THE GIFTS AND MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
To understand the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit, we must consider much Scripture. The Holy Spirit worked in the ministry of Jesus Christ and also in the disciples and the early church. The Holy Spirit's gifts and ministries have never ceased.
Jesus Christ came to be a human, as one of us, to show us how to live a perfect, sinless life for God's glory and pleasure. He set the perfect example for us, as we see it written in the Bible and only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we follow it. The life that we may have through Jesus is the most abundant life and it cannot compare to any other way of living (John 10:10). To live in a human body, Jesus chose to give up to His godly power and attributes; He came sent by Father God, with His authority. With the Help of the Holy Spirit, Jesus performed signs and miracles, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers and resurrected the dead. Then, after Jesus sacrificed His life for us, paying for our sins on the cross, Father God resurrected Him, through the work and power of the same Holy Spirit. All that Jesus did was perfect and we are shown how to follow His example in the following verses.
Jesus tells us that there are some very specific requirements that we must meet in order to receive the Holy Spirit; first we have to believe that Jesus is the Christ and then to love Him by obeying His commandments. By doing so we will accomplish His work and even greater works than Jesus did. As we read throughout the book of Acts, we see this happening with what the Holy Spirit did through the apostles Peter and Paul.
The gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit did not cease working through God's children once the lives of the early apostles ended. I believe we have all heard about the marvelous miracles that God has done all throughout church history and He continues to do even today.
To get to where we may do greater miracles than Jesus did, we need to receive the gifts that the Holy Spirit decides to give us, and then use them for the benefit of those around us, or sometimes even for our own.
Some preachers have the false concept that doing “greater works than Jesus did” means that we are able to bring people to salvation, which is something that Jesus could not do while walking on earth as He was not crucified yet, for our sins and salvation was not available and that since we are not greater than Jesus, so for sure that salvation was the only “work” Jesus was referring to. The real truth is, that no one can be greater than Jesus and no one can claim to do any works through their own power. As a matter of fact, we could not even breathe if God should decide to take away the breath of life He put in us. God is the One who performs the miracles and every supernatural work through us, as we read He did through Paul and the apostles also.
Father God is the one who does the miracles, He is the source of all we ask in Jesus' name and the Holy Spirit brings them into fruition in our natural world, from the heavenly places.
There is so much proof of the power and the ministry of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in both, Old and New Testament. In 2 Kings chapter four, God is using Elisha to multiply the oil for the prophet's widow so she could pay her debt; then God gave the long desired son to the Shunammite woman and her old husband, and when the child died, God answered Elisha's prayer and brought him back to life. Then we read how Elisha turned the poisonous stew into good, nourishing food; the next miracle that we read about in the same chapter was the multiplication of the “twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in a knapsack” that fed one hundred hungry men, as the Lord spoke that “‘They shall eat and have some left over.’” Then in 2 Kings 5:8-15, we read about the unusual way that God used Elisha to heal the commander of the Syrian army, Naaman, of leprosy.
God has always shown His love for His elect and did miracles for them. In the Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit descended only upon the prophets when the Lord chose to speak or do miracles through them. So, the rest of the believers had to go to the men of God or to the Tabernacle and later the Temple of God, when they needed God's help.
We are so blessed to have access to God's presence, at any time, once we receive the Holy Spirit (you may read more about it here: "The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit").
When Christians are baptized with the Holy Spirit, they are immersed in the very presence of the Holy Spirit, who descends upon them from above and then starts to fill them up. We are to be the temples of the Holy Spirit. Let's take a look at what Paul is saying about the spiritual gifts in the twelfth chapter from 1 Corinthians epistle.
Since the beginning, man was longing to find guidance, because God created us with the desire to search for His advice and counsel. The devil distorted this desire, using the rebellious and prideful nature of man which causes us to believe that we can be our own lord and to refuse to obey and follow God. Both Adam and his descendants believed that rebelling against God would make them free. In fact, whosoever chooses to deny God and His commandments, lives a sinful life and is serving the devil. There are only two main masters: God and the devil (Matthew 6:24). The only true freedom comes from knowing the truth, which is Jesus Christ, as He himself is telling us: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” - John 8:32.
Once Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to take His place and to be the perfect Counselor, Helper and Guide for us. No one can find Jesus and be saved without the help of the Holy Spirit. The key criteria to distinguish those who genuinely operate in the Holy Spirit gifts from impostors is shown in the content of their confession. Through the Holy Spirit one will always confess Jesus as Lord (vs.3) and will never seek personal glory but will praise God, because He is the true source of their gift (vs.4-6).
The Holy Spirit is the source of every spiritual gift, of every ministry and labor done for God's kingdom, and all of these are given to those who have Jesus as Lord over their own lives. If you have always desired to receive the spiritual gifts and did not receive any yet, maybe what comes next will help you understand why. In the first months of my Christian walk this was my problem too, as I was clueless about the truth. We read in verse 7 that all gifts, which are actually the works of the Holy Spirit, are given “to one for the profit of all.” This means that their purpose is not to exalt us or to increase our personal value once we receive and use the spiritual gifts, but they are for helping those who need the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
We need to ask ourselves why do we desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Why do we want to operate in them? If our purpose is to exalt and glorify Jesus, to win souls for God and to edify the church, then the Holy Spirit will give us His gifts, as He wills. Once we receive a gift, it is up to us to obey God and use it. On the other hand, if we want to gain fame and to profit from the gift, the Holy Spirit will not give us anything. Sadly, there are Christians that received the gifts and after operating in them for a while they fell into the enemy's trap of pride, self-righteousness or love for power and money. They continue to have the gifts, but their source is not the Holy Spirit anymore, but their own flesh or even worse, demons, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). As long as we still have the breath of life in us, we continue to have the chance to repent, to turn from the wrong paths and get right with God. This is true for every person who was once born again and then chose to go back to their old sinful life. If one admits that they have sinned, asks God for forgiveness and truly desires to do right, their ministry can be restored and they can minister again in the true gifts of the Holy Spirit, for God's glory and not their own.
As we read in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, there are diversities of gifts that we receive from God, but all have the same source, the Holy Spirit; there are many ministries we are called to, but all are under the lordship of Jesus and we can never accomplish all the works that are prepared for us to walk in, without Father God's help. In other words, because God knew the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), since before creation, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, all agreed, long before any of us came into being, what calling and gifts would be over our lives. I don't know about you, but I find this incredibly encouraging!
We are not forced to follow our calling or to receive and use the gifts to help others, or even ourselves. God truly respects our free will! Each person is created unique, there are no two individuals that are identical from every point of view. God created us to be what we are, according to the plan and calling He has for every single one of us. Many people have never found their true calling in life and because of that, they have followed a wrong path, living insipid and boring lives. Those who realize the purpose they were created for and are ready to step out in faith following God's leading, are very blessed. Needless to say, that even between Christians ministers, there are some who are not following their true calling and are living frustrated, bored and maybe even exhausted and stressed lives, by doing something that God never truly called or equipped them for.
When the anointing of the Holy Spirit is on those who are fulfilling God's plan in their lives, the work seems easy, while the ones who do it in their own strength, struggle. The spiritual gifts are meant to help the ones who receive them to accomplish the call that God has for their lives and by doing so, to help the body of Christ grow, be edified and strengthened.
How do we know what gift to ask for, from the Holy Spirit? Each person knows what gift is desirable and interesting to them the most. Who places that desire in our hearts? It cannot be the devil as he is the one who fights against the spiritual gifts from the beginning, working hard to make Christians fear them together with every manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The enemy knows that a spiritually gifted Christian is harder to defeat than others. It cannot be our flesh, because we already know that the “...flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). There is only one source left for desiring the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that is God Himself. The Lord God is just and fair in everything He does and He would not give us the desire, if He did not want to give us what we are asking for. The calling and the spiritual gifts work together and are both working for God's glory and not ours. Once we receive a gift from the Holy Spirit, it will be noticed by those around us and they will confirm that it is in us. After all, we do not receive the gifts to keep them hidden and just for ourselves, but to bless and help others in need.
While all Christians have a primary calling, at various times all may operate in any of the gifts according to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is not up to us to decide in what gift we operate, but the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11), according to our needs or the needs of those who may receive our ministry. Throughout the years, God used me in His ministry, operating in different gifts of the Holy Spirit and I saw the same happening in other Christians lives. This happens because it is not us doing the work, but the Holy Spirit through us. I believe that in our walk with Christ, each of us may operate in all of the spiritual gifts, at certain times. Not all of us are called to be apostles, evangelists or pastors. But in certain circumstances and in a much smaller scale, we all may preach the Gospel to the lost, we may teach what the Bible says to those who need guidance, we may help, counsel, comfort and pray for those in need or who are asking for prayer. Also, through the Holy Spirit, all of us (some more than others) may speak with other tongues and interpret, prophesy and receive words of knowledge and wisdom, do miracles and receive the gift of faith for something that seems impossible or we may discern what spirit is behind a person or present in a certain place that caused a certain problem or behavior.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not only for the benefit of others, but they are helping us also, as they contribute to our spiritual growth and at times we might minister to ourselves too. I know from my own experience that the joy that comes from ministry and the happiness caused by seeing people healed, set free, comforted, touched by the power of God and growing in the Lord cannot compare to anything else.
Peace and joy (Luke 10:21, Romans 8:6), as well as holiness and purity (Romans 8:13, 1 Peter 1:22), are considered by some theologians as spiritual gifts while others say they are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I believe they can be both, depending on the situation. When we face hard times, the Holy Spirit offers us His peace and joy, that are beyond our human nature. He is does this so that we are able to face and overcome the tough situations of life. When those around us see our peace and joy in the midst of a tormenting trials, they start to desire to have what we have and to be saved.
The daily peace and joy that we have, are the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is developing in us since we became born-again. Because of this fruit, we may approach any bad situation from a position of calm and not of worry, fear or torment, as our flesh would direct us to do.
One might wonder what is the difference between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us. The Greek word that is usually used for the spiritual gifts is “charismata” that is from the root word “charis” which means grace, so in other words these are the gifts of grace, as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:7, “... to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
The other word for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is “pneumatikos” which means “spiritual; relating to the realm of spirit, i.e. the invisible sphere in which the Holy Spirit imparts faith, reveals Christ, etc. (“HELPS Word-studies”); or emanating from the Divine Spirit, or exhibiting its effects and so its character, equivalent to produced by the sole power of God himself without natural instrumentality, supernatural (“Thayer's Greek Lexicon”).” So, the spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every born again Christian, “as He wills” for the profit of all. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are edifying the body of Christ (the Church) and prove God's power to the unbelievers, gaining their souls for Christ.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit has more individual parts. We find nine of them listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and others in other Bible verses. All of them are the virtues of the agape love of God, as we read in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and are also in all that is goodness, righteousness and truth according to Ephesians 5:9. The fruit is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in the born-again Christian's life, by living in unity with the Holy Spirit and obedience to God.
We cannot live as we please, according to our will and not God's will and then expect to have the fruit of the Spirit growing in us. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the proof of a life led and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that all Christians should have the fruit of the Holy Spirit manifested in their lives, so it is up to us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, for His fruit to grow in us and this takes time. On the other hand, the gifts are given to us by the Holy Spirit, as He decides. There is no verse that says that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the result of our effort or value.
