So, the Bible says that we have each been given a talent, etc. How do we figure out what it is?

3/9/2008 10:38:56 PM by JesusRocks, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/7/2008

Ask the Father. Also, think about what your heart desires. What you really love doing will be part of it. A talent is the thing you enjoy doing that is effortless for you. You are "gifted" in that area.

3/10/2008 8:56:06 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

We had a class on this last night. Basically, every person receives one or more gifts when he/she gets reborn. To discover your gift(s), you have to ask the Father in prayer. He will tell you. And as stated before, your gift will be something you enjoy and is effortless for you.

The purpose of all spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ.

3/13/2008 1:30:06 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I'd like to share the information I've received. This will be a bit long, but I think it will be worth the read. As stated before all spiritual gifts are to build up the body of Christ AND to increase the kingdom. I am going to list the gifts and then define them.

1st Corinthians 12:711

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinquishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All of these work of one and the same Spirit and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.

The gift of Knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body to discover, accumulate, analyze and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well being of the body.

The gift of faith is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work.

The gift of healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means.

The gift of miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body to serve as intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform such pwerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature.

The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance.

The gift of discerning of pirits is the special ability that God gives certain members of the body to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or satanic.

The gift of tongues is the special ability that God gives certain members of the body to speak to God in a language they hav never learned and/or or to receive and communicate an imediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance in a language never learned.

The gift of interpretation is a special ability that God gives certain members of the body to make known in a vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues.

Some people have more than one gift. But all are for the same purpose.

3/18/2008 4:17:53 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Information taken from: Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow, by C. Peter Wagner, 5th Edition

3/19/2008 12:59:26 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Mrs. Piggy: The site has an new resources section where you can list helpful or influential books like this one. I'd be delighted (if you have time) if you'd post it there. It's a new feature and potentially buggy, so let me know if it gives you any grief.

3/19/2008 1:03:42 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I'd like to add:

When you know what your gifts are, walk in them. Expect opposition from others, but read this scripture and take it to heart:

Romans 11:29 "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

3/30/2008 12:39:08 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

There are two different kinds of gifts. There are Speaking Gifts, and there are Serving Gifts.
I believe that God has given me the Gift of Wisdom, the Gift of Word of Knowledge, and the Gift of Prayer, and the Gift of Giving.
These are things I love to do, and He has given me the desire of my heart to do these to bless and build up others!

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:10-11
What about you MrsPiggy, what are your gifts?!

4/1/2008 10:02:54 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Yes. I knew you were gifted with wisdom and knowledge. They work together. Intercession(prayer), giving, exhortation & encouragement are not a surprise. You missed one, but I'm not going to tell you which one. You know already.

I have the same as you and discernment of spirits. This is the one I operate in most. Which is why I knew what your gifts were, but wanted confirmation from you. The one you left out was the one I sensed the first time I read one of your post.

I am a member of the intercessary ministry at my church. We pray every morning, M-F at 6 a.m. and every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. I think this gift is most prevelant which is why I'm drawn to prayer request on this site.

Thank you for sharing.

4/1/2008 10:24:37 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Okay Arsin,

I know you read everything, what are your gifts? I believe I know, but I want you to post. Thank you.

4/1/2008 10:26:57 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Thank you also MrsPiggy!
It is a joy to get to know you and share with you!
Praise the Lord!

4/1/2008 10:30:16 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Perhaps the gift of knowledge? I don't have any of the others (or I have not yet been able to perceive it) so I chose this one by default.

My lovely wife has been blessed with the gifts of discernment and prophecy, and it is an amazing thing to behold when someone uses those gifts for the Kingdom. She is a faithful, Godly woman and I learn much from her daily.

4/2/2008 9:23:04 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Yes. Knowledge, wisdom, faith and exhortation, for sure.

I heard a pastor preach once that it is extremely important to know your gifts because satan knows them and they are why he's coming against you. To prevent you from using them. It would be ashame to have to fight satan and not know what you're fighting for.
Walking in sin will hinder our gifts. So, anytime we sin, we must confess right away. God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. He reintstates us and we can do what we are called to do. Anytime we choose to do something for God, satan comes against us. That's why he is our enemy. He's crafty and we can't outsmart him. But we can out spirit him.

