Talents are different from spiritual gifts. Talents are found in believers and unbelievers. God gives spiritual gifts to believers only to fulfill His purposes.

1.  Spiritual gifts are grace gifts (Eph 4:7). They are given to us “according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Christ knows what is good for us, and the exercise of the gift must point all to God. When a person becomes a believer, he is given at least one spiritual gift. We cannot demand from God what gifts He is to give us. As they are gifts from God, we must not compare our gifts with the gifts of others. To be upset with the spiritual gifts that God has given to us is rebellion against God.

2.  Spiritual gifts are victory gifts (Eph 4:8-10). A Roman general who returned victorious after a battle would parade the spoils and present them to the king. Jesus, who is victorious against sin, “gave gifts unto men” (Eph 4:8), not to the king. He became flesh and blood in order to engage in the battle to free us from the bondage of sin. The gifts He gave is for us to continue with the spiritual battle (Eph 6:12). Therefore, we are to know and use our spiritual gifts – to point others to Christ, to strengthen and build up our brethren’s faith. We cannot use the tools of the world to fight spiritual battles.

3.  Spiritual gifts are building gifts (Eph 4:11). Ephesians 4:11 lists certain positions which men can hold because they were given gifts which enabled them to take up those positions. The list is not exhaustive. All the positions listed here have to do with the Word of God. We are not Apostles or Prophets, but we are apostles in that we are all sent on a mission to do God’s will; and we are also prophets in that we engage in both foretelling (telling others about things to come as revealed in God’s Word), and forthtelling (warning, rebuking, admonishing). And there are evangelists, pastors and teachers. Each has different challenges. God will give the spiritual gifts, and call accordingly. The evangelist’s work is to share the gospel and draw man to Christ, e.g. Charles Spurgeon and John Sung. Pastors and teachers, on the other hand, stay put in a place for a longer period of time, and they have to study the Bible continuously in order to keep feeding the same flock. As they impart the Word of God, they use their spiritual gifts to build up the believers’ life.

Keep growing in the Word and in due time you will know what your spiritual gifts are. Develop and use them to serve the Lord and draw others to Christ, not to self.