To receive a gift is to just get it in possession, reach out and grab it, but the growth of a fruit, takes time, it is a process with more steps. When the Holy Spirit decides that someone (a born-again Christian) is to operate in one of His gifts, He places the gift in the inner man of that person or He activates the gift that is already in the person. As previously mentioned, each born-again Christian may operate in any of the spiritual gifts, to some extent, as needed at a certain time. This is because the source of the gift is not the person, but God, the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and has His own will. For example, when we encounter people who are very discouraged, desperate, fighting depression or mourning, the Holy Spirit may give us the gift of encouragement and by using it, we will be surprised at what we will be telling them, how we will pray and what a huge effect the Holy Spirit led ministry will have. Whatever encouraging words we may use, unless they are given to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will not really produce strength, courage or help the people we minister to. If we desire to pray for a sick person, the Holy Spirit may give us the gift of healing for that person to be made whole, even if the healing ministry is not the call on our life. Also, if someone needs to be warned about a danger, the Holy Spirit may give us a word of knowledge to help that person.
The Holy Spirit will never force us or anyone to operate in His gifts or to do anything against our will. God created us with free will and even after we are born-again, we never lose our free will.
What are the actual spiritual gifts? For many years I believed that there are only those nine listed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. But after more study on the subject, I realized there are many more than those. We can actually say that all the talents of God's children are the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and are much more than what natural human ability can do and manifests in the purpose of helping others. The most obvious gifts and ministries that are listed in the Bible may be grouped categorically, for easier understanding.
The Revelatory Gifts: the word of wisdom (Ephesians 1:17, Matthew 4:3-7, Matthew 22:15-22); the word of knowledge (Acts 5:1-6, Romans 8:16, Hosea 12:10); discerning of spirits (Acts 10:30-35, Acts 8:18-23, Acts 16:16-19).
The Vocal Gifts: speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4-6, 1 Corinthians 14:22); interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:3, 5, 1 Corinthians 14:26-27); prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 1 Corinthians 14:29-32, Acts 13:2).
The Power Gifts: the gifts of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, 1 Corinthians 13:2), gifts of healings (Kings 5:8-10, Mark 8:23-25, James 5:14-15, Luke 5:17), working of miracles (1 Corinthians 14:10, 2 Kings 4:40-44, Acts 20: 9-12, Acts 9:33-35).
The Gifts of Individual and Corporate Service: the gift of exhortation and encouraging (Romans 12:8, Acts 15:28, 31-32); the gifts of giving and showing mercy (Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-3); the gifts of helps and administrations (1 Corinthians 22:28, Numbers 11:17); workmanship and skills (Exodus 35:30-35); intercession prayer (Romans 8:26, Zechariah 12:10, Ephesians 6:18); knowledge, understanding and right speech (Luke 12:11-12, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 1 Corinthians 2:12-15, Romans 9:1); the gift of hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10, Titus 1:8, Hebrews 13:2, Romans 12:13).
The Spiritual Gifts Manifested as Offices in the Church: the office of apostle (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 12:28); the office of prophet (Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1:4-19; Ezekiel 1-3); the office of teacher (Romans 12:6-7, Exodus 35:34); the office of pastor (Romans 12:8, Acts 20:28); the office of evangelist (John 15:26, Acts 1:8).
Gifts for Personal Edification: the gift of regeneration through being born-again and eternal life (Titus 3:5, Romans 8:4-6, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:16), strength and power (Romans 15:13); revelation, warning and guidance (Mark 1:12, Luke 2:25-27a, John 16:13, Acts 20:23, Romans 8:13-14, Romans 8:1-6, Galatians 5:16);
Let's see what the Bible has to say about every single gift listed above. My prayer is that if you do not know yet what your calling is or what God designed you for, that you may discover what gifts God wants you to operate in by the end of this article.
THE REVELATORY GIFTS
1. The Word of Wisdom is the gift that gives us a portion of God's wisdom, that we need in our daily lives to overcome problems and trials. It is a wisdom that is far above our mental and intellectual abilities. Through the wisdom that we receive from the Holy Spirit, we can avoid any traps of the enemy, no matter how or through whom he is attempting to hurt us.
No one can truly know God, without the gifts of wisdom and revelation received from the Holy Spirit, and only after we know the truth, are we truly free. Without the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we cannot get true revelation from God or His Word, and know how to properly apply and benefit from it in full.
Throughout all four Gospels, we find many instances where Jesus was responding to the challenges of His opponents with the wisdom from above, and none could answer Him back, not even the devil. The Holy Spirit always has the perfect answer to any question and helps us overcome the attacks of the evil one.
2. The Word of Knowledge. Through this gift, the Holy Spirit reveals what needs to be known and could not be known any other way. Many times, when we pray to find out God's will for a specific matter, the answer will come as a word of knowledge. This gift is oftentimes connected with other gifts, as the Holy Spirit shows us God's will on a particular matter or case. For example, it happens quite frequently that the Holy Spirit reveals a certain sickness or problem that someone has, because He is willing to heal the person, solve the problem or perform a miracle; other times the Holy Spirit reveals somebody's heart's desire, to prove to the person that God knows it and He wants to do something about it. This is a wonderful gift that God uses to edify, strengthen and grow the Church.
There was no way for the Apostle Peter to know about the secret agreement between Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, without receiving the word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit. The anointing in the early church was very strong and God was not tolerating sin in its midst. The punishment for the couple's sin was harsh and final. The "fear of the Lord" shook those who witnessed them dying and they had their desire "to be right with God and live holy lives" drastically increased. This evil was cut off at the root and set a powerful example for all to see. The Holy Spirit revealed the true source of their sin: “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” No one can lie to God and not pay for their sin.
The inner witness is this very gift through which we know in our “inner man” something that we did not know before receiving the information from the Holy Spirit, as a thought, an impression or a vision.
3. The Discerning of Spirits is the gift through which the Holy Spirit is giving us His discernment in identifying the spirit that is behind a person, a situation or present in a location. These can be evil spirits or demons, human spirits or the Holy Spirit. This is not the gift of criticism and is not meant to criticize other people's gifts or ministries.
Through this gift, the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that He was behind the invitation to go and preach the gospel to the house of Cornelius, helping Peter to finally understand that salvation was not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles. In the next verses we learn that they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and they all “spoke with tongues and magnified God” (verse 46), which was reassuring Peter that he was doing the right thing, and that God wanted the Romans also to become His children. So Peter and his friends that joined him baptized Cornelius and his household in water and taught them the Gospel in the following days.
The Holy Spirit gifted Paul to identify the evil spirit of divination that was possessing the slave girl, which cried out after them. She was telling the truth, but the source of it was the devil and Paul could not accept that. In Jesus' name, who truly was Paul's Lord, the evil spirit was forced to leave the woman he was possessing.
It also may happen that those who operate in the revelation gifts to fall into the trap of hearing their own spirit, when they already know some things about the person they minister to, and they may mix what they know with what the Holy Spirit is revealing to them, or may even hear a familiar spirit. Other times, sadly, the prophet can be a self-called prophet that believes that their own thoughts are God's thoughts or they get information from an evil spirit. That's why, the apostles John and Paul both warn us to test the spirits, the prophecies and all revelations and keep what is good, according to the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
THE VOCAL GIFTS
4. The Gift of Speaking in Tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in a language that the person never learned. The Holy Spirit does the speaking and gives the words that form the language, using our speech organs. If we do not want to open our mouths, the Holy Spirit will not force us to and the gift will not be manifested. If you have been afraid about receiving this gift and that the Holy Spirit would force you to use it, consider what Paul wrote:
The One who gives the gifts of speaking in tongues or prophecy is the Holy Spirit, so Paul says that we are those who decide if we use the gift or not because God does not force us. God loves order and He would never cause disorder or confusion.
A. The speaking in tongues as a sign for unbelievers.
This refers to speaking in an earthly language that is spoken by a larger or a smaller number of people, from which at least one person is present and hears what God has to say, in their own particular language, spoken by someone who never learned it.
It is hard for someone to continue doubting that God is real, after they witness the miracle of hearing what God has to tell them in their own language, by a person that never learned that language. Speaking in “earthly languages” never learned, is one of the many methods that God uses to attract people to Him, as He did at the Pentecost:
Some theologians say that the audience heard them speaking in their own languages, while the disciples were all speaking same language. It may seem right, but this conclusion places the miracle taking place in the listeners and not in the speakers, who were actually filled with the Holy Spirit and their speech was under the direction and was the overflow of the Holy Spirit. Let's not forget that all those people were hearing the disciples speaking in their languages “the wonderful works of God.” So we may conclude that it is more likely that each disciple from the 120, was speaking at least one of the languages of those who were listening. I have met people that for a certain situation spoke through the Holy Spirit a foreign language that they never learned, because God wanted to use them to communicate something to the listener, or even to be able to interpret the message of a preacher or teacher that was speaking in an unknown language. The Holy Spirit decides what gift He is giving to whom, how and when. On the day of Pentecost, 3000 souls came to Christ and were baptized in water.
B. The prayer in tongues is communication with God not with people.
Speaking in “tongues of angels” as Paul calls them in 1 Corinthians 13:1, is direct communication with God and no one else can understand it, except those who would have the gift of interpretation. Many times we find ourselves in situations where we do not know how to pray or what would be the best solution for a certain problem. When the Holy Spirit is praying through us, we know for sure that we pray the perfect and best prayer and is 100% according to God's will, so He will hear and answer it. So even if we do not know exactly how to pray, the very fact that the Holy Spirit is praying through us, brings the peace, comfort and security we need and that is priceless.
If Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, says that he wishes we would all have this gift, it means that God is not blocking or prohibiting the gift. Many block receiving and using the gift of tongues. There are no conditions that we must meet to receive this gift. The greatest obstacle is our free will that God always respects. The effect of “speaking in other tongues” is spiritual edification for those who use this gift. What an amazing gift, by which the Holy Spirit prays perfect prayers and brings revelation, using our very own speech organs! No wonder the enemy tries so hard to attack this gift and to convince many Christians to never desire or ask for it, and even worse, to fear it or believe it is demonic.
C. Speaking in tongues with interpretation in church.
Speaking in tongues, without the gift of interpretation, remains a mystery for us, and is understood only by God. For this very reason, if the one who speaks in tongues does not also interpret and there is no other person present that has the interpretation gift, it is better to not express their gift out loud in public, but to use it just in private. These two gifts together (tongues and interpretation) are equal to prophecy and bring the communication with God to another level that edifies those who listen.
Paul does not say that speaking in tongues is an inferior gift, he is just saying that in church, the purpose of the spiritual gifts is to be understood by those who are present. For this reason is better to prophesy in church, because those who hear it, understand it and can benefit from it. On the other hand, the speaking in tongues without interpretation in public, may scare those who have no idea what they are hearing. There is one exception, when the unbelievers understand the tongue and is a mystery to all the others.
So, “speaking in other tongues” is the perfect prayer language that we are to use on a daily basis, in our time with God, for personal edification and to help us face hard times better. We are advised to also ask for the gift of “interpretation of tongues” so we may understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking through our mouths or others.
5. The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues is used by the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what He is praying through our mouths or others. This gift gives us access to the mysteries of the Holy Spirit spoken through us or those around us.
In order to be free to use our gift of speaking in tongues in a church setting, we are advised to ask for the gift of interpretation too. There are no instances in the Bible, where we are advised to ask for something that God does not want to give us.
6. The Gift of Prophecy brings a message straight from God, and is usually for someone else and for edification, exhortation and comfort for that person.
