Another person may not appear naturally impressive, yet God may enable him to serve with unusual faithfulness and spiritual usefulness.
God can sanctify natural abilities, develop new abilities, and strengthen believers for work they could not accomplish through themselves alone.
The important question is not merely:
“What am I naturally good at?”
It is:
“How has God equipped me to strengthen others in obedience to Christ?”
God Also Gives Practical Ability
Not every God-given ability is connected to a platform.
When God appointed Bezaleel for work connected with the tabernacle, He said:
“And I have filled him with the spirit of God,
in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge,
and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works…”
— Exodus 31:3–4, KJV
Bezaleel’s work involved skill, design, materials, and craftsmanship.
The passage concerned a particular Old Testament assignment, but it demonstrates an important truth:
God values practical ability.
A church needs more than visible speakers.
It may need people who can:
organize;
repair;
prepare;
give;
encourage;
manage details;
show mercy;
welcome;
teach children;
care for property;
or quietly help people in need.
Do not assume that only platform ministry is spiritual service.
There Are Different Gifts From the Same God
Paul writes:
“Now there are diversities of gifts,
but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations,
but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations,
but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, KJV
The gifts differ.
The Spirit is the same.
The ministries differ.
The Lord is the same.
The ways those ministries operate may differ.
God remains the One working through them.
Uniformity is not required for unity.
Believers do not need identical abilities in order to belong to the same body.
The Holy Ghost Distributes Gifts According to His Will
Paul says:
“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,
dividing to every man severally as he will.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:11, KJV
The Holy Ghost distributes according to His will.
Believers do not assign themselves gifts according to personal ambition.
You may desire to serve in a particular way.
That desire should remain surrendered.
God knows what His church needs and how He intends to use each member.
This protects the believer from both pride and resentment.
You did not create your gift.
You also do not need to be angry because someone else received a different one.
Spiritual Gifts Are Given for the Good of Others
Paul says:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to every man to profit withal.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:7, KJV
“To profit withal” means for the common good.
A spiritual gift is not mainly a private possession for personal fulfillment.
It should benefit others.
Ask:
“Whom does this strengthen?”
“How does this help the body?”
“Does this produce truth, maturity, order, encouragement, mercy, or faithful service?”
A gift that draws attention only toward its possessor is being misunderstood or misused.
Gifts Are Stewardships
Peter calls believers:
“good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
A steward manages what belongs to another.
God owns the gift.
The believer receives responsibility for its use.
Therefore, you should not say:
“This is my ability, and I may use it however I please.”
A steward asks:
“What does the Owner desire?”
“How should this be used?”
“Am I protecting, developing, neglecting, or wasting what was entrusted?”
A gift is not a trophy.
It is a trust.
The Final Purpose Is God’s Glory
Peter continues:
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;
if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
— 1 Peter 4:11, KJV
The purpose is clear:
“That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
The speaker must honor God’s truth.
The servant must depend upon God’s ability.
The result should direct glory toward God through Christ.
If the ministry mainly enlarges the reputation, control, or wealth of the person exercising it, something has gone wrong.
Speaking Gifts Must Remain Beneath God’s Word
Peter says:
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…”
This does not mean every statement a Christian teacher makes becomes the Word of God.
It means those who speak for God must treat His revealed truth with seriousness and faithfulness.
They should not:
invent doctrine;
twist Scripture;
make careless claims;
or present personal opinion as divine authority.
A speaking gift increases responsibility.
The speaker must study, speak truthfully, remain correctable, and refuse to use Scripture as a tool for personal influence.
Serving Gifts Require God’s Strength
Peter also says:
“If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth…”
Service can become exhausting when performed through human strength alone.
A believer may begin well and gradually become:
resentful;
controlling;
self-important;
or depleted.
The servant must remember that God supplies ability.
Paul writes:
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves
to think any thing as of ourselves;
but our sufficiency is of God;”
— 2 Corinthians 3:5, KJV
Dependence does not eliminate effort.
It means the believer does not treat himself as the source.
Scripture Gives Several Examples of Gifts
Romans 12 mentions gifts connected with:
prophecy;
ministry;
teaching;
exhortation;
giving;
ruling;
and mercy.
First Corinthians 12 includes:
wisdom;
knowledge;
faith;
healings;
miracles;
prophecy;
discernment;
tongues;
interpretation;
helps;
governments;
and other workings.
Ephesians 4 speaks of gifted people who serve the church through ministries such as evangelism, shepherding, and teaching.
The lists are not identical.
Together they emphasize the variety of ways God may strengthen His people.
This lesson will not attempt to settle every disagreement Christians have concerning the present operation of particular gifts.
