THE GIFTS OF REVELATION

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“For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:8 NKJV)

 

The Holy Spirit bestows various spiritual gifts freely upon the believers as He pleases.

1 Corinthians 12:4-10 – NKJV

 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

 7 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.

These supernatural abilities are not intended for self-projection and aggrandizement but for God’s glory, effectiveness, and fruitfulness in God’s service and the edification of the Church—God’s people.

The Scripture highlights the Holy Spirit’s nine major gifts or manifestations in 1 Cor. 12:4-10. However, for this study, we shall group the nine spiritual gifts into three distinct divisions based on their unique nature, affinity, manifestation, and function.

First, the Gifts of Revelation: the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, and the Discerning of Spirits.

Second, the Gifts of Inspiration: Prophecy, Different kinds of Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues.

Third, the Power Gifts: Faith, Gifts of Healings, and the Working of Miracles.

In this piece, we shall examine the first group—the Gifts of Revelation (the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, and the Discerning of Spirits) and the others in the next piece.

First, the Word of Knowledge.

The gift of the word of knowledge does not imply possessing perfect, broad, general, unlimited, or infinite knowledge about everyone and everything. Only God is omniscient (all-knowing)—perfect, absolute, unsearchable, or infinite in knowledge and understanding.

The Psalmist proclaims, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” (Psa. 147:5 NKJV).

Elihu queried Job, asking, “Do you know how the clouds are balanced, those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:16 NKJV).

The Psalmist also said of God’s knowledge, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psa. 139:6 NKJV).

Although believers don’t possess supernatural or perfect knowledge about everything in life, they can manifest a fraction of such supernatural knowledge at a particular time through the gift of the word of knowledge.

The word of knowledge is a specific supernatural revelation, insight, or knowledge of facts and information given directly to you by the Holy Spirit and not by your mind, intelligence, education, observation, research, or experience.

The word of knowledge is a supernatural understanding of a circumstance, situation, or problem solely by divine aid. When this gift is in operation, the Holy Spirit transmits to your spirit a specific knowledge about someone or something you have no natural means of knowing about at that particular time.

The spontaneous divine transmission of a specific word of knowledge you need in a particular situation can come to you as an intuition, impression, inner voice, a mental picture, or in a dream, vision, or trance.

Whichever way it comes, this gift is always revelatory or informative—it reveals specific information supernaturally to you.

The Scripture is replete with instances of manifestation of this gift.

Through the word of knowledge, Prophet Elisha knew that his servant, Gehazi, had run after Naaman to collect his rejected gifts. Elisha could not have known that naturally (2 Kings 5:20-27).

Similarly, through the word of knowledge, the hypocrisy and deception of Ananias and Sapphira were revealed to Peter. He didn’t know that they kept back part of the proceeds through any natural observation or investigation but through the aid of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-10).  

Second, the Word of Wisdom.

This is not a general or natural wisdom gained through study, education, observation, research, or experience. The word of wisdom is a spontaneous supernatural understanding of a situation.

It is a spontaneous supernatural insight, instruction, direction, or revelation of solving a knotty problem or situation. It is a supernatural ability to operate or manifest God’s wisdom in a specific situation or circumstance.

The word of wisdom gives you an intuitive divine understanding of a situation, what to say, what to do, or how to act appropriately in a given complex situation or circumstance.

Through the word of wisdom, Joseph could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams correctly and proffer a divine and perfect solution to the problem of seven years of famine in the land of Egypt (Gen. 41:21-46).

Through the word of wisdom, James quelled the dispute in the early Church over the circumcision of the Gentiles who had become born again (Acts 15:1-31).

The gifts of words of wisdom and knowledge are closely related and interactive but are two different gifts. While the word of knowledge is primarily revelatory and informative, the word of wisdom is directive and instructive.

Third, the Discerning of Spirits.

This is not a natural or demonic ability to read people’s minds or palms (palmistry), to speak with the spirits of the dead (necromancy), or a psychic phenomenon or disposition to criticize and find faults in people.

But the gift of discerning spirits is a supernatural ability to detect, recognize, identify, and distinguish between various spirits in operation at a given place or time.

There are four primary kinds of spirits in the world today: the Spirit of God, the good spirits (angels of God), the evil spirits (demons or fallen angels), and the human spirit.

