I want us to see some important things about gifts of the Spirit. We will look at three classifications of the gifts. They are: Motivational gifts, Charismatic gifts, and Ministry gifts. We will look at them in that order.
A few things need to be understood about spiritual gifts before we begin. First, the gifts, regardless of their type, all belong to God. They are abilities and anointings from God whereby He enables us to do things that we otherwise would not be able to do. At no time should we think that the gifts belong to us! Second, the gifts operate according to the faith and obedience of the recipient. They do not operate independent of human cooperation. They flow through yielded vessels. Third, they are given to bring profit to others. They are not sent for the benefit of the person through whom they flow, but for other people.
MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS
Romans 12:3-5 says, “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. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” The Apostle Paul is telling the church in Rome and us that we should not be proud of spiritual gifts that God uses in our life. He reminds us that God has given to each one a measure of faith sufficient for whatever work He has called them. He is also stressing unity in the Body of Christ as well as the individuality of each member. No person has a corner on God or His gifts. We need each other and the gifts that each person brings into the Body for it to be healthy and productive.
Romans 12:6-8 says, “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.” For the purpose of identification and explanation we call these motivational gifts. I hesitate to say personality traits, although others have done so, because I see these gifts as being supernatural not just natural, human traits.
In this passage, Paul says that we each have gifts differing according to the grace given. That means that with each gift there is a purpose for its existence and there will be grace required for that person to exercise the gift. Paul also says that whatever motivational gift may be in us, we must use it or cooperate with it to see its fulfillment in the purpose of God.
There are several things that affect our motivations in life. Not the least of which is being born with a fallen nature. Home environment, education, life experiences and the call and anointing of God in our life are also great influences. Sometimes we may see a person whose normal temperament may appear to be soft spoken, yet who in some circumstances can be very bold and forceful. And that unusual expression of boldness could be there because that is their motivational gift.
Prophecy
The person whose motivation is prophecy is not necessarily a prophet or one who flows in giving prophecies to others but one who has insight into situations that others may miss. This person is hard to fool often seeing through exterior circumstances to see motives and character issues in others or situations. When you see a person with this type of motivation, it may be viewed as harshness because this person is usually a very frank and plain spoken individual who sees things in black and white with very little gray in their life. Their focus on right and wrong may be viewed by others as intolerance. They are often only interested in an immediate decision to change and to do what is right, as they perceive it.
A good example of this type person would be John the Baptist. John was a prophet and one who gave prophecies, but it is easily seen that he also had the motivation of prophecy (Luke 3:2-18). He was very single minded. He was sent on a mission by God to prepare the way for Messiah to come. He was very frank and plain spoken. He was not easily deterred by the opposition of others. Under pressure by King Herod, he refused to change his mind and eventually was beheaded because he rebuked the king for his immorality. (Matthew 14:1-12).
We notice in Romans 12:6 that the Scripture says that the person whose motivation is prophecy should exercise it with faith. This says to me that to be true to the motivation that God has put within will require the exercise of faith for its expression, showing it is not entirely controlled by natural traits but has a component of the divine in it.
Minister
The word in Greek for minister is defined as one who serves, deacon, minister or one who attends to the needs of others. Some of the characteristics of this motivation would be one who has the ability to detect and meet practical needs in others. They want to meet the need quickly even to the point of using their own resources to do so. They get extremely involved and have difficulty saying no when asked about meeting the need of someone.
Their desire and quickness to meet practical needs could be looked on by others as being pushy; this is because their whole focus and motivation is helping others. However, other people may see this as being done for the express purpose of being seen by others, being a glory-grabber.
A good example of this motivation is Martha. She was always hospitable, meeting the practical needs of others. She became irritated that her sister Mary didn’t help her with meal preparation. She seemed to be anxious, distracted, worried and hurried because she was so diligent to get everything done. It is necessary for servers to spend time in the Word and prayer to have the stamina to perform their ministry (Luke 10:38-42).
A modern day example for this motivation would be Mother Theresa in India. She was one who spent most of her life in service to others. She served the poorest of the poor in that country and around the world.
Teaching
This involves one whose motivation is giving instruction or information. They have a tendency to put emphasis on accuracy of words. They also have a tendency to be critical of others who teach. They often present truth in an orderly sequence because of their delight in research. They detest using Scripture or Scripture illustrations out of context.
The danger they face is because of their emphasis on accuracy of words they may neglect the actual truth present in the lessons given because they are so focused on specific words. They also face the danger of getting out of the Spirit and more into intellect than necessary. Others may perceive them as being cold and analytical. Scripture tells us that “…we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up but love edifies” (1 Corinthians 8:1).
