Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

I've heard people say that that was for the early church, but we don't really need these gifts now. Not true. It's the Holy Spirit that lives in us that causes us to do the works that Jesus did. The proper functioning of the gifts of the Spirit give power and vitality to the Church, and if we ever needed power and vitality we need it now. All we have to do is to look around us and see a world that is bent on destruction. So if we ever needed the power and vitality of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church, we need that work today. The gifts are intended to enliven and empower the body, and it's only a live Christian body that can make an impact in today's society.                                  - Erie Diocesan

Every Child of God who has been baptized with the Holy Spirit may know and experience the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:1
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."

Ignorance comes through a lack of knowledge and if we don't know about these gifts, how will we be able to desire and experience these gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:31
"But covet earnestly the best gifts:"

Here the Greek word for "gifts" is "charismata" and means gifts of grace.

These nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are given and ministered by the grace of God and cannot be earned:
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  1 Corinthians 12:8-10

� There are nine gifts that are divided into three categories:
1. The three revelation gifts.
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Discerning of spirits
2. The three power gifts.
Faith
Gifts of healing
Working of miracles
3. The three vocal gifts.
Prophecy
Divers kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues

Every Child of God may receive a gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 4:10
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Paul had the desire to impart to all believers a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:11
"For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"

� We receive these gifts according to the measure of Gods grace toward us.
Romans 12:6
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us."

Every child of God is a candidate to receive a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is important that we do not neglect using the gift that the Holy Spirit imparts to us.
1 Timothy 4:14
" Neglect not the gift that is in thee."
We should never let this gift lay dormant and unused in our lives.
2 Timothy 1:6
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
The gift that is within us will be manifested and shown through us.
1 Corinthians 12:7
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

The invisible person of the Holy Spirit manifests himself through the operation of these gifts. Through us, He demonstrates His personality, will and purpose.
1 Corinthians 2:4
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"

� What is the purpose of these nine Gifts?
Through the nine gifts, the Holy Spirit meets the different kinds of needs of people:
1. The Word of Wisdom.
There is a significant difference between a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.

A Word of Wisdom is directive and by that we mean that it gives direction.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
"But wisdom is profitable to direct."

Wisdom points or directs to knowledge and it uses that knowledge accurately and effectively. Knowledge is therefore information. Wisdom is the effective use of that information.
Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:"

A word of Wisdom is a tiny fragment and portion of Gods immeasurable wisdom given at a specific time, for a specific situation. By using this gift, the Holy Spirit supernaturally effects people, situations and things and brings about His desires and purposes.
Here are examples of the use of this gift.
In the Old Testament King Solomon used this gift in
1 Kings 3:16-28.

In the New Testament, a word of wisdom by Paul brought confusion to the counsel of those apposing him and seeking his death.
Acts 23:6
"But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."

2. A Word of Knowledge.
The Holy Spirit is omniscient. He knows everything.
A word of Knowledge is a tiny portion of God's Knowledge supernaturally imparted by the Holy Spirit through man. It is Divine information imparted by God for a specific time and purpose. This knowledge is spoken out in words to people, to help them.

Here are some biblical examples of this gift in operation:
In the Old Testament:
The prophet Samuel imparts a word of Knowledge to the soon to be King of Israel, Saul about his lost asses.
1 Samuel 9:20
"And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found."

In the New Testament:
Jesus revealed to Nathanael supernatural knowledge about what he was doing before he came to Jesus.
John 1:47-49
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Similarly, Jesus gave a word of Knowledge to the woman of at the well.
John 4:16-19
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

The Apostle Peter spoke a Word of Knowledge to Ananias.
Acts 5:1-3
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

There are five reasons why the Holy Spirit uses a word of Knowledge to and through us:
1. To warn people.
2. To inform people.
3. To expose hidden things.
4. To confirm things.
5. To reveal Gods power in knowing secrets.


1 Corinthians 14:25
"And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."

3. Discerning of spirits.
To discern is to recognize or distinguish between certain things.
This gift allows Gods servants to recognize or distinguish between good and evil spirits.
It operates in the following ways:
1. To see people as they actually are.
Identifying between Gods children and satans children or seeing that someone has an unclean spirit. It helps to detect demonic activity in the life of a person. It clearly identifies different positive or negative characteristics of the human spirit. It discerns a bitter, fearful, depressed, tormented or broken spirit.
2. To be able to distinguish between different spirits namely;
The Holy Spirit
Angels
Fallen angels
Evil spirits and demons
Human spirits

There are numerous examples of this gift in operation in the Bible:
Jesus discerns the characteristic of Nathanael's spirit.
John 1:47
"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile."

Peter discerns bitterness as the characteristic of Simon's spirit.
Acts 8:23
"For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."

Paul perceived that the lame man had a spirit of faith.
Acts 14:9
"The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed."

Paul discerned an evil spirit in a woman.
Acts16:18
"But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."

John encourages us to discern all spirits.
1 John 4:1
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

Gods word has the ability to penetrate to the deepest depths of mans being.
Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

4. The gift of Faith.
There are different aspects of faith that believers experience and exercise.
� Believers exercise faith to receive salvation.
� Believers experience answers to prayer by exercising faith.
� One of the Fruits of the Spirit that believers bring forth in their spiritual character is the fruit of Faith.
� One of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that believers use in spiritual warfare is the gift of Faith.
The gift of Faith imparted through us by the Holy Spirit, is a tiny portion of God's supernatural Faith. Understanding of how God created th universe comes to us through faith.(previous sentence added by Jeremy Brown)
Hebrews 11:3
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

When this God kind gift of faith operates through us, we can remove mountains.
Mark 11:22-23
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1 Corinthians 13:2
"And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains."

