Understanding and Utilizing the Gifts of the Spirit
A study of the gifts of the Spirit as manifested in the early church and available today.
1. The Source and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
1.1 Diversity of Gifts, Same Spirit
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
- There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
- There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
- There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
1.2 Manifestation for the Common Good
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:11
- Each manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
- The Spirit distributes to each one individually as He wills.
- These gifts are not for personal aggrandizement but for the edification of the body.
2. The Variety of Spiritual Gifts
2.1 The Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:8
- The word of wisdom is a supernatural insight into God's plan and purpose.
- The word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation of facts known by God.
- Both are revelatory gifts that provide understanding beyond human intellect.
2.2 Faith and Gifts of Healing
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:9
- The gift of faith is a special endowment to believe God for the impossible.
- Gifts of healing are supernatural abilities to restore health.
- These gifts demonstrate God's power over sickness and disease.
2.3 Working of Miracles and Prophecy
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:10
- The working of miracles is the supernatural intervention in the natural course of events.
- Prophecy is speaking forth a divine message, often for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
- Both gifts reveal God's active involvement in the world.
2.4 Discerning of Spirits and Tongues/Interpretation
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:10
- Discerning of spirits is the ability to distinguish between true and false spirits.
- Speaking in tongues is supernatural utterance in a language unknown to the speaker.
- Interpretation of tongues provides understanding of the message spoken in tongues, edifying the church.
3. Cultivating and Exercising Spiritual Gifts
3.1 Desire Spiritual Gifts
Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 14:12
- Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
- Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
- Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts.
3.2 Orderly Use of Gifts
Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:39-40
- Desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
- Let all things be done decently and in order.
- Gifts should be exercised in a way that promotes unity and edification.
4. The Significance of Speaking in Tongues
4.1 Speaking in Tongues as Initial Evidence
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
- The initial sign of the infilling of the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
- This experience is consistent throughout the book of Acts.
- It is a supernatural manifestation of God's power.