A good example of this type of person would be Paul. He is listed among those who were teachers in Antioch (Acts 13:1, 1 Tim.2:7). He later became an Apostle. He often quoted the Old Testament in presenting truths. He was trained at the feet of Gamaliel. He always wanted his books (2 Timothy 4:13).
This motivation is necessary in the Church. The Pastoral calling needs this operation – “…apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). God has set this motivation in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:28). It is a balancing factor by keeping the church on course and error out.
Exhortation
This motivation is one who encourages others. They want to see people experience the Word in practical ways, and are concerned with experiences to develop maturity. They are action people – step one, step two and then step three… They look for ways to turn bad experiences into growing opportunities. They seem to be on the side of those who are down and out.
They may be misunderstood because of their over-simplification in their step by step encouragement given to others. They have a tendency to take Scripture out of context when only applying it to experiences.
A good example of this is Barnabas who was known as the son of consolation or encouragement. Barnabas stood up for Paul when he wanted to be part of the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:27). He encouraged the Antioch Christians to continue to trust in God (Acts 11:23). Later he had a difference of opinion with Paul about John Mark, who had left Paul’s ministry. Rather than discarding him, Barnabas took him and started ministering in another area (Acts 15:39).
Giving
This type of person has the ability to make money. They look for genuine needs to give to. They want to see the Kingdom advanced by their giving. They believe that what they have really belongs to God and they are stewards of it. Other people may look at this person and think that their whole life is tied up with money or that they are trying to control the church by the use of their money.
Some examples of this motivation would be God Himself. He loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten son (John 3:16). Jesus motivated by love gave Himself on the Cross for us. Abraham was a tither and gave to his nephew Lot. He was very honest and paid for a plot of ground to bury his wife Sarah even though the land was offered to him free.
There are several passages in Scripture that tell us how we should relate to finances & giving. Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us, “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Notice God is establishing His covenant by blessing us with finances. This lets us know that money in and of itself is not bad but how it is used and the motivation behind it could be.
Romans 12:8 says, “… he who gives, with liberality…” The churches in Macedonia were commended for their use of finances in the midst of lack. 2 Corinthians 8:2 “…that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” They did not allow the famine to control their giving. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:12 “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” Once can be generous even with a little! And Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” The modern church needs to grasp what is being said here.
Leader
This is a person who has leadership abilities, like an administrator, Pastor or organizer. He is one who stands before others, out in front not only instructing but leading by example. This person sees the overall picture and can set goals. He has the ability to get others involved to help do the job and get the most out of available resources.
Other people may think that this person is avoiding work when they see him delegating tasks to others. His desire to complete a project may appear to be callous to other needs.
A good example of this is Nehemiah. He was the cupbearer to the king in the Persian palace. He had seen how Jerusalem had been destroyed and wanted to rebuild it. With the king’s permission, he returned and organized help to rebuild the city walls and gates.
Mercy
This motivation is somewhat similar to the one who serves or ministers to others. This motivation allows the person to see a need for mercy in someone else. The person wants to remove the hurt and provide healing by ministering forgiveness and assistance. Usually this person is an easy going, calm person.
Because of their gentleness, they may appear to be weak or indecisive which is usually not the case. Others may take offence at their desire to extend mercy to those they think are unworthy of it.
A good example of this is the Good Samaritan. Jesus told the story of a man who was overtaken by thieves, who robbed and beat him leaving him for dead. A priest and a Levite came and passed by on the other side of the street without doing anything to help him. Then Luke 10:33-37 says, “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” A mercy motivation demands helping someone in need regardless of what others expect.
CHARISMATIC GIFTS
The Apostle Paul begins his instructions about the gifts by saying in 1 Corinthians 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” The very thing that he does not want the church to be ignorant of is the thing that we are most ignorant about! The modern church, as a whole, has ignored these gifts and as a result the Body of Christ has suffered immensely.
We are told in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that, “… the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” They are not toys or trophies but tools to meet human need and advance God’s Kingdom. We need each of them in the church to do the job assigned to us. We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:4 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
The gifts of the Spirit are given as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” They are manifestations of God’s power and ability to achieve a particular thing. Usually they are for someone’s benefit other than the individual through whom they flow.
We are instructed further in 1 Corinthians 14:12 “Even so you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”
We should be aware that gifts do not indicate character; they speak more about the giver than the receiver of the gift. The receiver only has to receive the gift and yield to its working through him.
Let’s look at the Scripture to see what is said about each of these gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 says, “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.”
The first thing I notice is that there are three groupings with three gifts in each group. For example: Knowledge gifts – Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge & Discerning of Spirits. Power gifts – Working of Miracles, Gifts of Healings, & Faith. Vocal gifts – Prophecy, Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues.
