Don’t Be Ignorant about Spiritual Gifts – part one

Don’t Be Ignorant About Spiritual Gifts

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT…”  So, why are we so ignorant concerning spiritual gifts?  Why is there so much division and misunderstanding within the church about spiritual gifts?  

It is because the devil is at work trying to rob the church of these powerful tools given to help the church fulfill its mission.  The forces of darkness are at work deceiving, lying and sowing seeds of discord and division.  Unfortunately, too often we fall prey to the lies and deception of the enemy and as a result some think the gifts no longer exist and others misuse or abuse the gifts.  Most of the church is uninformed or misinformed about Spiritual Gifts.  So, in the next 4 lessons we will be sharing important information about these gifts so we will not be ignorant.

Not Natural but Supernatural Gifts

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul gives us important instructions and insights about the purpose and use of these gifts.  It is here he list what the Spiritual Gifts are (sometimes referred to as “gifts of the spirit” or “charismatic gifts”). Lets look at verses 7 through11, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:  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.”  It is important to realize these are supernatural gifts, not natural gifts.  He is not talking about natural wisdom or knowledge.  These are supernatural gifts to help the church “for the profit of all”.  In other words these gifts are not about a person or to glorify anyone.

 9 Spiritual Gifts

Next notice there are nine different spiritual gifts named.  They 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.  Again, these are supernatural gifts, not natural gifts. Also, do NOT confuse these with the ministry gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4 or the motivational gifts listed in Romans 12. These Spiritual Gifts are unique and important for the mission of the Church.

Given as the Holy Spirit Wills

Also notice these spiritual 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 make that determination.  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 don’t worry about it.  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

Third notice the administration and operation of these gifts will vary.  They will 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; 

• The Revelation Gifts – which include– 1) Word of Wisdom, 2) Word of Knowledge, 3) Discerning of Spirits
• The Power Gifts – which include – 1)Special Faith. 2) Working of Miracles, 3) Gifts of Healings
• Vocal Gifts – 1) Tongues. 2) Interpretation of Tongues, 3) Prophecy

Next time we will explain in detail each of the Revelation Gifts.  Then the following time the Power Gifts and after that the Vocal Gifts.  As we begin explaining each gift it will be easy to see why and how each gift is put in each category.