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Discovering Your Purpose

Updated: Sep 9

Erin Long | September 3, 2025

Sunday’s sermon reminded us that every follower of Jesus has been equipped with spiritual gifts: God-given abilities designed to build up the church and bring Him glory. These gifts aren’t talents we earn, but blessings given through the Holy Spirit so that together we can serve as the body of Christ.

Scripture is clear (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4) that the church is healthiest when every believer uses their gifts. To help us better understand, Lane broke spiritual gifts into three categories: speaking gifts, sign gifts, and serving gifts.


Speaking Gifts

Speaking gifts serve the Church by communicating God’s truth in ways that encourage, teach, and guide others. These gifts help people understand God’s Word and apply it to their lives.


Examples of Speaking Gifts from Scripture:

  • Apostle

  • Evangelism

  • Shepherding

  • Teaching

  • Exhortation (Encouragement)

  • Wisdom

  • Knowledge

  • Leadership

What it looks like in real life:

  • A teacher may lead a Bible study, breaking down complex truths so everyone can understand.

  • An encourager may write notes, send texts, or have conversations that lift people up when they’re discouraged.

  • An evangelist may naturally find themselves sharing the gospel in everyday conversations.


Serving Gifts

Serving gifts often work behind the scenes, but they are vital for the church to function as the body of Christ. These gifts focus on meeting needs, offering support, and showing Christ’s love in practical ways.

Examples of Serving Gifts from Scripture:

  • Administration

  • Service (also called Helps)

  • Giving

  • Mercy

  • Hospitality

  • Faith

  • Craftsmanship

  • Intercession

  • Discernment

What it looks like in real life:

  • Someone with the gift of mercy may sit with a grieving friend and bring comfort simply by being present.

  • A person with the gift of giving might joyfully and sacrificially provide resources to help others.

  • A leader might organize a ministry or mission project to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  • Someone with discernment may recognize when something is spiritually unhealthy and warn others in love.


Sign Gifts

Sign gifts were given in the early church as powerful demonstrations of God’s presence and authority, often used to confirm the gospel message. While there are different views on whether these gifts continue today, their purpose in Scripture was always to glorify God and point people to Jesus.

Examples of Sign Gifts from Scripture:

  • Miracles

  • Healing

  • Tongues

  • Prophecy

What it looks like in real life:

  • Someone with a healing gift may pray with great faith over the sick and see God restore them.

  • Someone with the gift of prophecy may have the boldness to speak and bring clarity to scriptural and doctrinal truth.


Conclusion: It’s Time to Get Off the Bench

Every gift is valuable, and every believer is needed. The church is not a spectator sport… we were never meant to sit on the sidelines. God designed you with unique gifts, and when you use them, you bless others and bring glory to Him. Don’t stay on the bench- suit up, step in, and start using the giftings God created you with!


Reflection Questions

  1. Have others ever affirmed a spiritual gift they’ve seen in you?

  2. What’s one small step you can take this week to use your gift for the good of the church?

  3. How might your gift encourage someone in your community this week?


This post is inspired by Lane Long's sermon on 8/31/2025


 
 
 

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