"Grace is power as well as pardon."—Gabriel Fackre
"I am one of those Baptist General Conference people who believes that 'signs and wonders' and all the spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 are valid for today and should be 'earnestly desired' (1 Corinthians 14:1) for the edification of the church and the spread of the gospel."
—Dr. John Piper
Understanding the Nine Gifts of the Spirit
Many Christians experience supernatural manifestations of the Spirit on a regular basis. But many do not. They find that they are confused about what the gifts are, and how they operate. I found the following information to be very helpful. Maybe you will too.
The excerpts below are quoted from the booklet, Flowing in Spiritual Gifts (#704) by Don & Katie Fortune and the pamphlet, Receive All God Has to Give (#810A) by Katie Fortune. If you’re interested in some excellent biblical teaching on this topic, you can purchase both publications from Heart to Heart International Ministries.
You Have A Unique Gift From God
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
(1 Cor 12:7-10 NIV)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifestations of the Person of the Holy Spirit… the Comforter… the One Jesus said He’d sent to us to be in us to lead us and guide us… We should expect the gifts to operate through us in response to the needs of:
1. the person or persons to whom we are ministering
2. the person or persons we are counseling
3. the group of which we are a part—the gathering of
a. the church
b. the home fellowship
c. the Bible study group
d. an informal group
e. an inter-church group
f. the interdenominational group
g. even a secular gathering
4. Anyone, anywhere, anytime!
We have the right to choose not to allow these gifts of the Holy Spirit to operate through us. But we have the privilege of being a channel of His gifts and blessings… on “stand-by” at all times! We get the benefit of the joy of being that channel.
Because we are part and not the whole of the Body of Christ, we may not be the one the Holy Spirit chooses to use to manifest a gift in a given situation. He may use some other member of the Body. Or, He may use us to confirm what another says or does. But we need to be available at all times. Someone has aptly said, “It is not so much our ability but our availability that really counts.”
We have the right to choose not to allow these gifts of the Holy Spirit to operate through us. But we have the privilege of being a channel of His gifts and blessings… on “stand-by” at all times! We get the benefit of the joy of being that channel.
Because we are part and not the whole of the Body of Christ, we may not be the one the Holy Spirit chooses to use to manifest a gift in a given situation. He may use some other member of the Body. Or, He may use us to confirm what another says or does. But we need to be available at all times. Someone has aptly said, “It is not so much our ability but our availability that really counts.”
I. What is the purpose of these gifts?
A. Demonstration of power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; I Cor 2:4)
B. Signs and wonders (Mark 16:17, 18,20 Acts 2: 43, 5:12)
C. That people might believe (John 2:11, I Cor 14:22)
D. To establish believers (Rom 1:11, 12)
E. To edify Christians (many references; I Cor 12 to 14)
F. For spiritual good and profit (I Cor 12:17)
G. For instruction and encouragement (I Cor 14:31)
H. To enable bold ministry (Acts 4:29-31)
I. To bring healing and deliverance (Luke 9:1, 10:9, 19;
Acts 5:16, 8:6-7)
II. How should the gifts of the Holy Spirit be manifested?
A. In obedience to the Spirit’s leading (I Cor 12:7, 11)
B. In love (I Cor 13:1-3)
C. In humility (I Cor 13:4-5)
III. Who may manifest the gifts?
A. Every believer (I Cor 12: 7, 26)
B. No one is to lack in any gift (I Cor 1:7)
IV. Instructions regarding the gifts:
A. Do not be ignorant concerning them (I Cor 12:1)
B. Earnestly desire them (ICor 12:31, 14:1, 39)
C. Do not neglect them (I Tim 4:14)
D. Stir them up (II Tim 1:6)
E. Seek to excel in them (I Cor 14:12)
The Manifestation Gifts Comprise Three Groups
A. The vocal gifts1. Tongues (I Cor 12:10; 14:2, 4, 22, 26, 27)
2. Interpretation of tongues
(I Cor 12:10, 14:5, 13)
3. Prophesy (I Cor 12: 10; 14:3-6, 22, 24, 29, 39)
B. The revelation gifts
1. Word of knowledge
(I Cor 12:8)
2. Word of wisdom
(I Cor 12:8)
3. Discerning of spirits
(I Cor 12:10)
C. The power gifts
1. Wonder-working faith (I Cor 12:9)
2. Gifts of healings (I Cor 12:9)
3. Working of miracles (I Cor 12:10)
Descriptions of the Gifts
1. Speaking in Tongues
This is the public manifestation of tongues, a message from God given a spiritual language.
