Introduction
Spiritual gifts can be defined as drives, opportunities, and results given to us by the Godhead to achieve God's supernatural goals. The Spirit-filled experience is more than just "speaking in tongues." In reality, it is coming into the fullness of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit as outlined in the New Testament (I Corinthians 12:7-11; Galatians 5:22-23). In speaking of the gifts, however, exclusivism is never implied. The gifts are placed in the church as resources to be utilized at the point of need for ministry in the body. This means that not every believer will have the same gifts as every other believer. Rather, the Holy Spirit is the Author and Dispenser of the gifts to bring about integrity in worship and kingdom expression The full potential of a life, a marriage, a family, or a church will not be experienced until there is a clear, Biblical understanding of spiritual gifts. For this reason, the Apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 12:1: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." In I Corinthians 12:7-11, the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed. Their purpose is specific - to "profit" the body of the church. The Greek word for profit is sumphero which means "to bring together, to benefit, to be advantageous," which is experienced as the body is strengthened in its life together and expanded through its ministry of evangelism. These nine gifts are specifically available to every believer as the Holy Spirit distributes them (I Corinthians 12:11). They are not to be merely acknowledged in a passive way, but rather are to be actively welcomed and expected (I Corinthians 13:1; 14:1).Diversity of Gifts
There are three types of gifts: motivation, ministry, and manifestation. We only have one motivational gift and the possibility of many ministry and manifestation gifts. These gifts are outlined further below. The Apostle Paul writes:"Now there are diversities of gifts (motivation gifts of the Father), but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, (ministry gifts of the Son) 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 (gifts of the Holy Spirit) is given to every man to profit withal" (I Corinthians 12:4-7).What is the Apostle Paul trying to tell us? Well, he is simply saying that there are three categories of spiritual gifts:
1. Gifts of the FatherThe gifts of the Father are motivational gifts. The Greek word for "gift" is charisma which comes from the word char meaning "joy." Charis is the Greek word for grace, which is God giving us the desire and power to do His will (Philippians 2:13). The term motivation is simply defined as the work of God's grace. These seven gifts (which can be found in Romans 12:6-8) seem to characterize basic motivations or inherent tendencies in a person by reason of the Creator's unique workmanship in their initial gifting. A believer usually displays one dominant motivational gift although he or she may have a small mixture of the other six. Peter writes, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4:10). Thus by having one primary motivational gift, we are able to nurture and develop it.
2. Gifts of the Son
3. Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of the Son (Jesus Christ) are administration or ministry gifts. The term administration comes from the Greek work diakanion from which we get our English word deacon. This word relates to the ministries and outreach of the local church. These gifts (Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 12:28) are pivotal in assuring that the motivation and manifestation gifts are being applied in the body of the church. These gifts are confirmed by ordination. (I Timothy 4:14). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts of manifestation or operation. The term operations comes from the Greek word energeia. Its English equivalent is energy. As God gives power through our motivational gift, the effects produced by it are the operations or manifestations of the Spirit. These nine gifts of manifestation (I Corinthians 12:7-11) are given to profit the body of the church. To summarize, it is our responsibility to develop our motivational gifts, it the church's responsibility to confirm ministry gifts, and it is the Holy Spirit's function to reward the use of the gifts for the profit of all.
Although I briefly highlighted the three categories of gifts from the Godhead, the remainder of this teaching will only focus on the third set of gifts: the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God has given His people nine mighty gifts of the Holy Spirit to enable them to mature spiritually, edify others, and do the work of the ministry. Although these gifts of God are perfect, the manifestation of these gifts are sometimes not so perfect because they are manifested through an imperfect channel: men and women. However, perfect or imperfect, it is still God's will that the Church have all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation and that every believer be open to the working of these gifts in their life. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul confirms this statement when he exhorted God's people by writing: "That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 'So that ye come behind in no gift;' waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 1:5-7). Therefore, these gifts are not only essential for spiritual maturity and ministry, but they also prepare you for Christ's return.
The gifts are the spiritual senses of the Church. Just as we have five physical senses that allow us to function in the natural realm (world), so we also have nine gifts of the Holy Spirit (the "spiritual senses") that enable us to function properly in the spiritual realm. These gifts are identified in I Corinthians 12:8-11
"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 discering 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."These nine gifts can be broken down into three categories:
1. Revelation GiftsThe most important aspect of spiritual gifts is that they are meant to edify the body of Christ, and thus, they are not confined to the church building. In fact, the gifts of the Spirit are most effective when they are used in the marketplace and in the general culture, as a demonstration of God's power to unbelievers.- Word of Wisdom2. Power Gifts
- Word of Knowledge
- Discernment- Faith3. Inspiration Gifts
- Healing
- Miracles- Prophecy
- Diverse Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
Revelation Gifts
Word of Wisdom
There are three types of wisdom:
* The wisdom of God (I Corinthians 2:6-7)The gift of the word of wisdom is the application of knowledge that God gives you ( I Corinthians 2:6-7). This type of wisdom is a gift which cannot be gained through study or experience and should by no means try to replace them. The gift of the word of wisdom is seeing life from God's perspective. As a Christian exercises this gift, he begins to develop a fear of the Lord. This is the "beginning of wisdom" according to Proverbs 1:7. The gift of the word of wisdom is also the revealing of prophetic future; it is speaking hidden truths of what is not known. It is a supernatural perspective to ascertain the divine means for accomplishing God's will in a given situation, and is a divinely given power to appropriate spiritual intuition in problem solving. Furthermore, this gift involves having a sense of divine direction, being led by the Holy Spirit to act appropriately in a given set of circumstances, and rightly applying knowlege.
