9 Gifts of the Spirit – part 1 of 3 the power gifts
9 Gifts of the Spirit
Part 1 of 3
The 9 gifts of the Spirit, or “Spiritual Gifts” as the Apostle Paul calls them in 1 Corinthians 12:1, and sometimes referred to as the charismatic gifts, are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same 
Spirit, 10 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. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Not Natural but Supernatural Gifts
The nine gifts of the spirit are; 1) word of wisdom, 2) word of knowledge, 3) the gift of faith, 4) gifts of healings, 5) working of miracles, 6) prophecy, 7) discerning of spirits, 8) tongues, and 9) interpretation of tongues. These are supernatural gifts, not natural gifts.
Given as the Holy Spirit Wills
Often these gifts get confused with the “7 Motivational Gifts” as listed in Romans 12:6-8 and the “5 Ministry Gifts” as listed in Ephesians 4:11. The 9 Gifts of the Spirit gifts are not given out to individuals like the motivational gifts and ministry gifts, instead theses gifts are to be “manifested” (vs4) – (expressed or displayed or demonstrated) through believers by the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit wills. (end of vs 11) This is very important.
All 9 Gifts Available to All Believers
No one can decide or determine on their own when any of these gifts will be used – only the Holy Spirit can. However, believers must be willing and available for the Holy Spirit to use them. We are to “earnestly desire the Spiritual Gifts”. (1Corinthians 14:1) If you don’t believe in the Gifts of the Spirit or don’t want them or don’t think you qualify for them – the Spiritual Gifts will not manifest in your life. However, if you will believe and be available – get ready God will use you in some pretty amazing ways.
Diversities of Operations and Administration of Gifts
The administration and operation of these gifts will vary and differ as the Spirit uses the personalities and uniqueness of each individual. These gifts are distributed by God’s grace and are not something a person can earn. These gifts aren’t reserved for a special few. However, often they will manifest more frequently through those who serve in one of the 5-fold ministry gifts, but the manifestation of the 9 Spiritual Gifts are available to all believers.
Explaining Each Gift
For the sake of teaching and to better understand what each gift is, what their purpose is, and how they operate we will put them in 3 categories; Revelation Gifts, Power Gifts, and Vocal Gifts. As we begin explaining each gift it will be easy to see why and how each gift is put in their respective category. In this first part of 3 parts we are going to cover the Revelation Gifts. (Click here for Part 2 – The Power Gifts) or (Click her for Part 3 – The Vocal Gifts)
Revelation Gifts
The revelation gifts include Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, and Discerning of Spirits. These gifts reveal what is unknown or hidden in order to bring understanding or explain God’s intentions or desires.
Word of Wisdom:
First, understand this is not talking about natural wisdom or having the ability to make wise decisions. We do need wisdom to make wise choices in life and God has promised to give us that kind of wisdom. James 1:5 tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously…”.
Word of Wisdom is Future
The Gift of the Word of Wisdom is a special gift in which God by the Holy Spirit imparts a certain fact (a word) about the future as it relates to the divine plan and purpose of God. God has all wisdom and all knowledge. He knows the beginning from the end. In special situations He will, through the Holy Spirit, give a word of wisdom to someone to help warn, prepare, assist, or guide us (His church) in order to help ensure that His plan is and will be fulfilled. Sometimes the word of wisdom will be conditional. In other words, the word given may or may not come to pass if certain conditions are met or not met.
There are many examples of the word of wisdom throughout the Bible; Ananias in Acts 9, Philip in Acts 8, Noah in Genesis 6, Joseph in Genesis 37-50, Agaabus in Acts 21, Paul in Acts 27, Peter in Acts 9, and many more.
Word of Knowledge:
Just like the Word of Wisdom isn’t about natural wisdom the Word of Knowledge is not about gaining a great understanding of natural things. It is not knowledge gained through study or learning more about God or the Bible. The word of knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of certain facts in the mind of God.
Word of Knowledge is Present or Past
God knows everything, but He won’t reveal everything He knows. However, He will give us a word, a small fragment of what He knows, just enough to help us. The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation of some current or past situation in which the person would have no way of knowing in the natural.
There are many examples in the Bible of the Word of Knowledge; Samuel in 1 Samuel 9, Elijah in 1Kings 19, Elisha in 2 Kings 5, Jesus in John 5, Peter Acts 5, and many more. Often the Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge work together. Several of the Word of Wisdom examples also have the Word of Knowledge in operation.
Remember, the revelation that the word of knowledge brings is never future tense — it’s present or past tense. The word of wisdom, on the other hand, reveals plans and purposes concerning the future.
Discerning of Spirits:
The discerning of spirits is having supernatural insight into the spirit realm. This gift momentarily gives a person the ability to see or hear into the spirit world. This is not the gift of discernment and it is not about discerning the character or faults of a person. It has nothing to do with discerning people. It is called the discerning of spirits, and it deals with spirits that exist in the spirit realm – angelic, satanic, or human.
Supernatural Insight into the Spiritual Realm
The realm of the spirit is very real. Although we are unable to see it with our natural senses God has provided the gift of discerning of spirits. This gift gives supernatural insight into this spiritual realm, as the Spirit wills. Part 2 covers the 3 Power Gifts; working of miracles, gifts of healings, and the gift of faith. (You can CLICK HERE to read part two)
