The Gifts of the Spirit Truth, Judgment and Eternity Text: 1Corinthians 12:1-11

Desiring Spiritual Gifts  Bruce Kemper said, “Each of us as members of the Body of Christ, has been given at least one spiritual gift.”  1Corinthians 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”  1Corinthians 14:12 “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”  1Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

Ask the Father  Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”  Luke 11:13 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  The gifts talked about here are spiritual gifts, not material gifts, not that the Father doesn’t take care of our material needs, but spiritual gifts should be our first concern, so that we can build up the church of God.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit  Acts 1:4-5 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”  Here Jesus is clearly referencing the Holy Spirit as the promised gift.  Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

The Gifts listed in 1Corinthians 12:7-10  1) Message of Wisdom  2) Message of Knowledge  3) Faith  4) Healing  5) Miraculous Powers  6) Prophecy  7) Discernment of Spirits  8) Ability to speak in diverse tongues  9) Interpretation of tongues

Gifts of the Spirit Revelational Wisdom Knowledge Discernment Power Faith Healing Miracles Inspirational Prophecy Tongues Interpretation

1) Message of Wisdom – Revelation Gift  The word translated ‘message’ in the Greek is logos. Which is more commonly translated ‘word’.  This spiritual gift of a word of wisdom, or message of wisdom is one which, I believe, is released in and upon us as we dedicate ourselves to the study of Scripture and also as we devote ourselves to prayer.  1 Corinthians 2:7-8 “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”  Paul reveals that if the rulers had the wisdom of God, that they would not have crucified Jesus, meaning, this wisdom is the doctrine of salvation through the incarnation, and death of Christ, as well as all the other doctrines of theology.

1) Message of Wisdom – Revelation Gift  An unknown author defined wisdom when he said, “Wisdom is knowledge, rightly applied.”  Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”  a) It is supernatural insight into God’s Word by revelation, b) it is knowing how to accomplish God’s will as well as c) in evanglelism.  The purpose of this message of wisdom is, Ephesians 3:10 “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,”  To accomplish our mandate as a Church we should eagerly desire this spiritual gift of a message or word of wisdom.

2) Message of Knowledge – Revelation Gift  A word of knowledge comes upon us at various times.  Sometimes it is supernatural insight into a Scripture, or a strong impression of knowing a certain thing about a person or a situation. It usually comes through a strong impartation of divine revelation which quickens our senses.  There are many accounts in the Bible of characters receiving words of knowledge from God. Like when Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking and plotting against Him.  Whether it is a supernatural revelation like Jesus had when he revealed his knowledge of the woman at the well, or just an insight into Scripture that is unique and encouraging, God works through us all at times with this kind of insight.

3) Faith – Power Gift  This gift is a supernatural ability to believe absolutely in God to do what you have asked, and to not doubt or entertain unbelief.  Faith is required to function in the gift of healing and miracles but also in impossible situations where you have come to the end of your own ability where only God can accomplish a thing.  Matthew 17:20 “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  I believe Jesus is saying here, simple uncorrupted faith like a mustard seed is what’s required, not large complex theories of faith.

4) Healing – Power Gift  The gift of healing is one listed in Mark 16:17-20 which lists the kinds of gifts which follow a true disciple.  Healing is usually of three kinds:  Physical – sickness, disease, blindness, deafness etc.  Emotional – deep hurts, Self esteem issues, trust issues etc.  Spiritual – deliverance, depression, addictions etc.  The Spiritual gift of healing is one that all believers all over the earth should be praying for and believing for, so that the Church can better serve humanity and its great needs.

5) Miraculous Powers – Power Gift  A miracle is a supernatural power to perform something which is against the laws of nature.  Like the gifts of healing and faith, miracles function as a counterpart of them, but include raising the dead and growing limbs etc.  Paul prayed that we would know, ”His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,” Ep. 1:19-20  This miracle working power is available to us who believe, can we believe the Bible?

6) Prophecy – Inspirational Gift  1Corithians 14:3 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”  Prophecy is used to speak life: In the Valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-4), Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the dry bones, and speak life over them.  God can use prophecy to guide and direct the affairs of His Church. "Where there is no vision, the people perish.' The Lord gives vision through the prophetic word’” (Proverbs 29:13,18).  We are told to desire the gift of prophecy above all gifts. 1Corinthians 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”

7) Discernment of Spirits – Revelational Gift  The gift of discernment is a gift given by the Holy Spirit for us to recognise whether a person is functioning of God, egocentrically or by satan.  The gift is not to be confused with occultic mind readers, physics or similar demonically inspired practitioners.  The gift is of service to the Body of Christ. The gift of discernment, like all revelational gifts, is given to those who know the Word of God.  An example of a true Discerner of Spirits is Pastor Joe Schimmel, who has been given great insight into uncovering satan’s currently working plan to deceive the masses, and also in his latest video ‘Submerging Church’ reveal his deception in the Church also.

8) Ability to speak in diverse tongues – Inspirational gift  This gift has been confused by many with the tongues of Angels (Prayer Language), in the same way as many have confused speaking in this prayer language to be evidence of the Holy Spirit Baptism.  Both the tongues spoken on the Day of Pentecost and this reference in 1Corinthians 12:10 is referring to actual languages spoken on earth, whether they be current or extinct.  These languages always need to be interpreted to be of benefit to the Church [see 1Corinthians 14:27-28]  Note: Someone who happens to speak the language uttered will give a translation of what was said, not an interpretation of it’s meaning.

9) Interpretation of tongues – Inspirational gifts  The Spirit does give us interpretations of tongues, so that the diverse message which was spoken can give direction and encouragement to a congregation, a place or universally.  We see less and less of this in today’s church.  I believe, however, we will see it increasing in these last days.  In some ways we could consider the interpretations which some men of God have given us, of very difficult passages of prophetic text in the Old Testament, to be this gift in action.  I have heard Joe Schimmel and Chuck Missler make some remarkable revelational interpretations of text which have been hidden until the time of the end.

Philip in Samaria  In the Book of Acts chapter 7, Stephen was stoned, then in chapter 8 a great persecution broke out against the Church.  Acts 8:4-8 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.  Philips ministry was extremely effective because he functioned in many, if not all the spiritual gifts described in 1Corinthians 12:1-11.

In Conclusion  These 9 gifts of the Spirit are available to those who eagerly desire the greater gifts. [Read and rightly interpret 1Corinthians 12:27-31]  Do you believe that God could manifest these gifts in you?  Let’s not limit God by estimating the potential in us for these gifts to operate by our current abilities, and realise that these gifts of the Spirit are exactly that.... Gifts, gifts given to us as a blessing to our personal ministries, so we can serve the body of Christ better, and be more effective winning souls into the Kingdom.