* The wisdom of the world (I Corinthians 2:6)
* The wisdom of man (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18)
The gift of wisdom is the wisdom of God. It is the supernatural impartation of facts; it is not natural. You can't earn it. It is received from God through prayer (Ephesians 1:17). The gift of the word of wisdom works interactively with the other two revelation gifts: knowledge and discernment.
Word of Knowledge
A word of knowledge is a definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a similitude (a mental picture), a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid. Furthermore, the gift of the word of knowledge is the transcendental revelation of the divine will and plan of God. It involves moral wisdom for right living and relationships, requires objective understanding concerning divine things in human duties, and refers to knowledge of God or of the things that belong to God, as related in the Gospel. The gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge function together; knowledge is raw material and wisdom builds on it.
Examples of this in scripture are Noah building the Ark (Genesis 6:14-22), Joshua knowing about Achan's sin (Joshua 7:10-11), and Elisha knowing that Gehazi lied to Naaman. (II Kings 5:20-27)
Discernment
Discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the source of a spiritual manifestation and determine whether it is of God (Acts 10:30-35), of the devil (Acts 16:16-18), of man (Acts 8:18-23), or of the world. It is not mind reading, psychic phenomena, or the ability to criticize and find fault. Discerning of spirits must be done by the power of the Holy Spirit; He bears witness with our spirit when something is or is not of God. The gift of discerning of spirits is the supernatural power to detect the realm of the spirits and their activities. It implies the power of spiritual insight - the supernatural revelation of plans and purposes of the enemy and his forces. It is a gift which protects and guards your Christian life. An example of this in scripture is Paul recognizing that the girl in Philippi had a spirit of divination. In general, you can discern or test whether or not a spirit is of God by the following three ways:
1. Observing what a person does. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus explains that false prophets are known by their fruit - by their conduct and actions.
2. Observing whether or not a person exalts Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as Lord and Saviour (I Corinthians 12:3).
3. By listening to what a person says (I John 4:1-3). Does their confession line up with the truth of God's Word?
Power Gifts
Gift of Faith
The gift of faith is the supernatural ability to believe God without doubt, combat unbelief, and visualize what God wants to accomplish. It is not only an inner conviction impelled by an urgent and higher calling, but also a supernatural ability to meet adverse circumstances with trust in God's words and messages. The Bible speaks of several different types of faith which increase from faith to faith (Romans 1:17):
* Saving faith - faith which gets you into Heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9)This gift not only operates in healings and in miracles, but in the realm of the impossible as well. Saving faith produces the active faith of the fruit of the Spirit which, in turn, produces the gift of faith. When the gift of faith is empowered, the results are miraculous! Examples of this gift are as follows:
* Fruit of faith - faith which gets Heaven into you (Galatians 5:22-23) .
* Gift of faith - stems from saving faith and the fruit of faith; It is the ability to believe for the miraculous (II Thessalonians 1:3).
While in Pharaoh's court, Moses laid down his and it turned into an adder and then changed back into a staff.
Healing of a man afflicted with leprosy (Matthew 8:1-3)
Healing of the crippled man by the Pool of Bethesda (John 9:1-7).
Judgment upon a sorcerer (Acts 16:16-18)
Gift of Healing
The gift of healings refers to supernatural healing without human aid; it is a special gift to pray for specific diseases. Healing can come through the touch of faith (James 5:14-15); by speaking the word of faith (Luke 7:1-10); or by the presence of God being manifested (Mark 6:56; Acts 19:11-12). The Bible speaks of "gifts" of healing because there are three types of healings: physical (diabetes, blindness, cancer, deafness, etc.), emotional (jealousy, worry, discouragement, and other destructive attitudes), and spiritual (bitterness, greed, and guilt, etc.). Although there are three main types of healings, there is much diversity with the gift of healings. While one person might have the gift of healing to rid a person of cancer or perform a creative miracle, another person might have a diversity of the same gift to correct lower back problems or remove a root of bitterness). According to Mark 16:17-20, the gifts of healing belong to all believers. You can know whether or not you have the gift of healing by the following:
* By the inner witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).Examples of these are abundant in scripture, but one example is Elisha telling Naaman the Syrian to dip seven times in the water to rid himself of leprosy.
