The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts

by Sam Storms

Your Gifts Reveal God's Presence and Power

The apostle Paul wrote, "There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:4,7). But what are these spiritual gifts? How do you know if you possess them? And, if you do, how do you use them?

In The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts, Sam Storms will help you answer basic and foundational questions about the what, why, and how of the unique gifts God gives to each of His children. You will discover the purpose of spiritual gifts in the Church and learn how to identify your special mix of gifting. In addition, you will find out how the Holy Spirit uses the supernatural manifestation of gifts to demonstrate God's presence and power among His people.

God has gifted you . . . now learn how to use His good gifts for His glory!

Genres: Theology, Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

(Some early works written as C. Samuel Storms)

Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000-2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He's a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Reviews

[Scott Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excerpt from my Frontline Internship reflection paper:

The topic of spiritual gifts has been quite the theological and emotional journey over the past 6 years. The process of reading The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts (by Dr. Sam Storms) not only gave solid Biblical foundation to what is a pretty heated debate in the Christian world, it actually made it desirable to strive after, particularly when it comes to the gift of tongues – desirable to be built up, encouraged, and consoled (1 Cor. 14:3) by a loving God who literally gives good gifts to his kids (Matt. 7:11).

To give a context of my church background with the gifts, the church in Broken Arrow where I grew up never really talked much about the Holy Spirit’s distinct role, let alone anything about the spiritual gifts as defined in the Bible. There was a mutual understanding that God can empower teachers, evangelists, and even give specific facts to Christians encourage others – what I now know to be “words of wisdom or knowledge” – but it was never attributed to any charismata or Biblical mandate. I brought this with me to Frontline Church in 2016 when I became a member and witnessed “listening prayer” for the first time in a community group setting, which felt similar to the words of wisdom I experienced at my home church but more ingrained in the life of the church. I saw the encouragement it brought people, so I participated, though I never had a solid understanding of the Biblical precedent. I continued this when I became a community group leader, but this time there was one particular member who was vehemently against the spiritual gifts, and brought it repeatedly to my attention, me being the designated leader. This was a dissonant season for me… I had a hard time experiencing people upset with me in such a repetitive way. But this season helped me to actually figure out what I know to be true about how God operates… leading me to 1 Corinthians 14 as a big source (among many others) of Biblical backing for many of the charismatic gifts. That member actually left Frontline because of the issue after nearly a year of this back and forth, but that situation did a number on my practicing of the spiritual gifts, from the fear of upsetting more people, basically turning me into a functional cessationist, though I theologically believed them.

That leads me to the time of reading this book. Overall, I appreciate how much detail and nuance that Dr. Storms goes into for such a controversial Christian topic, though the verbiage used against cessationists tended to be combative and resulted in a few straw-man arguments because of it, which I didn’t like. That aside, for me personally reading through this book was an invitation and a freedom to risk and fail in order to grow in the Spirit. Dr. Storms drives this point throughout each chapter on each gift, and it’s a beautiful posture for someone like me that both leans towards perfectionism and has had the people-upsetting experience I’ve had. He puts it perfectly and perfectly tongue-in-cheek in stating the “eleventh commandment” of American evangelicalism is “Thou shalt not do at all what others do poorly.” What a line! His arguments are convicting to me in challenging the sort of Western thought and absolute certainty that creeps into my heart when I view the works of the Holy Spirit.

The most prominently powerful chapter I read from this book was that on the gift of tongues. Dr. Storms’ explanation of each of the gifts left me with a deeper understanding of their purpose and their power in the life of the Church, but the expounding on gift of tongues left me with a lot of desire and longing for this gift in particular – it felt as though there was a deep burning feeling in me that happened even while I was reading. I think a big reason for this was his emphasis on how experientially close to the Father tongues brings the Christian as they pray in it, and I definitely long to feel that in my own prayers and devotion. Tongues is a gift I historically haven’t given much thought and weight to, especially how first readings of 1 Corinthians 14 tend to be. But the chapter entirely flipped that conception, and now I’m making efforts to pray for tongues on a regular basis.

