Understanding Spiritual Gifts in Romans 12 begins with the Apostle Paul. The first mention of spiritual gifts in the writings of the Apostle Paul appears in Romans 12. This letter, written around 57 AD, was addressed to the believers in Rome—a church Paul had yet to visit but earnestly desired to meet. In preparation for his visit, Paul penned this letter to provide a foundational understanding of salvation and God’s grace, likely more comprehensively than in any of his other epistles. Since the Roman believers had not yet received his direct teaching, this letter served as an essential guide to faith and understanding spiritual gifts.
Paul’s discussion in Romans 12 regarding spiritual gifts can be broken down into several key themes.
Renewing Your Mind
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
Spiritual gifts originate from the Holy Spirit, not from worldly influence. To truly understand and operate in these gifts, believers must undergo transformation—a renewal of the mind. But what does that entail?
Renewing the mind means moving beyond a basic belief in God. Faith must extend past the understanding that God rewards and punishes or that Scripture is divinely inspired. It shifts from a “Me & God” perspective to a “God & Me” focus. This level of faith places Christ at the center, moving beyond intellectual understanding to a heartfelt comprehension of divine truth. It is often at this deeper stage of faith that spiritual gifts begin to manifest.
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Faith is a journey with progressions and setbacks. John Wesley described this process as justification. Kenneth Collins, in Wesley on Salvation, explains that justification is the divine means by which fallen individuals are restored to a right relationship with God. It is the path to righteousness and the means of redemption.1
Spiritual gifts are tools given by God to advance His work. If a believer has not yet reached or moved beyond justification, they may not yet be ready to fully exercise these gifts.
All Gifts Are Important
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:3-5 NIV)
Paul emphasizes two key points in these verses:
- Spiritual gifts are given by God, and no one should consider themselves superior because of their particular gift.
- The Church, like the human body, consists of many parts with distinct functions, yet all are essential to the whole.
Paul’s phrase “in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” ties back to the earlier discussion of spiritual maturity. Martin Luther, in his Lectures on Romans, explains that while all believers share the same faith, the extent and expression of that faith vary. Faith is not just belief but obedience to the Spirit, and believers exercise their gifts differently based on their spiritual journey.2
Don’t Compare Your Gift to Others
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8 NIV)
Paul lists specific gifts, reinforcing that each believer has a unique role. His message is clear: focus on your own gift and use it to the best of your ability. Since God determines the type and measure of each gift, comparing oneself to others is unnecessary and counterproductive. Every believer’s spiritual journey is unique, and gifts should be used in the manner God intends.
Use Your Gifts in Love
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:9-15 NIV)
Paul underscores that spiritual gifts must be exercised in love. They are not meant for personal gain or status but for the edification of the body of Christ. If gifts are used selfishly, they deviate from their intended purpose—building up the Church.
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:16-21 NIV)
After discussing love within the Church, Paul expands on the importance of peace and harmony. A church divided cannot function effectively. While discernment is a valid gift that can expose issues within the body, it should always be exercised in a spirit of love and unity. Paul warns against using spiritual gifts as a means of judgment or condemnation—that role belongs to God alone.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual gifts manifest when faith moves beyond basic belief in God.
- God determines the type and measure of gifts each believer receives.
- No spiritual gift is more important than another.
- Gifts should be exercised in love for the benefit of the whole body of Christ.
By understanding and applying these principles, believers can better embrace their spiritual gifts, strengthening the Church and glorifying God.
- Collins, Kenneth, Wesley on Salvation, Francis Asbury Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1989, p. 51 [↩]
- Pauck, Wilhelm, Luther: Lectures on Romans, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, PA, 1961, p. 332 [↩]
