Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Three Revelation Gifts

1.The Word of Knowledge

The Text: I Corinthians 12:8 (8)For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; Also see: II Samuel 12:1-7; II Kings 6-17; John 4:17-19; I Corinthians 14:12, 25, 26; Acts 9:10-16; Acts 16:9-10.

The Gift and Operation: This gift will reveal things in the past and in the present. It will operate through a vision and sometimes in dreams; and as it matures in the believer it will operate by an inward voice of the Spirit that will speak to an individual or an entire church body. The word of knowledge will reveal sickness of the flesh and spirit and why it is happening to them, as well as demonic spirits and where they are coming from. A lot of times, but not all of the time, sickness of the flesh is a sign of something wrong in the spirit life, and this gift can reveal the problem to bring healing and life to the person or even a church. By the manifestation of this gift the church can be purified, it can comfort the distressed, gladden the saints, recover lost property, defeat the enemy, and the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified. But as we can see in the book of I Corinthians, the gifts can be misused, so it is just as important to know what not to do. The first thing to understand is that you are not a Prophet just because you are used in one of the three revelation gifts. So many people are lead astray thinking they are some kind of prophet or something, and missing out on what God really wants for them in their life. This gift can lead to a prophetic ministry, but that does not happen too often, and praise God for that. This gift was given to the body of Christ to help and not to hurt it. To be a part of it and not to point out what all is wrong with it. If you are led by the Spirit of God you will know what to say and what not to say. And just because the Holy Spirit shows you something, does not give you the right to stand up and shout it from the house top. If we are given knowledge about someone and we can’t find any way to say it in love, or we don’t see any life or restoration, then this is only for us to take back into prayer and not to be shared with anyone.

The Manifestation: The word of knowledge will make known the secrets of the heart of men and the manifestation will move the heart of them to say that God is real and will worship Him. I Corinthians 14:24,25: 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: (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. Another purpose of this gift is also to bring the lost sheep back into the fold, and not by pointing out the bad in their lives, but by revealing the love of God for their life. The word of knowledge does not need tongues and/or prophesy to work, though it can function with them very easily. For instance: in Acts 9:10-12: And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here Lord. (11)And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (12)And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. This is a great example of the word of knowledge in action. Let us learn how to walk in this gift like Ananias to the glory of God!

2.The Word of Wisdom

The Text: I Corinthians 12:8 (8)For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; Also see: John 16:13-15; James 1:5,22; I Corinthians 12:1; Colossians 1:9; Acts 21:11,12; Acts 18:9,10; Acts 23:11.

The Gift and Operation: This gift will reveal things from present to the future; this gift can also operate through a vision or in dreams to warn and to comfort a believer in things to come. It can give great understanding in what is going to happen, and to prepare for it. John 16:13-15 - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. The word of wisdom and the gift of wisdom are two different things. James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. The wisdom in James is wisdom to help you to understand how to walk in the faith of the Lord Jesus and to bring knowledge to the believer. Look at verse 22 of the same chapter: Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. This wisdom will show you how to walk in the light.

The Manifestation: The Lord does not want us to be ignorant of His gifts for us. Paul said in I Corinthians 12:1 - Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Then in Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. And that is what the gifts are for, to give wisdom and understanding to the believer and the church body, wherever it may be. The word of wisdom is to give insight to the things to come. In Acts 21:11-12 - And when he was come unto to us, he took Paul’s girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. The word of wisdom will reveal good things and bad things. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are made subject to man’s ability to use them. “Where much is given, much is required.” I Peter 4:11 - 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. The word of wisdom is a powerful gift of God. Let us not abuse this gift, but use it to the glory of the church. This is not God’s gossip line! Just because the Holy Spirit is showing you something about someone, does not mean to stand up and shout it out in front of everybody. Be led of the Spirit and let everything be done in the love of the Father, for all the gifts are birthed out of the Love of God. (For God is love!) Sometimes He shows us so we can intercede in prayer for the person, or circumstances that will happen in the future. I believe that prayer can move the hand of God.

3.Discerning of Spirits

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (10)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: Also see: John 4:24; 14:12; James 3:16; I Corinthians 2:10-16; 14:33; I Kings 3:5-9; Acts 8:18-23; II Corinthians 11:13-15.

The Gift and Operation: This gift is very important for the Church today, for it will reveal what kinds of spirits are present around you and in the Church. This gift will give you spiritual insight into what the spirit is doing, whether it be good or evil. John 4:24 - God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. We are a spirit people who are born of the Spirit of God. And if this gift is not operating in the Church of the Living God, believe me, the spirit of confusion will come to destroy who or what it can - the whole church if possible! A lot of churches have been destroyed because the spirit of confusion walked right in and started to work and brought with him envy and strife. James 3:16 - For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. I Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. So the “Gift of Confusion” is not of God, it is of the devil. The “Gift of Suspicion” comes out of the carnal man, for he looks at the outward man to judge the flesh - not at his spirit. But they that are born of the spirit, they judge what is in the inside - or the spirit - of man just as we found in I Corinthians 2:10-16.