Overall, I feel The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts will be the start of a lot of needed healing and growth towards working in tandem with the Spirit and not in my own wisdom or power. And having more of those experiences pile up (and actually reflecting on them regularly) will most definitely equip me to withstand scrutiny and disapproval of others in a steadfast and loving way.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"So, look for a need and meet it. Find a hurt and heal it. Be alert to the cry for help and answer it. Listen for the voice of God and speak it. Identify someone's weakness and overcome it. Look for what's missing and supply it. When you do, the power of God-the energizing, enabling, charismatic activity of the Holy Spirit-will equip you, perhaps only once, but possibly forever, to minister hope and encouragement to those in need. So, if you're still wondering what your gift(s) might be, act first and ask later." (Sam Storms, The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts)

One of the ways the author defines spiritual gifts in this book is "a God-given and, therefore, gracious capacity to serve the Body of Christ. It is a divinely empowered or spiritually energized potential to minister to the Body of Christ by communicating the knowledge, power and love of Jesus." I think this is a good definition and he has others in this book, but we also know that God manifests His power to win the lost to Christ. The best definition I have ever heard on spiritual gifts was by Katherine Ruonala and that they are signs of God's love.

He covered this a bit in this book; however, I think the focus of this book was on operating in gifts of Spirit at the church level and during the church service, less so on in using spiritual gifts to evangelize the lost. I would even go so far to say that this book was a book intended to convince cessationists (those that believe that the gifts of Spirit ceased with the Apostolic age) of the validity of the manifestation and operation of spiritual gifts today.

In my opinion he does not promote the use of doing a spiritual gifts inventory, but encourages believers to get out on the front-lines doing the work of God and the gifts will manifest or operate as the Holy Spirit wills. I agree partially with the author; however, I think it would give a believer more confidence if they identified their gifts using such tools as a spiritual gifts inventory that can be found in such books as Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow. I found it odd that he did not mention or reference any of C. Peter Wagner's materials in his footnotes or bibliography. Perhaps, it was because he did not want the cessationists he was seeking to convince to be put off by such an association with a charismatic author?

I am frequently amazed how a believer can read the Bible and deny God's power. From Genesis to Revelation; from Joseph and his interpretation of dreams in the Old Testament, to Jesus and to John the Revelator in the New Testament, God's power has been demonstrated through believers throughout the ages.

[Collin Coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

(From a nuanced cessationist perspective) Some good, some bad, mostly meh. Probably would have enjoyed better organization of material and a little more concrete interaction with the best form of the cessationist argument. Several places he pivoted from an unsubstantiated background context or contested interpretation to something posited as a rock solid conclusion. Biases and disagreements aside I appreciated several bits of his argument and are encouraged by his earnest pursuit of the Scriptures.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thesis: Spiritual gifts aren’t “stuff” but God himself working in us.

NT terminology:

Charisma(ta): it is a gracious work God has bestowed.
Pneumatikon: spirituals/spiritual things
Diakoinia: the purpose for spiritual gifts.
Energema: effects; gifts are concrete operations.

The prophecy of Joel says that the gifts would be given to all, not simply to those who hold an office or specific gift of x.

Gifts are not given to authenticate a message (at least not primarily). Gifts are other-directed. They are for service.

>>Spiritual gifts vary in intensity and accuracy (1 Cor. 14:18; 2 Tim. 1:6).

Words of Wisdom: to what degree is supernatural knowledge different from regular prophesy? The NT isn’t quite clear but we have some precedents. Jesus knew the thoughts of scribes. Words of wisdom seem to be knowing the thoughts of others, whereas prophecy is a revelation from God.

James’s use of Elijah counters the argument that miracles are “clustered.” The point from quoting Elijah is that this is what you are supposed to do.

As to the Trophimus argument, even if the canon was completed and the gift had ceased (which doesn’t work in the cessationist timeline), the cessationist has to explain why Epaphroditus and Timothy weren’t healed. In fact, Storms argues that if Paul were so distressed that he couldn’t heal Epaphroditus, he wouldn’t have drawn the same conclusion that cessationists do.

Healing is a divine mercy (Phil. 2:27). It shouldn’t be viewed as a right. Those cessationists who say that healers should go into hospitals simply don’t know what they are talking about.