4/2/2008 1:19:53 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I have no idea what my spiritual gifts may be. Perhaps this is naive reasoning, but I would prefer not to know, if my not knowing could somehow insulate me from my vanity being piqued or from misuse of those gifts. I am stunned by how my learning about spiritual gifts has been so quickly followed by examples of Christians misusing their gifts or abusing others with the misuse of their gifts. Maybe my pride needs to be chiseled down more before I can handle having my gifts revealed.

I am grateful that my mind has been opened to the reality of spiritual gifts, but remain with the feeling I have other spiritual matters which require attention. Regardless of which gifts people are blessed with to do the work, we all have the same work to do. I realize that Satan's goal is to attack us and take us away from the work. Since his fall was related to his vanity, I believe he often appeals to our pride to entice us into sin. Perhaps Satan experiences a perverted sense of pleasure when he can lure us to follow his example of vanity, especially if the sin involves the misuse of a gift from God.

I feel sad to interject a negative thought into what should be a joyous discussion on spiritual gifts; nevertheless I do think it is timely.

4/2/2008 2:43:52 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

No, Ryan, you need to know and you need to use them. Therein lay your great power to do God's will and advance the kingdom. You know what else? Therein lay great joy and peace for you, personally.

I understand what you mean about pride in your gifts....have you heard the joke that anyone who really desires the power available to one who runs the country should by no means be allowed to be president? I think someone who wants the power of their gifts should not have them. But you, on the other hand, who want to serve God yet fear the power, have already demonstrated the maturity and humility to handle them.

Ask God to revel it. Ask God to empower you. Ask God to keep you humble. Trust that He can do all that for you and more.

4/2/2008 3:08:20 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsin - Thanks for the encouragement. I do appreciate your words even if they are coming from someone who identified a gift via default. I have been asking God all that you mentioned - no answer yet. I have no complaints about this though and have faith answers will come. Maybe it is the additional joy and peace you also mentioned, which I can't handle. I am so overwhelmed with what I've already been given, but of course would be happy to share anything God would add.

Is it possible to use your spiritual gifts without knowing what they are? Sure, it makes sense that you are likely to use gifts more effectively in full awareness. However, submission to God involves the Holy Spirit doing the work through you. I imagine many Christians across the centuries never had the time to give much thought to spiritual gifts; however, they faithfully labored for the Kingdom regardless. Perhaps you are also at least partially in this category for now? I was happy to read what you wrote about your wife. Maybe not knowing all about our spiritual gifts provides us with such a beautiful view when we look to those who are using their blessings to the glory of God, and that is a precious gift too.

4/2/2008 4:51:07 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Arsin - Thanks for the encouragement. I do appreciate your words even if they are coming from someone who identified a gift via default.

Remember how when we first met, we were always misunderstanding each other, not getting each other's sarcasm, being overly sensitive, etc? I think we've made a lot of progress. I think you knew I was joking, I certainly know that you are, and no one's feeling got hurt. See how we grow?

Can you use gifts without knowing what they are? Yes, I think that is what I am trying to do right now with this ministry. In part, I am trying to discover my gifts through it, and hopefully, doing some good at the same time. You are doing the same, in your own way, I suspect.

When I understand my gifts better, I hope I will learn to use them more effectively, and will not waste time in areas where I am not gifted.

Like you, I am very aware of pride in my life, and for me it is a real problem, not a hypothetical one. I am certain that I have reached the limits of what I can accomplish for God with my limited gifts until I get that under control (and that is why I have withdrawn from the ministry a little). I feel the Holy Spirit working in me, and I think He will be teaching me better ways to deal with this world and it's traps very soon.

4/2/2008 6:20:13 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Okay guys,

Enough of all the humble stuff. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will raise you up. In all seriousness, Pride is the "weakness" of all spiritual gifts. That you both realize this indicates to me that you are wise men. You can operate in your gifts and not be aware of what they are. But why suppress the Holy Spirit on purpose. Someone needs what God has gifted you with. Just don't misuse the gifts of God. As stated earlier, the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

4/2/2008 7:06:09 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Our church is determined to help our members find out what their places are within the Body of Christ, and then encourage us to step out into those roles; Making disciples...