The Manifestation: I Corinthians 2:10-16 talks about how we only know the revelation of God because the Spirit of God in us reveals to us. The Holy Spirit teaches us to compare spiritual things with spiritual. This is the “How” of having Discernment which is given to us freely of God. (16)For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. If the gift of Discernment is working in the Church and in our lives, you can avoid a lot of problems. All of the gifts were given to make the Church of the Living God strong and powerful. Jesus said, Greater works shall you do because I go to my Father. John 14:12. In I Kings 3:5-9 God spoke to King Solomon in a dream and asked him “what shall I give thee?” King Solomon asked for an understanding heart and to discern between good and evil. God was pleased with King Solomon’s prayer and granted not only his prayer but also long life and wealth among other things. To ask for God to give you a gift that He has offered freely is not selfishness but brings delight to God. Read Acts 8:18-23 - This is a good example of the Gift of Discernment in action. Peter discerned the spirit of Simon’s heart. Simon’s heart was not in the right spirit. This gift will bring out the truth in every situation, whatever it may be, good or bad. II Corinthians 11:13-15 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. If the Church of the Living God cannot operate in the gift of Discernment, that is, to know good from evil, it will be in a lot of trouble. When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, Eve did not discern the serpent’s lies. Nor did Adam discern that Eve had been deceived or that Eve was deceiving him. It is so very important that the fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-25, is mature in your life before you can fully move in the gifts of the Spirit freely. Hebrews 5:14 - But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The Three Utterance Gifts

1.The Gift of Prophecy

Introduction: This study of the Utterance’s gifts will bring a greater understanding of the moving of the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ in the church today. All three of these gifts say something from the Spirit of God to man. First we will look at the Gift of Prophecy, then we will move on to the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues and the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues. All of these gifts are given out of the love of God, so if you are speaking in the name of the Lord, it better be of the Spirit of Love. And that will bring life to all that hear what the Spirit says to the Church.

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (10)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: Also see: I Corinthians 14:3-5; 14:29-33; Acts 21:8-14; I Samuel 10:10-12; I Timothy 4:14; Revelation 19:10.

The Gift and Operation: This gift is misunderstood more than the rest of them. Unfortunately, people believe that just because you move in this gift that it makes you a prophet. Not true. Out of this gift it is possible that you can be lead into a ministry of prophecy, but that is not what this gift is for. This gift is for the local church body to bring vision and growth to the body of Christ so it can bring warning and comfort to all believers. (I Corinthians 14:31) In many churches today, the pastors have taken control of this gift and it will only be used through him or his wife. They don’t use the gift to bring God’s love to the believers, but to bring control, fear and condemnation. These things are not of God, for God is love. God does not rule His people with fear, but guides us in love. (I John 4:7,8 and 18) The book of I John is an excellent guide to weigh the words that we hear to know if they are of God. People can say a lot of things that sound like prophecy, but these are only their opinions - not prophecy! God’s word is Truth and it will not come back void. I Corinthians 14:3-5 - But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (4)He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (5)I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

The Manifestation: We can see that the Gift of Prophecy has many ways of bringing the truth to light. 1. Through edification: (Instruction; especially moral or spiritual instruction or improvement.) Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 2. Through exhortation: (The inciting to laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or commendable. Advice; counsel; admonition.) Acts 21:8-14 - And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. (9)And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. (10)And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. (11)And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. (12)And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 3. Through comfort: (To be at peace and rest) I Corinthians 14:29-33 - Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (30)If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. (31)For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (32)And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (33)For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2.Interpretation of Tongues

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (10)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: Also see: Galatians 6:7; I Corinthians 3:1-3; I Corinthians 14:5; I Peter 4:11

The Gift and Operation: The interpretation of tongues is a gift that brings understanding to the church and the believer. This gift does not make you a prophet, but a prophet can also use this gift. I Corinthians 12:11 tells us; But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. All the gifts come from God and He gives them out as He wills it and not man. The interpretation of tongues has been misused in many churches. Many have used this gift to glorify their own works or ministries here on this earth. This is not how God intended this gift to work. This gift is to reveal truth to the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, It is to bring life and to up lift the people of God, not to destroy or to bring condemnation and death. Some pastors use this gift to try to control and manipulate others and that can be very dangerous. Galatians 6:7 tells us; Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. We have to remember that these gifts are birthed out of the love of God and are to bear the love of God and the fruit or attributes of God. And the fruit of the Spirit must guide the believer into a mature life in Christ or we get into trouble like Paul describes in I Corinthians 3:1-3 - And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as babes in Christ. (2)I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3)For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