As to working miracles: Paul’s actual word is “powers,” which has a very different nuance. It’s also why the Eastern fathers called miracle workers “thaumaturge,” which is much closer in concept to the original.
Prophecy

Prophecy has three elements: 1) the revelation itself; 2) the interpretation of what has been disclosed; 3) application of that interpretation. This reframes the problem of fallible prophecy. This is no more problematic than preaching an infallible word.

Some notes on tongues:

>If tongues are a sign to unbelievers, as some who reference Isaiah argue, then why does Paul counsel against their use when unbelievers are present?
>If tongues were always in a human language, then why would there need to be the gift of interpretation? Anyone who was multilingual could suffice.
>If someone who speaks in a tongue speaks to God and not men (1 Cor. 14:2), then why does it need to be in a foreign language?
>>And if they were in a foreign language, then an unbeliever who entered would not conclude they were mad, but highly educated.

[Maree Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To a Christian audience Paul wrote: "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Cor. 14:1). This is not mere permission or even a suggestion: it is a command. If you are not earnestly desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, you are disobeying an apostolic imperative!"

"Faith is not a weapon by which we demand things from God or put him in subjection to us. Faith is an act of self-denial. Faith is a renunciation of one's ability to do anything and a confession that God can do everything. Faith derives its power not from the spiritual energy of the person who believes but from the supernatural efficacy of the object of belief - God! It is not faith's act but its object that accounts for the miraculous."

"Every time Jesus healed we catch a glimpse into his heart. Healing is a window into the soul of our Savior: it reveals the depth of his care and compassion for people. People came to Jesus for healing because they knew they would find in him someone who would understand their pain, their frustration, their grief, their confusion. Their healing flowed out of their personal encounter with a caring, loving, person. Jesus embodied for them concern, compassion, and power."


"If Paul spoke in tongues more frequently and fervently than anyone else, yet in church he almost never did (preferring there to speak in a way all can understand), where did he speak in tongues? The only possible answer is that Paul exercised his remarkable gift in private, in the context of his personal, devotional intimacy with God.
Remember, this is the man who wrote Romans. This is the man whose incomparable mind and power of logical argumentation rendered helpless his theological opponents. This is the man who is known to history as the greatest theologian outside of Jesus himself. This is the man who took on and took out the philosophers in Athens (Acts 17)! Yes, logical, reasonable, highly-educated Paul prayed in tongues more than anyone!"

[starspangledman withaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it claims to be. Accessible definitions but not extensive theological arguments or bibliography.

[Mark Zweifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the balanced approach to the gifts of the spirit. We in Pentecost often discourage and prohibit the use of gifts if it "looks" weird. It's not biblical to not use...we need to teach the right use! Paul told the Corinthians who were abusing and misusing the gifts to eagerly desire the gifts of the spirit...while teaching the right use!

[Evandro Junior · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lido. Livro muito bom. Fundamental para os que defendem a continuidade dos dons (insights teológicos, análise bíblica e sábias aplicações em tom pastoral). Da mesma maneira, a obra é importante aos irmãos cessacionistas, pois Storms traz clara explicação do que a visão oponente crê (de maneira sólida e sem espantalho). Às vezes, a celeuma teológica acontece apenas porque ambos os grupos estão dando nomes diferentes para a mesma coisa (com exceção das línguas, é claro). Recomendo.

[Rachel Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty simple book, a fairly quick read, but it did a good job addressing a lot of the common questions/objections about continuationism. More importantly, it did so from a biblically-rooted perspective. There are definitely deeper/more thorough reads on the subject (Storms himself has a few), but for a quick introduction to where continuationists are coming from, this is a good choice.

[Ivy Greenwood]

Wonderful. I’d highly recommend to anyone asking questions about the gifts. Sam Storms addresses lots of differing ideas on the gifts of the Spirit, but he never takes rabbit trails or gets lost.

His questions at the end of every chapter also get to the heart, which I love. You can’t read this book and ONLY gain more head knowledge on the gifts. It’s challenging in the best way, deeply encouraging, and a great read.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title describes it accurately.

A fast read.

[Kristina]

i am once again begging christian authors to get better editors and graphic designers pls

[Alicia Friedrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, lots of scripture references, really challenges your understanding of the spiritual gifts!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book for my Empower class. I completed the book and feel like I have more questions than before. I feel like there is so much about God that I do not understand the more I read. I need to process and allow God to tell me what He wants me to understand from this reading.