Because the prophetic message may come from hearing the Lord in the spirit, or even with an audible voice (which happens more rarely) or through impressions, visions or dreams, it should be tested and in agreement with the Bible. Sometimes the message is 100% accurate, other times it is just partially right, or all wrong, but that is not necessarily making the one who gives it a false prophet. Why? Because it is not always easy for the one who receives a message in the Spirit, to put it into words and to perfectly distinguish what is from the Holy Spirit, what is from their own spirit or the enemy. That is the reason for carefully pondering every message and ask God for more confirmation, before accepting it as God's word for us. When the prophecy is about important decisions for the one who is on the receiving end, it is very important not to act based upon just one source but to look for more confirmation, especially personally and even through others. Balance is the key in everything.
The church was fasting and praying for guidance and the Holy Spirit answered their request. Fasting and praying sharpen our spiritual senses, helping us to concentrate on our fellowship with God, to enter into God's presence and hear more clearly what the Holy Spirit has to tell us.
The gift of prophecy may also be received by the “laying on of hands” by a prophet, upon those who desire the gift. By the “laying on of hands” the Holy Spirit will impart the gift of the one who has it, to the one who is being prayed for.
After the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, Peter led by the Holy Spirit, told the crowd that he was preaching to that they were witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy that the prophet Joel received from God and wrote about, approximately eight hundred years before their time.
If about two thousand years ago, they were living in the end times, how much more are we living in those times? So that prophecy is true for us too and it means that every single Christian may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of prophecy. It is not written anywhere in the Bible that there are limits for receiving the gift of prophecy or any other gift of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:1, that all of us should desire the gifts and especially to prophesy.
God's desire for us, His Church, is to be led by the Holy Spirit, as He is willing to show us what we need to do, how to solve our daily problems, to edify and encourage one another and not to be clueless about the next step or move.
THE POWER GIFTS
7. The Gift of Faith is the faith that Jesus says moves mountains and guarantees that we will receive what we believe and ask for.
Maybe at some point in your Christian walk, based on the above verses you decided to firmly believe for a certain thing. You prayed and prayed a specific prayer of faith countless times and never received the answer in the way you believed for. That happened to me too and I did not understand why it did not work, till I realized that Jesus was referring to this faith, that the Holy Spirit gives us for something specific, and which is His supernatural faith. We need only a little crumb of such faith, because it is not the quantity that matters, but the quality.
When we receive the gift of faith, our minds and spirits become aware of it and we are amazed how firm our trust is in praying, declaring and acting upon for something that seemed impossible until then. This gift of faith is not the basic faith, the measure of faith, that we all have as Christians for salvation.
This is a different gift than "the measure of faith" that we receive for salvation, which never leaves us, as we read in the following verses.
Through this gift, God may use us to accomplish things that we naturally would not be able to do. The Holy Spirit may give us faith for miracles, for extreme healing, or to do things that we could not do in our own strength, but will save lives and solve terrible problems.
8. The Gift of Healing is a multiple gift because there is such a large diversity of sicknesses that need healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are all sent by Jesus to lay hands on the sick, in His Name, for them to be healed. Healings had to be part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who came to be with us after Jesus ascended to His Father. The gift that we receive from the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the great commission that Jesus gave us all. Certainly, no one may say that all the sick people they prayed for were healed and I am no exception. But it really matters to not allow the unsolved cases to stop us from doing what our Lord commands us to do. For we know that what Jesus tells us through His Word, are not recommendations or suggestions, but commands. We also know that He never asks us to do something that He does not equip us for first. We may conclude that each of us, as Christians, need to minister in the gift of healing, even if in the beginning we pray just for ourselves. Then as we start to see results, we will dare to believe for more and we will continue with prayers for family members, friends and then even for strangers.
With all the new discoveries in the fields of medicine and science, there is still no real cure for the common cold. All the drugs, which are found under a huge number of brands and labels, having in essence the same components, cannot do more than mask the symptoms and not cure the cause, so the cold will last for at least a week, if not longer, depending upon whether or not there are other health issues. In reality, the cold symptoms (runny nose and eyes, coughing, the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract), are the result of the way God created our immune system to fight against viral or bacterial attack.
Jesus is Lord over every sickness and there is no sickness that is harder for Him to heal than another, for the simple fact that the Holy Spirit is the One who heals, bringing in the natural world what Jesus already did in the spiritual world, by His sacrifice on the cross. In His body He bore all our sicknesses, pains, sorrows and by His stripes we were healed (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24). You may read more about God's healing power in the articles “Healing By Faith" and "Healing by Faith - Bible Verses.”
A. Healing by proclaiming God's Word.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit directs us to only proclaim the healing for a specific sickness of a sick person, because He is the One who causes the proclaimed Word to come to pass and the healing to take place.
B. Gradual healing, step by step. Sometimes, the Lord decides that there will be a gradual healing process. Maybe this happens because God wants to test the faith of the one who needs the healing or to increase the faith of the one who has the gift of healings. Maybe the effects of being healed are way more complicated than we can see. By postponing the complete healing, the Lord can help work out more issues and build up faith in more people. What we know for sure is that the Holy Spirit decides who receives the gift of healing and how the healing will happen. Even Jesus, who healed the sick by the power of the Holy Spirit while living in a human body on earth, chose to heal gradually sometimes too. Jesus did not always use the same method to heal every time; and we know that no matter what "the method" He used, it was Holy Spirit that brought the healing.
C. Healing by anointing with oil. The oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit, so the anointing with oil simply means that we are acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is the One who heals. By praying in the name of Jesus, we are asking for the favor that Father God would give to His beloved Son. Only if we live our lives led by the Holy Spirit, being God's children (“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” - Romans 8:14), can we receive this favor when we pray in Jesus' name; otherwise, our words have no power and no authority.
The disciples did what Jesus taught them as long as Jesus was with them in the flesh and they continued to do so after He ascended to Father God. They were led by the Holy Spirit, who was reminding them what the Lord taught them and was telling them all they needed to know. He does the same with us. When the Holy Spirit directs us to anoint a person we pray for with oil, we should obey, not because His work depends on it, but because God wants us to respect Him and obey Him, by doing what He is telling us to do.
D. Healing by the power of the Lord's presence.
Even if there are no other clear verses that show that “the power of God” is with His children, there are over 90 verses where we read that God's power is given to us to do what He calls us to do and to enable us to live for God, which implies the healing ministries too, which is done by the power of God that we receive from the Holy Spirit.
In order to have God's power working in us, we have to submit and obey the Lord in every area of our lives ( (“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7). By doing so, the presence of the Holy Spirit, that is the power and the glory of God here on earth, will work through us, healing and blessing those for whom we pray.
9. The Working of Miracles. What is a miracle? A miracle is defined as “a wondrous event that is not explainable solely by natural processes but which require the direct causal agency of a supernatural being, usually God” (according to “Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology”).
We find many miracles listed in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. God brought ten miraculous plagues over the Egyptian people, to prove that He is the true God, even if the sorcerers managed to duplicate some miracles, by demonic power, their attempts were inferior to God's miracles and the Pharaoh's army ended by drowning in the Red Sea, which God divided for His people to cross through as on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-31). In the book of Daniel, we read how God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from being burned or even smelling like smoke, when they were thrown into the fiery furnace as they did not obey to worship king Nebuchadnezzar's image, also how God closed the mouths of the hungry lions to not hurt Daniel, while he was thrown into their den. The first miracle we read about in Jesus' ministry was changing water into wine, at the wedding in Cana. Then Jesus fed 5000 men and at least that many women and children with 5 loves of bread and two fish, He walked on water, calmed the storm by just saying two words, He resurrected the dead and so on. The list of miracles that God performed has never ended throughout the history and still continues. Even today, we witness many miracles that God does, blessing and helping us all. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26b: “....but with God all things are possible” and that is the truth, like everything He said.
The working of miracles is one of the gifts that best prove the omnipotence and sovereignty of God. Those who witnesses miracles in Jesus' Name, performed by the Holy Spirit, have to recognize that Jesus is the Son of the only One true God.
THE GIFTS OF PERSONAL EDIFICATION
10. The Exhortation and Encouraging Gift is bringing courage, hope and strength to those who are discouraged and sometimes desperate, when they receive the ministry of this gift. The Greek word “Parakletos”, translated as “Helper” in John 14:26 means also: “Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby.” All these show that the Holy Spirit is the best source of encouragement for any person. The call for such a ministry is very important in the Church and every single one of us need encouragement from time to time.
11. The Gift of Giving and Showing Mercy is not referring to the act of giving, which we are all called to do, but this is the gift of those who give way beyond their natural possibilities and because of that, God blesses them with miraculous financial resources, that they could never acquire in their own strength. The true children of God who desire to be successful in their business, so they can give more for the kingdom of God, are those who have this gift. The more they give, the more they prosper. This giving is birthed in the agape love, in the sincere mercy that the Holy Spirit has placed in their spirits. Paul reminds us what Jesus said:
12. The Gifts of Helps and Administrations are complementary gifts that the support and strengthen any church or ministry. Without the brothers and sisters in Christ that have these gifts and many of their names are never known, God's kingdom would not be where it is. They are those who help sustain and sometimes do even the unpleasant jobs that are vital for any ministry.
The word translated by helps is “antílēpsis” in the original Greek and it “refers to God's work bringing His helps of grace and power to meet someone's need, through a person He directs” (according to “HELPS Word -studies” Dictionary).
The word in the original Greek, translated by serving or ministry is “diakonia” and it “specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith, “pístis” in Greek, which means “the Lord's inbirthed persuasion”” (according to “HELPS Word-studies”). In this verse and in many others, there is a close connection between these two words, faith and service, working together as gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We read in the book of Numbers that God told Moses how He was to ease His job, by taking from the gift that was upon Moses and impart it to the others that were chosen to help with his duties.
13. The Gift of Knowledge, Understanding and Right Speech can come only by the Holy Spirit at the level that we find it in the following verses:
No matter how tough a situation is, if God's children speak as the Holy Spirit leads them, their wisdom can't be defeated even by the most dangerous enemy. This is an important gift that the Holy Spirit gives us when we need it, but it is up to us to realize that we have it and then use it. With the Holy Spirit's guidance our answers will be short and succinct with such efficiency and great results, even if in the natural we would not be able even to open our mouths and speak.
Only with the help of the Holy Spirit we can understand all that God has given us through His grace and all that Jesus did for us on the cross, because the natural mind cannot grasp or understand all we need to know about the spiritual world.
14. The Gift of Efficient, Intercessory Prayer is received by those called to be prayer intercessors. The Holy Spirit shows them how to pray or He prays through them, in other tongues. When needed, the Holy Spirit gives revelation to the intercessor about the hidden, spiritual roots of the many situations they are praying for and the spiritual implications of such cannot be known any other way. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will press upon the intercessor's heart an urge to pray for situations that they could never know about in the natural, but are necessary to be prayed for, so God will intervene in solving those specific problems. These are the prayers that open the way for God to work with miracles, solving impossible situations. This is a necessary gift for the body of Christ and for the growth of God's kingdom.
15. The Gift of Workmanship and Skill enables the one who receives it to excel in a certain field. The way the gifted person approaches their job and executes it in a certain manner is really special and many times even unique, proving that the Holy Spirit is the source of the extraordinary talent or skill.
16. The Gift of Hospitality All of us are called to be hospitable, without grumbling, but there are some Christians that have truly received the gift hospitality from the Holy Spirit. To everyone around them, it seems incredible how they handle their guests that enter their home with so much love and care.
THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS MANIFESTED AS OFFICES
All these gifts involve time, effort, responsibility, spiritual maturity and dedication to really serve as God calls us to serve in a specific office or calling. Even if we feel attracted to some of the offices of ministry, after being born-again or after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it will most likely take many years of study, fellowship with God and spiritual growth until God opens the door for a specific ministry. God loves us and He does not want our pride, lack of maturity or knowledge of His Word, or our inability of hearing God's voice to cause us fail or fall into the traps of the enemy. Spiritual growth is a process and does not happen in a matter of days and no one can switch overnight from “milk to meat.”
17. The Office of the Apostle When the Holy Spirit calls someone to this ministry, He will equip this person with all that is needed to be able to fulfill this calling.
The Greek word translated by apostle is “apostolos” and it means: “a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way, especially a man sent out by Jesus Christ Himself to preach the Gospel; an apostle” (according to “Strong’s Concordance”).
If we look at the ministry of the apostles in the Bible, we see that they started churches, established God's ministry where they were sent and continued by teaching the Word of God to those who were called to continue the ministry after they would leave. The apostle Paul personally started at least 14 churches and many others indirectly by his disciples and spiritual children. The apostles did not just start new churches, they were also concerned about their spiritual condition. They kept in contact with continued teaching, exhorting and even rebuking when necessary by letters and visits, as we read throughout all the epistles of the New Testament.
Paul says the following about the ministry of the apostles:
The original word in Greek for “peddling” is “kapēleúō” which means “properly, to act as an unscrupulous merchant, i.e. "a huckster" who profits by "peddling the Word of God" for personal gain.” The word is only used in this verse and Paul makes it very clear that the job of the apostle is not for profit, but for God's glory.
The true apostles, gifted by the Holy Spirit, know that both they and their disciples who will continue their work, must preach the truth, from a sincere heart for the benefit of God's kingdom and not for personal profit; living their lives for Christ, led by the Holy Spirit and not by their own flesh or circumstances. Paul was true to the calling he received from God, as we read in:
All gifts of the Holy Spirit are equal to God and all are important for the right function of the church. If there was a hierarchy of the gifts, God would not be just.
So, the apostle is not necessarily more important than the prophet or the teacher, but because the apostle is the one who starts the new church, it is normal to be put first on the list of offices.
18. The Office of the Prophet The main function of those who are called to be God's prophets is to be the ambassadors of God that communicate the word that God has for His people. Even in the Old Testament, prophets have not only been men, but women also such as the prophetesses Deborah and Huldah (Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14-20). In the New Testament, we read about prophetesses also such as Anna and the four daughters of Philip (Luke 2:36, Acts 21:8-9). In the following verses, we see how the Lord called the prophet Jeremiah to be His spokesman:
19. The Office of Teaching is tightly connected to the office of pastor, because both callings are based on teaching the body of Christ. The teacher has the gift of explaining what the Bible says, transforming what seems complicated into something easier to understand to whom they are teaching, without diminishing the truth of the Bible and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The more their students learn and understand the Scriptures, the more the gift is operating in their teacher.
In ministry of teaching, the direction of the Holy Spirit is vital but also requires much personal effort. As in the other offices, teaching requires much energy, dedication, responsibility, Bible study and time spent in God's presence, receiving revelation about the truth of what the Bible truly says to be able to teach it to others. Today, the access to information is much easier than what it was in Bible times. To be able to filter the truth from all the information we find in teachings, sermons or on websites, blogs or books, we need to know what the Bible really says on every matter. The biblical truth takes effort to be found and many times we have to “dig deeper” but once we have found it and we have confirmed it by the Holy Spirit, it is a priceless treasure, that no one can steal! The joy that comes from watching others grow in knowing God and in keeping His ways, makes all the effort worth it. Praise God for all the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and the way He uses them for the increase of His kingdom.
20. The Office of the Pastor is not an easy calling, but can be very rewarding. Every pastor that pastors without being called by God or rushes ahead of God's timing will find them selves in big trouble. To be a pastor means much more than standing behind the pulpit, preaching, attending conferences or even the honor of leading a congregation. A true “shepherd of God's sheep” suffers with those who suffer, helps those in need, corrects those who need correction with love and lives their lives as examples for everyone.
Peter is not addressing elderly people, but those who are spiritually mature, called by God to lead His churches. No one can correctly fulfill the ministry of a pastor, if they are not called and equipped by God. Needless to say that some church members are not all sincere, as some pastors are not all what they should be either. But the pastors who are led by the Holy Spirit, no matter what callings they have, will conquer every trial, problem or attack planned by the evil one, no matter how he orchestrates situations or uses people.
21. The Office of Evangelism is the calling to preach the Gospel under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and as a result those who hear it will be touched and many of them will be convinced that it is the truth. The gifted evangelist is an efficient witness of Jesus Christ.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit that is upon the office of an evangelist will cause signs and wonders, healings and deliverance to take place while the evangelist ministers, convincing those who hear and see that Jesus is the real Son of the true and only God and that they should turn their back on their evil ways and follow Jesus. This gift is accompanied by other gifts most of the time and especially by power and vocal gifts. Many evangelists receive words of knowledge about certain sicknesses that those present have and as they pray, God heals them; or they receive specific prophecies for others that show them of God's power and care, convicting them to surrender, repent, ask forgiveness and live for Jesus.
GIFTS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
22. The Gift of Regeneration Through Being Born-again cannot happen without the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Without the convicting of sin within one's heart by the Holy Spirit, no one can regret their sin and admit their need of a savior.
By the gift of new birth that we receive when we repent of our sins, asking for forgiveness and believing that Jesus is the Son of God that died in our place paying the penalty for our sin and ask Him to become our Lord and Savior, we are adopted in God's family. This is true salvation. Afterward, we stop living according to our old fleshly lusts and learn to live according to the leading of the Holy Spirit that now dwells in us.
23. The Gift of Strength and Power Only by the power that we receive from the Holy Spirit, can we be firm in our faith that God is with us no matter what and that “He will never leave or forsake us.” Only in this manner can we live a peaceful and joyful life.
24. The Gifts of Revelation, Warning and Guidance The Holy Spirit leads and guides us when we allow Him to do so. All Christians have had times when we felt or had the impression that there was a danger or something we needed to pay attention to. Many times the warning of the Holy Spirit is ignored. Then when what He tried to warn us about happens, the person remembers and regrets not heeding His voice, but it is too late. Even then, many fail to listen the next time and to not even realize that it was the Holy Spirit who gave them the warning. The more we learn to recognize, listen and obey the voice and ministry of the Holy Spirit, the more clearly we will hear the next time and will grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit “recognizing His voice” better and better.
The following are the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit that may also be considered the fruit of the Spirit, depending on the situation as they are also attributes of the Holy Spirit.
25. Peace and Joy given to us by the Holy Spirit in tough times, when normally we would panic or be terrified, are gifts that every sincere Christian should enjoy, as these attributes are manifested where the presence of the Holy Spirit is honored.
We should never fear to rejoice and be happy in the Lord because God's kingdom dwells in us, and that is the equivalent of having “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” as Jesus said we would.
The more we try to please God and the more we listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit, then the more peace we will have. Discontentment and frustration come from comparing ourselves with the standards of this world; from trying to live and think as the world lives and thinks and in trying to achieve what the "world" says we should achieve. If we live as the world lives instead of as God's Word says we should live, then we will never have long lasting peace or fulfillment.
26. Sanctification and Purity are impossible to have without the work of the Holy Spirit. Only with His help can we put our old nature to death together with the old way of thinking and making decisions, as we were programmed by the world. To use the “new programming code” - as citizens of God's kingdom, we need the help and input of the Holy Spirit in our thinking and living, as He is the only One to help us understand and apply God's “instruction manual” for us, which is the Bible.
With the conclusion of listing the categories and gifts of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, let us now look at the nine gifts as listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 that the Apostle Paul operated in:
The Word of Wisdom
The Word of Knowledge
The Discerning of Spirits
Speaking in Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues (surely he prayed for himself and received it, or he would not urge us to do so):
The Gift of Prophecy
Paul received visions, also: Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
The Gift of Faith
The Gift of Healings
The Working of Miracles
The works of the Holy Spirit are the proof of diversity in unity. He decides what gifts He gives, to whom and when, so that the body of Christ is edified and strengthened so that it grows in size and quality. Paul urges us all to desire and ask for the spiritual gifts. He says that we all should desire to speak with other tongues and interpret them, to prophesy and to allow the Holy Spirit to use us as He knows best, so we may find “a more excellent way” of living. (1 Corinthians 12:31b).
It may seem right to some in considering certain Bible verses as being mandatory, but at the same time, ignoring all the verses that say that we should ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and for the spiritual gifts. Why would some verses be more mandatory than others? And based upon what? In order for the Church to rise to the level that God says she should and have a true impact in helping the lost to come to Jesus; we must desire, ask, receive and then use all that the Holy Spirit has to offer us.
Jesus Christ came to be a human, as one of us, to show us how to live a perfect, sinless life for God's glory and pleasure. He set the perfect example for us, as we see it written in the Bible and only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we follow it. The life that we may have through Jesus is the most abundant life and it cannot compare to any other way of living (John 10:10). To live in a human body, Jesus chose to give up to His godly power and attributes; He came sent by Father God, with His authority. With the Help of the Holy Spirit, Jesus performed signs and miracles, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers and resurrected the dead. Then, after Jesus sacrificed His life for us, paying for our sins on the cross, Father God resurrected Him, through the work and power of the same Holy Spirit. All that Jesus did was perfect and we are shown how to follow His example in the following verses.
- John 14:12-13 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
- John 14:15-18 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
Jesus tells us that there are some very specific requirements that we must meet in order to receive the Holy Spirit; first we have to believe that Jesus is the Christ and then to love Him by obeying His commandments. By doing so we will accomplish His work and even greater works than Jesus did. As we read throughout the book of Acts, we see this happening with what the Holy Spirit did through the apostles Peter and Paul.
The gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit did not cease working through God's children once the lives of the early apostles ended. I believe we have all heard about the marvelous miracles that God has done all throughout church history and He continues to do even today.
- Acts 5:12,15 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.... so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
- Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
To get to where we may do greater miracles than Jesus did, we need to receive the gifts that the Holy Spirit decides to give us, and then use them for the benefit of those around us, or sometimes even for our own.
Some preachers have the false concept that doing “greater works than Jesus did” means that we are able to bring people to salvation, which is something that Jesus could not do while walking on earth as He was not crucified yet, for our sins and salvation was not available and that since we are not greater than Jesus, so for sure that salvation was the only “work” Jesus was referring to. The real truth is, that no one can be greater than Jesus and no one can claim to do any works through their own power. As a matter of fact, we could not even breathe if God should decide to take away the breath of life He put in us. God is the One who performs the miracles and every supernatural work through us, as we read He did through Paul and the apostles also.
Father God is the one who does the miracles, He is the source of all we ask in Jesus' name and the Holy Spirit brings them into fruition in our natural world, from the heavenly places.
There is so much proof of the power and the ministry of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in both, Old and New Testament. In 2 Kings chapter four, God is using Elisha to multiply the oil for the prophet's widow so she could pay her debt; then God gave the long desired son to the Shunammite woman and her old husband, and when the child died, God answered Elisha's prayer and brought him back to life. Then we read how Elisha turned the poisonous stew into good, nourishing food; the next miracle that we read about in the same chapter was the multiplication of the “twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in a knapsack” that fed one hundred hungry men, as the Lord spoke that “‘They shall eat and have some left over.’” Then in 2 Kings 5:8-15, we read about the unusual way that God used Elisha to heal the commander of the Syrian army, Naaman, of leprosy.