One of the programs we use in doing so is called "Finding your NESS"..giftedNESS, uniqueNESS...upon answering 60 questions (honestly) it will give you an indication of what your "gifts" are.

Not to be confused with the supernatural "Gifts" of the Holy Spirit Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 12, but the God-given predispositions we have and use in our day to day lives and what kinds of ministries we are best suited for.

The list of possible ministry gifts are;

Prophet - sharing God's heart and mind without compromise (based on Biblical truths) for a given situation.

Pastor - assuming the responsibility for the spritual welfare for a group of Christians (Does not always mean a Pastor of a church, could be just a group of believers)

Teacher- effectively communicating God's Word to believers producing spiritual growth.

Encourager - sharing words of encouragement and inspiration to other believers.

Giving - contributing financial resources over and above tithes and offerings to God's work

Helps - aiding others in their ministry to increase their effectiveness.

Mercy - compasion and empathy for those in need or suffering.

Missionary - expressing their other spiritual/ministry gifts in service to foreign cultures.

Evangelist - communicating God's Word to unbelievers with effective results of conversion.

Hospitality - welcoming and greeting Christians in the Church family (either at church or in their home)

Faith - discerning the will of God for a situation with great confidence and assurance.

Leadership- setting goals in line with God's purposes, effectiveness in communicating those goals in such a way that believers are motivated to work harmoniously toward fulfilling God's purposes.

Administration- serving the organization and planning needs of the Body of Christ.

Intercession- praying for extended periods of time and seeing answers to those prayers.

Service- servanthood; serving people in the community and in the Body of Christ.

As believers our deepest desire is to be used by God, in whatever capacity He sees fit. I'm no different, so needless to say I was very excited to find out what my own gifts were. (I really should say to confirm what I already thought were my giftings.)

By taking this assessment it did 2 amazing things for me.

1. It confirmed what I already knew in my spirit what the Lord was calling me to do, resulting in my confidence to step out into that ministry.

2. It stopped and put a halt any jealousy I had of others and the way God was using them.

The freedom it gave me was like being truly set free to soar like an eagle! I was no longer comparing myself to others, but now focused on my own personal God-given gifts, talents and abilities. Peace and Joy filled my soul...Now I knew in what ways God would and could use me.

After finding out what my ministry gifts were also opened the door the the Holy Spirit to start pouring out the supernatural Gifts in context to my ministry.

Finding out what my ministry gifts were explained so many things...Oh!, that's why I do that!"...Oh!, that's why I react that way"..etc..

I would recommend anyone wishing to find out what their gifts are that they visit any Christian Book Store and ask about these assessment tests...they are available in different styles and formats..

It will set you free...Each one of us were fearfully and wonderfully made by God...with all the built-in gifts, talents and abilities already in place to fulfil our God-given destiny..

6/29/2009 7:49:50 AM by Lapanache, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/29/2009

A continuence to my prior posting...

Another benefit of finding out what your personal gifts, talents and abilities are will also let you know what you are NOT gifted to do, thus freeing you from trying to be or do something God has not called you do.

It elimates the frustration of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

Example; I thought it would be cool to be a missionary and travel the world preaching the gospel...but after taking the test I discovered that if I had tried to do that God could or would not bless those endeavors. It is not what He created me to be or do. He would have no obligation to open doors for that to happen.

I have watched many people try to imulate or walk in others ministries and have failed. Not because their motive was impure, but simply because it is not what God wanted THEM to do.

After finding out what my calling was and began to step out in faith to do those things, the enemy came immediatly in an attempt to steal, kill and destroy that because he didn't want me to fulfill my destiny.

So even though I may be in the perfect will of God, doesn't mean there will be no resistance to it. On the contrary, there will be great resistance to it. The enemy knows that if he can't stop you, you will be a powerful force that will defeat him and his plans to stop the advancement of God's Kingdom.

I always claim God's promise that He will open doors that no man (or demon) can shut. That no weapon formed against what God wants to do for me or through me will prosper...and all the (gates) hordes of hell will never ever prevail against it.

We are in a battle against evil forces, but the One in us is greater than they are.

Stepping out into our ministries using our gifts, talents and abilities can be a little like Peter walking on the water...

Jesus said "Come"...Peter stepped out and onto the water but he paid more attention to the wind, waves and storm than he did on Jesus and he sank.

