This blog is based on a message by Pastor Todd Cosenza.
The church was meant to be love and power together. When love and the gifts of the Spirit operate together, we begin to manifest heaven’s culture on earth—our words, our actions, our gatherings and our week-to-week lives reflect the kingdom. This is about more than impressive Sunday services; it is a supernatural lifestyle where ordinary people are used by the Spirit for the common good (1 Corinthians 12).
Why spiritual gifts matter
- They manifest heaven’s culture on earth. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). The Spirit uses gifts to bring heaven’s authority and atmosphere into everyday life.
- They present an accurate picture of who Jesus is. Jesus didn’t only love people—he healed, cast out darkness, brought clarity and freedom. Remove power from Jesus and you no longer have the biblical Jesus. The gifts reveal his full ministry.
- They enable the church to minister to itself. Gifts are given for the common good so the body can care for one another beyond a weekly service—through everyday, Spirit-led ministry among friends, family and neighbors.
Guardrails from Scripture
The apostle Paul begins his teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 by warning, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Ignorance about how the Spirit works can lead to error or even idolatry. There are important checks to keep gifts healthy and Christ-centered:
“Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed.’ And no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:3
- Jesus must be glorified. If an utterance or sign does not lift up Jesus, it is not of the Spirit. As Paul states, the Spirit will never inspire words that curse Jesus; only by the Holy Spirit can someone truly declare, “Jesus is Lord.”
- There is one Spirit. All gifts come from the same Spirit; different gifts do not mean different spirits competing. The Spirit distributes diverse expressions to bring unity and to glorify Jesus through the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:3–6, 11).
- There is order and purpose. Gifts are not a chaotic free-for-all. Scripture provides guardrails so gifts build up the church rather than cause confusion or division.
The gifts described — a quick guide (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
The gifts are varied and each serves the body in different ways. Here are several important gifts, what they look like, and why they matter.
- Message of wisdom — supernatural clarity to see what matters and what will bring breakthrough. This is not mere intelligence; it is God-given vision that cuts through the fog.
- Message of knowledge — a specific revelation for a situation, often filling in a missing piece that leads to freedom or healing.
- Gift of faith — a supernatural confidence in the face of overwhelming opposition. Think David facing Goliath: giants are defeated because someone believes God’s size is bigger than the problem.
- Gifts of healing — plural in the text because healing includes physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual restoration. The aim is wholeness.
- Miraculous powers — activity that changes natural circumstances by supernatural intervention. This can be provision, sudden breakthroughs, or other signs that point to God’s kingdom.
- Prophecy — a primary gift Paul encourages. Prophecy brings encouragement, strengthening, and comfort. It helps the church hear God’s voice and move in alignment.
- Distinguishing between spirits — the ability to discern whether a spirit at work is from God or from a contrary source. This protects the body from deception disguised as religiosity.
- Speaking in tongues and interpretation — heavenly and earthly languages that can bring personal edification or public encouragement when interpreted. Jesus intends tongues to build up the church when paired with interpretation.
How do you receive or grow in spiritual gifts?
The Bible gives a straightforward pattern: hunger, relationship, and yield. These are practical steps you can take.
- Want it — cultivate hunger. The kingdom operates by hunger. Tell God you want to be used like Jesus — to love and to move in power.
- Build an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit. Gifts come through the Spirit. Be baptized and filled, then live a life that regularly asks the Spirit to fill, lead, and empower you.
- Empty yourself so the Spirit can fill you. Let go of pride, fear, and self-will. That space becomes room for the Spirit to move.
- Practice body ministry. Use what God gives you to serve others consistently — not only in meetings but throughout the week. Gifts are meant to flow in everyday life.
- Be an original. If someone else has a gift similar to yours, don’t copy them. The Spirit works through your personality and life-story. God wants your unique expression.
One final encouragement
The gifts are not a checklist to impress people. They are the Spirit’s ways of building a people who represent Jesus fully: loving, powerful, and whole. If you want more of God’s power in your life, start with hunger and relationship. Expect the Spirit to make his presence known. Expect Jesus to be glorified. Expect the body to be strengthened.
Pray Lord, I want more of your Spirit. Help me hunger for your gifts, walk in relationship with you, and serve the body with what you give. Amen.
Closing invitation
The Spirit gives freely and diversely. If you hunger for more—if you want to see heaven’s culture come through you—pray for a deeper filling, pursue relationship with the Spirit, and step into opportunities to serve. The gifts are for all, distributed as the Spirit determines, and they are given to build and heal the body so Jesus is glorified in all things (1 Corinthians 12).
Application questions
- Which of the gifts described resonates with you—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, or tongues? Why?
- Where in your week could you intentionally invite the Spirit to operate through you to serve someone else for the common good?
- What practical step will you take this week to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit (a time of prayer, a group to serve with, asking God to give you hunger)?