God has always shown His love for His elect and did miracles for them. In the Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit descended only upon the prophets when the Lord chose to speak or do miracles through them. So, the rest of the believers had to go to the men of God or to the Tabernacle and later the Temple of God, when they needed God's help.
We are so blessed to have access to God's presence, at any time, once we receive the Holy Spirit (you may read more about it here: "The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit").
When Christians are baptized with the Holy Spirit, they are immersed in the very presence of the Holy Spirit, who descends upon them from above and then starts to fill them up. We are to be the temples of the Holy Spirit. Let's take a look at what Paul is saying about the spiritual gifts in the twelfth chapter from 1 Corinthians epistle.
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
Since the beginning, man was longing to find guidance, because God created us with the desire to search for His advice and counsel. The devil distorted this desire, using the rebellious and prideful nature of man which causes us to believe that we can be our own lord and to refuse to obey and follow God. Both Adam and his descendants believed that rebelling against God would make them free. In fact, whosoever chooses to deny God and His commandments, lives a sinful life and is serving the devil. There are only two main masters: God and the devil (Matthew 6:24). The only true freedom comes from knowing the truth, which is Jesus Christ, as He himself is telling us: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” - John 8:32.
Once Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to take His place and to be the perfect Counselor, Helper and Guide for us. No one can find Jesus and be saved without the help of the Holy Spirit. The key criteria to distinguish those who genuinely operate in the Holy Spirit gifts from impostors is shown in the content of their confession. Through the Holy Spirit one will always confess Jesus as Lord (vs.3) and will never seek personal glory but will praise God, because He is the true source of their gift (vs.4-6).
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...
The Holy Spirit is the source of every spiritual gift, of every ministry and labor done for God's kingdom, and all of these are given to those who have Jesus as Lord over their own lives. If you have always desired to receive the spiritual gifts and did not receive any yet, maybe what comes next will help you understand why. In the first months of my Christian walk this was my problem too, as I was clueless about the truth. We read in verse 7 that all gifts, which are actually the works of the Holy Spirit, are given “to one for the profit of all.” This means that their purpose is not to exalt us or to increase our personal value once we receive and use the spiritual gifts, but they are for helping those who need the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
We need to ask ourselves why do we desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Why do we want to operate in them? If our purpose is to exalt and glorify Jesus, to win souls for God and to edify the church, then the Holy Spirit will give us His gifts, as He wills. Once we receive a gift, it is up to us to obey God and use it. On the other hand, if we want to gain fame and to profit from the gift, the Holy Spirit will not give us anything. Sadly, there are Christians that received the gifts and after operating in them for a while they fell into the enemy's trap of pride, self-righteousness or love for power and money. They continue to have the gifts, but their source is not the Holy Spirit anymore, but their own flesh or even worse, demons, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). As long as we still have the breath of life in us, we continue to have the chance to repent, to turn from the wrong paths and get right with God. This is true for every person who was once born again and then chose to go back to their old sinful life. If one admits that they have sinned, asks God for forgiveness and truly desires to do right, their ministry can be restored and they can minister again in the true gifts of the Holy Spirit, for God's glory and not their own.
As we read in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, there are diversities of gifts that we receive from God, but all have the same source, the Holy Spirit; there are many ministries we are called to, but all are under the lordship of Jesus and we can never accomplish all the works that are prepared for us to walk in, without Father God's help. In other words, because God knew the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), since before creation, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, all agreed, long before any of us came into being, what calling and gifts would be over our lives. I don't know about you, but I find this incredibly encouraging!
We are not forced to follow our calling or to receive and use the gifts to help others, or even ourselves. God truly respects our free will! Each person is created unique, there are no two individuals that are identical from every point of view. God created us to be what we are, according to the plan and calling He has for every single one of us. Many people have never found their true calling in life and because of that, they have followed a wrong path, living insipid and boring lives. Those who realize the purpose they were created for and are ready to step out in faith following God's leading, are very blessed. Needless to say, that even between Christians ministers, there are some who are not following their true calling and are living frustrated, bored and maybe even exhausted and stressed lives, by doing something that God never truly called or equipped them for.
When the anointing of the Holy Spirit is on those who are fulfilling God's plan in their lives, the work seems easy, while the ones who do it in their own strength, struggle. The spiritual gifts are meant to help the ones who receive them to accomplish the call that God has for their lives and by doing so, to help the body of Christ grow, be edified and strengthened.
- 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 ... for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
How do we know what gift to ask for, from the Holy Spirit? Each person knows what gift is desirable and interesting to them the most. Who places that desire in our hearts? It cannot be the devil as he is the one who fights against the spiritual gifts from the beginning, working hard to make Christians fear them together with every manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The enemy knows that a spiritually gifted Christian is harder to defeat than others. It cannot be our flesh, because we already know that the “...flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). There is only one source left for desiring the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that is God Himself. The Lord God is just and fair in everything He does and He would not give us the desire, if He did not want to give us what we are asking for. The calling and the spiritual gifts work together and are both working for God's glory and not ours. Once we receive a gift from the Holy Spirit, it will be noticed by those around us and they will confirm that it is in us. After all, we do not receive the gifts to keep them hidden and just for ourselves, but to bless and help others in need.
While all Christians have a primary calling, at various times all may operate in any of the gifts according to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is not up to us to decide in what gift we operate, but the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11), according to our needs or the needs of those who may receive our ministry. Throughout the years, God used me in His ministry, operating in different gifts of the Holy Spirit and I saw the same happening in other Christians lives. This happens because it is not us doing the work, but the Holy Spirit through us. I believe that in our walk with Christ, each of us may operate in all of the spiritual gifts, at certain times. Not all of us are called to be apostles, evangelists or pastors. But in certain circumstances and in a much smaller scale, we all may preach the Gospel to the lost, we may teach what the Bible says to those who need guidance, we may help, counsel, comfort and pray for those in need or who are asking for prayer. Also, through the Holy Spirit, all of us (some more than others) may speak with other tongues and interpret, prophesy and receive words of knowledge and wisdom, do miracles and receive the gift of faith for something that seems impossible or we may discern what spirit is behind a person or present in a certain place that caused a certain problem or behavior.
- 1 Peter 4:9-11 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not only for the benefit of others, but they are helping us also, as they contribute to our spiritual growth and at times we might minister to ourselves too. I know from my own experience that the joy that comes from ministry and the happiness caused by seeing people healed, set free, comforted, touched by the power of God and growing in the Lord cannot compare to anything else.
Peace and joy (Luke 10:21, Romans 8:6), as well as holiness and purity (Romans 8:13, 1 Peter 1:22), are considered by some theologians as spiritual gifts while others say they are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I believe they can be both, depending on the situation. When we face hard times, the Holy Spirit offers us His peace and joy, that are beyond our human nature. He is does this so that we are able to face and overcome the tough situations of life. When those around us see our peace and joy in the midst of a tormenting trials, they start to desire to have what we have and to be saved.
The daily peace and joy that we have, are the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is developing in us since we became born-again. Because of this fruit, we may approach any bad situation from a position of calm and not of worry, fear or torment, as our flesh would direct us to do.
One might wonder what is the difference between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us. The Greek word that is usually used for the spiritual gifts is “charismata” that is from the root word “charis” which means grace, so in other words these are the gifts of grace, as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:7, “... to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
The other word for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is “pneumatikos” which means “spiritual; relating to the realm of spirit, i.e. the invisible sphere in which the Holy Spirit imparts faith, reveals Christ, etc. (“HELPS Word-studies”); or emanating from the Divine Spirit, or exhibiting its effects and so its character, equivalent to produced by the sole power of God himself without natural instrumentality, supernatural (“Thayer's Greek Lexicon”).” So, the spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every born again Christian, “as He wills” for the profit of all. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are edifying the body of Christ (the Church) and prove God's power to the unbelievers, gaining their souls for Christ.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit has more individual parts. We find nine of them listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and others in other Bible verses. All of them are the virtues of the agape love of God, as we read in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and are also in all that is goodness, righteousness and truth according to Ephesians 5:9. The fruit is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in the born-again Christian's life, by living in unity with the Holy Spirit and obedience to God.
We cannot live as we please, according to our will and not God's will and then expect to have the fruit of the Spirit growing in us. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the proof of a life led and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that all Christians should have the fruit of the Holy Spirit manifested in their lives, so it is up to us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, for His fruit to grow in us and this takes time. On the other hand, the gifts are given to us by the Holy Spirit, as He decides. There is no verse that says that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the result of our effort or value.
To receive a gift is to just get it in possession, reach out and grab it, but the growth of a fruit, takes time, it is a process with more steps. When the Holy Spirit decides that someone (a born-again Christian) is to operate in one of His gifts, He places the gift in the inner man of that person or He activates the gift that is already in the person. As previously mentioned, each born-again Christian may operate in any of the spiritual gifts, to some extent, as needed at a certain time. This is because the source of the gift is not the person, but God, the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and has His own will. For example, when we encounter people who are very discouraged, desperate, fighting depression or mourning, the Holy Spirit may give us the gift of encouragement and by using it, we will be surprised at what we will be telling them, how we will pray and what a huge effect the Holy Spirit led ministry will have. Whatever encouraging words we may use, unless they are given to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will not really produce strength, courage or help the people we minister to. If we desire to pray for a sick person, the Holy Spirit may give us the gift of healing for that person to be made whole, even if the healing ministry is not the call on our life. Also, if someone needs to be warned about a danger, the Holy Spirit may give us a word of knowledge to help that person.
The Holy Spirit will never force us or anyone to operate in His gifts or to do anything against our will. God created us with free will and even after we are born-again, we never lose our free will.
What are the actual spiritual gifts? For many years I believed that there are only those nine listed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. But after more study on the subject, I realized there are many more than those. We can actually say that all the talents of God's children are the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and are much more than what natural human ability can do and manifests in the purpose of helping others. The most obvious gifts and ministries that are listed in the Bible may be grouped categorically, for easier understanding.
The Revelatory Gifts: the word of wisdom (Ephesians 1:17, Matthew 4:3-7, Matthew 22:15-22); the word of knowledge (Acts 5:1-6, Romans 8:16, Hosea 12:10); discerning of spirits (Acts 10:30-35, Acts 8:18-23, Acts 16:16-19).
The Vocal Gifts: speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4-6, 1 Corinthians 14:22); interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:3, 5, 1 Corinthians 14:26-27); prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 1 Corinthians 14:29-32, Acts 13:2).
The Power Gifts: the gifts of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, 1 Corinthians 13:2), gifts of healings (Kings 5:8-10, Mark 8:23-25, James 5:14-15, Luke 5:17), working of miracles (1 Corinthians 14:10, 2 Kings 4:40-44, Acts 20: 9-12, Acts 9:33-35).
The Gifts of Individual and Corporate Service: the gift of exhortation and encouraging (Romans 12:8, Acts 15:28, 31-32); the gifts of giving and showing mercy (Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-3); the gifts of helps and administrations (1 Corinthians 22:28, Numbers 11:17); workmanship and skills (Exodus 35:30-35); intercession prayer (Romans 8:26, Zechariah 12:10, Ephesians 6:18); knowledge, understanding and right speech (Luke 12:11-12, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 1 Corinthians 2:12-15, Romans 9:1); the gift of hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10, Titus 1:8, Hebrews 13:2, Romans 12:13).
The Spiritual Gifts Manifested as Offices in the Church: the office of apostle (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 12:28); the office of prophet (Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1:4-19; Ezekiel 1-3); the office of teacher (Romans 12:6-7, Exodus 35:34); the office of pastor (Romans 12:8, Acts 20:28); the office of evangelist (John 15:26, Acts 1:8).
