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LESSON 7
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Your Abilities and

Talents
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In the ancient Jewish culture, parents had a

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responsibility to help their children discover their gifts,

talents, and skills so they could succeed. The Hebrew
Talmud supports this responsibility of the parent: “He
who does not teach his son a trade is as if he teaches
him robbery” (Tosefta Qiddushin 1:11).
Today, there may be fewer instances of parents
imparting skills to their children. More common is the idea
that people possess natural gifts that are obvious and
that lead to a fulfilling career. For example, a young man
or woman who understands mathematics and finances
may choose a profession in banking or accounting. Others
work well with their hands and go into building trades.
Some with a knack for understanding the details of past
events become historians. A fascination with science and
analysis could lead a person into the medical field.
However, many individuals are unsure about their
gifts and how to apply them. What are your best talents
and skills? Are you currently working in an area of
your strength? Or, do you feel frustrated because your
abilities go unused or unrewarded? Do you have a plan
to discover your best gifts? Where do you go from here?
One of the greatest tragedies is wasted talent.
In his book, Beggar to King, Walter Duckat researches
the primary trades of biblical characters. Under the trades
beginning with the letter “C”, Duckat lists the following:
calker, camel driver, candy-maker, captain, caravan chief,
carpenter, carpet-maker, cattleman, census taker, charioteer,
cheese maker, choirmaster, chorister, circumciser, clothier,
cook, coppersmith, counselor, counterfeiter, cupbearer,
custodian and customs clerk” (Duckat 1968, 35). It seems
there was something for everyone to do. What about you?
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Do you know what God wants you to do? Have you made

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a clear assessment of your talents, gifts, and skills? You
need to find out what gifts God has given you and use them
to glorify Him. This assignment may not be easy. But be

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encouraged! God is your help and sustainer (Psalm 54:4).
By looking into the Scriptures and events of life, we
will assist you in making personal discoveries that will
strengthen you. Here is a noteworthy observation—while
the Lord often uses our strengths, we should not limit

a nd
ourselves to think that God uses only our strengths. God
may use whatever ability we have. Our weaknesses may
be the tools He uses for His glory. Therefore, be aware

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of all your talents and abilities, even the ones you are
not very excited about. God’s grace is sufficient, and His
power is perfected in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).

LESSON OUTLINE
Biblical Teaching on Human Gifts and Abilities
Jesus’ Teaching on Human Gifts and Abilities
Practical Differences in Human Abilities
Biblical Purpose of Gifts and Abilities
Identifying Your Personal Gifts and Abilities

LESSON OBJECTIVES

1. Identify fundamental truths about God-given gifts

and abilities.

2. Examine the Parable of the Talents.

3. Describe the difference between God-given or

inherited skills and the talents we develop through
personal improvement.

4. Explain what the ultimate purpose is for our talents

and gifts.

5. Indicate the talents and gifts God has given you.

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Biblical Teaching on Human Gifts and Abilities
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Objective 1:
Identify fundamental truths
about God-given gifts and abilities.

God is a giver. He gives us life and breath and

provides for our physical and spiritual needs. Certainly,
a

the greatest gift God ever gave to humankind was His

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Son, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he

gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus
opened the door for us to be saved and enjoy eternal life.
Even if we never receive anything else from God besides
salvation, that would be enough. But the fact is that God
has given us even more gifts beyond salvation. Let us
review a number of key biblical truths about the gifts
and abilities that God has given to us.

God is the Source

James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from
above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”
(James 1:17). James actually speaks twice of God’s
giving to make a clear point to his readers. The first time
refers to the act of giving; the second instance refers to
what is given. The NRSV Bible conveys this idea well:
“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is
from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” God
is the source of any ability we possess.

God Creates Opportunities to Use Your Talents

Generally speaking, people who have something good
to offer find doors opening to them. “Do you see a man
skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not
serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29). Whatever
gifts and abilities the Lord has given you can provide
ever-increasing opportunities for you to use them. God’s
gifts will be recognized and honored both inside and
outside of the church. This advances His kingdom.
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God Omits No One

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The apostle Paul reminds us that “each man has his
own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that”
(1 Corinthians 7:7). God has not omitted any member of

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His family. Now, this verse refers specifically to gifts of
the Holy Spirit. It is evident that God wants all believers
to operate in the gifts of the Spirit. More detailed
information on this topic is found in lesson 20 of this
course. However, it is safe to say that every believer also

a nd
has abilities and talents that are God-given.
Talents and skills we may have already discovered

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before knowing Christ take on new meaning and purpose
after we are saved. As we realize what we can do for God
with our talents, we rejoice in the completeness we feel in
Christ. In fact, the assets of God are at your disposal. If you
are lacking anything, God can provide it through Christ
“in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The psalmist wrote, “Those
who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10).

