#1446. What are the various gifts of the Spirit? (5/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:11-12, Let’s briefly reflect on the range of spiritual gifts that Jesus gives to His church. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. What are the various gifts of the Holy Spirit?

If I were to ask you to list all the Christmas or birthday presents you received last year, many of us would struggle. Gifts are too easily forgotten!

However, in regard to the gifts of the Spirit, it’s important that we don’t forget either the gifts or the Giver. God gives spiritual gifts, and He wants us to be aware of them, receive them with gratitude, and put them to good use for His glory and the good of His church.

So, what are the various gifts?

Our text mentions five (or possibly four, if ‘pastors and teachers’ describes one combined role): apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. We know from elsewhere in the New Testament that there are more gifts than these - so why does Paul mention only these here?

It seems clear that Paul highlights these particular gifts because they are foundational ‘word’ gifts. Through them, Christ establishes, guards, and grows His church by the proclamation and teaching of the gospel and the Word of God. Paul is not saying that other gifts are unimportant, but that without God’s Word, rightly taught and applied, there can be no foundation for a healthy church. This priority is seen elsewhere when he writes:

So, firstly, let’s ensure that we highly value ‘word gifts’ and ensure that we are building on the foundation that these gifts give. Too often, in the contemporary church,  when people speak and think of the Spirit moving, they tend to diminish the place of teaching - let’s not do this! 

2. The wider range of spiritual gifts

Across the New Testament, we find several passages that together list around twenty distinct gifts, all essential for the life and health of the church:

• Romans 12:6–8 – Prophecy, Service, Teaching, Encouragement (exhortation), Giving, Leadership, Mercy.

• 1 Corinthians 7:7 – Marriage and Celibacy. 

• 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 – Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Faith, Gifts of healings, Working of miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues. 

• 1 Corinthians 12:28 – Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healings, Helps, Administration, Tongues. 

• Ephesians 4:11 – Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers

• 1 Peter 4:10–11 – Two broad categories: Speaking gifts and Serving gifts

This final passage strongly suggests that the lists are representative rather than exhaustive. In other words, any service offered in faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and directed toward building up the church is a spiritual gift in operation.

Response - How will you pursue knowing and using your gifts? 

I hope we can see that, just like the parts of a body, we have important gifts to use in service to God and His church. Just as every part of the body has a role to play, every Christian has been given grace-gifts by Christ for the good of His church.

• Do you believe that Christ has gifted you?

• What are your gifts - how will you clarify this? 

• Are you using your gifts to serve, strengthen, and build up the body of Christ?

Let’s ask the ascended Lord to help us recognise His gifts, receive them with joy, and faithfully use them for His glory and the good of His people.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

This week is ’SIV Week’ (Serve, Invest and Invite) so we’ll focus more on our seeking to bring our community to Jesus. 

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

The message on Sunday was: Gifts Part 1. Gifts to Equip the Church 

We began the first part in this section on spiritual gifts - please do use the daily devotions to help you to reflect on this important subject. 

Please read Ephesians 4:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• What are spiritual gifts and what are they for? 

• How do we discover our spiritual gifts and what are yours?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How does a church that understands and uses their gifts become effective in mission? 

• When we think about our vision to plant a congregation into Roehampton, what are the gifts that are required for this?

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Let’s pray for our mission in SW London -  particularly to become better witnesses in Putney and Roehampton. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.