Gifts for Personal Edification: the gift of regeneration through being born-again and eternal life (Titus 3:5, Romans 8:4-6, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:16), strength and power (Romans 15:13); revelation, warning and guidance (Mark 1:12, Luke 2:25-27a, John 16:13, Acts 20:23, Romans 8:13-14, Romans 8:1-6, Galatians 5:16);
Let's see what the Bible has to say about every single gift listed above. My prayer is that if you do not know yet what your calling is or what God designed you for, that you may discover what gifts God wants you to operate in by the end of this article.
THE REVELATORY GIFTS
1. The Word of Wisdom is the gift that gives us a portion of God's wisdom, that we need in our daily lives to overcome problems and trials. It is a wisdom that is far above our mental and intellectual abilities. Through the wisdom that we receive from the Holy Spirit, we can avoid any traps of the enemy, no matter how or through whom he is attempting to hurt us.
- 1 Corinthians 12:8 ... for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit...
- Ephesians 1:17 ... that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him...
No one can truly know God, without the gifts of wisdom and revelation received from the Holy Spirit, and only after we know the truth, are we truly free. Without the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we cannot get true revelation from God or His Word, and know how to properly apply and benefit from it in full.
- Matthew 4:3-7 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”
Throughout all four Gospels, we find many instances where Jesus was responding to the challenges of His opponents with the wisdom from above, and none could answer Him back, not even the devil. The Holy Spirit always has the perfect answer to any question and helps us overcome the attacks of the evil one.
2. The Word of Knowledge. Through this gift, the Holy Spirit reveals what needs to be known and could not be known any other way. Many times, when we pray to find out God's will for a specific matter, the answer will come as a word of knowledge. This gift is oftentimes connected with other gifts, as the Holy Spirit shows us God's will on a particular matter or case. For example, it happens quite frequently that the Holy Spirit reveals a certain sickness or problem that someone has, because He is willing to heal the person, solve the problem or perform a miracle; other times the Holy Spirit reveals somebody's heart's desire, to prove to the person that God knows it and He wants to do something about it. This is a wonderful gift that God uses to edify, strengthen and grow the Church.
- 1 Corinthians 12:8 ... for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit...
- Acts 5:1-6 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
There was no way for the Apostle Peter to know about the secret agreement between Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, without receiving the word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit. The anointing in the early church was very strong and God was not tolerating sin in its midst. The punishment for the couple's sin was harsh and final. The "fear of the Lord" shook those who witnessed them dying and they had their desire "to be right with God and live holy lives" drastically increased. This evil was cut off at the root and set a powerful example for all to see. The Holy Spirit revealed the true source of their sin: “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” No one can lie to God and not pay for their sin.
- Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
The inner witness is this very gift through which we know in our “inner man” something that we did not know before receiving the information from the Holy Spirit, as a thought, an impression or a vision.
3. The Discerning of Spirits is the gift through which the Holy Spirit is giving us His discernment in identifying the spirit that is behind a person, a situation or present in a location. These can be evil spirits or demons, human spirits or the Holy Spirit. This is not the gift of criticism and is not meant to criticize other people's gifts or ministries.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10c ... to another discerning of spirits...
- Acts 10:30-35 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
Through this gift, the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that He was behind the invitation to go and preach the gospel to the house of Cornelius, helping Peter to finally understand that salvation was not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles. In the next verses we learn that they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and they all “spoke with tongues and magnified God” (verse 46), which was reassuring Peter that he was doing the right thing, and that God wanted the Romans also to become His children. So Peter and his friends that joined him baptized Cornelius and his household in water and taught them the Gospel in the following days.
- Acts 16:16-19 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
The Holy Spirit gifted Paul to identify the evil spirit of divination that was possessing the slave girl, which cried out after them. She was telling the truth, but the source of it was the devil and Paul could not accept that. In Jesus' name, who truly was Paul's Lord, the evil spirit was forced to leave the woman he was possessing.
- 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
It also may happen that those who operate in the revelation gifts to fall into the trap of hearing their own spirit, when they already know some things about the person they minister to, and they may mix what they know with what the Holy Spirit is revealing to them, or may even hear a familiar spirit. Other times, sadly, the prophet can be a self-called prophet that believes that their own thoughts are God's thoughts or they get information from an evil spirit. That's why, the apostles John and Paul both warn us to test the spirits, the prophecies and all revelations and keep what is good, according to the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
THE VOCAL GIFTS
4. The Gift of Speaking in Tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in a language that the person never learned. The Holy Spirit does the speaking and gives the words that form the language, using our speech organs. If we do not want to open our mouths, the Holy Spirit will not force us to and the gift will not be manifested. If you have been afraid about receiving this gift and that the Holy Spirit would force you to use it, consider what Paul wrote:
- 1 Corinthians 14:32-33 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
The One who gives the gifts of speaking in tongues or prophecy is the Holy Spirit, so Paul says that we are those who decide if we use the gift or not because God does not force us. God loves order and He would never cause disorder or confusion.
A. The speaking in tongues as a sign for unbelievers.
This refers to speaking in an earthly language that is spoken by a larger or a smaller number of people, from which at least one person is present and hears what God has to say, in their own particular language, spoken by someone who never learned it.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
It is hard for someone to continue doubting that God is real, after they witness the miracle of hearing what God has to tell them in their own language, by a person that never learned that language. Speaking in “earthly languages” never learned, is one of the many methods that God uses to attract people to Him, as He did at the Pentecost:
- Acts 2:4-6 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
Some theologians say that the audience heard them speaking in their own languages, while the disciples were all speaking same language. It may seem right, but this conclusion places the miracle taking place in the listeners and not in the speakers, who were actually filled with the Holy Spirit and their speech was under the direction and was the overflow of the Holy Spirit. Let's not forget that all those people were hearing the disciples speaking in their languages “the wonderful works of God.” So we may conclude that it is more likely that each disciple from the 120, was speaking at least one of the languages of those who were listening. I have met people that for a certain situation spoke through the Holy Spirit a foreign language that they never learned, because God wanted to use them to communicate something to the listener, or even to be able to interpret the message of a preacher or teacher that was speaking in an unknown language. The Holy Spirit decides what gift He is giving to whom, how and when. On the day of Pentecost, 3000 souls came to Christ and were baptized in water.
B. The prayer in tongues is communication with God not with people.
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
Speaking in “tongues of angels” as Paul calls them in 1 Corinthians 13:1, is direct communication with God and no one else can understand it, except those who would have the gift of interpretation. Many times we find ourselves in situations where we do not know how to pray or what would be the best solution for a certain problem. When the Holy Spirit is praying through us, we know for sure that we pray the perfect and best prayer and is 100% according to God's will, so He will hear and answer it. So even if we do not know exactly how to pray, the very fact that the Holy Spirit is praying through us, brings the peace, comfort and security we need and that is priceless.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4a, 5a He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself... I wish you all spoke with tongues...
If Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, says that he wishes we would all have this gift, it means that God is not blocking or prohibiting the gift. Many block receiving and using the gift of tongues. There are no conditions that we must meet to receive this gift. The greatest obstacle is our free will that God always respects. The effect of “speaking in other tongues” is spiritual edification for those who use this gift. What an amazing gift, by which the Holy Spirit prays perfect prayers and brings revelation, using our very own speech organs! No wonder the enemy tries so hard to attack this gift and to convince many Christians to never desire or ask for it, and even worse, to fear it or believe it is demonic.
C. Speaking in tongues with interpretation in church.
Speaking in tongues, without the gift of interpretation, remains a mystery for us, and is understood only by God. For this very reason, if the one who speaks in tongues does not also interpret and there is no other person present that has the interpretation gift, it is better to not express their gift out loud in public, but to use it just in private. These two gifts together (tongues and interpretation) are equal to prophecy and bring the communication with God to another level that edifies those who listen.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4-5 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification
Paul does not say that speaking in tongues is an inferior gift, he is just saying that in church, the purpose of the spiritual gifts is to be understood by those who are present. For this reason is better to prophesy in church, because those who hear it, understand it and can benefit from it. On the other hand, the speaking in tongues without interpretation in public, may scare those who have no idea what they are hearing. There is one exception, when the unbelievers understand the tongue and is a mystery to all the others.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
So, “speaking in other tongues” is the perfect prayer language that we are to use on a daily basis, in our time with God, for personal edification and to help us face hard times better. We are advised to also ask for the gift of “interpretation of tongues” so we may understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking through our mouths or others.
5. The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues is used by the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what He is praying through our mouths or others. This gift gives us access to the mysteries of the Holy Spirit spoken through us or those around us.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3, 5 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men... I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
In order to be free to use our gift of speaking in tongues in a church setting, we are advised to ask for the gift of interpretation too. There are no instances in the Bible, where we are advised to ask for something that God does not want to give us.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
6. The Gift of Prophecy brings a message straight from God, and is usually for someone else and for edification, exhortation and comfort for that person.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:29-32 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Because the prophetic message may come from hearing the Lord in the spirit, or even with an audible voice (which happens more rarely) or through impressions, visions or dreams, it should be tested and in agreement with the Bible. Sometimes the message is 100% accurate, other times it is just partially right, or all wrong, but that is not necessarily making the one who gives it a false prophet. Why? Because it is not always easy for the one who receives a message in the Spirit, to put it into words and to perfectly distinguish what is from the Holy Spirit, what is from their own spirit or the enemy. That is the reason for carefully pondering every message and ask God for more confirmation, before accepting it as God's word for us. When the prophecy is about important decisions for the one who is on the receiving end, it is very important not to act based upon just one source but to look for more confirmation, especially personally and even through others. Balance is the key in everything.
- Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
The church was fasting and praying for guidance and the Holy Spirit answered their request. Fasting and praying sharpen our spiritual senses, helping us to concentrate on our fellowship with God, to enter into God's presence and hear more clearly what the Holy Spirit has to tell us.
- Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
- Acts 2:17-18 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants and they shall prophesy.”
The gift of prophecy may also be received by the “laying on of hands” by a prophet, upon those who desire the gift. By the “laying on of hands” the Holy Spirit will impart the gift of the one who has it, to the one who is being prayed for.
After the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, Peter led by the Holy Spirit, told the crowd that he was preaching to that they were witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy that the prophet Joel received from God and wrote about, approximately eight hundred years before their time.
If about two thousand years ago, they were living in the end times, how much more are we living in those times? So that prophecy is true for us too and it means that every single Christian may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of prophecy. It is not written anywhere in the Bible that there are limits for receiving the gift of prophecy or any other gift of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:1, that all of us should desire the gifts and especially to prophesy.
God's desire for us, His Church, is to be led by the Holy Spirit, as He is willing to show us what we need to do, how to solve our daily problems, to edify and encourage one another and not to be clueless about the next step or move.
THE POWER GIFTS
7. The Gift of Faith is the faith that Jesus says moves mountains and guarantees that we will receive what we believe and ask for.
- 1 Corinthians 12:9a ... to another faith by the same Spirit...
- Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.””
- Matthew 21:21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.”
Maybe at some point in your Christian walk, based on the above verses you decided to firmly believe for a certain thing. You prayed and prayed a specific prayer of faith countless times and never received the answer in the way you believed for. That happened to me too and I did not understand why it did not work, till I realized that Jesus was referring to this faith, that the Holy Spirit gives us for something specific, and which is His supernatural faith. We need only a little crumb of such faith, because it is not the quantity that matters, but the quality.