Humility
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift
you up” (James 4:10). Humility is a prerequisite before
God can use us to our greatest extent. We should not be
inappropriately proud and forget God, who is the giver of
gifts, talents, and abilities.

Purity
God uses clean vessels, and conversion is where it all
starts. Our sins are forgiven as we trust in Christ. Then,
as we mature in the knowledge of God, we develop a
passion for purity and holiness. This is not to say that
unsaved people do not have gifts, talents, and skills.
Indeed, many do, but unbelievers cannot achieve their
fullest potential because they are disconnected from
God. Though the world may acclaim them, they will not
taste of God’s best. They receive their rewards here.
None await them after death. Notice carefully what
Jesus said, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on
earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
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break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures
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in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and

where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also’” (Matthew
6:19–21). As a child of God, be self-disciplined. Live a life
worthy of God. Be holy.

Accountability
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Christians are not only God’s children but also God’s

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servants. The resources God gives are intended to

serve specific purposes that will advance the kingdom
of God. Our gifts are not to be forgotten, hidden away,
or misused. Believers are required to use God’s gifts
properly and responsibly. In the next section, we will
study the Parable of the Talents and learn more about our
accountability to God.

Jesus’ Teaching on Human Gifts and Abilities

Objective 2:
Examine the Parable of the Talents.

Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30.

Jesus taught many truths about the kingdom of God
through parables, which were short stories that compare
something familiar to something not so familiar. In this
parable, a wealthy man prepares to go on a journey. Before
departing, he entrusts his wealth in varying amounts
to the care of three servants. A talent represented an
enormous amount of money in biblical times.
In the same way, the Lord has entrusted to each of
us certain gifts and abilities. Just like in the parable, the
Lord expects us to put these things to work for Him until
He returns. Have you ever taken time to do a thorough
inventory of the many wonderful things God has given to
you? You might be surprised if you will be honest, think
hard, and list all the ones that come to mind.
We have some giftings and abilities that come to us
due to genetics—musical or artistic ability, intelligence,
appearance, aptitudes, etc. Other things come through
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God’s favor and His guiding of our lives coupled with

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our diligence—skills, wealth, and position. Other things
entrusted to us are of a more spiritual nature such as
a special gifting, call, or enabling. You may want to

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consider spiritual gifts in this case. All these things
mentioned are part of what God entrusts to us.
Since all of us are different and God knows what
is best for us and His kingdom, it is most logical to
assume that God gives to people in a way that best suits

a nd
their personality, location, opportunities, tastes, and
temperament. While we may balk or complain that God
is unfair in giving more to some than to others, we must

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trust that God knows what He is doing. Perhaps before we
make the claim that God is unfair, it might be good for us
to see whether we are fully using the talents, giftings, and
abilities He has already entrusted to us. In the parable
Jesus states that the man going on a journey gave to His
servants “each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:15).
So, never complain because of your uniqueness and
giftings. Remain humble and useful for the Master.
We should also bear in mind the sober reality that
one day all true Christians will have to give an account
of their lives. We will have to explain how we have
used the “talents” entrusted to us. It is clear that the
Lord is looking for a return on His investment, and you
can be sure that God keeps good records. There will be
generous rewards for the diligent beyond anything we
can remotely imagine. Our Lord will say, “Well done,
good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a
few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come
and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:21).
Finally, this parable teaches us that God will not
only reward faithfulness and diligence in using what
He entrusts to us, but it also reveals He will judge those
who do nothing with their talents, gifts, and abilities.
The servant who did nothing with his master’s goods
showed poor judgment. His excuse was that he feared
his master, knowing him to be a hard man. In other
words, the servant figured he would be better off to
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return the talent intact than invest it and potentially
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suffer loss. Whatever the reason, the servant was wrong

to not do something for his master and wound up banned
from his master’s presence. There is an old expression
that says: “Use it or lose it.” Here is an example of
that. So, make your life count. Use every talent, gift,
and ability for God’s glory and the advancement of His
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kingdom. You will never regret it.

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Practical Differences in Human Abilities

Objective 3:
Describe the difference
between God-given or inherited skills and
the talents we develop through personal improvement.

