How to Unlock Spiritual Gifts: Overcome Fear and Objection

How to unlock spiritual gifts remains a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of Christian life. These divine abilities, given by the Holy Spirit, provide believers with powerful tools to strengthen the Body of Christ and advance God's Kingdom.

While some churches overlook or hesitate to embrace these gifts, understanding and activating them can transform your spiritual walk and impact on others. This article will help you navigate common concerns, overcome barriers, and step confidently into the supernatural realm of spiritual gifts.

The True Nature of the Gifts of the Spirit: Embracing Power Through Imperfection

Part 7 of 8 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 7 minute read time

When believers are learning to use the Holy Spirit's gifts, it's only normal that mistakes will be made. It's of no surprise to the Holy Spirit. Even those believers seasoned in exercising the gifts can make the occasional mistake.

Paul writes, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:9–10).

Until Jesus returns at the last trumpet and we're all changed to an incorruptible state, we can only exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit IN PART. We haven't the capacity to manifest the full, complete nature of the Holy Spirit in our current state.

Scripture says, "[We] have TASTED the good word of God and THE POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME" (Hebrews 6:5, emphasis added).

Just imagine: As we exercise the gifts of the Spirit, we are experiencing a taste of the special powers (abilities) to be made available to us in the fullness of the Kingdom. Until that time, we must faithfully exercise the gifts in part, according to God's plan.

How to Unlock Spiritual Gifts: Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Gifts in Today's Church

There could be various reasons why many believers are not walking in the gifts of Spirit. There could also be reasons why some Christian leaders have chosen not to teach on the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Some are still discovering these gifts for themselves. As we grow in our understanding and experience, we become better equipped to share and teach others. Scripture reminds us, "The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Timothy 2:6).

Past vs Present: Are Spiritual Gifts for Today?

Christian denominations vary significantly in their interpretation of the gifts of the Spirit and their relevance for today. For instance, views represented by the doctrines of Dispensationalism and Cessationism hold that spiritual gifts fulfilled their primary purpose during the apostolic era and the foundation of The Early Church after which they gradually ceased to operate.

By studying Scripture together and remaining open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can better understand God's intentions for these gifts in our time. Just as the Bereans carefully examined the teachings they received (Acts 17:10–12), we can benefit from thoughtfully revisiting our understanding of the spiritual gifts and their practical role in Christian life.

Why Teaching Spiritual Gifts Matters

Some Church leaders believe we don't need to teach about spiritual gifts. They think these gifts will naturally appear in believers' lives through the Holy Spirit's work alone. However, this raises an important question: If teaching isn't necessary, why did the apostle Paul spend time explaining these gifts? Following this logic, we could ask why we need to teach anything at all.

There are some who quote this verse: "The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you" (1 John 2:27). However, in its context, verse 27 exhorts believers to beware of false teachers and stand in the truths they've already learned, truths they had already been taught. Divine revelation and sound teaching work together.

Balancing Freedom and Order

Christian leaders and believers naturally want to ensure spiritual gifts operate in an orderly manner that honors God and builds up the Church. This desire for proper order aligns with Scripture, as Paul instructs, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Yet, this legitimate concern shouldn't prevent us from teaching and exercising the gifts. Through sound biblical teaching and mature spiritual oversight, believers can learn to flow in these supernatural abilities while maintaining reverence and effectiveness.

The key is creating an environment where the gifts can flourish within biblical boundaries, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely while preserving a proper order in our gatherings.

Breaking Down Barriers: Who Can Use Spiritual Gifts?

Some Christian leaders believe the gifts of the Spirit are only for ordained ministers formally trained for the work of the ministry or that those manifesting the gifts are believers specifically chosen by God when neither is true.

While some may think spiritual gifts are only for Church leadership and those with a divine calling, Scripture shows they're given to equip and edify the entire Body of Christ. Every believer can participate in this divine empowerment (1 Corinthians 14:6).

Some don't want manifestations of the Holy Spirit interrupting planned-in-advance, formal services. Finding the right balance between planned services, and allowing room for the Holy Spirit's movement, is an ongoing challenge. With wisdom and discernment, we can avoid quenching the Spirit by creating space for both order and spiritual freedom.

Jesus warns, "'But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in'" (Matthew 23:13).

Let's be among those who would advance the Kingdom by throwing open its gates, addressing how to unlock spiritual gifts in the Church, and inviting believers to experience everything that God offers.

Embracing the Supernatural: Moving Past Fear into Power

I've had believers ask, "Okay, I agree the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are in the Bible and that Paul encourages us to walk in them, but do we really need them?"

Often, such questions reflect natural uncertainties about stepping into supernatural experiences. Many believers may feel uneasy about the otherworldly nature of the gifts, or wonder how to begin walking in them with confidence.

As Christians, we must embrace the supernatural aspect of the God's Kingdom. Consider Jesus' virgin birth, sacrificial death on the cross, physical resurrection from the dead, and bodily ascension into Heaven; they are all supernatural events demanding our acceptance by faith.

Ignorance can lead to unease and misunderstanding; that's why Paul addressed the Church at Corinth concerning the gifts (1 Corinthians 12). Once believers gain a practical understanding of the special abilities given by the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of discernment of spirits, they'll no longer fear the supernatural realm. They'll eagerly embrace the gifts of the Spirit to do the works of Jesus and advance the Kingdom of God.

Unlocking the Power Within

Jesus promises, "'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled'" (Matthew 5:6). Filled means FILLED! This filling comes through the Holy Spirit, complete with His gifts — and yes, every believer has the Holy Spirit's gifts!

Christian leaders, it's time to either introduce your congregation to the gifts of the Spirit or seek God's guidance in finding someone who can demonstrate and teach them effectively.

Guide your congregation in discovering how to unlock spiritual gifts and use them effectively, offering both encouragement and loving correction when needed. Provide clear instruction and practical demonstration to help unlock their spiritual potential.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not lost relics of The Early Church or optional extras. They are essential tools given by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Body of Christ and minister to a waiting world in need.

We are so used to the natural world that the supernatural aspect of the Kingdom can feel strange and unnatural. But, the more we pray in tongues and exercise other gifts of the Spirit, the more walking in the Spirit begins to feel normal.

Growing in Spiritual Authority

Knowing how to unlock spiritual gifts opens the door to a deeper walk with God and greater effectiveness in ministry. As we step out in faith to embrace and exercise these special abilities, our understanding of God's Kingdom expands, and we discover more of our divine purpose. Each time we operate in the gifts to bless others, our spiritual authority grows, and what once seemed strange becomes a natural part of our Christian walk.

To help you move forward in confidence with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, my next article, "How to Use Spiritual Gifts," provides practical guidance for exercising each gift effectively. You'll learn specific ways to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, recognize His promptings, and minister His grace to others. Let's continue this journey together, growing in both the knowledge and power of God's Kingdom.

Discover More in This 8-Part Series

Part 8: How to Use Spiritual Gifts

In case you missed it, Part 1: Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don, and my prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.

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