I. What Are The Gifts For?
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service (administrations), but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working (operations), but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
A. The Gifts are given so each member of the Body of Christ can PROFIT from their use.
B. The Gifts are SUPERNATURAL and are given so we can accomplish things that we could not do without them.
II. How do I get the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
A. 1 Corinthians 12:11 The Holy Spirit distributes them as He desires.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1 you must DESIRE Spiritual Gifts. You will not receive them if you have no desire for them.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 ¯You must want them so THE BODY will profit, not so you may seem spiritual. Without the true desire to see the Body blessed we can have all of the Gifts and yet be "nothing" in the sight of God.
III. What are the Gifts? 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
A. There are NINE Spiritual Gifts. They are easily remembered if we place them in THREE categories:
1. Gifts of REVELATION
2. Gifts of DEMONSTRATION
3. Gifts of INSPIRATION
1. The Revelation Gifts
A revelation is an UNCOVERING of something. So, a Revelation Gift is one that uncovers or reveals something that we could not know except by the Holy Spirit.
1. The Word of Wisdom.
The Holy Spirit shows us how to ACT in a specific situation with this Gift.
2. The Word of Knowledge.
The Holy Spirit uses this Gift to reveal to us certain INFORMATION that we could not know otherwise.
3. The Discerning of Spirits.
The Holy Spirit uses this Gift to reveal to us the MOTIVES behind someone's actions.
This Gift is also necessary to TEST the spirit when there is a Prophetic utterance. 1 John 4:1
2. The Gifts of DEMONSTRATION (of Power)
1. The Gift of Faith.
This Gift is for changing IMPOSSIBLE situations.
This Gifts gives us the ability to;
a. BELIEVE what God has said.
b. To CONFESS it by speaking accordingly.
c. To stand firm and not WAVER in our Faith.
2. The Gifts of Healing.
God has given us a number of ways to bring Supernatural Healing to people.
a. The Laying on of hands Mark 16:18
b. Anointing with oil James 5:14
c.The Spoken word Psalm 107:20
d.Communion 1 Corinthians 11:27, 30
e.Prayer John 15:7
3. The Working of Miracles.
The Lord gives this Gift when the laws of the natural realm are SUSPENDED.
a. Exodus 14:21 Moses parted the Red Sea.
b. Acts 9:40 Peter raised Dorcas from the dead.
3. The Gifts of INSPIRATION
1. The Gift of Prophecy.
The Lord uses this Gift IN THE CHURCH to:
a. To Edify or BUILD UP your Faith.
b. To Exhort or STIR UP the Church to action.
c. To comfort or CHEER UP the Church.
Paul Admonishes mature believers in the Church - 1 Corinthians 14:1
2. The Gift of Tongues.
This Gift is used as a Supernatural means to:
a. Speak to God in devotional prayer.
1 Corinthians 14:2,14 “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: (14) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
b. As a supernatural SIGN to unbelievers.
1 Corinthians 14:22 wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
c. Sing the SONG OF THE LORD (A deeper dimension)
1 Corinthians 14:15 ...I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.
d. Because of the value of this Gift Paul stated he would like to see all Believers possess it also.
1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all Spake with Tongues;
3. Interpretation of TONGUES
a. This Gift is used to EXPLAIN what was spoken in Tongues. It is not meant to be a translation but an “interpretation” of what was said.
b. Interpretation of Tongues edifies the Church.
1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues; but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the Church may receive Edifying.
Paul spends more time with the Gifts of Prophesy and Tongues because with these two the human element can easily get in the way. 1 Corinthians 14:39 FORBID NOT to speak with tongues. Because of it's abuse, some forbade it's use.
1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21 DESPISE NOT prophesying. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Because of abuse and misuse, this Gift has been frowned upon by many. However, in spite of its abuse we must cherish it as a Gift of God holding onto those prophesies that are "good".
IV. How Do I Know When To Use A Spiritual Gift?
A) This applies mainly to the Gifts of:
1. The Word of Wisdom
2. The Word of Knowledge
3. A Word of Prophecy
4. Speaking in Tongues
5. Interpretation of Tongues
B. You should ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I using this Gift "decently and in order"?
1 Corinthians 14:40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
a. Is this the BEST TIME to use this Gift?
b. Can I present this utterance in such a way that it does not DETRACT from the Church Service?
2. Will my use of this Gift Build up, Stir up, or Cheer up the Church?
3. Will it give the Church DIRECTION or Divine Guidance?
4. Is this utterance IN HARMONY with the Church Service?
5. Is my message CLEAR?
By answering these questions responsibly we can minimize the misuse of the Utterance Gifts so the body is built up and so that error does not creep in.
V. Are Spiritual Gifts For Everyone?
A. 1 Corinthians 12:29,30 Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Have all the Gifts of Healing? Do all speak with Tongues? Do all Interpret?
Although every individual in the Church will not possess the Gifts of the Spirit it is very clear that God desires us all to possess one or more of them.
1. 1 Corinthians 14:5 would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.
2. Paul also clearly states that those who receive the Gift of Tongues should pray for the Gift of Interpretation.
3. In Mark 16:16-18 Jesus clearly states that "these signs shall follow them that believe they shall ..."
a. "Cast out devils". A demonstration of the Miraculous Power of God.
b. "Speak with new Tongues" which is an obvious reference to the Gift of Tongues.
c. "Lay hands on the sick and they shall recover". This is a mani- festation of the Gifts of Healing.
The emphasis is on BELIEF. Not all receive because not all believe they can. As long as people believe that only "special people" can possess the Gifts of the Spirit they will go without them.
B. Anyone whose heart is right may "desire spiritual gifts" and receive them! The Holy Spirit desires to give his Gifts to all freely!
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are the TOOLS the Spirit has given that we may accomplish the supernatural and fellowship supernaturally with God also, they are for all who believe and whose hearts are right with God.