When we receive the gift of faith, our minds and spirits become aware of it and we are amazed how firm our trust is in praying, declaring and acting upon for something that seemed impossible until then. This gift of faith is not the basic faith, the measure of faith, that we all have as Christians for salvation.
- Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
This is a different gift than "the measure of faith" that we receive for salvation, which never leaves us, as we read in the following verses.
- Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Through this gift, God may use us to accomplish things that we naturally would not be able to do. The Holy Spirit may give us faith for miracles, for extreme healing, or to do things that we could not do in our own strength, but will save lives and solve terrible problems.
8. The Gift of Healing is a multiple gift because there is such a large diversity of sicknesses that need healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Mark 16:15-18 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
We are all sent by Jesus to lay hands on the sick, in His Name, for them to be healed. Healings had to be part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who came to be with us after Jesus ascended to His Father. The gift that we receive from the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the great commission that Jesus gave us all. Certainly, no one may say that all the sick people they prayed for were healed and I am no exception. But it really matters to not allow the unsolved cases to stop us from doing what our Lord commands us to do. For we know that what Jesus tells us through His Word, are not recommendations or suggestions, but commands. We also know that He never asks us to do something that He does not equip us for first. We may conclude that each of us, as Christians, need to minister in the gift of healing, even if in the beginning we pray just for ourselves. Then as we start to see results, we will dare to believe for more and we will continue with prayers for family members, friends and then even for strangers.
With all the new discoveries in the fields of medicine and science, there is still no real cure for the common cold. All the drugs, which are found under a huge number of brands and labels, having in essence the same components, cannot do more than mask the symptoms and not cure the cause, so the cold will last for at least a week, if not longer, depending upon whether or not there are other health issues. In reality, the cold symptoms (runny nose and eyes, coughing, the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract), are the result of the way God created our immune system to fight against viral or bacterial attack.
Jesus is Lord over every sickness and there is no sickness that is harder for Him to heal than another, for the simple fact that the Holy Spirit is the One who heals, bringing in the natural world what Jesus already did in the spiritual world, by His sacrifice on the cross. In His body He bore all our sicknesses, pains, sorrows and by His stripes we were healed (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24). You may read more about God's healing power in the articles “Healing By Faith" and "Healing by Faith - Bible Verses.”
A. Healing by proclaiming God's Word.
- Matthew 8:3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit directs us to only proclaim the healing for a specific sickness of a sick person, because He is the One who causes the proclaimed Word to come to pass and the healing to take place.
B. Gradual healing, step by step. Sometimes, the Lord decides that there will be a gradual healing process. Maybe this happens because God wants to test the faith of the one who needs the healing or to increase the faith of the one who has the gift of healings. Maybe the effects of being healed are way more complicated than we can see. By postponing the complete healing, the Lord can help work out more issues and build up faith in more people. What we know for sure is that the Holy Spirit decides who receives the gift of healing and how the healing will happen. Even Jesus, who healed the sick by the power of the Holy Spirit while living in a human body on earth, chose to heal gradually sometimes too. Jesus did not always use the same method to heal every time; and we know that no matter what "the method" He used, it was Holy Spirit that brought the healing.
- Mark 8:23-25 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.
- John 4:51-53 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
C. Healing by anointing with oil. The oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit, so the anointing with oil simply means that we are acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is the One who heals. By praying in the name of Jesus, we are asking for the favor that Father God would give to His beloved Son. Only if we live our lives led by the Holy Spirit, being God's children (“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” - Romans 8:14), can we receive this favor when we pray in Jesus' name; otherwise, our words have no power and no authority.
- James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
- Mark 6:12-13 So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
The disciples did what Jesus taught them as long as Jesus was with them in the flesh and they continued to do so after He ascended to Father God. They were led by the Holy Spirit, who was reminding them what the Lord taught them and was telling them all they needed to know. He does the same with us. When the Holy Spirit directs us to anoint a person we pray for with oil, we should obey, not because His work depends on it, but because God wants us to respect Him and obey Him, by doing what He is telling us to do.
D. Healing by the power of the Lord's presence.
- Luke 5:17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
- Acts 10:38 ... how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Even if there are no other clear verses that show that “the power of God” is with His children, there are over 90 verses where we read that God's power is given to us to do what He calls us to do and to enable us to live for God, which implies the healing ministries too, which is done by the power of God that we receive from the Holy Spirit.
In order to have God's power working in us, we have to submit and obey the Lord in every area of our lives ( (“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7). By doing so, the presence of the Holy Spirit, that is the power and the glory of God here on earth, will work through us, healing and blessing those for whom we pray.
9. The Working of Miracles. What is a miracle? A miracle is defined as “a wondrous event that is not explainable solely by natural processes but which require the direct causal agency of a supernatural being, usually God” (according to “Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology”).
We find many miracles listed in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. God brought ten miraculous plagues over the Egyptian people, to prove that He is the true God, even if the sorcerers managed to duplicate some miracles, by demonic power, their attempts were inferior to God's miracles and the Pharaoh's army ended by drowning in the Red Sea, which God divided for His people to cross through as on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-31). In the book of Daniel, we read how God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from being burned or even smelling like smoke, when they were thrown into the fiery furnace as they did not obey to worship king Nebuchadnezzar's image, also how God closed the mouths of the hungry lions to not hurt Daniel, while he was thrown into their den. The first miracle we read about in Jesus' ministry was changing water into wine, at the wedding in Cana. Then Jesus fed 5000 men and at least that many women and children with 5 loves of bread and two fish, He walked on water, calmed the storm by just saying two words, He resurrected the dead and so on. The list of miracles that God performed has never ended throughout the history and still continues. Even today, we witness many miracles that God does, blessing and helping us all. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26b: “....but with God all things are possible” and that is the truth, like everything He said.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10a ... to another the working of miracles...
- 2 Kings 4:40-44 So they served it for the men to eat. But as they ate the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot.” And they could not eat it. But he said, “Bring flour.” And he threw it into the pot and said, “Serve it for the people so that they may eat.” Then there was nothing harmful in the pot. Now [at another time] a man from Baal-shalisha came and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and fresh ears of grain [in the husk] in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give it to the people [affected by the famine] so that they may eat.” His servant said, “How am I to set [only] this before a hundred [hungry] men?” He said, “Give it to the people so that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” So he set it before them, and they ate and left some, in accordance with the word of the Lord.
- Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
- Acts 5:12-16 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
The working of miracles is one of the gifts that best prove the omnipotence and sovereignty of God. Those who witnesses miracles in Jesus' Name, performed by the Holy Spirit, have to recognize that Jesus is the Son of the only One true God.
THE GIFTS OF PERSONAL EDIFICATION
10. The Exhortation and Encouraging Gift is bringing courage, hope and strength to those who are discouraged and sometimes desperate, when they receive the ministry of this gift. The Greek word “Parakletos”, translated as “Helper” in John 14:26 means also: “Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby.” All these show that the Holy Spirit is the best source of encouragement for any person. The call for such a ministry is very important in the Church and every single one of us need encouragement from time to time.
- Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality...
- Acts 15:28-32 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.
11. The Gift of Giving and Showing Mercy is not referring to the act of giving, which we are all called to do, but this is the gift of those who give way beyond their natural possibilities and because of that, God blesses them with miraculous financial resources, that they could never acquire in their own strength. The true children of God who desire to be successful in their business, so they can give more for the kingdom of God, are those who have this gift. The more they give, the more they prosper. This giving is birthed in the agape love, in the sincere mercy that the Holy Spirit has placed in their spirits. Paul reminds us what Jesus said:
- Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing...
12. The Gifts of Helps and Administrations are complementary gifts that the support and strengthen any church or ministry. Without the brothers and sisters in Christ that have these gifts and many of their names are never known, God's kingdom would not be where it is. They are those who help sustain and sometimes do even the unpleasant jobs that are vital for any ministry.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations...
The word translated by helps is “antílēpsis” in the original Greek and it “refers to God's work bringing His helps of grace and power to meet someone's need, through a person He directs” (according to “HELPS Word -studies” Dictionary).
- Romans 12:7a ... or ministry, let us use it in our ministering..
- Romans 12:7a (NIV) ...if it is serving, then serve...
The word in the original Greek, translated by serving or ministry is “diakonia” and it “specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith, “pístis” in Greek, which means “the Lord's inbirthed persuasion”” (according to “HELPS Word-studies”). In this verse and in many others, there is a close connection between these two words, faith and service, working together as gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We read in the book of Numbers that God told Moses how He was to ease His job, by taking from the gift that was upon Moses and impart it to the others that were chosen to help with his duties.
- Numbers 11:17 “Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.”
13. The Gift of Knowledge, Understanding and Right Speech can come only by the Holy Spirit at the level that we find it in the following verses:
- Luke 12:11-15 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
No matter how tough a situation is, if God's children speak as the Holy Spirit leads them, their wisdom can't be defeated even by the most dangerous enemy. This is an important gift that the Holy Spirit gives us when we need it, but it is up to us to realize that we have it and then use it. With the Holy Spirit's guidance our answers will be short and succinct with such efficiency and great results, even if in the natural we would not be able even to open our mouths and speak.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-15 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
Only with the help of the Holy Spirit we can understand all that God has given us through His grace and all that Jesus did for us on the cross, because the natural mind cannot grasp or understand all we need to know about the spiritual world.
14. The Gift of Efficient, Intercessory Prayer is received by those called to be prayer intercessors. The Holy Spirit shows them how to pray or He prays through them, in other tongues. When needed, the Holy Spirit gives revelation to the intercessor about the hidden, spiritual roots of the many situations they are praying for and the spiritual implications of such cannot be known any other way. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will press upon the intercessor's heart an urge to pray for situations that they could never know about in the natural, but are necessary to be prayed for, so God will intervene in solving those specific problems. These are the prayers that open the way for God to work with miracles, solving impossible situations. This is a necessary gift for the body of Christ and for the growth of God's kingdom.
- Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
- 1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men...
- Ephesians 6:18 ... praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...
15. The Gift of Workmanship and Skill enables the one who receives it to excel in a certain field. The way the gifted person approaches their job and executes it in a certain manner is really special and many times even unique, proving that the Holy Spirit is the source of the extraordinary talent or skill.
- Exodus 35:30-35 And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. “And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver—those who do every work and those who design artistic works.”
16. The Gift of Hospitality All of us are called to be hospitable, without grumbling, but there are some Christians that have truly received the gift hospitality from the Holy Spirit. To everyone around them, it seems incredible how they handle their guests that enter their home with so much love and care.
- 1 Peter 4:9-11 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Titus 1:8 ...but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled...
- Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
- Romans 12:13 ... distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS MANIFESTED AS OFFICES
All these gifts involve time, effort, responsibility, spiritual maturity and dedication to really serve as God calls us to serve in a specific office or calling. Even if we feel attracted to some of the offices of ministry, after being born-again or after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it will most likely take many years of study, fellowship with God and spiritual growth until God opens the door for a specific ministry. God loves us and He does not want our pride, lack of maturity or knowledge of His Word, or our inability of hearing God's voice to cause us fail or fall into the traps of the enemy. Spiritual growth is a process and does not happen in a matter of days and no one can switch overnight from “milk to meat.”
- Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...
17. The Office of the Apostle When the Holy Spirit calls someone to this ministry, He will equip this person with all that is needed to be able to fulfill this calling.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers...
The Greek word translated by apostle is “apostolos” and it means: “a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way, especially a man sent out by Jesus Christ Himself to preach the Gospel; an apostle” (according to “Strong’s Concordance”).