The governing truths remain clear:
God gives gifts.
Scripture governs their use.
Christ must be exalted.
The church must be edified.
The believer must remain humble.
And everything must be done decently and in order.
Gifts Differ According to Grace
Paul writes:
“Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us…”
— Romans 12:6, KJV
Difference is intentional.
One person may explain Scripture clearly.
Another may recognize practical needs quickly.
Another may encourage discouraged believers.
Another may organize complicated work.
Another may give generously.
Another may show unusual mercy toward suffering people.
No one member contains every gift needed by the entire body.
Difference creates interdependence.
Think Soberly About Yourself
Before listing gifts, Paul warns:
“Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;
but to think soberly…”
— Romans 12:3, KJV
Spiritual gifts must be approached with sober judgment.
Thinking too highly says:
“My gift makes me more important.”
“No one can replace me.”
“Because I am gifted, I should control the work.”
Thinking too lowly says:
“I have nothing useful to offer.”
“God could never use me.”
“My contribution does not matter.”
Both can place attention upon self.
Sober judgment says:
“Whatever God has given me belongs to Him.”
“I am responsible to use it faithfully.”
“I still need the other members of the body.”
A Gift Does Not Prove Spiritual Maturity
A person may have strong ability while possessing serious weaknesses in character.
Public effectiveness does not automatically prove:
humility;
purity;
wisdom;
sound doctrine;
or God’s approval of every part of the person’s life.
Giftedness must never replace character.
A person should not excuse pride, dishonesty, sexual sin, harshness, or manipulation by pointing to visible ministry results.
God’s standard does not become lower because someone is talented.
The more influence a person possesses, the more seriously that influence must be governed by truth and holiness.
A Gift Does Not Automatically Create an Office
A person may have an ability to teach without automatically being qualified to serve as a pastor.
Someone may organize well without possessing authority over the church.
A believer may evangelize effectively without needing a title.
Gifts and formal responsibilities are related, but they are not identical.
Church offices carry biblical qualifications and accountability.
Lesson 59 will address leadership more fully.
Do not appoint yourself to authority merely because you believe you possess a gift.
Every Gift Must Serve the Body
Paul describes the church as one body with many members.
He writes:
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body,
as it hath pleased him.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:18, KJV
God places the members.
The gift should not pull the member away from the body into self-directed isolation.
A believer should learn to serve:
alongside others;
under biblical order;
with accountability;
and for the shared good of the church.
A gift that refuses all correction and accountability is spiritually dangerous.
Less Visible Members Are Necessary
Paul says:
“Nay, much more those members of the body,
which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:”
— 1 Corinthians 12:22, KJV
Visibility does not determine necessity.
The person who teaches publicly may be noticed.
The person who prays privately may not be.
The person who leads may be recognized.
The person who quietly prepares everything required for the work may be overlooked.
God sees the entire body.
Do not call a gift insignificant merely because it operates quietly.
Do Not Compare Gifts
Comparison produces several dangers.
Pride
“My gift is more important.”
Envy
“I wish I had that person’s gift.”
Discouragement
“No one notices what I do.”
Imitation
“I will copy another person’s ministry even though God has not equipped me for it.”
Competition
“I must prove that my contribution matters more.”
The body is strengthened when each member serves faithfully rather than competing for visibility.
Do Not Despise Your Own Gift
Some believers fail to serve because their gift does not match what they admire in someone else.
They may say:
“I cannot preach.”
“I cannot sing.”
“I am not a leader.”
Therefore, they assume they have little value.
But perhaps God has equipped them to:
encourage;
give;
organize;
show mercy;
teach quietly;
help practically;
pray faithfully;
or notice people others overlook.
Do not reject God’s assignment because it does not satisfy personal ambition.
Do Not Claim a Gift You Have Not Demonstrated
A person may announce:
“I have the gift of teaching.”
But others remain confused by his teaching.
Another may claim leadership while producing disorder.
Another may claim discernment while repeatedly making false accusations.
A claimed gift should become recognizable through faithful, biblical fruit.
Let service, truth, maturity, and the confirmation of trustworthy believers help clarify the matter.
Self-announcement is not enough.
Do Not Use a Gift Test as Final Authority
Questionnaires may help people consider patterns of interest and ability.
They cannot speak with divine authority.
A test may reflect:
your present self-perception;
your preferred activities;
or the way you hope others see you.
Do not build your identity upon a score.
Use Scripture, prayer, actual service, fruit, wise counsel, and time.
Gifts often become clearer while believers are already serving.
Start With Obedience, Not a Label
Some people delay service because they have not discovered the exact name of their gift.
