The Heart of Spiritual Gifts

Published on August 11, 2025 at 12:27 AM

The Heart of Spiritual Gifts

Building Up the Body, Not Just Shining Bright:

A Devotional on 1 Corinthians 14 and the Heart of Spiritual Gifts

Good morning, church family! As we reflect on the rich truths we explored in our sermon this past Sunday, particularly from 1 Corinthians 14, I'm reminded of the incredible power and beauty of the Holy Spirit's gifts. Paul’s passionate plea in this chapter isn't just about understanding what these gifts are, but crucially, why we have them and how they ought to be exercised. Today, let's delve deeper into the heart of spiritual gifting, focusing on the foundational motivations that should drive their use.

Our sermon highlighted the contrasting yet vital emphasis on tongues and prophecy within the Corinthian church. While the manifestation of tongues could be awe-inspiring, Paul’s concern was for the edification of the entire church. He wasn't dismissing the gift of tongues, but he was urging them to prioritize gifts that would build up others and draw everyone closer to God. This, my friends, is the essence of a healthy, Spirit-filled community.

So, what are the core motivations that should guide our pursuit and exercise of spiritual gifts?

1. Glorifying Jesus: The Ultimate Purpose

At the very core of every spiritual gift lies the magnificent purpose of glorifying Jesus. Whether it's the gift of teaching that illuminates His Word, the gift of healing that reflects His compassion, or even the gift of tongues used in a way that blesses others, the ultimate aim is to lift up the name of Jesus.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:3, "No one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit." This foundational statement underpins all spiritual activity. When we use our gifts with a primary focus on exalting Christ, we are aligning ourselves with the very heart of the Spirit’s work. Our gifts are not for personal accolades or to impress others, but to declare, "Jesus is Lord!"

Questions for Reflection:

  • When I exercise my spiritual gifts, is my first thought to draw attention to myself or to point others to Jesus?

  • How can I ensure that my desire to use my gifts is rooted in a deep love and reverence for Christ?

2. Loving People: The Practical Expression of Faith

Hand in hand with glorifying Jesus is the profound call to love people. The gifts of the Spirit are not meant to be displayed in isolation, but to serve and build up the Body of Christ. Paul's emphasis on intelligibility in 1 Corinthians 14 is a direct reflection of this love. A message that is not understood, however powerful it may seem to the speaker, fails to edify the listener.

Loving others means being mindful of their spiritual needs and desires. It means speaking in a way that encourages, strengthens, and comforts them. It means using our gifts to serve, to bear burdens, and to point them towards the life-changing truth of the Gospel. When our gifts are motivated by genuine love for our brothers and sisters, they become powerful tools for building up the church.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Do I consider the impact of my spiritual gifts on those around me?

  • Am I using my gifts to meet the needs of others, or am I simply seeking to exercise them?

  • How can I grow in my capacity to love and serve others through the gifts God has given me?

3. Dependence on God: The Source of Power

The sermon also reminded us that these gifts are not our own inherent abilities, but empowerments from God. We cannot tap into them through sheer willpower or human effort. True spiritual gifting flows from a deep and abiding dependence on God.

Paul’s instruction to seek the "best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31) is not a competitive pursuit, but an invitation to trust God for the provisions we need to build up His church. This dependence fosters humility. It reminds us that we are simply vessels, instruments in His hands. When we rely on Him, He equips us, guides us, and empowers us to use our gifts effectively and in accordance with His will.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Do I approach the exercise of my spiritual gifts with a sense of reliance on God's power, or do I try to force them through my own strength?

  • How can I cultivate a deeper habit of prayer and seeking God's guidance before and during the use of my gifts?

4. Relying on the Word of God: The Guiding Light

In the midst of diverse spiritual manifestations, the Word of God serves as our ultimate anchor and guide. Paul's affirmation that prophecy is more beneficial for the church's building, and his emphasis on the intelligibility of speech, all point back to the foundational truth of Scripture.

The gifts of the Spirit are never meant to contradict or supersede the authority of God's Word. Instead, they are meant to illuminate and confirm it. When we exercise our gifts in alignment with biblical truth, we ensure that our ministry is not leading people astray, but rather guiding them into deeper understanding and obedience to Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

  • How well do I know God's Word? Is it my primary source of truth and discernment?

  • When I encounter different spiritual expressions, do I test them against the teachings of Scripture?

  • How can I ensure that my understanding and use of spiritual gifts are firmly rooted in the Bible?

As we leave this Sunday’s message, let’s carry these motivations with us into our daily lives. Let our desire to exercise spiritual gifts be fueled by a burning passion to glorify Jesus, a deep and abiding love for people, a humble dependence on God, and an unwavering commitment to relying on the Word of God. May our gifts be used not for fleeting spectacle, but for the lasting edification and spiritual growth of the entire Body of Christ.

What spiritual gift are you excited to develop and use for God’s glory and the love of others? Share your thoughts below!