Most people would agree that there are at least four

needs basic to human growth: the need to be loved
and to love; the need for security and trust; the need for
acceptance and forgiveness; and the need to achieve and
to serve. To understand the difference between God-given
talents and developed abilities, the following illustration
comes to mind: Place a goose in a pond. Even if it was
raised in a controlled environment where no ponds were
available and has no “pond” experience, the goose will
quickly be at home in its new environment. In a matter of
minutes it will happily be doing what geese do to make life
suitable for them. That is because geese are designed for
the pond environment they inhabit. God has given them the
abilities and understanding necessary for their existence.
Unlike geese and others of the animal kingdom,
humans are created by God to be uniquely individual.
We are even considerably different from the other people
around us, not only in personality, temperament and
interests but also in our God-given or inherited talents.
For instance, two people can grow up in the same home
with the same parents, yet be clearly different in gifts,
talents, and skills. Each of us has already been provided
a God-ordained combination of personal attributes. No
one else has the combination of qualities we possess.
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Here is how the psalmist David explained it:

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For you created my inmost being; you knit
me together in my mother’s womb. I praise
you because I am fearfully and wonderfully

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made; your works are wonderful, I know that
full well. My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place. When
I was woven together in the depths of the
earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

a nd
All the days ordained for me were written
in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O

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God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm
139:13–17)
Each person has natural inclinations and abilities to do
particular things. Many people can even do things that
no one has ever taught them to do. These natural gifts
are blessings from our Supreme Maker. But simply having
talent is not enough. We must enhance these God-given
abilities for His glory. Solomon wrote, “Lazy hands make
a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs
10:4). As the apostle Paul entreated believers to be
diligent in their lifestyles, he cautioned, “We do not want
you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews
6:12). In other words, Christians should not just wait for
things to happen for them; they need to use their God-
given abilities to advance the Kingdom.
Humans have also been given intelligence and
aptitude to develop their abilities. It has been said that
there are three areas a Christian needs to develop to be
successful: character, communication, and competence.
Each of these facets needs continual attention.
1. To develop godly character, we need the
indwelling power of the Holy Spirit daily. If you
have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, with the
initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues,
you are missing a key ingredient in building and
sustaining a Christlike character.
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2. Communication strength is based on one’s
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knowledge of a subject and one’s inclusion of

others in the subject. Communication is the
exchange of information, ideas, and feelings. This
can be oral, written, and sensed. Most people have
to work hard at communicating effectively.
3. Competence suggests mastering God-given
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abilities, even to the point of excellence. Education,

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practice, and experience help to develop God-

given gifts to their optimum. Sometimes, naturally
talented individuals become content with their
gifts. However, the Lord may require more from
them. Most people can tell the difference between
naturally talented singers and trained vocalists.
Those who wish to excel in their gifts submit to the
rigors of discipline.
Furthermore, even though you may not be
naturally gifted in certain area, often you can develop
great proficiency and even expertise in areas with
determination and desire. Has the Lord put this need on
your heart? Step out and try it! Do your best for Jesus.
Let us not be satisfied with a little. God wants to do
much through us.

Biblical Purpose of Gifts and Abilities

Objective 4:
Explain what the ultimate
purpose is for our talents and gifts.

Why has God invested so much in us? What did God

have in mind when He gave us those unique talents, gifts,
and skills? The Bible is clear that humans were created to
glorify God. The author of Hebrews wrote this powerful
truth: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of
the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with
everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us
what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20–21).
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God created humans to live in relationship with

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Him. In the Ten Commandments, God gave specific
instructions for establishing and maintaining this
relationship (see Exodus 20:1–17). Take some time right

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now to read the Ten Commandments. As you read
through them, keep in mind that you have been created
to worship God. The gifts, talents, and skills you possess
have a definite purpose: God’s priorities. If God says
something is important, you stop your activities and

a nd
focus on His priorities. This is an important way to serve
God.
A servant in the New Testament was “a male

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or female person who is under obligation to render
obedience to a master” (Eerdmans 1987, 927). The
most common Greek word for a slave is doulos. The
slave owned nothing. Everything, including his or her
talents and skills, belonged to the master. This dynamic
between slave or servant and master is in some ways
indicative of the believer’s relationship with God.
Many of the great Bible characters were called
servants or slaves for God. Moses is often called the
“servant of God” (1 Chronicles 6:49; Nehemiah 10:29;
Daniel 9:11), and his life was a testimony for the Lord.
The apostle Paul also was “a servant of God and an
apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the
knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness” (Titus
1:1). James started his epistle with the words, “James, a
servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).
All we have is for God’s honor and glory. Paul wrote,
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do” (Ephesians 2:10). We are not all alike, but we are
all called to the same purpose. “There are different kinds
of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of
service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of
working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given
for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Whatever
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your gifts, give them to God. Make His priorities your
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priorities.