They say:
“I do not know my gift, so I do not know what to do.”
Begin with clear responsibilities.
Pray.
Encourage.
Give.
Help.
Learn Scripture.
Share the gospel.
Carry a burden.
Serve where a real need exists.
You may discover the shape of your gifting while obeying ordinary commands.
Do not wait for a title before becoming useful.
Universal Commands Still Apply
Spiritual gifts do not excuse believers from responsibilities given to all Christians.
A person cannot say:
“Giving is not my gift, so I never need to be generous.”
“Mercy is not my gift, so I may ignore suffering.”
“Evangelism is not my gift, so I never need to speak of Christ.”
“Service is not my gift, so other people should do the work.”
Some believers may possess unusual grace in a particular area.
All believers must still obey the commands God gives to the whole church.
How Can You Begin Recognizing Your Gift?
Examine Repeated Burdens
What needs consistently move your heart toward faithful action?
A burden alone does not prove a gift, but it may direct attention toward an area of service.
Observe Useful Ability
Where are people genuinely strengthened through your service?
Not merely impressed—strengthened.
Consider Spiritual Fruit
Does the service produce greater truth, obedience, encouragement, order, mercy, or maturity?
Listen to Mature Believers
What abilities do trustworthy Christians consistently recognize?
Notice Providential Opportunities
Where has God repeatedly opened doors for useful service?
Remain Teachable
Are you willing to receive correction and improve?
Give It Time
A gift may become clearer through years of faithful service rather than one dramatic experience.
Develop What God Has Given
Paul told Timothy:
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee…”
— 1 Timothy 4:14, KJV
He later told him:
“Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…”
— 2 Timothy 1:6, KJV
These instructions were given specifically to Timothy within his calling.
They also demonstrate that gifts should not be neglected.
A gift may need to be:
studied;
practiced;
strengthened;
corrected;
and exercised.
Grace does not remove the need for preparation.
A teacher should study.
A musician should practice.
A leader should learn wisdom.
A servant should become dependable.
Someone showing mercy should also develop discernment.
Do not call carelessness dependence upon God.
Training Does Not Replace the Holy Ghost
Education and practice are valuable.
They cannot manufacture spiritual life.
A person may become technically skilled while remaining spiritually empty.
The believer needs both:
faithful preparation;
and dependence upon God.
Prepare as though the responsibility matters.
Pray as though you cannot accomplish spiritual good without God—because you cannot.
Use Your Gift According to Grace
Romans 12 gives practical directions:
“Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
— Romans 12:7–8, KJV
The manner matters.
Give sincerely.
Lead diligently.
Show mercy cheerfully.
Teach faithfully.
Exhort purposefully.
A gift is not merely something you possess.
It is something you must exercise rightly.
Seek Edification, Not Display
Paul says:
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:12, KJV
Zeal for gifts must be directed toward edification.
To edify means to build up.
Ask:
“Does this make the church stronger in truth and obedience?”
Or:
“Does it mainly display the person exercising the gift?”
Spiritual ministry should not create confusion, disorder, or dependence upon a personality.
It should build believers toward maturity in Christ.
Gifts Must Operate in Order
Paul commands:
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40, KJV
Spirituality is not proved by chaos.
Order does not mean lifeless control.
It means ministry should be governed so that people can understand, participate, be protected, and receive edification.
No one should use a claimed gift to:
interrupt continually;
dominate the gathering;
reject leadership accountability;
or demand that others accept every statement without examination.
The Holy Ghost does not contradict the Scripture He inspired.
Gifts Must Operate Through Love
A person may possess impressive ability while treating others selfishly.
That contradicts the purpose of the gift.
Gifts are given for service.
Love directs the gift toward another person’s true good.
Without love, teaching may become pride.
Leadership may become control.
Giving may become influence.
Discernment may become suspicion.
Exhortation may become harshness.
Mercy may become unhealthy enabling.
Lesson 84 will address love and truth more fully.
The foundation here is simple:
A gift must serve through love.
Gifts Must Not Be Used for Personal Profit
Ministry may sometimes involve appropriate financial support.
Scripture recognizes that those who labor may receive support.
But a gift must never become a tool for greed, manipulation, or exploitation.
Be cautious when a person uses spiritual claims to:
pressure money from vulnerable people;
promise blessings for payment;
create fear;
or build personal wealth through deception.
God’s grace is not merchandise.
Give God the Credit
Paul asks:
“For who maketh thee to differ from another?
and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?
Now if thou didst receive it,
why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
— 1 Corinthians 4:7, KJV
Every gift was received.
Every opportunity was permitted.