[Andrew Klausen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall there's some really helpful and thoughtful parts to this volume, most notably Storms' work on healing. But his hermeneutical presuppositions seems to shift from topic to topic.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who have questions about the gifts of the Spirit working in the church today. I also believe it is a great book for cessationist and continuationist as well.

For the cessationist I wouldn’t expect them to change their position but I do believe they would come to understand the continuationist position better. Sam Storms is not some Word of Faith teacher, or Pentecostal charlatan. He is a pastor, is a well known for hsi Gospel preaching and teaching, and is often quoted in a positive, affirming way on Cessationist blogs.

Some of the highlights for me was the breakdown between prophecy and the interpretation of tongues. I grew up in a Pentecostal church and Storms challenged me on a few things. For instance, most, if not all of the interpretation of tongues I have heard have been instructive but Storms challenged this position.

He would argue that tongues is primarily a form of prayer and praise, prophecy is “a human report of a divine revelation.” His formula regarding tongues and prophecy is as follows: “Tongues + interpretation ≠ prophecy, but rather tongues + interpretation = prayer or praise or thanksgiving.”

What I appreciated most about this book is Storms takes Paul’s command to “Eagerly desire the greater gifts.” This book is an attempt to look at Paul’s command with Scripture and experience.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just quickly, I've experienced some of the Gifts as explained by the author and all his explanations are spot on!
I highly recommend this book if you truly desire to experience more of God in your life. This goes beyond a notional interest. I've heard Sam speak a few times. I also had a pastor of a church who currently works very closely with Sam in his Convergence Ministry and is a moderator on the Remnant Radio Podcast.
I spent almost 20 years in a cult practicing an Eastern Meditation and for several of those years lived in a Cooperative Ashram. I was seriously searching and thought I found it.
When I experienced Jesus and these Gifts for the first time in 1990 I walked away from it and began a new spiritual journey. I have stumbled over a lot of obstacles in the way but can say that at this time I am having the most incredible experience of my life. It doesn't matter anymore that I have several issues going on in my life and the lives of my family and friends, but I have never had a better outlook on life. I have learned (kicking and screaming sometimes) to yield my life to God. Not because I have it all figured out now....but because He's my only hope! And that's a good thing.

[Mary Grace Apostol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at the recommendation of someone much older and wiser than me, and man I am so thankful. This book handles the gifts of the Spirit with the Bible wide open. As an ex-cessationist, Storms offers a unique perspective that balances the emotionalism of a skeptic with the truth of God’s word. I will definitely be referencing this book in the future when I am in conversations about gifts like tongues, prophecy, and words of knowledge. I’ll conclude this review with one of Storm’s closing remarks-

“If we spend less time searching to identify our spiritual gifts and more time actually praying and giving and helping and teaching and serving and exhorting those around us, the likelihood greatly increases that we will walk heading into our gifting without even knowing what happened. God will more likely meet us with His gifts in the midst of trying to help His children than He ever would while we’re taking a spiritual gifts analysis test”

Super challenged to just walk in obedience and expectancy!

[Stephen G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend Storms' book to anyone who knows little about spiritual gifts and wants to learn or someone who is a cessationist (believes revelatory spiritual gifts are no longer for today) but is open to having their beliefs challenged. Storms walks through each of the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, providing definitions, biblical examples, and modern day examples of each gift. He writes as a former cessationist, so he is knowledgeable of cessationist arguments and works hard to be thorough and biblical in addressing them. I also found his approach very balanced. He challenges cessationists on a number of levels, but he's also not afraid to point out abuses and unsound theology in more charismatic/pentecostal circles. I believe regardless of where you land on the debate of whether these revelatory spiritual gifts are for today, you'll find Storms' book fair.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

My wife and I both read this, as we went through a group discussion about the chapters.
First off, the author comes from the viewpoint that each gift is valid. I mostly agree with this; but I feel it (often severely) bias' his points. He also gives little rational discussion to opposing views. I definitely don't agree with everything he says, nor with how he says it. [I especially struggled with his chapters on Tongues; and still feel this point is "open" to me, with little certainty.]
that said, he brings up some good points, and made me think - and to me, that is the point!
I especially liked his final concluding chapter, where he says to get out there and act! Do; and if there is a gift, and God gives it to you to help, great; if you don't get, keep helping people!