* When you have a special ability to believe for physical healing for someone (Romans 12:3-8).
* When you have an overwhelming feeling of compassion which moves you to action (Matthew 20:34).
Gift of Miracles
A miracle is the performance of something which is against the laws of nature; it is a supernatural power to intervene and counteract earthly and evil forces. The word miracles comes from the Greek word dunamis which means "power and might that multiplies itself." The gift of miracles operates closely with the power gifts of faith and healings to bring authority over Satan, sickness, sin, and the binding forces of this age. Miracles can also be defined as supernatural intercessions of God. God exhorts us with energy to do something that is not natural or normal to us. Just as the ministry gift of miracles is the expression of prayer, so is the function of the Holy Spirit to direct our prayers (Romans 8:26). However, the greatest miracle (and often least talked about) is the miracle of salvation. Sure, it doesn't appear as spectacular as parting a sea or even raising a person from the dead, but then again, we as human beings are truly impressed by the manifestations of outward signs and wonders. God, on the other hand, isn't so concerned about outward appearances and flamboyant showmanship but rather a person's heart condition. It is God's desire that believers utilize these spiritual gifts to combat unbelief and bring non-believers to repentance in order that spiritually dead people can be transformed into new creatures in Christ Jesus.
After you become a new creature in Christ, a miraculous transformation begins to occur in you every day to confirm you to Christ's image (Ephesians 1:17-20) and to strengthen your inner man (Colossians 1:10-11). The power of God was miraculously manifested in the lives of believers in the New Testament church (Acts 4:33; Mark 16:20), and God wants His power not only working in you, but also through you (Acts 1:8). Jesus said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, and he told him not to associate with such people (II Timothy 3:5). If you want the gift of miracles to operate in you, make sure that the Word of God is in you and that you are being influenced by the right people. Miracles are the product of the spoken Word of God, because the Word of God and God are one (Psalm 33:6). Moses parting the Red Sea is an example of this.
Inspiration Gifts
Gift of Prophecy
The gift of prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts (I Corinthians 14:3); helps us build up or strengthen; and should lead us to the Word of God. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come (John 16:8-11). Prophecy is divinely inspired and anointed utterance; a supernatural proclamation in a known language. It is the manifestation of the Spirit of God - not of intellect (I Corinthians 12:7), and it may be possessed and operated by all who have the infilling of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 14:31) Intellect, faith, and will are operative in this gift, but its exercise is not intellectually based. It is calling forth words from the Spirit of God. The gift of prophecy operates when there is high worship (I Samuel 10:5-6), when others prophets are present (I Samuel 10:9-10), and when hands are laid on you by ministers (Acts 19:1-6).
Here are some common misconceptions concerning prophecy:
1. The gift of prophecy (I Corinthians 12) and the office of the prophet (Ephesians 4:11) are not the same thing.Here are seven ways to judge prophecy:
There is a ministry of the prophet, but not everyone is a prophet. For example, a boy may wear a Cubs baseball cap, but that does not mean he plays professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs. You may prophesy, but operating in the simple gift of prophecy does not qualify you to stand in the office of a prophet, much like wearing a Cubs hat does not qualify you to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs - you must be gifted. To stand in the office of a prophet, one must have a consistent manifestation of at least two of the revelation gifts ( word of wisdom, word of knowledge, or discerning of spirits) plus prophecy.
2. Prophecy is not the intepretation of tongues.
The Bible says that "greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:5), even though both are inspired utterances. Tongues, of course, is inspired utterance in an "unknown" tongue. The interpretation of tongues is inspired utterance telling that which was spoken in tongues. Prophecy, on the other hand, is inspired utterance in a "known" tongue. The difference between interpretation and prophecy is that interpretation is dependent upon tongues, whereas prophecy is not.
3. Prophecy is not prediction.
People sometimes think that "prophecy" means to predict (foretell) what will happen in the future. Actually, the simple gift of prophecy is essentially forthtelling; it is a ministry to make people better and more useful Christians now. Prophecy in the New Testament church carries no prediction with it whatsoever, for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). Notice that there is no mention of the word prediction here.
4. Prophecy is not the same thing as preaching.
The words preach and prophesy come from two entirely different Greek words. To "preach" means to proclaim, announce, cry, or tell. Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and PREACH the gospel.." (Mark 16:15). Note that He didn't say to prophesy the Gospel. The word prophecy means to "bubble up, to flow forth, or to cause to drop like rain." Teaching and preaching are preplanned, but prophecy is not. The Bible tells us that we are to "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things." I Thessalonians 5:20-21. When a prophecy is given, we are to test it and hold on to what is good in it.