The Manifestation: We need to walk as men and women of God and be led of the Holy Spirit into all truth. When we walk in truth and in love, we can speak the word of the Lord with boldness and love. This gift is not a translation of tongues but the interpretation of tongues - and there is a lot of difference! A translation is word for word from one language to another. Interpretation is what the meaning of the word is according to how you understand it. I believe God did that because He did not want people to create new language but to act in faith. I Corinthians 14:5 - I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. All of the gifts of the Spirit are to edify the body of Christ and to bring understanding. Let’s look at I Peter 4:11 - 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. When this gift of interpretation of tongues is in operation in your life, you are speaking as an oracle of God. So let the word be fruitful to all that hear: He that hath and ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the church.

3.Diverse Kinds of Tongues

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (10)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: Also see: Acts 2:4-6; 19:6-9; I Corinthians 12:14-15; 14:4,12-16,27; Hebrews 2:4; Jude 1:20; Ephesians 3:3-4.

The Gift and Operation: This gift of the Holy Spirit is to be used in many different ways and we see an example in Acts 2:4-6: And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (5)And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (6)Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. It was a supernatural manifestation of God speaking through the people. In verse 11, the Cretes and Arabians declare, we do hear them speak in our tongue the wonderful works of God. The tongues were unknown to the speaker but not to the hearer. God opens the ears of the unbeliever to hear the wonderful works of God. That is Divers Kinds of Tongues in full operation of the Holy Spirit. There are many examples of this gift in operation in Acts. Look at Acts 19:6-9 - And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (7)And all the men were about twelve. (8)And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (9)But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Also look at I Corinthians 14:4 - He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Paul also speaks of this and the other gifts in Hebrews 2:4 - God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

The Manifestation: Speaking in the unknown tongues will build you up in the spirit man and will pray down the mysteries of God into your spirit. Prophecy makes these things known unto you. Jude 1:20 - But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 3:3-4 - How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words; (4)Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) Then there is the unknown tongues to the body of Christ. I Corinthians 14:27 -If any man speak in the unknown tongues, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

* Unknown tongues for the unbeliever to bring salvation. * Unknown tongues for the believer to bring edification. * Unknown tongues for the church of the Living God to edify. * Unknown tongues for prophecy to make known the revelation of God.

3.Diverse Kinds of Tongues

This gift is so very important not only in the church, but also in the individual believer. I brings with it the power of God working through the church, and the believers. I Corinthians 14:12-16 - Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (13)Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (14)For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (15)What is it then? I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (16)Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

I believe that the Holy Spirit is the life of the body of Christ, and it manifests itself through the unknown tongues. The body of Christ has three parts: body, soul, and spirit. But if the spirit is gone, the body is dead.

The Three Power Gifts

1.The Gift of Faith

Introduction: These three Power Gifts are given to the church body for the purpose of bringing the reality of Gods power to the world. Jesus was not ashamed of the power to heal the sick or to raise the dead or to cast out devils, and he has given these gifts so we can do the work of the Father in the Name of His Son Jesus. Mark 16:15-18 - And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16)He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17)And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall tehy 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.

The Gift and Operation: The Gift of Faith is a supernatural working of the Holy Spirit through a person to bring more than a miracle; but an undisputed act of God. Acts 13:11 - And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. In this instance, the gift of faith is operating in Paul’s life to show the people that God is all powerful. This gift will give you the boldness to speak with the voice of God in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring healing or blindness to people. It is creative power to speak into existence a thing tha twas not into something that is. Jesus told us this way: John 14:12-14 - Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (13)And whatsoever ye sahll ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14)If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. This is not the faith that brings us unto salvation, or even the faith that helps us overcome our flesh. This is the faith that causes us to speak as the oracles of God. I Peter 4:11 - 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.

The Manifestation: This is a gift of power to the church to proclaim and glorify the name of Jesus to all the earth to show the world that God is real. James 5:17-20 - Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (18)And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (19)Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (20)let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Satan is not ashamed to show his power on this earth through deceit and lies to pervert the truth of God. He is going down and he is trying to take as many as he can down with him. There will be no excuse for the unbeliever when they stand before the Lord God Almighty! He has revealed Himself over and over again, but people would rather believe a lie so they can live the way they want to. But God is great in mercy and in love: II Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Let the body of Christ use these gifts to reveal the power and the glory of God, so the world may know that Jesus is Lord over all the earth and heavens. And if the church of the Living God will do this, there will be NO EXCUSE NECESSARY!