Knowledge Gifts
WORD OF WISDOM – This gift is a segment of God’s overall wisdom. It is insight into the mind of God about a particular situation. It often gives understanding about the right use of knowledge. While divine wisdom can come through natural means, the gift of the word of wisdom is given supernaturally. Sometimes prophecy contains a word of wisdom or a word of knowledge.
There are several examples in Scripture of individuals who were used in the expression of this gift. Here are four of them:
Elisha exercised this gift as seen in 2 Kings 3:15-18, “Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.” The Lord spoke to him about what Israel should do in handling the surrounding armies. Generally speaking the word of wisdom is about future events.
Joseph exercised this gift also. Genesis 50:24-25 says, “And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.”
Jesus was speaking to Peter through this gift in John 21:18-19, “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
We see Agabus expressing this gift coupled with the gift of prophecy in Acts 21:10-11, “And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'”
WORD OF KNOWLEDGE – it is supernatural knowledge given by the Spirit of God. It is a fragment of God’s overall knowledge and has nothing to do with I.Q., education, or natural abilities. It deals primarily with past and present events. If future events are involved then it is coupled with the gift of prophecy. It operates by the anointing of the Spirit and God’s revelation.
Elisha exercised this gift by revealing to the king of Israel where the Syrian army would be and thereby allowing them to escape slaughter. 2 Kings 6:8-12 “Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?” And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”
On another occasion Elisha’s servant Gehazi acted deceptively by taking a gift from Naaman. He took some silver and two changes of garments. When he returned back home Elisha asked where he had gone and he said that he did not go anywhere. Then Elisha said, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow” (2 Kings 5:26-27).
A short time after Pentecost several people in the Jerusalem Church were bringing money to take care of those in poverty. Ananias and his wife sold a piece of property and said they were giving all the proceeds to the church for this purpose. But they kept back part of the money for themselves. When Ananias came before Peter with his portion of the money, Peter knew that Ananias had lied. 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?” Divine judgment fell on Ananias and Sapphira and both died.
Paul exercised this gift in Lystra. Acts 14:8-10 says, “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.” In addition to the word of knowledge, it seems apparent that there was also a miracle healing that occurred.
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS – the gift of discerning of spirits is not suspicion, fault finding, criticism, looking on the dark side of things, not for the uncovering of human failings or discerning people. It is discerning or seeing into the spirit realm to see which one of the following is in operation at a specific point in time:
- Demon spirits
- Angels
- Holy Spirit
- Human spirit
Isaiah the prophet told of a time when he saw into the Heavenlies and saw the Lord sitting on a throne. At the same time, he also saw angelic beings and heard the Lord speaking to him about his life and ministry (Isaiah 6:1-13). He knew who these beings were by the revelation that came through the gift of discerning of spirits.
John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos because of his testimony about Jesus. He also began to see and hear into the spirit realm and was given the information that we now have in the book of Revelation. He saw many heaven scenes as well as many tragic situations through this gift.
Paul and Silas were in Philippi and during a time of prayer a young girl who was demonized began to harass them for many days. God gave Paul insight into what was controlling the young girl and he cast it out thereby ruining her livelihood and those of her master’s (Acts 16:16-24).
Peter and John were sent by the leadership of the Jerusalem Church down to Samaria to check on some who had come to the Lord. When they arrived they laid hands on the new disciples and they received the Holy Spirit. Simon, the sorcerer, saw them and wanted the same power for himself. Peter responded, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God” (Acts 8:20-21).
We can see from these, as well as several others in the Scripture, that this gift has an important place in the life of the Church. We desperately need it in operation today.
Power Gifts
GIFT OF FAITH – Faith is referred to in Scripture as a fruit (Galatians 5:23), as a walk (Romans 1:27), and as a gift (1 Corinthians 12:9) As a gift, it is an instantaneous operation, a heightening of the faith present in the person. Every believer has a measure of faith that is released from within the human spirit (Romans 12:3). This measure of faith can grow (2 Thessalonians 1:3). But when this faith is released as a gift, it goes beyond the normal operation of faith and is empowered by a sudden work of the Holy Spirit. It works suddenly and then is gone. It is as if faith bubbles up, bubbles out and then bubbles back down to its normal level of operation.
Here are some Biblical examples of its operation.
As Jesus and His disciples were walking on the road a woman with an issue of blood approached Him. She had said to her, ‘if I can touch the helm of His garment I will be well.’ She touched Him and Jesus felt a release of power go out from Him. After finding who touched Him, He said. “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you well, go in peace” (Luke 8:48).
