Spiritual Gifts and their applications in a Church
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-end Gifts fall into 3 natural divisions: Gifts of revelation – the mind gifts. Gifts of inspiration – vocal gifts. Gifts of power – working gifts.
Gifts of Revelation – The Mind Gifts. The word of wisdom: This is supernatural revelation, or insight into divine will and purpose, showing how to solve any problem that may arise. Mt.2:20; Lk.22:10-12; Acts26:16. The word of knowledge: This is supernatural revelation of divine knowledge, or insight in the divine mind, will, or plan; and also the plans of others that man could not know of himself. Acts5:3-4; 1 Sam.3:7-15; 2 Kg.6:8-12.
Gifts of Revelation (contd) Discerning of spirits: This is supernatural revelation, or insight into the realm of spirits to detect them and their plans and to read the minds of men. Mt.9:4; Lk.13:6; Acts 13:9-10.
Gifts of Inspiration – Vocal Gifts. Prophecy: This is supernatural utterance in the native tongue (1 Cor. 14:3). It is a miracle of divine utterance, not conceived by human thought or reasoning. Acts 3:21; 2 Pet.1:21. It includes speaking unto men for edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). Divers kinds of tongues: This is supernatural utterance in other languages which are not known to the speakers. Is.28:11; Acts 2:4.
Gifts of Inspiration (contd) The interpretation of tongues: This is simply supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:10; 14:5,13-15,27-28.
Gifts of Power – Working Gifts. Faith: This is supernatural ability to believe God without human doubt, unbelief and reasoning. Rom.4:17; Mt. 17:20; Heb.11:6. The Gifts of healing: This is supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine. Mk.16:18; Jn.14:12. The working of miracles: This is supernatural power to intervene in the ordinary course of nature and to counteract natural laws if necessary. Ex. 7:10-14; Mt.17:20; 2 Kg.6:1-7.