PRINCIPLES OF KINGDOM LIVING
LESSON 16
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
It is interesting to note that the “Charismatic Movement” got its name because of the great awakening in all denominations to the Gifts of the Spirit. The name “Charismatic” comes from the Greek word, “Charisma”, which means a Free gift or endowment bestowed by God upon believers. These “gifts” are also referred to as “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit.
(1) WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT?
(I Corinthians 12) lists nine gifts which can be grouped into three major divisions:
A. REVELATION GIFTS
1. Word of Wisdom
Supernatural revelation of the mind and will of God, or the method of how to carry that will out (Acts 18:9-11).
2. Word of Knowledge
Supernatural knowledge concerning a person(s), place(s), or thing(s)(Acts 13:11).
3. Discerning of Spirits
A specialized gift of knowledge for the purpose of identifying evil spirits or discerning hypocrisy (Acts 16:16-18).
B. UTTERANCE GIFTS
1. Tongues
a. The supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its being learned (Acts 2:3-11); (I Corinthians 14:22).
b. NOTE: This is not to be confused with the devotional gift of tongues which is a means of private communication between a believer’s spirit and God (I Corinthians 14:2); (Jude 20); (Ephesians 6:18).
2. Interpretation of Tongues
The divine enablement to explain the meaning of a message given in tongues (I Corinthians 14:10-13).
3. Prophecy
Comes from the Greek word, “prophetenach” means the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God. It is not necessarily, nor even primarily, foretelling; it can be in reference to the past, present or the future (Acts 13:2); (21:11). A prophet is simply a spokesman for God.
C. POWER GIFTS
1. Faith
(Speaking in reference to the “gift”, and not general faith) it is the ability given by the Holy Spirit to believe God to do the impossible (Acts 3:1-7); (27:25).
2. Healings
The ability given by the Holy Spirit for imparting healing to a person’s physical body. This is not human or soulish power, but the Holy Spirit flowing through a willing vessel (Acts 28:8). It is not necessary that hands be used for this gift to be operational (Acts 19:11-12).
3. Working of Miracles
(Literal Greek – “operations of power“) The ability given by the Holy Spirit to perform works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means (Acts 3:12); (6:8); (14:3).
(2) CAN A BELIEVER MOVE IN ONLY ONE OF THE GIFTS?
A. Even though the scripture indicates that one individual may function in one gift in particular, it also indicates that he may be used in any of the gift areas.
B. It can also be seen, from examples and definitions of the gifts, that often times several gifts may be in operation at the same time (faith with healings, word of knowledge with prophecy, healings with working of miracles, etc).
(3) WHY ARE THE GIFTS GIVEN TO THE CHURCH?
A. For the common good (I Corinthians 12:7).
B. Edification (I Corinthians 14:3,5).
C. Convict and Convince (I Corinthians 14:24-25).
D. Instruction and Exhortation (I Corinthians 14:31).
E. Confirm and Establish ministry (Acts 9:15); (13:2); (I Timothy 1:18).
(4) WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN I CORINTHIANS ABOUT THE GIFTS CEASING?
A. It says that when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away with (verse 10). Many believe the Bible is “that which is perfect”, but a better explanation of this verse is when the body of Christ, the Church, reaches full maturity (Ephesians 4:13); that is when Jesus returns, then there will be no need for these gifts.
B. Love is considered the greatest pursuit because it is eternal. After Christ returns, even faith and hope will no longer be needed because that which we do not see will be seen, and that which we hope for will be realized.
(5) SINCE CHRISTIAN LOVE (CHARITY)IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE GIFTS, SHOULDN’T WE DISREGARD THEM AND PURSUE LOVE?
A. It is true that love is more important than the gifts (I Corinthians 13:1-3). But, even the Corinthian church, which was noted for its zealousness of the gifts, was exhorted to “follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts” (I Corinthians 14:1) and “covet to prophesy” (I Corinthians 14:39).
B. Not only that, but even on the human level, it is impolite to refuse a gift when offered in love, much less to refuse a gift from God.
(6) WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR PROPHECY?
A. It should only be given when there are at least two prophets present, in order that the prophecy may be judged (I Corinthians 14:29).
B. The prophets should wait their turn that all those present can learn and be comforted (I Corinthians 14:30-31).
C. There is a difference between one who occasionally functions in the gift of prophecy and one who actually holds the office of the prophet as one of the five- fold ministry. D. Because of the above, and the spiritual safety of all concerned, personal directive prophecy should be judged by the “Ministry” before being spoken.
The gifts of the Spirit are to be sought diligently (I Corinthians 14:1), but never at the risk of neglecting LOVE!!!!
PRINCIPLES OF KINGDOM LIVING
LESSON 16 – STUDY SHEET
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Answer these questions and be prepared to discuss them in the next class.
1. The name “Charismatic” comes from the Greek word, “Charisma” which means a
__________________ or endowment bestowed by God upon believers.
2. REVELATION GIFTS – please list them with a small description.
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
3. UTTERANCE GIFTS – please list them with a small description.
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________
3.
4. POWER GIFTS – please list them with a small description.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _______________
5. Even though the scripture indicates that one individual may function in one gift in particular, it also indicates that he may be used in _____________________ of the gift areas.
6. I Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit ________________________________.
7. I Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophecy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be _________________________________.
8. I Corinthians 14:1 Follow after ___________________________________ (love), and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophecy. (We are to follow after love, but we are to desire spiritual gifts as well. If Paul tells you to desire spiritual gifts is it fair that he would not ask us to desire something unattainable?)
9. The gifts of the Spirit are to be sought diligently but never at the risk of neglecting _____________________________________________.
Personal Questions:
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