On another occasion Jesus was approached by two blind men who desired healing. Jesus asked if they believed that He could heal them and they responded, ‘yes, Lord.’ “Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened” (Matthew 9:29-30)
Jesus was in Cana of Galilee when He was approached by a Nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. He asked Jesus to come with Him and heal his son. He did not go with him, but said “Go your way, your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way” (John. 6:50). When he arrived home he discovered that his son had been healed at the exact time when Jesus spoke.
As Peter and John were going up to the Temple to pray, they encountered a forty year old lame man at the gate. He asked them for money, which they did not have with them. But Peter told the man to rise and walk and he was instantly healed (Acts 3:6-9). Later, Peter explained to those who had seen the miracle, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16).
GIFTS OF HEALINGS
Physical healing is found in both the Old and New Testaments (Exodus 15:26, Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17, Mark 16:17-18, James 5:14-15) these are just a few of the places where it is promised.
We notice in 1 Corinthians 12:9 that both words ‘gifts’ and ‘healings’ are plural. This says to me that there are several types of gifts of healing and there are several types of methods of healing.
Methods of Healing
- Laying on of hands – Mark 16:17-18
- Anointing with oil – James 5:14-15
- Word of God – Psalm 107:20, Matthew 8:5-13
- Command of faith – Acts 3:1-5
- Confession of Scripture – Mark 11:22-24
- Act of obedience – 2 Kings 5:10-14
- Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:9
In the ministry of Jesus there are nineteen recorded instances where He ministered physical healing to someone. In twelve of those instances faith is mentioned as being used at the time. In the remaining seven there is no mention of faith.
There also are instances when two or more of the methods of healing will be used at the same event. For example, one might anoint with oil, lay hands on the sick person and give a command of faith for the person to be healed.
We often see that some people are anointed to minister healing in one area or disease and be very successful, yet not be as successful in other areas. This is where the anointing of the Spirit regularly releases an anointing for healing through them for a particular condition. They cannot turn it on or off by their will, but it is as the Spirit of God releases healing anointing.
GIFT OF MIRACLES – is an operation or working of supernatural power and ability. There are many different types of miracles mentioned in Scripture.
- Miracle healings – Matthew 8:2-3, Matthew 9:2-7, Acts 3:6, 9:34,40
- Protection miracles – Daniel 3:16-25, 2 Kings 3:16-22
- Provision miracles – 2 Kings 4, Psalms 78
- Satanic miracles – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
- Special miracles – Acts 19:11-12, 17-18, 20
In the working of any type of miracle, it all starts with God. He is the one who does the miracle. There is no such thing as a miracle that humans can do. God desires to do miracles. The things that we consider as miraculous are really just God being God. He does what He does and it is all for our benefit and the extension of His Kingdom.
However, miracles generally do require our participation. With most of the promises of God there are conditions attached. When we obey or meet the conditions then He is free to perform what was promised. For example: He has promised to meet our financial needs. But one of the conditions related to that promise is that we tithe and give offerings (Malachi 3:8-10, Philippians 4:15-19). If we do our part then He can do the miracle of divine provision. This same principle holds true in all the areas where He does miracles.
In modern times there have been many individuals who experienced miracles flowing through their ministry. Some of them were: Alexander Dowie, John G. Lake, Smith Wigglesworth, William Branham, Oral Roberts, T.L. Osborn, Kenneth Hagin, Katherine Kuhlman, A. A. Allen, and many, many others. Some of these were controversial people, yet there is no doubt that miracles happened in their ministry.
God wants to do miracles today. History records that where ever there is a move of God, miracles happen!
Vocal Gifts
These gifts are one of the ways that the Spirit uses to speak to us. Prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues, in addition to His written word, are ways He used in the first century to speak to His church and He still uses them today in the twenty first century church.
PROPHECY is the voice of God speaking in the language of the hearer to instruct, encourage, and direct His people. We are told in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” It is a gift that is useful in the church as a whole, as well as individual lives. This gift edifies, exhorts and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3) and builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).
No place in the Bible are we told that this gift has ceased. There have been individuals with this gift from Abram down to the present time. There have been false as well as true prophets of God. There could be no false ones if there were not true ones. There is no such thing as a false three dollar bill because there is no real one.
Instructions are given (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) for the exercise of vocal gifts in the church. But all are encouraged to use the gift of prophecy. “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31). “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39).
This gift operates by the anointing of the Spirit and the yieldedness of the individual, whether it is spoken to one person or to a multitude.
TONGUES are a language of men or of angels (1 Corinthians 13:1). It is a real language that the speaker has not studied and does not know. It expresses the divine presence of God and His ability.