1. By their fruits you shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-18,20)There are five reasons on why prophecy are in important:
2. Does it glorify Christ? (John 16:14; I Corinthians 12:3; I John 4:1-2)
3. Does it agree with the Scriptures? (Isaiah 8:20)
4. Are their prophecies fulfilled? (Deuteronomy 18:22) Some prophecies are not of God even though they may come to pass. The benchmark remains that all prophecies should exalt the Lord Jesus.
5. Is the prophecy disjointed or confused? True prophecy is line upon line and precept upon precept. (Isaiah 28:13)
6. Do the prophecies produce liberty or bondage? (Romans 8:15)
7. All believers have an unction (anointing) within them that tells them when something is wrong. Prophecies should witness with our spirit. (I John 2:20,27)
1. It brings life. Prophecy brought life to the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-4).
2. It gives spiritual vision. The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish.' The Lord gives vision through the prophetic word (Proverbs 29:13,18).
3. It edifies, exhorts, and comforts (I Corinthians 14:3).
4. It brings revival and restoration. True prophecy brings restoration and revival (Acts 2:16-18).
5. It guides you to your right position in Christ. Prophecy is used by God to direct you where you need to go (Acts 13:1-3)
Diverse Tongues
Supernatural utterance through the power of the Holy Spirit in a person that manifests as spiritual language. The Holy Spirit energizes the tongue to edify believers through language and music. Diverse tongues is the most misunderstood and dynamic gift. It is not your prayer language, but it can surface through intercession, conference, or through the individual. Supernatural utterance in languages not known to the speaker; these languages may be existent in the world, revived from some past culture, or "unknown" in the sense that they are a means of communication inspired by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4, 10:44-48, 19:1-7; I Corinthians 12:10, 13:1-3, 14:2, 4-22, 26-32). The spiritual gift involving ability to speak in foreign language(s) not previously studied or to respond to experience of the Holy Spirit by uttering sounds which those without the gift of interpretation could not understand. At Pentecost the church received the gift to communicate the gospel in foreign languages (Acts 2). God gave His Spirit to all His people to empower them to witness and prophesy. In Corinth some members of the church uttered sounds the rest of the congregation did not understand (I Corinthians 12-14). This led to controversy and division. Paul tried to unite the church, assuring the church that there are different gifts but only one Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4-11). There are three types of tongues mentioned in the Bible:
1. An unknown tongue unto God (I Corinthians 14:2).Please note that the gift of tongues (as well as your prayer language) is a product of both God and man. Every believer has a part to play in speaking in tongues for the Spirit gives you utterance, and you do the talking. The Holy Spirit does not talk with tongues. In fact, nowhere in the Bible does it mention that the Holy Spirit ever talked with tongues. Instead, you will be doing the talking in the flesh; after all, God said He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who has ever spoken in tongues was in the flesh; however, he or she was inspired by the Spirit when they spoke.
This type of tongue edifies you (I Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20), assists you in prayer (Romans 8:26-27), stirs up the prophetic ministry (I Corinthians 14:5), refreshes your soul (Isaiah 28:11-12), gives victory over the devil (Ephesians 6:18), and helps you worship in the Spirit (I Corinthians 14:14-15; Hebrews 2:12). When you sing in the Spirit, God joins in with you and confuses and defeats the enemy (Isaiah 30:29-31); it breaks the yoke of bondage (Acts 16:25); it brings you into the presence of God (Psalm 22:3); and it aids you in intercession (Romans 8:26).
2. A known tongue that is a sign to unbelievers. (I Corinthians 14:2; Acts 2:6).
3. A tongue that is understood through interpretation and edifies the church (I Corinthians 14:15).
Interpretation of Tongues
Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural verbalization and subsequent interpretation to reveal the meaning of a diverse tongue. This gift operates out of the mind of the Spirit rather than out of the mind of man. It is important to note that "interpretation" of tongues is not the same thing as "translation" of tongues, for the interpreter never understands the tongue he or she is interpreting. For example, the message in tongues may be long and the interpretation short because the interpretation only gives the meaning. On the other hand, one may speak a short time in tongues and then given a lengthy interpretation. Yet still, at other times, the interpretation is almost word for word. The Word of God says that if you pray in tongues, you should pray that you will also interpret - not only for the benefit of others - but for your own benefit as well.
If someone speaks in tongues, you can ask God to move through you to give the interpretation so others will understand, but you can also do this in your private prayers for your own personal benefit. You can pray, "Father, help me understand what I've just said to you in the Spirit," and the Lord will give you the interpretation. The gift of interpretation of tongues is the second of three inspirational or vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit. When combined with the inspirational gift of diverse tongues, the miraculous and supernatural phenomenon known as prophecy results.
For a more indepth study of the workings of the Holy Spirit, click here for Andrew Murray's Spirit of Christ.