The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The outpouring of God’s spirit molded together a spiritual body (group of believers scripturally defined as the New Testament church.
- Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Supernatural manifestations of the Spirit occurred, commonly referred to as gifts of the Spirit. By supernatural, we mean something that cannot be explained or understood by human reasoning. Do not limit God to our understanding.
- Isaiah 58:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts
Similarly, the same book that teaches about the use of spiritual gifts states:
- Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of
man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of
God
THE GIFTS ARE TO PROFIT THE CHURCH
- The spiritual gifts are given by God to His church to profit the church and its members.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
- There are those today who contend that the church can no longer experience these gifts. There is nothing in scriptures that says so. To the contrary, the gifts will remain in the church until Christ’s second coming.
- 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God, which is at Corinth, to them that are
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon
the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: - 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ:
- 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God, which is at Corinth, to them that are
- There are also those who over emphasis some Spiritual Gifts to the ignoring of the other Spiritual Gifts. Neither is correct. All gifts are needs; just as all people are needed. The human body has many members, such as hands, fingers, etc. So also, is the body of Christ. There are many members of one body, and all are important.
- 1 Corinthians 12: 20-22 But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
The difference between the Gifts and the Fruit of the Spirit
➤ The gifts of the Spirit are not to be confused with the fruit of the Spirit.
➤ The fruit of the Spirit is spiritual grace in the character of the believer.
➤ The gifts of the Spirit are divine enablements to strengthen and encourage the church.
Great Care in Their Operation
- Care must be taken in the operation of the gifts.
- The Corinthian church became unbalanced in the operation of the more spectacular gifts.
- Many churches today have likewise become unbalanced in the operation of the various gifts.
THE NINE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-12
- Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
- For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;
- to another, the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,
- To another faith by the same Spirit,
- to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
- To another the working of miracles;
- to another prophecy,
- to another discerning of spirits;
- to another divers kinds of tongues;
- to another the interpretation of tongues:
- But all these worketh that one and the
selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ
- Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Power to Know Supernaturally
- The Word of Wisdom
- The word of wisdom and knowledge are supernatural manifestations of the Spirit.
- They exist far above their natural and human counterpart
- Sometimes, God gives a specific word of wisdom for a particular situation.
- The word wisdom implies a thought or utterance through the direct operation of the Holy
Spirit- An example of this gift is in Acts where Paul perceived a shipwreck.
- Acts 27:10 And sand unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
- Acts 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
- Acts 27:34Wherefore I pray you to take some meat for this is for your health: forthere shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
- An example of this gift is in Acts where Paul perceived a shipwreck.
- The Word of Knowledge
- Every Christian must endeavor to “grow in grace” and in the knowledge of our Lord.
- 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
- The word of Knowlege includes facts from God about people, places, things, and events that a person could not possibly know unless God reveals it to them.
- An example of the word of Knowledge is Peter’s supernatural knowledge of the secret sin of Ananias and Sapphira
- Acts 5:1-10 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
- Every Christian must endeavor to “grow in grace” and in the knowledge of our Lord.
- Discerning of Spirits
- Is the ability on a particular occasion, to ascertain whether a spirit or action is of God.
- The purpose of this gift is to detect true or false.
- An example was when Paul rebuke of a spirit possessing a girl.
- And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
- Today we should use this gift to determine whether or not the person, word, or spirit is of God.
- Remember that not everyone who claims to be of God is of God and not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will be saved.
- Matthew 7: 21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
- Remember that not everyone who claims to be of God is of God and not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will be saved.
Power to Act Supernaturally
- Faith
- The spiritual gift of faith is to be distinguished from saving faith or daily faith. The gift of faith is a measure of faith above the faith that all of us have.
- Examples are the faith of Peter and John for the lame man.
- Acts 3:2-11, 16 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
- Examples are the faith of Peter and John for the lame man.
- The spiritual gift of faith is to be distinguished from saving faith or daily faith. The gift of faith is a measure of faith above the faith that all of us have.
- Working of Miracles
- A supernatural release of God’s power through a person’s life to affect an immediate super-
natural event. It is an event that cannot be explained by “natural law”. - Examples are the raising of Dorcas and Eutychus back to Life and special miracles in Paul’s
ministry at Ephesus.- Dorcas:
- Acts 9:36-40 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
- Eutychus:
- Acts 20:9-10 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
- Special miracles in Paul’s ministry at Ephesus:
- Acts 19:11-12 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
- Dorcas:
- A supernatural release of God’s power through a person’s life to affect an immediate super-
The Power to Speak Supernaturally
- Prophecy
- The gift of prophecy is a specific message from God to the hearers in their own language.
- True prophecy will always be in harmony with God’s word.
- The gift of prophecy brings edification, exhortation, and comfort to the church
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
- Tongues
- Speaking with Tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker.
- There are three different kinds of tongues
- It is initial evidence when someone is baptized with the Holy Ghost. Think about stammering lips of a repentant person crying out to God. It often times sounds similar to a crying child that is trying to talk.
- Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
- Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- Acts 19:6 (KJV) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
- Speaking to God in personnel prayer
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries
- 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For it I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
- Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
- Addressing the church, coupled with interpretation
- Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
- Prophesied in the Old Testament
- Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue will be speak to this people. To whom he said. This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear
- It is initial evidence when someone is baptized with the Holy Ghost. Think about stammering lips of a repentant person crying out to God. It often times sounds similar to a crying child that is trying to talk.
- Interpretation of Tongues
- By this gift, a person interprets a message in tongues for the church. When a person brings a message to the church through the gift of tongues, the gift of interpretation of tongues is used to edify the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
- If there is no interpreter, the one speaking in the unknown tongue should keep silence in the church, although he can continue to pray in tongues personally.
- 1 Corinthians 14:28 (KJV) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church and let him speak to himself, and to God.
- The pastor should always have the oversight in the operation of the gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three and let the other judge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
- By this gift, a person interprets a message in tongues for the church. When a person brings a message to the church through the gift of tongues, the gift of interpretation of tongues is used to edify the church.
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