[April Thrush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about spiritual gifts. The only sections I really struggled with though was the ones concerning the gift of tongues. I felt the author supported each of his topics well with scripture but could have done a better job with this topic. However, I think it also might be a personal issue with me that I am mostly comparing to my own experience with it. Storms used to be a cessationist ( like I myself used to be) and even wrote a book in the past about his view that the gift of healing has ceased altogether. Because of this, he gives a fairer approach to the topic with more biblical support than I have seen from others who write on this subject.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two words: thought provoking. If you’re a cessationist, this book at the very least will make you question everything you’ve ever thought about miraculous gifts and it’s role in the church. If you’re a continuist, it will not only strengthen your beliefs but it will given you new questions to delve into and more information to understand the topic to a fuller extent.
The most helpful thing about this book is the questions he asks and the experiences he adds into the mix. Very fascinating and a super easy read. The only critique is he spends hardly any time in the practicality of it and how it can be played out in the church.

[Jillian Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really comprehensive overview of spiritual gifts- both broadly and specifically going over each gift and its nuances. I appreciated the scriptural outlining behind each point. The author comes from a viewpoint that holds that all spiritual gifts can be used today. I would like to read the viewpoint of a cessationist to compare views. Since I come from a more Baptist/nondenominational background, this was a really refreshing view for me to read (and outside my comfort zone in a good way!) I think going into the book, you would get the most out of it having done an in depth study of 1 Cor 12-14 first.

[Darius Le Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Storms spends quite some time repeatedly trying to back his anecdotal evidence instead of simply stating what he believes as his own fact.

Spirit exist, & everyone who exist has the intuition to understand and comprehend that some are innately better then others at things.

Those who wish to possess those gifts need only ask, & they shall receive.

An iteresting read, and I throughly enjoyed what Storms said about spiritual gifts being a gift, (something you might ask Spirit for) rather then something inborn in us.

I think if you believe (even in something, as myself) you'll spend a great deal of time breaking down what the author is trying to convey.

[Jamie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read, I’m definitely convinced of the gifts continuing today but have always wondered and honestly not spent enough time praying for what that looks like in my faith, I appreciated the simple summation at the end:

“If we spend less time searching to identify our spiritual gift(s) and more time actually praying and giving and helping and teaching and serving and exhorting those around us, the likelihood greatly increases that we will walk headlong into our gifting without ever knowing what happened. God will more likely meet us with his gifts in the midst of trying to help his children than he ever would while we’re taking a spiritual gifts analysis test.”

[Ben cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah… started strong, very strong - the first 5 gifts were beautifully articulated and helped me think. Over all the book led to animated discussions and lots of thoughts. I would say I don’t agree with the last two completely. I agree with half of the prophetic biblical revelation but not the rest. The tongues chapter had a lot of assumptions that I found unrealistic. Not sure about tongues and I’m gonna leave it like that and move on to a different topic.

[Daniel Beaudoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, and well presented Biblically. I don't agree with every conclusion, and I'm still processing some of the information, but I think this is an excellent and well thought out. if you're trying to wrap your brain around the concept of Biblical Spiritual gifts, this is a very good starting point.

[Nick Emond · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in depth book on gifts, and a very good starting point on understanding spiritual gifts as a whole. Appreciate Storms commitment to biblical theology and starting the “arguments” Bible first. Very respectful to those that disagree with him, and also passionate and confident on what he believes

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful overview of words of wisdom and knowledge, faith and healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, gift of tongues, and interpretation of tongues as well as good advice for finding your own gifting.
This has been very helpful for me coming new to this stream of faith. The explanations were clear and used scripture in every example. I will read this one again!

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seemed to just concentrate a few of the Spiritual Gifts mentioned in the epistles. The title is correct it was written for those who have no to little knowledge of the subject. I did underline and make tons of margin notes. It is a good study however, our group was too large for much input for the group. I have attended and read better studies on the subject.