2. Interpretation of Tongues
The interpretation (not translation) of a message in tongues
3. Prophesy
A message from God given in the language of the hearers. It will edify, exhort or comfort.
4. Word of Knowledge
Supernatural knowing of facts revealed to the Christian, which he could not otherwise know.
5. Word of Wisdom
The divine application of supernatural knowledge. It gives the Christian wisdom for speaking, deciding and acting.
6. Discerning of Spirits
The supernatural insight into the realm of spirits to know what kind of spirit (God’s, man’s, or Satan’s) is motivating a given manifestation.
7. Wonder-working Faith
A special gift of faith given by God for a special time.
8. Gifts of Healings
The supernatural healing of diseases or infirmities without the aid of natural means or human skills.
9. Working of Miracles
The supernatural power of God intervening in the ordinary course of nature.
We have received the Giver of every good and perfect gift [Jesus Christ] and therefore the gifts of the Holy Spirit will operate through the life of every willing believer. Some gifts operate in conjunction with other gifts, and all operate for the benefit of the Body of Christ. All gifts should be operated in love as expressed in I Corinthians 13.
Related
● Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Receive All God Has to Give
● Preparing For Pentecost: Beyond Babel
Photo Credits: simonds, betakarel (2 & 3) (Flickr)
Up Next—Anne Graham Lotz in the Spotlight
Have you identified your supernatural spiritual gift?
11 Comments:
Good study! I will come back and go through the verses when I have time today. I think this quote is right on:
"But we need to be available at all times. Someone has aptly said, “It is not so much our ability but our availability that really counts.”
It's not about working up a happening or a feeling, it's knowing God very well, practicing listening to the Spirit and loving people at least a fraction of how much Jesus loved, seeing them through His eyes. When we really love people like Jesus did, we'll desire so much more in the way of wanting to be used to bring His love to them.
I am nowhere near where I should be. I am just taking baby steps but I do see God working in more obvious ways when I am motivated in love when I'm praying or serving people.
Thanks!! Iron sharpening iron!
Great post! I fully believe in the gifts of the Spirit. We need to be open to receiving them. Thanks for laying it out so clearly. Blessings to you my friend!
oh wow...a post my husband would love!! yes...we know our spiritual giftings...we practiced them more openly when we were a part of a charismatic church but....we do still operate in our areas (prophesy for my husband and tongues for both of us) at certain times such as in a small group or other small, more intimate setting. This is some good stuff here! am gonna come back to read all the verses you list....have a full afternoon but i'll be back later this week :)
Good post...I am always amazed by how some will accept some of the gifts while believing other gifts are dead.
You started with quoting John Piper a Calvinist Baptist...just shows you can't stereo type who does and who doesn't believe the gifts are still for today.
Christie: Christie, when it comes to loving others, and the "unlovely," you're an example to us all. Warm hugs!
Alicia: I know you're someone who could be greatly used in these gifts. I hope you believe, receive, and minister in His power. ღ
Janette: I agree Janette! I was suprised to see Piper's quote. I mistakenly thought he was opposed to the gifts, but apparently not! (((Hugs)))
Faith: Thanks for your interest, Faith. I should have linked the verses... but ran out of time. I hope you find them helpful.
Yes, it seems the gifts are most often practiced in small group settings in non-charismatic churches.
Glad you and your DH have discovered and operate in your respective gifts! Your girls? ღ
Great article E-mom!
Yes, I was surprised too by Piper's comment.
I got saved during the Charismatic Renewal many years ago.
We sure all disire and excercise these amazing gifts that are available to all believers.
Once again, thanks for for sharing such aweome info on your blog.
Love you♥
PS Hope your son is recovering well.
PS Sorry for all those typos. Should of reviewed that comment before I hit that publish. :(
Susan: Hi Susan!
That's interesting. I didn't realize you were involved in a charismatic revival.
Thanks, our son is doing really well. No pain, and just a little stiffness and swelling. (Wisdom teeth extraction.)
((Hugs))
Hi E-Mom! Great article! Like others, I was surprised (and happy) to see that comment attributed to Piper. And the "availability" note is a great one to remember.
Have a super weekend!
Jen @ www.diaryof1.com
Jennifer: Thanks for visiting, Jennifer! Lovely to hear from you. Hugs 'n blessings. e-Mom
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