As we step out into our ministries using our gifts opposition will come (wind, waves and storms), but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will make sure we keep walking on the water..

That first step is a doozy and often full of apprehension and even fear, but keep taking those steps one after the other..because MIRACLES are only a step away...

If you sink, don't worry..get back in the boat..take a breath and step out again...Jesus will always be right there to rescue you and help you try again and again and again....

Not succeeding the first time, second time etc...doesn't mean you have failed...You only fail when you give up.

6/29/2009 10:42:11 AM by Lapanache, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/29/2009

Here are a few thoughts on Spiritual Gifts:

Everyone has at least on gift. Many people have multiple gifts. These gifts are given to us for us to help the body of Christ.

We can be using our gift(s) without knowing what they are and without being aware of using them; however, we are much more effective if we are aware of our gifts and actively pursue using them for the good of the body.

If we take pride in our gift(s) then it is sin, but that does not make the gift a sin or the use of the gift a sin; it is our thought process that can be a sin. We can guard against the sin of pride by asking ourselves WHY we are doing what we are doing. If the answer is for the glory of God then we are doing ok, if the answer is for our own glory then we are not doing so well. The fact that Ryan is worried about the sin of pride is a good thing; it indicates that his heart is in the right place.

It would be a shame to miss out on ministry opportunities simply because we were ignorant of our gifts, or because we were afraid to use our gifts. This is exactly where the enemy wants us because it keeps us paralyzed. Discover your gifts and use them with joy and confidence; this is what you were created to do! May God bless you as you seek answers.

6/29/2009 2:37:13 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

I've enjoyed reading the last few inspiring posts on spiritual gifts! It's beautiful to see people excited about serving God and motivated to excel in that endeavor!

However, I haven't run into any good material on spiritual gifts; the few things I've read were long on commercial crafting and conjecture while short on scriptural support.

One concept Ive run into repeatedly is that God gives spiritual gifts which are a comfortable fit for recipient. This makes sense a gift would likely be a welcomed blessing that brings repeated joy when used.

The comfortable fit concept is usually followed by counsel to avoid expending energies in areas in which one is not gifted. That also makes sense - while at the same time it also seems counterintuitive to me, as a father.

Parents often must motivate children to move beyond their comfort zones and develop talents in diverse fields. Certainly, we cannot allow a child to neglect an essential discipline because it does not immediately come easy to the child.

A gifted young musician cannot forsake mathematics even when those dreaded numbers are ruining her life (sob, snivel, sob). However, with firm guidance and relentless practice the musician may also discover a hidden talent for math. At least that was one of the dramas that played out in my home this school year.

It's wonderful to watch a child's face brighten with joy and confidence when they master skills they once had thought were impossible. Perhaps God also delights in watching His children steadfastly labor over spiritual disciplines that at first seem difficult to perform.

I've noticed several of the disciplines which appear on most authors' lists of spiritual gifts are the acts the Bible instructs us be involved in - without any regard for how easy they may be for us to execute.

For example, we are required to engage in intercessory prayer, encourage one another, serve humanity with compassion and preach the Gospel. These commands stand whether we feel gifted toward these actions or if they are a struggle for us.

I've wondered if there may be more Biblical support for striving to improve upon our spiritual deficiencies rather than placing so much importance on discovering our spiritual gifts? Do you think that idea seems like too much hard work to gain church cred?

7/1/2009 4:49:49 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Ryan...my only suggestion to you would be is for you to read and make personal 1 Corinthians 12:1.

It would seem that JesusRocks has read it, and/or many others scriptures like it, (based on his original posted question here) and is simply attempting to obey it...

We must never pick and choose what parts of God's Word we obey and not obey.

Being afraid of the sin of pride and not feeling worthy, both "sound" like humble reasons to be careful, but in too many cases are only vieled and religious sounding attempts being made by satan to deceive us in order to steal, kill and destroy or keep us from recieving EVERYTHING that Jesus came to give us, including the supernatural power given to us by way of the precious Holy Spirit and the gifts He wants to empower us with. Will it work?

Walk in your full inheritance Ryan...then and only then will you complete your God-given destiny.

7/2/2009 6:24:38 AM by Lapanache, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/29/2009