Identifying Your Personal Gifts and Abilities

Objective 5:
Indicate the talents and gifts God has given you.
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In this section, we will help you identify the specific

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gifts, talents, and skills that God has given to you. Some
of these gifts are inherited or God-given at birth. Others
may be acquired with maturity, in spiritual experiences,
or by dedicated personal development. The gifts of the
Spirit, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, are given
to Spirit-filled believers who sincerely seek for them. Paul
wrote, “Eagerly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians
12:31). Take time to study the Word, and pray with
intensity that the Lord will bless you with these precious
gifts of the Spirit. Below are a few of the gifts for you to
consider prayerfully:
Gifts Scripture Reference
Gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12 and 14
Various gifts Romans 12:3–8
Various gifts Ephesians 4:11–16
Administration 1 Corinthians 12:28
Artistry Exodus 31:1–11
Witnessing Acts 2:36–40
Giving 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Hospitality Luke 10:38
Psalm 96:1–9; 1 Samuel
Music
16:14–23
Service Philippians 2:19–23
Skilled craftsmanship Exodus 30:1–6
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So how can you discover your own personal gifts?

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Here is a suggested plan to follow:
• Begin by spending time in prayer and fasting
before the Lord in order to acquire the mind of the

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Lord in your deliberations (Isaiah 58:6–8; Daniel
10:3; Matthew 6:16–18).
• Study the above list of biblical gifts (read the
biblical references), and identify the gifts that best
describe your present interests and skills.

a nd
• Prayerfully prioritize them in a manner where the
most obvious gifts are listed as number one and

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then on down the priority scale.
• Show your findings to your spouse, close Christian
friend, or pastor. Let them pray, comment, and add
their observations.
Also, there are professional personality tests available
through Christian counselors that may help you discover
your talents, gifts, and skills. Never discount the fact that
our all-powerful Lord can use anybody and anything to
teach us. James affirms, “Every good and perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”
(James 1:17). Our mission is to pursue the good and
perfect gifts God has for us. Are you willing to dedicate
all to Jesus? Are you committed to place all you possess
in the hands of the Father? If so, you can expect the
blessing of God.

Suggested Scripture Verses to Memorize

Psalm 139:14
Matthew 6:21
Matthew 25:21
2 Corinthians 12:9
Colossians 2:3
James 1:7
James 4:10
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SELF-TEST
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After studying the lesson, please read each study

question carefully and circle the correct response. There
is only one correct response for each question.
1. Does God use our strengths or our weaknesses?
a) God primarily uses our strengths because He
a

cannot tolerate our weaknesses.

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b) God uses our weaknesses only.

c) God uses both our strengths and weaknesses.
2. The believer’s gifts are intended to
a) advance God’s kingdom.
b) make them rich.
c) be hidden.
3. The greatest gift God has given humanity is
a) the ability to read.
b) His only Son Jesus Christ.
c) the beauty of the earth.
4. Does everyone have a gift from God?
a) God has given everyone some gift to glorify Him.
b) Only preferred people have gifts from God.
c) We will never know for sure.
5. One truth the Parable of the Talents teaches is that
a) we are our own bosses.
b) God expects us to use what He has given us.
c) God understands our fear and will excuse us.
6. Jesus taught by using parables, which are
a) short stories.
b) miracles.
c) long, dreary sermons.
7. Which is not a basic necessity for human
development?
a) The need for acceptance
b) The need to love and be loved
c) The need to eat three meals per day
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8. In Scripture, who is not referred to as a “servant of

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God”?
a) Moses
b) Judas Iscariot

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c) James
9. The Bible indicates that
a) all people are basically the same in talents and
disposition.
b) humans and animals have similar gifts and skills.
c) each person is unique and matchless in creation.

a nd
10. The first step towards discovering your God-given
talent is to

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a) attend a Gifts seminar at a local church or
university.
b) pray and fast for God’s desire in this area of your
life.
c) visit a local psychologist and complete a series of
personality tests.
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ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTIONS
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Note: If you answered a study question incorrectly,

you can find the objective it was drawn from by looking
at the reference in parenthesis.
1. c (7.1)
2. a (7.1)
a

3. b (7.1)
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4. a (7.1)
5. b (7.2)
6. a (7.2)
7. c (7.3)
8. b (7.4)
9. c (7.4)
10. b (7.5)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THIS LESSON

David G. Rose is the Senior Pastor of Friendship
Church Assembly of God in Richmond (Houston), Texas.
David is a native Texan, and has written and published
Bible-based articles, sermons, and leadership materials.
He is married to Sue, and they have two daughters and
four grandchildren.
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