This morning, I gave an introduction to the Holy Spirit’s working. I didn’t have time to expound on what He does in the church body, and I think it’s vitally important that I at least give a short run through of how He works in His people, if for no other reason than for Spurgeon’s quote that we read this morning. Here’s a list of the gifts that He gives the body, where they are found in Scripture, and what they actually are:
Discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10)
- This gift helps the possessor determine the spiritual source of an action or teaching, whether it is divine, demonic, or human in origin and nature.
- One with this gift should guard himself or herself from pride, otherwise he/she and his/her observations will be disregarded.
- Examples in Scripture include when Jesus rebukes Peter (Matthew 16:23), or when Paul recognizes the slave girl’s inspiration in Acts 16:16-18.
Word of Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
- The Holy Spirit reveals information about the present or the past that would be impossible to know without divine inspiration.
- It is usually helpful in intercession, counseling, or pointing out hidden sin in someone’s life.
Word of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)
- The Holy Spirit reveals a measure of insight which has not been acquired via experience. It usually comes to solve a problem in someone’s life, or to silence the opposition.
- Jesus uses divine wisdom in particular when the Pharisees attempt to trap Him about paying taxes “Who’s image is on the coin?”
Gifts of Healings (1 Corinthians 12:9)
- Helpful in confirming the preaching of the Gospel.
- A special gift given to few believers, though all believers are to lay hands and pray for the sick. Praying for the sick is not dependent on healing gifts.
Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)
- Helps the believer supernaturally persist in prayer and conviction.
- Different than ordinary faith in the sovereignty of God.
- Needs special grace in leading a balanced life because of the heavy emphasis on prayer.
Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10, Romans 12:6)
- This gift is communication from God to a local body of believers. Prophecies are to be judged by others, particularly by someone with the gift of discernment.
- Prophecies must always line up with Scripture.
- “One on one” prophecies are not needed: we are all a part of the royal priesthood: we have direct access to the Father. Prophecies are to the assembly, not the individual.
- A prophecy should always edify, encourage, or comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3)
- Agabus and Philip’s daughters are both examples of this gift (Acts 11 and Acts 21, respectively)
Gift of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:9)
- The gift of tongues is to bring a message directly from God. It is a partner gift with interpretation, to be used together with it.
- It is not for all believers, and is a particular gift for particular people whom the Holy Spirit designates as receivers of the gift.
- It is not to be abused in public worship, so as to not cause confusion among non-believers.
Gift of Interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:27)
- This gift is required to verify the gift of tongues. Prophesy by tongues and interpretation of tongues are two separate gifts, to be used in partnership, by two separate people, so as to verify the legitimacy of the message given.
- The message in tongues is then translated into the common, local language, to be understood by the assembly.
Gift of Teaching (Romans 12:7)
- A person with this gift has insight to the matters of Scripture, and their daily living that exceeds normal understanding of Scriptures.
- They can communicate the Truth of Scripture clearly, systematically, and effectively.
Apostleship (Romans 1:5)
- A person with this gift is a servant to the kingdom, who plants new churches in a region.
- He has extraordinary capacity for cultural adaptation.
- He is not self-selected, but ordained to the task.
Other, more straightforward gifts include the following: serving, giving, mercy, leadership, administration, miraculous powers (raising the dead, healing the sick, etc.), encouragement, and evangelism.
Questions, comments, concerns?