Through the operation of the gift of discerning spirits, you can accurately identify and discern the source of the spirit behind a manifestation, situation, revelation, prophecy, doctrine, information, problem, or sickness.

The gift of discerning of spirits is the spiritual insight, revelation, discernment, knowing, perception, or sensing that the Holy Spirit gives that enables you to see beyond the natural or physical manifestation, situation, problem, facts, and information into the realm of the spirits, and diagnose or judge correctly.

The veil that covers the unseen world is lifted through the gift of discerning spirits, and the enemy’s plans, purposes, schemes, and deceptions are exposed.

It was through the gift of discerning of spirits that Apostle Paul was able to discern and deal correctly with the spirit of divination in a certain slave girl who was following them in Macedonia and shouting, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (Acts 16:17 NKJV).

Although the girl said the right things, her source and motives were evil. She spoke from a demonic spirit, and the motives were for financial gain and manipulation of the people.

The Scripture reveals that she possessed a spirit of divination, and she “brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.” (Acts 16:16 NKJV).

Likewise, many false prophets today prophesy with the aid of the spirit of divination in many churches. They speak great swelling words of emptiness to entice, defraud, exploit, or manipulate the undiscerning souls (2 Pet. 2:18).

Beloved, it is only through the aid of the Holy Spirit that you can discern, detect, or discover the evil motives of the false prophets and the source of their prophecies.

Learn more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the next piece.

 

Prayer:

My Dear Heavenly Father, I ask and receive today the gifts of the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, and the Discerning of Spirits, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our mandates is to preserve the faith of the Apostolic Generation.

Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.

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THE GIFTS OF INSPIRATION (Part 2)

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“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.” (1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV)

 

Among the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in the book of 1 Cor. 12:4-11, three can be classified as Inspirational or Vocal Gifts because they primarily operate or manifest through the speech organs of the believers.

Having examined one of the Vocal Gifts (the gift of prophecy) in the last piece, we shall explore the other two: Different Kinds of Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues.

First, Different Kinds of Tongues.

This is not the Holy Spirit speaking with tongues, but the believers speaking in a tongue or language unlearnt as the Holy Spirit gives them utterance.

While the Holy Spirit supplies the divine utterance or transmits the language to your spirit, you must open your mouth to speak. That was the experience of the early Disciples of Christ on the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-4 – NKJV

 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The gift of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in a foreign tongue or language not previously learned, studied, or known by believers.

Although your mind or understanding is unfruitful when this gift is in operation, you speak to God and mysteries in the spirit.

Apostle Paul states, “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.” (1 Cor. 14:2 NKJV).

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” (1 Cor. 14:14 NKJV).

Speaking with new tongues is one of the most obvious first signs of baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Scripture testifies that when the 120 Disciples of Christ in the upper room were baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit, they “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4 NKJV).

Speaking with new and unlearned tongues is also one of the miraculous signs that the Lord Jesus Christ promised will follow the believers.

Mark 16:17-18 – NKJV

 17 “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

 18 “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.”

However, speaking with new and unlearned tongues as one of the first apparent signs or evidence of baptism with the Holy Spirit differs from the gift of different kinds of tongues. The Bible mentions two kinds of tongues: the tongues of men and angels (1 Cor. 13:1).

The Holy Spirit can inspire and empower a believer to speak in a tongue or language known to his audience, but the speaker has no knowledge or ability to speak on his own. This is what happened on the Day of Pentecost when the disciples spoke with the tongues of men.

The Scripture testifies that the multitude of devout men that gathered to them from every nation under heaven each heard them speak the wonderful works of God in their native language without them having the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Therefore, they were all amazed and said to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” (Acts 2:7-8 NKJV).

However, when a believer speaks in an unknown tongue (the tongue of angels or the heavenly language), no man can understand or interpret without having the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Paul testifies, “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.” (1 Cor. 14:2 KJV).

When the Holy Spirit gives you the supernatural ability to speak in an unknown tongue that no man can understand or interpret, it is for your edification, spiritual refreshment, victory in spiritual warfare, effectiveness in intercession and supplication, and for you to worship and pray in the Spirit.