Every useful result required God’s grace.
Therefore, boasting is irrational.
The proper response is:
“God gave this.”
“God supplied strength.”
“God opened the opportunity.”
“May God receive the glory.”
Do Not Force a Platform
A believer may recognize an ability but have no current opportunity to use it publicly.
Do not manipulate people into creating a position for you.
Continue preparing.
Continue serving where doors are open.
Remain faithful in smaller responsibilities.
Allow character, usefulness, and trust to develop.
God does not need your self-promotion in order to fulfil His will.
Do Not Bury Your Ability Through Fear
The opposite danger is refusing every opportunity because you feel inadequate.
Dependence upon God does not mean waiting until all fear disappears.
You may need to serve while feeling weak.
Pray.
Prepare.
Accept appropriate help.
Begin within your present ability.
Do not let fear become permanent disobedience.
God may strengthen the gift as you use it faithfully.
Measure Success by Faithfulness
A visible response does not always prove spiritual success.
Large numbers do not always prove God’s approval.
Limited results do not always prove failure.
Ask:
“Was I faithful to Scripture?”
“Did I serve sincerely?”
“Did I prepare responsibly?”
“Did I strengthen anyone?”
“Did I remain humble and correctable?”
“Did Jesus Christ receive the glory?”
Leave final results with God.
A Practical Gift-Stewardship Pattern
1. Surrender the Gift
Acknowledge that the ability belongs to God.
2. Identify Real Needs
Look for people who need strengthening, not merely a position you desire.
3. Begin Serving
Use present opportunities faithfully.
4. Seek Confirmation
Listen to mature, trustworthy believers.
5. Develop the Ability
Study, practice, prepare, and receive correction.
6. Remain Under Scripture
Never allow gifting to overrule biblical truth.
7. Serve the Body
Use the gift for edification rather than self-display.
8. Depend Upon God
Minister through the ability He supplies.
9. Refuse Comparison
Do not despise your gift or envy another person’s.
10. Give God the Glory
Remember that everything useful was received from Him.
A Spiritual-Gift Examination
The abilities or burdens I consistently recognize are:
The needs I am drawn to help meet are:
The ways other believers have been strengthened through me are:
What mature believers have recognized in me is:
The area in which I need training or correction is:
The pride, fear, comparison, or ambition I must surrender is:
The present opportunity I can begin using faithfully is:
Discipleship Questions
- Why are spiritual gifts described as grace and stewardship rather than personal possessions?
- Why does God give different gifts to different members of the body?
- What is the difference between possessing ability and being spiritually mature?
- How can a believer begin recognizing and developing a gift without depending upon self-promotion or a questionnaire?
- What present opportunity do you have to use a God-given ability for another person’s good?
Closing Exhortation
Use what God has given you.
Do not boast in it.
Do not bury it.
Do not compare it.
Do not turn it into a title, identity, or means of control.
Do not assume visibility determines value.
Do not claim gifting as an excuse for weak character or careless preparation.
Receive the gift as grace.
Develop it faithfully.
Submit it to Scripture.
Use it in love.
Serve the body.
Remain accountable.
Depend upon the ability God supplies.
And let the final result be:
“That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
A Prayer to Use Your Gifts for God’s Glory
Father,
Thank You for every grace, ability, opportunity, and spiritual gift You have entrusted to Your people.
Show me what You have given me and how it should be used.
Forgive me for pride, envy, comparison, fear, laziness, self-promotion, and neglect.
Keep me from thinking too highly of myself.
Also keep me from false humility that refuses to use what You have provided.
Help me recognize real needs and serve people rather than seek a title or platform.
Give me wisdom to distinguish natural ambition from Your direction.
Confirm my usefulness through Scripture, godly fruit, faithful service, and the counsel of mature believers.
Teach me to study, practice, prepare, and receive correction.
Keep every gift beneath the authority of Your Word.
Do not allow me to use spiritual ability for control, attention, greed, or personal glory.
Help me serve through love and in proper order.
Remind me that I am a steward rather than the owner.
Supply the strength required for every assignment.
Let other believers be strengthened.
Let Jesus Christ be exalted.
And let God receive all the glory.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Choose one ability, burden, or opportunity you believe God may have entrusted to you:
The ability or burden is:
The need it could help meet is:
The mature believer from whom I will seek counsel is:
The training or preparation I need is:
The practical service I will begin or continue is:
The pride, fear, or comparison I must surrender is:
Do not wait only for a title.
Serve one person.
Meet one real need.
Develop the ability.
Receive correction.
Then continue using what God has given for the good of others and the glory of Jesus Christ.
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