“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the L ORD of hosts. “ -Zechariah 4:6

1 Corinthians 14:5-9

1 Corinthians 14:5-7 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

1 Corinthians 14:8-9 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

Purposes of the Gifts  For the Common Good – to benefit all of us, and to tie us together in the Spirit of God  To Edify the Church – building each person up and the church as a whole is the main goal  Growing in Christ – going deeper and farther in Jesus  Unity in the Body – so that all the different parts minister to one another and our connection is the leading of the Spirit

Vocal Gifts  Exhortation – a person with this gift is encouraging and cheering on the saints, pointing out the positives or challenging us to do better  Word of Wisdom – this is a spoken word about a path we have been praying about but have not considered or thought to try. It usually solves a problem or logistical issue we are having  Word of Knowledge – this is a spoken word giving revelation of a previously unknown fact or piece of information

Public Gifts  Teaching – The Spirit especially moves and ministers to people through the teaching of a person with this gift, or principles and applications come more readily to this teacher’s listeners  Speaking in Tongues – a gift that must be accompanied by interpretation within public ministry to the whole body, usually revealing something about God. You can have a personal prayer language, but also it can be interpreted in a corporate setting

Public Gifts  Interpretation – this gift accompanies speaking in tongues. It immediately follows the speaking in tongues and gives meaning to what is uttered for the rest of the group. It is usually done by a separate person from the one speaking in tongues  Prophecy – the gift of evaluating the culture around the church, or within the church, and calling God’s people to repent, fulfill God’s justice, or get back on track. It tends to be a confrontational or encouraging word to the whole group, challenging everyone to higher standards in God or to continue in high standards

Principles for Exercising Gifts  Steward the gifts wisely and follow the Spirit’s prompting and leading only. They are tools to open doors to serve others. You are a servant first, and you have a gift to serve with.  Follow the Spirit’s leading. Avoid any attempts to operate in any gift without His express prodding. But be obedient when He prompts you.  Eagerly seek to serve others with what God has gifted you! Be part of God’s body!