This kind of tongue often becomes your personal or private prayer language that you can use whenever you want or desire (1 Cor. 14:4, Jude 1:20, Rom. 8:26-27, 1 Cor. 14:14-15, John 4:24, Eph. 6:18).

But when a believer’s supernatural or inspired tongue is understood and interpreted through the gift of the interpretation of tongues, it becomes a prophecy to edify, strengthen, exhort, encourage, instruct, or correct the Church. Therefore, Paul encourages those who speak in tongues to pray that they may interpret (1 Cor. 14:5-15).

Second, the Interpretation of Tongues.

This is not a supernatural ability to translate every tongue or language you hear, or that is spoken to you. Instead, it is a supernatural ability given to the believers by the Holy Spirit to understand, interpret, or reveal the meaning of a divine message delivered in an unknown tongue for the edification of the Church.

It is important to note that the gift is not a “translation of tongues” but an “interpretation of tongues.” Therefore, it is not a word-to-word translation of what is said in an unknown tongue but an interpretation or revelation of its meaning to edify the Church.

While the message in tongues may be long, the interpretation may be short, or vice versa. In every case, the interpretation is always inspirational, supernatural, and spontaneous; the interpreter never learns or studies it.

Sometimes, the believer speaking in an unknown tongue can also give his audience meaning in a known language. In that case, there is supernatural verbalization and subsequent supernatural interpretation of the tongues.

The purpose of this dynamic gift is not to seek to understand or interpret what every believer is saying when praying privately to God in unknown tongues.

It is only for understanding and interpreting prophecies or divine messages proclaimed in unknown tongues so that the Church can be edified, strengthened, exhorted, and comforted.

Beloved, while the Scripture encourages speaking in tongues in public meetings, you must control the volume and speak moderately to God without interpretation.

To avoid disorder or confusion in the Church, the Bible allows a maximum of three utterances in tongues with interpretation (1 Cor. 14:26-33).

Learn more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the next piece.

 

 Prayer:

My Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the gift of different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. I receive divine wisdom for maximum use of these gifts for my edification and that of the Church, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR mandate is to preserve the faith of the Apostolic Generation.

Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.

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THE GIFTS OF INSPIRATION OR VOCAL (Part 1)

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“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.” (1 Corinthians 14:3-4 NKJV)

 

Three of the nine spiritual gifts or manifestations of the Spirit listed in 1 Cor. 12:4-11 can be classified as the Gifts of Inspiration: Prophecy, Different Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.

The inspirational or vocal gifts are spontaneous supernatural vocalization, verbalization, articulation, or proclamation of divine words or revelations from the Holy Spirit through the vocal or speech organs of the believers.

Let us examine the gifts of inspiration one after the other.

First, the Gift of Prophecy.

The gift of prophecy is not the same as the ministry or office of the prophet. Operating in the gift of prophecy, that is, being able to prophesy, does not qualify you to stand in the office of a prophet.

To stand in the office of a prophet, you must be divinely called into the office and ministry of a prophet. You must also consistently manifest the gifts of revelation (Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, and the Discerning of Spirits) in addition to the inspirational gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

The gift of prophecy is also not the same as the ability to preach and teach God’s Word.

Prophecy and preaching are not the same things.

Preaching is from the Greek word “Kerysso,” meaning “to herald, announce, publish, tell, or proclaim divine truth (the gospel).” But, the word ‘Prophecy’ is from the Greek “Propheteia,” meaning “to bubble up, to flow forth, or to cause to drop like rain.”

Unlike preaching and teaching, which are often pre-planned or pre-organized before delivery, prophecy is a spontaneous, inspired, and anointed utterance in a known tongue.

The gift of prophecy is not the supernatural ability to forecast or predict the future.

The word “Prophecy” is from two Greek words: “Pro” (meaning “forth”) and “Phemi” (meaning “to speak”).

Therefore, prophecy is not future-telling or prediction but rather the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God. It is “the forth-telling” of the will of God, whether regarding the past, the present, or the future.

Prophecy is a supernatural proclamation of the mind of God. It is calling forth words from the Spirit of God. It is the spontaneous supernatural declaration of that which cannot be known by any natural means.

The Scripture is replete with the manifestation of the gift of prophecy (1 Sam. 10:5-13, 2 Kings 2:14-20, Acts 11:28, 19:1-6, 21:10-14).