If we look at the ministry of the apostles in the Bible, we see that they started churches, established God's ministry where they were sent and continued by teaching the Word of God to those who were called to continue the ministry after they would leave. The apostle Paul personally started at least 14 churches and many others indirectly by his disciples and spiritual children. The apostles did not just start new churches, they were also concerned about their spiritual condition. They kept in contact with continued teaching, exhorting and even rebuking when necessary by letters and visits, as we read throughout all the epistles of the New Testament.
Paul says the following about the ministry of the apostles:
- 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
The original word in Greek for “peddling” is “kapēleúō” which means “properly, to act as an unscrupulous merchant, i.e. "a huckster" who profits by "peddling the Word of God" for personal gain.” The word is only used in this verse and Paul makes it very clear that the job of the apostle is not for profit, but for God's glory.
The true apostles, gifted by the Holy Spirit, know that both they and their disciples who will continue their work, must preach the truth, from a sincere heart for the benefit of God's kingdom and not for personal profit; living their lives for Christ, led by the Holy Spirit and not by their own flesh or circumstances. Paul was true to the calling he received from God, as we read in:
- Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God...
All gifts of the Holy Spirit are equal to God and all are important for the right function of the church. If there was a hierarchy of the gifts, God would not be just.
- 1 Corinthians 12:22-25 ... those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary and those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
So, the apostle is not necessarily more important than the prophet or the teacher, but because the apostle is the one who starts the new church, it is normal to be put first on the list of offices.
18. The Office of the Prophet The main function of those who are called to be God's prophets is to be the ambassadors of God that communicate the word that God has for His people. Even in the Old Testament, prophets have not only been men, but women also such as the prophetesses Deborah and Huldah (Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14-20). In the New Testament, we read about prophetesses also such as Anna and the four daughters of Philip (Luke 2:36, Acts 21:8-9). In the following verses, we see how the Lord called the prophet Jeremiah to be His spokesman:
- Jeremiah 1:4-10 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.”
19. The Office of Teaching is tightly connected to the office of pastor, because both callings are based on teaching the body of Christ. The teacher has the gift of explaining what the Bible says, transforming what seems complicated into something easier to understand to whom they are teaching, without diminishing the truth of the Bible and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The more their students learn and understand the Scriptures, the more the gift is operating in their teacher.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers...
- Romans 12:6-7 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching...
In ministry of teaching, the direction of the Holy Spirit is vital but also requires much personal effort. As in the other offices, teaching requires much energy, dedication, responsibility, Bible study and time spent in God's presence, receiving revelation about the truth of what the Bible truly says to be able to teach it to others. Today, the access to information is much easier than what it was in Bible times. To be able to filter the truth from all the information we find in teachings, sermons or on websites, blogs or books, we need to know what the Bible really says on every matter. The biblical truth takes effort to be found and many times we have to “dig deeper” but once we have found it and we have confirmed it by the Holy Spirit, it is a priceless treasure, that no one can steal! The joy that comes from watching others grow in knowing God and in keeping His ways, makes all the effort worth it. Praise God for all the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and the way He uses them for the increase of His kingdom.
20. The Office of the Pastor is not an easy calling, but can be very rewarding. Every pastor that pastors without being called by God or rushes ahead of God's timing will find them selves in big trouble. To be a pastor means much more than standing behind the pulpit, preaching, attending conferences or even the honor of leading a congregation. A true “shepherd of God's sheep” suffers with those who suffer, helps those in need, corrects those who need correction with love and lives their lives as examples for everyone.
- Romans 12:6, 8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them... ... he who leads, with diligence...
- Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Peter 5:1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Peter is not addressing elderly people, but those who are spiritually mature, called by God to lead His churches. No one can correctly fulfill the ministry of a pastor, if they are not called and equipped by God. Needless to say that some church members are not all sincere, as some pastors are not all what they should be either. But the pastors who are led by the Holy Spirit, no matter what callings they have, will conquer every trial, problem or attack planned by the evil one, no matter how he orchestrates situations or uses people.
21. The Office of Evangelism is the calling to preach the Gospel under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and as a result those who hear it will be touched and many of them will be convinced that it is the truth. The gifted evangelist is an efficient witness of Jesus Christ.
- John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”
- Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- Acts 8:5-12 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit that is upon the office of an evangelist will cause signs and wonders, healings and deliverance to take place while the evangelist ministers, convincing those who hear and see that Jesus is the real Son of the true and only God and that they should turn their back on their evil ways and follow Jesus. This gift is accompanied by other gifts most of the time and especially by power and vocal gifts. Many evangelists receive words of knowledge about certain sicknesses that those present have and as they pray, God heals them; or they receive specific prophecies for others that show them of God's power and care, convicting them to surrender, repent, ask forgiveness and live for Jesus.
GIFTS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
22. The Gift of Regeneration Through Being Born-again cannot happen without the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Without the convicting of sin within one's heart by the Holy Spirit, no one can regret their sin and admit their need of a savior.
- Titus 3:5 ...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit...
- Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
- Romans 8:4-6 ... that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
- Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
By the gift of new birth that we receive when we repent of our sins, asking for forgiveness and believing that Jesus is the Son of God that died in our place paying the penalty for our sin and ask Him to become our Lord and Savior, we are adopted in God's family. This is true salvation. Afterward, we stop living according to our old fleshly lusts and learn to live according to the leading of the Holy Spirit that now dwells in us.
23. The Gift of Strength and Power Only by the power that we receive from the Holy Spirit, can we be firm in our faith that God is with us no matter what and that “He will never leave or forsake us.” Only in this manner can we live a peaceful and joyful life.
- Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 3:16 ... that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man...
24. The Gifts of Revelation, Warning and Guidance The Holy Spirit leads and guides us when we allow Him to do so. All Christians have had times when we felt or had the impression that there was a danger or something we needed to pay attention to. Many times the warning of the Holy Spirit is ignored. Then when what He tried to warn us about happens, the person remembers and regrets not heeding His voice, but it is too late. Even then, many fail to listen the next time and to not even realize that it was the Holy Spirit who gave them the warning. The more we learn to recognize, listen and obey the voice and ministry of the Holy Spirit, the more clearly we will hear the next time and will grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit “recognizing His voice” better and better.
- Mark 1:12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
- Luke 2:25-27a And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple...
- John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
- Acts 20:23 ... except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
- Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
- Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
The following are the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit that may also be considered the fruit of the Spirit, depending on the situation as they are also attributes of the Holy Spirit.
25. Peace and Joy given to us by the Holy Spirit in tough times, when normally we would panic or be terrified, are gifts that every sincere Christian should enjoy, as these attributes are manifested where the presence of the Holy Spirit is honored.
- Romans 14:17 ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
We should never fear to rejoice and be happy in the Lord because God's kingdom dwells in us, and that is the equivalent of having “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” as Jesus said we would.
- Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
The more we try to please God and the more we listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit, then the more peace we will have. Discontentment and frustration come from comparing ourselves with the standards of this world; from trying to live and think as the world lives and thinks and in trying to achieve what the "world" says we should achieve. If we live as the world lives instead of as God's Word says we should live, then we will never have long lasting peace or fulfillment.
- Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
26. Sanctification and Purity are impossible to have without the work of the Holy Spirit. Only with His help can we put our old nature to death together with the old way of thinking and making decisions, as we were programmed by the world. To use the “new programming code” - as citizens of God's kingdom, we need the help and input of the Holy Spirit in our thinking and living, as He is the only One to help us understand and apply God's “instruction manual” for us, which is the Bible.
- Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
- 1 Peter 1:2 ... elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
- 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart...
With the conclusion of listing the categories and gifts of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, let us now look at the nine gifts as listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 that the Apostle Paul operated in:
The Word of Wisdom
- 2 Peter 3:15 ... and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you...
The Word of Knowledge
- Acts 13:9-12 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
The Discerning of Spirits
- Acts 16:16-18 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Speaking in Tongues
- 1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all...
Interpretation of Tongues (surely he prayed for himself and received it, or he would not urge us to do so):
- 1 Corinthians 14:13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
The Gift of Prophecy
- 1 Corinthians 14:6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
Paul received visions, also: Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
The Gift of Faith
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
The Gift of Healings
- Acts 14:8-10 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
The Working of Miracles
- Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
- Acts 20: 9-12 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...
The works of the Holy Spirit are the proof of diversity in unity. He decides what gifts He gives, to whom and when, so that the body of Christ is edified and strengthened so that it grows in size and quality. Paul urges us all to desire and ask for the spiritual gifts. He says that we all should desire to speak with other tongues and interpret them, to prophesy and to allow the Holy Spirit to use us as He knows best, so we may find “a more excellent way” of living. (1 Corinthians 12:31b).
It may seem right to some in considering certain Bible verses as being mandatory, but at the same time, ignoring all the verses that say that we should ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and for the spiritual gifts. Why would some verses be more mandatory than others? And based upon what? In order for the Church to rise to the level that God says she should and have a true impact in helping the lost to come to Jesus; we must desire, ask, receive and then use all that the Holy Spirit has to offer us.
Copyright © 2017 Carmen Puscas May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
COMPANION ARTICLE
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Understanding the importance and impact of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
OTHER HOLY SPIRIT ARTICLES
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Understanding the importance and impact of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - BIBLE VERSES
Bible verses about the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Understanding the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - BIBLE VERSES
Bible verses about the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
THE GIFT AND MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - BIBLE VERSES
Bible verses that show what are the spiritual gifts and how they operate in our lives.
THE GOOD FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT AND THE BAD FRUITS OF THE FLESH
Living to bear much fruit by making life-producing, heaven-empowering choices under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
WHO THE HOLY SPIRIT REALLY IS
The undeniable attributes & characteristics of God the Holy Spirit with accompanying Scripture.
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT COMMITMENT AND SPIRITUAL MATURITY
ABRAHAM'S FAITH WAS ACCOUNTED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS
What was true for Abraham can be true for us too.
ABRAHAM'S FAITH WAS ACCOUNTED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS - BIBLE VERSES
Verses on this subject, for study and analysis.
BIBLICAL WATER BAPTISM
The water baptism is a commandment of Jesus Christ.
BIBLICAL WATER BAPTISM - BIBLE VERSES
Bible verses about water baptism for thought and analysis.
BY YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YOUR SOULS
The importance of patience in our christian walk, and how much it changes our lives for the good.
COMMUNION, THE LORD'S SUPPER
Realizing the freedom, joy & benefits in taking Communion.
FORGIVENESS: WHY DOES JESUS COMMAND US TO FORGIVE?
Realizing the power & importance of forgiveness versus the power & damage of unforgiveness.
GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN
It is up to us to remain in Him, He will never give up on those who love and obey Him!
GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN - BIBLE VERSES
Verses on this subject, for study and analysis.
HOW TO KEEP JESUS AS LORD
In God's Word we have all the instructions we need to live right and keep our salvation to the end.
IT WOULD BE HARD TO KICK AGAINST THE GOADS
Once we know that God's will is for us to repent and make Jesus Lord over our lives, the time that our ignorance was allowed, comes to an end.
PRAYER: WHY PRAY?
What does the Bible teach us about prayer and communication with God?
PRAYER-BIBLE VERSES
Verses on this subject, for study and analysis.
THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD
What does it take to see the power of the word of God, working in believer's lives?
THE GRACE OF GOD - UNMERITED FAVOR
What does the Bible say about God's grace and its attributes?
THE GRACE OF GOD - UNMERITED FAVOR - BIBLE VERSES
Bible Verses about God's grace for study and meditation.
WHO GOD REALLY IS
This article is about the true and undeniable “characteristics of God.”
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