(a) What is Paul's advice in his Epistle to the Romans, on the use of individual talents? (b) Identify three functions of spiritual gifts.

(a) Paul's advice on the use of individual talents (Romans 12:3-8)

Paul urged every believer not to think of himself more highly than he ought, but to think with sober judgement, according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. He compared the church to a body: just as one body has many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so believers, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

He taught that we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, and each should use his own gift faithfully. If a man's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if service, in serving; the one who teaches, in teaching; the one who exhorts, in exhortation; the one who contributes, let him do it with liberality; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. In short, no gift is to be despised or idle; each talent is given for the good of the whole body and must be exercised humbly and diligently.

(b) Three functions of spiritual gifts

• To build up and edify the church. The gifts strengthen the body of Christ and help believers grow in faith and maturity.
• To serve others for the common good. They meet the practical and spiritual needs of the community, such as teaching, healing, encouraging and giving.
• To glorify God and advance His work. The gifts are used to worship God, spread the gospel and demonstrate His power and grace to the world.