The ability to speak is a learned ability. As a child we learned to speak our native language. The ability to speak in tongues, however, is given to each person when they are filled with the Spirit of God. That ability stays with them the rest of their life. All they have to do is yield to the Holy Spirit. When one is speaking in tongues they are speaking from their spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14). As at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gives the utterance and the person does the speaking (Acts 2:4).
Twelve Reasons to Speak in Tongues
- Initial outward evidence of the Baptism in the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6).
- For personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4).
- Keeps your experience with the Holy Spirit fresh and alive.
- Eliminates selfishness entering into our praying (Romans 8:26-27).
- Helps our truth in God (Jude 20).
- Keeps us free from filthy contamination that is around us.
- Provides a way to pray for things we do not know about.
- Provides us rest (Isaiah 28:11-12).
- Doorway into the supernatural realm.
- Helps us to tame the tongue (James 3:8).
- It is a way for believers to speak directly to God and bypass the mind (1 Corinthians 14:2).
- It is a means to do spiritual warfare (2 Corinthian 10:3-5).
Some, down through the years, have said that tongues ceased when the Bible was compiled in the early fourth century. But the Bible is clear that it did not. 1 Corinthians 13:8 says that tongues along with other spiritual gifts will cease “when that which is perfect is come” meaning when we see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). In the mean time we should use this gift for its stated purposes.
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES is the bringing forth in the language of the hearers what was said in tongues. It is not a word for word translation but an interpretation of what was said. It gives the message of what was said in an understandable fashion. While tongues speak to God (1 Corinthians 14:2), the interpretation speaks to people. It is similar to prophecy with the exception that tongues go before it.
The Apostle Paul desires that the gifts be for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:5 says, “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.” As long as tongues exist in the church, the gift of interpretation of tongues will operate concurrently with it.
This gift is very limited in its scope. It works by interpreting tongues. It is not a gift that interprets dreams, visions or coffee grounds. It interprets tongues. Some have thought that if this gift worked in their life sometime then they could use it in other ways also. We have no Biblical precedent for that.
Releasing Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Spirit are released by the Spirit from within the human spirit. Yet, humans do have a part to play in their release. Paul said to the Church in Rome, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established” (Romans 1:11). He also told young Timothy, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership” (1 Timothy 4:14). He told him in a second letter, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).
The attitude of some Christians has been to wait on God to come swooping down and making us exercise a spiritual gift. If the Spirit of God is in you then the potential, ability, and anointing is already present. It is then up to the individual to obey the promptings of the Spirit and allow the gift to flow through them.
Furthermore, we are told to desire spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 13:31 says, “But earnestly desire the best gifts…” 1 Corinthians 14:12 says, “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” In this verse he is not telling them to stop desiring spiritual gifts, but to make sure their motivation is to edify the church through the gifts.
Another way to activate the gifts is to spend time with and be mentored by someone who is already flowing in the gifts. I remember several years ago at New Life Church, in Louisville, KY we had a guest speaker who was very accurate in the ministry of the word of knowledge and prophecy. At the conclusion of a service he invited all the teenagers to come forward, stand at the front of the sanctuary and face the audience. He said a prayer over them and then asked them to yield to the Spirit and allow the gifts of prophecy and the word of knowledge to flow through them to specific individuals in the crowd. They all did and not a single one of them gave a wrong prophecy or called out something that was not accurate! Why did this happen? They were flowing in his anointing because they had spent some time under his ministry. Remember Elijah and Elisha? The principle still works!
Spiritual Manifestations or Reactions
Before I move on to Ministry Gifts, I think it is necessary to say some things about the difference between spiritual manifestation and reactions to the Spirit. This area has not been emphasized much in recent times.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” This was said in the context of spiritual gifts. Each of the spiritual gifts could be said to be a manifestation of the Spirit of God. However, how one responds or reacts to the Spirit is not necessarily a manifestation of the Spirit. The Bible mentions some acceptable reactions or responses to the Spirit such as: praising God (Psalm 149-150), dancing before the Lord (1 Chronicles 15:27-29), shouting praise to God, and clapping hands (Psalm 47:1). It also mentions some other genuine manifestations of the Spirit, in addition to the gifts already mentioned, such as: dreams, and visions (Joel 2:28-29).
A good way to tell the difference between a reaction and a genuine manifestation is whether or not it is in line with Scripture. Is it honoring the Lord? Does it edify the people present? Does it draw attention to the person doing the reactions? Does it appear to be self-centered? If it is of God it will always honor the Lord and be in agreement with the Word of God!
Taken from my book HOLY SPIRIT & HIS GIFTS available on Amazon.