Definition and Purpose
Spiritual gifts for service are special abilities granted by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and advancing God's kingdom. These gifts are diverse and are intended to equip the church for ministry, promote unity, and glorify God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that these gifts are given "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Biblical Foundation
The concept of spiritual gifts is primarily found in the New Testament, with key passages in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul writes, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

1 Corinthians 12 provides a comprehensive list of spiritual gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Paul underscores the unity and diversity of these gifts, stating, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the gifts of leadership within the church: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Distribution and Diversity
The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to His will and purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:11 states, "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills." This distribution underscores the sovereignty of God in equipping His people for service.

The diversity of gifts reflects the multifaceted nature of the church's mission. Each believer is uniquely equipped to contribute to the body of Christ, and no single gift is superior to another. Paul uses the analogy of the body to illustrate this point: "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Function and Operation
Spiritual gifts are to be exercised in love and humility, with the aim of edifying others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul emphasizes that love is the greatest virtue and the context in which all gifts should operate. Without love, spiritual gifts are meaningless and unproductive.

The operation of spiritual gifts requires discernment and order. Paul advises the Corinthian church to use their gifts in a manner that promotes peace and edification, stating, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Role in the Church
Spiritual gifts play a crucial role in the life and growth of the church. They enable believers to serve one another, fulfill the Great Commission, and manifest the presence of God in the world. The exercise of these gifts fosters spiritual maturity and unity within the body of Christ, as believers work together to accomplish God's purposes.

In summary, spiritual gifts for service are divine endowments given to believers to empower them for ministry, promote unity, and glorify God. They are diverse, distributed by the Holy Spirit, and are to be exercised in love and order for the edification of the church.