The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1301-A, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 3."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1976. All Rights Reserved.

Question

What are the spiritual gifts and how do I discover mine?

Answer

We’ve talked about this a lot in the past, but not recently. The first thing I would suggest for you—and I’m not selfish in doing this—is to get the book The Church: the Body of Christ, which I’ve written. It’s in the bookstore and it goes into all of the details about spiritual gifts. Suffice it to say this: if you want to know what the spiritual gifts are, read Romans 12, verses 3 and following. Then read 1 Corinthians 12, verses 1 to the end of the chapter (verse 28 would probably be far enough). Read those two chapters and make a list of the spiritual gifts. Be sure to distinguish which ones are permanent, edifying gifts and which ones are temporary sign gifts. When your list is complete, of those that are permanent, edifying gifts, you have some basis to discover your own.

You say, “Then how do I discover my gifts?” Simple. Walk in the Spirit, let the Holy Spirit do what He will through you, and you’ll see what He does with you. If you feel a desire towards some thing or another, follow that—if you sense that God has created that desire within you. I really think that God works through our desires. I was telling somebody this the other day: if God really wanted to lead you and He wanted to lead you the simplest way possible, how best could He lead you? By making you desire what He wanted for you. Right? Well, I assume that God is way ahead of us in that area. If we delight in the Lord, Psalm 37 says, He’ll give us the desires of our heart. In other words, if He is first, He’ll plant those desires and then fulfill them. And so you can follow your desire!

When I entered into the ministry, I didn’t even understand what spiritual gifts were! I was preaching and teaching and exercising my gifts long before I knew what they were! It isn’t nearly so important that I’ve analyzed myself as that I’ve been obedient to the Holy Spirit and followed the desire that He places in my heart.

Walk in the Spirit and He will do through you what must be done. Your gifts will be manifest.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986