In Ephesians 4:11 Paul talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, how some are to be pastors, some teachers, some evangelists, etc. I have been a born-again Christian for many years and although I don’t live by feelings or sight but by faith, I feel that I still don’t know what my gifts are. Does the Word of God say that some are to stay behind and pray for those who have those gifts?
I will attempt to answer your question by considering three questions: 1) Does every believer have a gift? 2) What are the gifts mentioned in Scripture? 3) How can one know what their gift is? We will use the New King James version in the scriptures quoted.
Does every believer have a gift? Yes! We see this in the chapter you referred to. “But to EACH ONE OF US grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). We also see this truth in 1 Corinthians 12:4 & 7, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EACH ONE for the profit of all.” This means that YOU HAVE A GIFT (or more than one)!
What are the gifts mentioned in Scripture? There are 3 passages which bring out specific gifts which I will now quote. “And He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). “Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if PROPHECY, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or MINISTRY, let us use it in our ministering; he who TEACHES, in teaching; he who EXHORTS, in exhortation; he who GIVES, with liberality; he who LEADS, with diligence; he SHOWS MERCY, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8). “For to one is given the WORD OF WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, to another FAITH by the same Spirit, to another GIFTS OF HEALINGS by the same Spirit, to another the WORKS OF MIRACLES, to another PROPHECY, to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, to another DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES, to another THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10…see also verses 27-28). I believe some of these gifts were given to believers in the first Century to “lay the foundation of truth” (Apostles and Prophets…see Ephesians 2:19-20 with 1 Corinthians 3:10-11) and others were given as “signs” to confirm the Word of God (see Mark 16:17-18, 20; Hebrews 4:3-4 with 1 Corinthians 13:8). The rest of the gifts are still needed today.
How can one know what their gift is? We are not told exactly how in Scripture. I believe the KEY to discovering our gift or gifts is to have a passionate desire to serve the Lord. You may recall that when Saul of Tarsus was saved on the Damascus Road he said to the Lord, “Lord, what to do You want me to do?” Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, had a desire to serve the Lord and we know that God then gave him the gift of an APOSTLE (Romans 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; etc.) along with the gifts of a PREACHER (i.e. EVANGELIST) and a TEACHER (2 Timothy 1:11). If we truly want to “serve the Lord” He will do two things: 2) He will put a burden in our hearts for a specific sphere of service, and 2) He will give us the needed gift (or gifts) to serve in that area of service. For example, if the Lord burdens your heart to see lost sinners saved, He will give you the gift of an EVANGELIST. If the Lord burdens your heart to see believers grow spiritually, He will give you the gift of TEACHING or the gift of a PASTOR (a gift for “shepherding His flock” …Acts 20:28). When you are burdened to serve in a certain area of service and then gifted for that service, you will know your gift. How? By seeing people blessed by you using your gift. I will add that those who are blessed will then know the Lord has blessed you with that gift. (DO) (651.5)