Although the gift of prophecy has greatly been abused and commercialized in the Church today, it is indispensable.

Apostle Paul encouraged us to “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14:1 NKJV).

“Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” (1 Cor. 14:39 NKJV).

Why is the gift of prophecy so essential in the Church today?

Because of its significant blessings: the edification, exhortation, and comfort of God’s people!

Paul explains, “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.” (1 Cor. 14:3-4 NKJV).

Through the exercise of the gift of prophecy, the believers can also receive divine counsel, encouragement, confirmation, instruction, direction, and correction from God (1 Sam. 10:5-13).

While the Scripture warns us not to despise prophecies, it cautions us against believing and acting hastily upon prophecies without testing, examining, and judging them carefully.

“Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:20-21 NKJV).

“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.” (1 Cor. 14:29 NKJV).

“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.” (1 John 4:1 NKJV).

How do you test, judge, or determine whether a prophecy is from God?

Simply by asking some questions:

First, does the prophecy perfectly agree with the Scripture?

Any prophecy not perfectly consistent with the teachings, doctrines, and principles of Christ and His early apostles recorded in the New Testament is not from the Holy Spirit and must be totally and vehemently rejected.

Isaiah warns, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20 NKJV).

Apostle John also warns, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:10-11 NKJV).

Second, who does the prophecy glorify?

If the prophecy does not ultimately promote, exalt, magnify, or glorify Christ, it is not from the Holy Spirit, for He is here primarily to glorify Jesus Christ.

If the prophecy promotes, glorifies, or magnifies the prophet or the person exercising the gift of prophecy, it is certainly not from the Holy Spirit.

The Lord Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14 NKJV).

Third, what fruits can you see in the life of the person prophesying or the prophet?

The Scripture warns, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matt. 7:16-17 NKJV).

If the prophet bears no Christ-like fruits, his prophecy may not be from the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 3:6).

Fourth, what are the results or outcomes of the prophecy?

Does the prophecy result in bondage or liberty?

Does it produce or promote peace or fear?

God does not frighten or terrorize the New Covenant believers with prophecies.

The Psalmist testifies, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.” (Psa. 85:8 NKJV).

Lastly, is there any witness in your spirit that the prophecy is from God?

If you are a believer, when someone is prophesying from the same Holy Spirit dwelling in you, there will be a witness, a divine conviction, or confirmation in your spirit (Rom. 8:16, 1 John 2:20, 27).

Beloved, don’t let anyone hurry, pressurize, persuade, or coax you into believing, accepting, and acting upon any prophecy without having thoroughly judged or examined it and without being fully convinced or persuaded in your spirit that it is from God.

That is not unbelief; instead, you walk in divine wisdom!

Heed John’s warning, “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.” (1 John 4:1 NKJV).

What about other inspirational gifts, such as different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues?

Find out what the Scripture teaches about them in the next piece.

 

Prayer:

My Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the unction within me to know, test and judge prophecies accurately. My Dear Holy Spirit, from today henceforth, teach and help me to test, examine, and judge every prophecy I receive before believing and acting upon them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR mandate is to preserve the faith of the Apostolic Generation.

Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.

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THE POWER GIFTS

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“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 NKJV)

 

Among the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit which He bestows upon the believers according to His sovereign will, three can be classified as the Power or Miracle-working Gifts, namely the gift of Faith, the gifts of Healings, and the Working of Miracles (1 Cor. 12:9-10).

These gifts are supernatural abilities given to the believers by the Holy Spirit to demonstrate and manifest God’s incredible and supernatural power, resulting in God’s glory, effectiveness, and fruitfulness in God’s service and the edification of God’s people.

Let us examine these gifts one after the other.

First, the Gift of Faith.

This is a supernatural impartation of God’s kind of faith to the believer’s heart to accomplish God’s purpose in a specific situation.

When the gift of faith is in operation, the believer is inspired and emboldened to speak and act in an unusual, uncommon, or unprecedented manner, resulting in a miraculous, incredible, and supernatural display of God’s power.

When the gift of faith is in operation, the believer spontaneously confronts, handles, or deals with adverse circumstances or complex situations with an unusual boldness and confidence as God would and gets the supernatural results that God would get.