2.The Gift of Healing

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (9)To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; I Peter 2:24; Luke 4:18,19; Mark 16:18; Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:41; I Corinthians 12:11; Romans 12:1

The Gift and Operation: This gift is a power gift of the church for the healing of the spiritual and physical parts of the body of Christ, to one person or to many at once. This is a wonderful gift which is given to the church to bring glory and honor to God. The sad thing is, that many churches do not believe that this gift is for today. The truth is that healing was given to us in Pilate’s judgement hall even before the cross! I Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. That’s what is says, look for yourself. So healing was paid for first, and then our salvation. What great love He has for us. Jesus brought us the spiritual and physical healing that we should live unto righteousness. When we put away the things of the flesh, and die to sin (ourselves) and put on the mind of Christ, we can walk in that perfect healing and offer that healing to others: Luke 4:18,19 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. (19)To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The Manifestation: The gift of healing is different than what is explained in Mark 16:18 - 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. This is a supernatural gift of instant healing which is performed in public not private. The compassion is so great that it is not bound to the faith or belief of others. Jesus came to heal the sick and He is still healing them by His Spirit through the Holy Spirit that is operating in the gift of healing today. The Spirit is looking for someone to manifest this gift in the power which it was given to the Apostles, and faith is the key to unlock the door. Compassion will move this gift to perfection in your life and love will bring maturity to the bearer of this wonderful gift. Matthew 14:14 - And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Mark 1:41 - Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Compassion is a gift of the Spirit, not to be confused with pity, which is a gift of the soul man. Compassion always brings forth the love of Christ and boldness and faith. Pity brings forth “charity” giving and can lead to contempt. Compassion never causes others to become defensive or hurt. Pity often causes pain and contempt to the bearer and the receiver. Compassion sees others the way Christ sees others. It is very important that we are only the bearers of these gifts to the church of the living God. The gifts possess us, we do not possess them. For all of these gifts are given as He wills: I Corinthians 12:11 - But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. There are many ministers today that believe that they own these gifts and this makes them someone greater than others. We always have to keep in mind that there is none greater than God and no anointing greater than the other. Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. We are all servants and God chooses to whom He will give any gift, not man. I am glad that God does the giving of the gift for He knows what is in the heart of man.

3.The Gift of Working of Miracles

The Text: I Corinthians 12:7-12 (10)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. Acts 8:5-13,39; 19:11,12; 28:1-6; Mark 16:17,18; I Corinthians 12:11; 12:31; 14:12.

The Gift and Operation: This gift of the Spirit is a supernatural manifestation of the power of God working through the man of God to bring the knowledge of God to a lost world. We see in the book of Acts this gift was used by the Apostles and the saints: Acts 8:5-8 - Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. (6)And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (7)For unclean spirits came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. (8)And there was great joy in that city. Acts 19:11,12 - And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: (12)So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. This gift not only works through you, but also in you. When Paul was shipwrecked on the Island of Melita (Acts 28:1-6) and a deadly viper came out of the heat of the fire and fastened on his hand, everybody thought he was a dead man, but no harm came to him. They all thought he was a god, but God was working the gift of miracles in Paul. This gift saved him from death numerous times.

The Manifestation: This gift is for all who believe and is given to mature Christians who are walking in the fruit of the Spirit and the Love of God. I Corinthians 12:31 - But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. “Without the fruit of the Spirit (love), we are just a religious noise.(I Corinthians 13:1) The fruit of the Spirit is love, (Galatians 5:22,23) and it is manifested in joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:

(1) Joy is love’s strength.
(2) Peace is love’s security.
(3) Long-suffering is love’s patience.
(4) Gentleness is love’s conduct.
(5) Goodness is love’s character.
(6) Faith is love’s confidence.
(7) Meekness is love’s humility.
(8) Temperance is love’s victory.

"Against such there is no law."
A Holy Spirit-controlled man needs no law to cause him to live a righteous life. The secret of a Spirit-controlled life is found: Romans 12:1,2. Put your all on the altar, and the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with the love of God. (Romans 5:5)” (from the Thomas Nelson, The Open Bible: Christian life outlines and study notes, pp1102.) The working of miracles is not something that you can just conjure or work for or manipulate.(I Corinthians 12:11) When Philip was ministering to the Ethiopian, Philip was only where he was supposed to be and did not pray or choose to leave.(Acts 8:39,40) Philip was only walking in the Spirit of God’s love. All of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to bring glory and honor to God and to the edifying of the body of Christ, or, we can say, to bring forth life and life more abundantly. I 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.