GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
Key Points:
- Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer.
- They are for serving others and building up the church.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. - 1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The Giver of the Gifts
Key Points:
- It is the Holy Spirit who decides and distributes the spiritual gifts.
- The gifts operate according to His wisdom and will.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. - Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge
Key Points:
- The Word of Wisdom: supernatural insight for judgment and decision-making.
- The Word of Knowledge: divine revelation of facts past, present, or future.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; - Colossians 2:2-3
That their hearts might be comforted…to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God… In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
The Gift of Faith
Key Points:
- The spiritual gift of faith goes beyond saving faith; it’s supernatural trust for impossible things.
- It empowers bold action and miracles.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit… - Matthew 17:20
…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Gifts of Healing
Key Points:
- God gives certain believers the ability to pray for and see healings.
- This gift displays God’s compassion and power.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:9
…to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; - Mark 16:17-18
…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Working of Miracles
Key Points:
- This is the ability to perform supernatural acts by the Spirit’s power.
- Miracles confirm God’s message.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles… - Acts 19:11-12
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs…and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Prophecy
Key Points:
- Prophecy is speaking forth God’s message by the Holy Spirit.
- It edifies, exhorts, and comforts the church.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another prophecy… - 1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Discerning of Spirits
Key Points:
- Ability to distinguish between the Spirit of God, human spirit, and demonic spirits.
- Protects the church from deception.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another discerning of spirits… - 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Different Kinds of Tongues
Key Points:
- The ability to speak in languages not previously learned, for prayer or public declaration.
- Tongues can be for personal edification or a sign to unbelievers.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another divers kinds of tongues… - Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Interpretation of Tongues
Key Points:
- The ability to interpret unknown tongues for the edification of others.
- When tongues are spoken publicly, they should be interpreted.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another the interpretation of tongues: - 1 Corinthians 14:13
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Every Gift is Needed
Key Points:
- All the gifts are important—they work together like parts of a body.
- There is no room for pride or comparison.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:18
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. - Romans 12:4-5
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Desire, Discover, and Use the Gifts!
Key Points:
- God wants every believer to earnestly desire and use spiritual gifts.
- The greatest gift is love—it must motivate all we do.
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. - 1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge… and have not charity, I am nothing.
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit gives many different gifts to His people. Desire them, discover yours, and use them to serve others and glorify God—always motivated by love!