The gift of faith is crucial to exercising the other Power Gifts—Healings and Working of Miracles. All the power gifts always flow or work together. In some situations, distinguishing which one is in operation is often difficult. Exercising any power gifts always produces miracles, signs, and wonders.

The gift of faith is not the same as the saving faith or “the measure of faith” that God has distributed to every believer at the New Birth.

Paul writes, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom. 12:3 KJV).

Every believer has received “the measure of faith” from God at the New Birth and is expected to walk and live by this faith.

Every believer has in his born-again spirit the faith he needs to live a daily victorious, overcoming, or prosperous life (Eph. 2:8, 2 Cor. 5:7, Gal. 3:11, 2 Pet. 1:1, Heb. 10:38).

Every believer has received “the measure of faith,” “the faith of Jesus Christ,” or “like precious faith” with the early apostles of Christ through the New Birth, as stated in the above scriptures. 

However, the Holy Spirit imparts the gift of faith or supernatural ability to exercise unusual trust and confidence in God to some believers as He wills to demonstrate, manifest, or display God’s supernatural power to the world in unusual manners.

The Holy Spirit does this by inspiring and emboldening the believers to speak and act spontaneously or unusually at a given time or in a particular situation, resulting in unusual great miracles, signs, and wonders.

The operation or manifestation of the gift of faith is evident in the lives of Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, and many patriarchs of old, and also in the lives and ministries of the early apostles of Jesus Christ (Exo. 7:10-12, 14:21-31, Acts 3:1-9, 9:36-43, 14:7-10).

Second, the Gifts of Healings.

Interestingly, the Bible refers to this gift in a plural sense—”the gifts of healings.” This is because there is much diversity in healing. There are primarily three types of healing: spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.

The gift of healing is a supernatural ability imparted to believers to heal a sick person spiritually, emotionally, and physically from all diseases and sicknesses without any human aid or medicine.

When the gifts of healing are in operation, the healing power of God is channeled or conveyed through the believer having the gift of healing to the body of the sick to effect divine healing.

The healing power of God can be conveyed or released by the believers to effect healing in the sick person through the teaching, preaching, or speaking of the word of faith (Luke 7:1-10); through the laying on of hands or the touch of faith (Mark 6:56; 16:18); through anointing with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:14); through the prayer of faith (James 5:15); through handkerchiefs or aprons (Acts 19:12); or any other medium (Acts 5:15).

Third, the Working of Miracles.

This gift operates closely with the gifts of faith and healings to demonstrate or display God’s tremendous power. While healings are often gradual and invisible to the eyes, miracles are often instantaneous and visible to the eyes.

The gift of working miracles is a supernatural ability given to believers to perform signs and wonders contrary to nature. The exercise of the gift of working of miracles brings supernatural intervention into a specific situation.

It often takes an inspired act of faith to release God’s miraculous power. This gift is not for mere showmanship but to demonstrate God’s supreme authority and power above all forces, combat unbelief, and confirm divine messages and messengers (Mk. 2:1-12, John 2:1-11, Acts 5:12, 8:1-8).  

How can you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

All it takes to receive the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit is your desire and asking in faith!

Paul instructs, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14:1 NKJV).

The Lord Jesus assures, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9 NKJV). 

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NKJV).

James also instructs, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (Jam. 1:6-7 NKJV).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit can also be imparted to you through prophecy and laying on of the hands by someone who has the gifts.

Paul reminds 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 Tim. 4:14 NKJV).

However, the Holy Spirit ultimately gives, imparts, or distributes His gifts according to His sovereign will, plans, and purposes.

Paul writes, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Cor. 12:11 NKJV).

How can you exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit you have received?

All the gifts of the Holy Spirit need to be stirred up, exercised, or utilized through faith and in the spirit of love and meekness, lest they become dormant or inactive.

Paul told Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Tim. 1:6 NKJV).

Above all, you must pursue love, for all spiritual gifts without love are nothing and profits nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – NKJV

 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging 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, but have not love, I am nothing.

 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Therefore, Paul instructs, “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Col. 3:14 NKJV).

 

Prayer:

My Dear Holy Spirit, teach and help me always to exercise supernatural gifts in the spirit of love and meekness to result in God’s glory, fruitfulness in God’s service, and edification of God’s people, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR mandate is to preserve the faith of the Apostolic Generation.

Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.

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THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:7 NKJV)

 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are divine expressions of God’s grace in and through the believers. They are supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit distributes to the believers in the Church according to His will (Heb. 2:4).

Paul states, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Cor. 12:11 NKJV).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not spiritual rewards or wages given to believers for their faithfulness in service, holiness, fervency in prayer, or prolonged fasting. They are simply gifts of grace to be received and exercised by faith.

Paul testifies, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Eph. 4:7 NKJV).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not an exclusive privilege of some mature believers or ministers of God. They are for all born-again believers.

Paul said, “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” (1 Cor. 7:7 NKJV).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not the divine yardstick for determining or measuring your spiritual growth and maturity. They are not the spiritual basis for comparison or competition with other believers or ministers in the body of Christ.

Paul warns, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Cor. 10:12 NKJV).

Some believers and ministers of God today are abusing or misusing the supernatural gifts or abilities the Holy Spirit has freely bestowed upon them because they are ignorant of the purposes of the gifts.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not bestowed upon you to project or promote yourself. Neither are they divine tools for accomplishing your selfish dreams and ambitions. Instead, they are supernatural abilities or tools to glorify Christ and fulfill the mission of Christ.

What are the purposes of spiritual gifts?

Let us explore the Scripture to find out!

First, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are bestowed upon the believers for God’s glory.

The primary purpose or mission of the Holy Spirit in the world is to glorify Jesus Christ. Jesus expressly said of the Holy Spirit, “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14 NKJV).

The Holy Spirit constantly seeks to glorify Jesus Christ in and through the believers. Christ is magnified and glorified before men as the believers exercise supernatural gifts in the spirit of love and humility, resulting in supernatural results.

The exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifests God’s presence to the people. They make room for the supernatural manifestation of God’s presence, glory, and power.

Whenever and wherever the gifts of the Holy Spirit are freely exercised in love, there will always be miracles, signs, and wonders resulting in God’s glory and praise (Acts 3:1-10, 4:21, 19:17).

The proper use or exercise of spiritual gifts in the spirit of love and humility can convince the unbelievers of the incredible presence and power of Jesus Christ among His people, thereby leading them to repentance and salvation (1 Cor. 14:23-25).

Second, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for effectiveness and fruitfulness in God’s service.

God’s work cannot be effectively done in the energy or strength of the flesh. Natural abilities and resources are insufficient for effectiveness and fruitfulness in God’s service.

That is why the Lord Jesus commanded His early disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high before stepping out to be His witnesses.

Jesus said to them, “And you are witnesses of these things. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:48-49 NKJV).

“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 1:8 NKJV).

Without divine abilities and endowments from the Holy Spirit, you will be ineffective, unfruitful, and unproductive in whatever God has called or given you to do.

Third, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the utility, benefit, and profit of the Church.

Whatever gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon you are not exclusively for your advantage, benefit, or profit but for the common good or profit of all the believers.

Paul aptly states, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Cor. 12:7 NKJV).

Paul further exhorts the church at Corinth, saying, “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” (1 Cor. 14:12 NKJV). 

Spiritual gifts are not to be commercialized, merchandized, or traded for material gains. But they are to be exercised for blessing, encouraging, strengthening, and edifying God’s people.

Paul instructs, “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.” (1 Cor. 14:26 NKJV).

Sadly, the exercise or use of spiritual gifts in many churches today often results in confusion and division because they are not exercised in love and humility. It profits nothing if you fail to exercise your spiritual gifts in the spirit of love and humility.

Paul attests to this truth.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – NKJV

 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging 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, but have not love, I am nothing.

 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Beloved, love is an excellent way to exercise, operate, or manifest spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:31). The purpose of spiritual gifts is defeated without love!

Therefore, seek to use or exercise the spiritual gifts or abilities the Holy Spirit has freely given you for God’s glory, service, and the edification of God’s people in the spirit of love and humility. 

 

Prayer:

My dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that I have received. My Dear Holy Spirit, teach and help me to exercise Your gifts in the spirit of love and humility for God’s glory, service, and the edification of God’s people, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR mandates is to preserve the faith of the Apostolic Generation.

Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.

Ewpower by El- Bethel Christian Network.

AWH, Blogs.

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