Here are two examples in the Old Testament of this gift in operation:
1. By faith Gideon defeated the Midianites.
Judges 7:19-21
"So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp � blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."

2. By faith David Killed Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:50
"So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David."

In the New Testament we have two examples of the use of this gift by Peter:
1. By faith Peter raises the lame man.
Acts 3:6-7
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

2. By faith Peter raised Tabitha from the dead.
Acts 9:40
"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

5. The gifts of healing.
The gifts of healing are God's supernatural way of curing all manner of sickness and disease in the human body. We know that God is a healer and loves imparting healing to the sick. God is called Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer.
Exodus 15:26
"For I am the LORD that healeth thee."

Many healings were imparted to men through the life of Jesus.
Mark 5:30
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?"
Acts 10:38
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."

The Apostle Paul ministered healing to the father of Publius.
Acts 28:8
"And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him."

The gifts of healing stop the activities of viruses and germs in the human body, reverse the damage they've caused and bring about total restoration.

6. The Working of Miracles.
This is a supernatural energy flow from God that causes an instantaneous creative change in the human body, nature or a specific situation. It is described as a mighty work.
Matthew 13:54
"Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?"

Here are two examples of this gift being used:
1. Three examples of miracles done by Jesus.
Acts 2:22
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs." 1. Jesus turning water into wine:
John 2:7-11
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
2. Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes.
John 6:9-11
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
3. Jesus walking on water.
Matthew 14:25
"And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea."

b. The Apostles performed many miracles.
Acts 5:12
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people."
Acts 8:13
"Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

7. Kinds of Tongues.
Every Believer, when baptized in the Holy Spirit, speaks with unknown tongues. It is a mysterious heavenly prayer language to God, by the Holy Spirit, through us.

1 Corinthians 14:2
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
Romans 8:26
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

This Gift is called divers kinds of Tongues:
The word "kinds" is the Greek word "genes" which means various purposes.
This gift is therefore for various purposes that are deemed necessary by the Holy Spirit. It is related to the Assembly of the Christians where they come together.

There are four kinds of tongues manifest in the Assembly:
1. Exhortation.
With this manifestation, the Holy Spirit speaks to the Church, words of comfort, edification and encouragement. This tongue requires an interpretation of the Holy Spirit, by the Gift of Interpretation of tongues.
2. A rebuke.
With this manifestation, the Holy Spirit reveals, rebukes and attacks satanic forces at work against the Church or Believers.
In this case, no interpretation is always required.
3. Intercession.
With this manifestation, the Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of a person, a situation or the whole meeting of Believers where prayer is urgently required. Here no interpretation is always required.
4. Praise.
With this manifestation, the Holy Spirit introduces, directs, effects or harmonizes praise within the Assembly of Believers. Here no interpretation is always necessary.

8. Interpretation of Tongues.
This manifestation only relates to a situation where a message or utterance has previously been given in an Unknown Tongue. Those who are used by the Holy Spirit to speak a Message in an unknown tongue should pray for the Interpretation and receive it from the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret."
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."

Messages in Tongues should be by two or three and followed in course by the Interpretation. If no interpretation is given all the Saints must silently pray to God.

9. The gift of Prophecy.
This manifestation of the Holy Spirit is strongly emphasized and recommended by Paul for the Saints. It is directed at either the whole church or specific individuals. It is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

It has five purposes:
1. It edifies.
It builds, strengthens and makes Christians more effective.
2. It exhorts.
It encourages, motivates and stimulates Christians.
3. It comforts.
Its words cheer-up and comfort Christians when they are discouraged or brought under condemnation by satan.
4. It ordains and sends.
By words of prophecy, Christians are given special Gifts, Ministries, Assignments and are sent forth by the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 4:14
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy."
Acts 13:2
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
5. It ministers to Unbelievers.
When unbelievers are present in the Church, the Holy Spirit may minister to them through Prophecy.
1 Corinthians14:24
"But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:"

All Prophecy should be judged.
1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."
In judging Prophecy, one may ask three questions-
1. Is it scriptural?
2. Does it glorify God?
3. Does it fulfill the five purposes of Prophecy?

� How do the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit operate?
The nine Gifts operate:
1. By the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:38
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
1 John 2:20
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things."

2. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
We must have spiritual hearing to hear what the Holy Spirit says:
Revelation 3:6
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Romans 8:14
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

3. By faith.
Galatians 3:5
"He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"

4. By love.
Everything we do for God is packaged in love.
Ephesians 4:15
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

Those who do not operate in love, are irritating noisy workers and are counted as nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
1.Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
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, and have not love, I am nothing.

� The manifestation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit should never bring any glory to man. God should always be glorified.

1 Peter 4:10-11
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

� In ministering the Gifts of the Holy Spirit we always need to focus on two things:
1. Edifying the Church:
1 Corinthians 14:12
"Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."

2. Defeating satan and his kingdom:
Mark 16:17-18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Paul did not want Believers to be ignorant considering Spiritual Gifts. He wanted us to desire, obtain and use the best Gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:1,30,31
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

Those who operate in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, must do so decently, in order, doing the Lords commandments, living a deep and dedicated spiritual life.
1 Corinthians 14:37-40
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

The Apostle Paul encourages Believers to be used in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7
"So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

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Ken Wooldridge Ministries International, Inc., P.O. Box 12925, Knoxville, Tennessee 37912-0925, Copyright � 2000-2002 All Rights Reserved - Ken Wooldridge Ministries International, Inc.
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