What Are the Gifts of the Spirit Really For?
Their purpose and how to use them
When most Christians think about spiritual gifts, the first question they ask is, “What’s my gift?” But what if that’s actually the wrong question? The truth is, the gifts of the Spirit are often misunderstood, and serve a far greater purpose than we realise.
What if the real meaning of these gifts has been hiding in plain sight all along?
Dr David Jeremiah gets to the very core of this idea and explains that every believer has been given a spiritual gift, and that gift was never meant to stay hidden or unused. The question is not whether you are gifted. The question is how you are using what you have already received.
The Gifts Were Never Meant for You
When it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, we tend to ask, “what is my gift? What am I good at? How does this fulfil me?” But Scripture takes us in a different direction.
Dr Jeremiah explains that spiritual gifts are given “to profit all.” They are designed to strengthen others, not elevate ourselves. “When people use their spiritual gifts within the church, they bless us with those gifts.”
In other words, your obedience becomes someone else’s encouragement.
What Happens When You Don’t Use Your Gift of the Spirit?
We often think receiving and using our gifts are an optional extra. An added bonus here and there to please God. But this is not the case. When a gift is left sitting idle, something is missing in the body of Christ.
If your gift is meant to build others up, then not using it leaves a gap where strength, encouragement, or truth should be. Someone misses out on what God intended to give through you.
There is an old saying that Dr Jeremiah quoted: “Use it, don’t abuse it, or you will lose it.” Spiritually speaking, a neglected gift loses its impact. But when it is used faithfully, it becomes a channel for God’s work in other people’s lives.
Why Gifts of the Spirit Don’t Make You “Spiritual”
Dr Jeremiah pointed out an excellent yet daunting truth. “You can be greatly gifted yet still not walking with the Lord.”
The church in Corinth is the clearest example. They were rich in spiritual gifts, yet spiritually immature. Their lives did not match the power they displayed.
That is a warning for all of us. Spiritual gifts are tools, not proof of holiness. They are meant to point beyond us, not draw attention to us.
The “Specialist” Mistake
Some Christians assume that if they don’t have a particular gift, they’re not responsible for that area of ministry. Scripture says otherwise.
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” While some are specially gifted in certain areas, all believers are called to live out the basics of the Christian life. The gifts amplify obedience; they do not replace it.
As Dr Jeremiah puts it, “Just because you don’t have the gift of evangelism doesn’t mean you can’t share the gospel with somebody you love.”
The Real Goal: Bringing Glory to Jesus
The ultimate purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is not church growth, personal identity, or even helping others, though all of those are part of it. The final goal is the glory of Jesus Christ.
As 1 Peter 4:11 puts it, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Every gift, whether visible or quiet, points in the same direction. When it is used rightly, it draws attention to Him.
How Do You Discover Your Gift of the Spirit?
If the gifts matter this much, the natural question is: how do you find yours?
Dr Jeremiah outlined a practical path to follow:
- Investigation: Learn what Scripture says about the gifts
- Involvement: Start serving where you are
- Interest: Notice what you are drawn to
- Introspection: Look for where God is using you
- Input: Ask others what they see in you
He shared how “you cannot steer a parked car.” Growth happens when you step out and serve, not when you wait for perfect clarity.
A Life That Gives Back
There is a simple way to understand the gifts of the Spirit:
Your gift is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.
That is the hidden truth many of us miss. So be intentional, step out and see what happens. Spiritual gifts aren’t ultimately about discovering your potential. They’re about participating in God’s mission. As you faithfully serve where He has placed you, He delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory.
Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.
Feature image: Canva
