Gifts of The Spirit (Traditional)

Terrell Pugh
Jul 20, 2024
8 min read

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1:09:19

Lecture Notes:

Gifts of Utterance (Speaking Gifts)

The gifts of utterance are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as gifts of “utterance” is that they all say something. They may also sometimes be identified as “speech gifts” or “vocal gifts.” There are three gifts of utterance which are; Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues.

We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.

Gift of Speaking In Tongues

The Definition: The Gift of speaking in tongues is the ability to speak in a heavenly language (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinth. 14:14) and in earthly languages unlearned to the speaker (Acts 2:4-11). The latter is sometimes referred to as other tongues.

The Application: The gift of tongues is put to use when a believer is led by the Holy Spirit to speak in a heavenly language or earthly language not known by the speaker. Tongues can also be in singing form (1 Corinth. 14:15). Its initial manifestation usually is at the time of salvation but may manifest anytime after salvation.

The Purpose: The purpose of speaking in tongues has several benefits. Speaking in heavenly tongues is to give thanks to God (1 Corinth. 14:14-17); Pray the will of God (Rom. 8:26-27); Build up faith and self-edification (1 Corinth.14:5; Jude 1:20). Speaking in earthly languages unknown to the speaker is a sign to the unbeliever (signs and wonders); Used to evangelize (Acts 2:8-11).

Gift of Interpretation of Tongues

The Definition: The Gift of interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret the tongues that are spoken; it gives the meaning (1 Corinth. 14).

The Application: The gift of interpreting tongues is put to use when the Holy Spirit gives a person the meaning of a message that was spoken in tongues. This is especially needed and to a point required if tongues are to be used in a congregational setting or to be used as an encouragement to the hearer (1 Corinth. 14:14-19; 28-29).

The Purpose: The purpose of interpretation of tongues is so that when someone is speaking, praying or singing in tongues, those that hear this could receive understanding and also be edified in was is being said. One cannot benefit and be encouraged if they do not understand what is being said, thus, the gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Corinth 14:16). Also, we are instructed that if we speak in tongues to also pray to interpret what we are saying. This is so our own understanding and the understanding of those listening could be enriched (1 Corinth 14:13).

Gift of Prophecy

The Definition: The gift of prophecy is speaking through the direction/ inspiration of God. When you are prophesying, you are speaking as a mouthpiece of God. As his mouthpiece you are not speaking through your finite mind and opinion, but, by the infinite direction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to speak.

The Application: The gift of prophecy is put to use when a believer is inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak truth. The believer then begins to speak as God's mouthpiece, speaking on things that the listener may only be aware of.

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT) But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”

The Purpose: The purpose of the gift of prophecy is to correct, edify, exhort and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). The gift of prophecy is purposeful when speaking to believers and nonbelievers, revealing their inner struggles and thoughts without prior knowledge of them. This could exhort to repentance those in sin or edify and comfort those who hear the prophesying.

Ask for both the power and boldness to both preach and perform miracles.

Acts 4:29-30 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Revelatory Gifts

The revelatory gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as “revelatory” gifts is that they all reveal something. There are three gifts of revelation which are; Discerning of Spirits, Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge. We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. Revelatory gifts are oftentimes communicated through dreams, visions, revelations and the audible voice of God. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are all used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.

Gift of Word of Wisdom

The Definition: The gift of the word of wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge as God would apply it; it is the supernatural application of the mind of God. (Colossians 1:9; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Corinth. 2:13).

The Application: The gift of the word of wisdom is put to use when the Holy Spirit reveals what is true and just concerning a matter. This could be exercised in words or in actions (Acts 6:10, Solomon). God will speak to the believer concerning a matter in which a clear resolution is needed.

The Purpose: The purpose of the word of wisdom is to demonstrate order with clear decisiveness; this will build faith in God and perfection of the church (1 Corinth. 2:4-7). It is also useful towards unbelievers; demonstrating wisdom beyond natural understanding. Once applied or spoken it also demonstrates an undeniability towards truth (Acts 6:10).

Gift of Word Of Knowledge

The Definition: The gift of the word of knowledge is the granting of certain information directly from God. It is information received directly from God and by no other means (Colossians 1:9; Eph. 3:3-5).

The Application: The gift of the word of knowledge is put to use when the holy spirit reveals a truth, mystery or meaning of something. As stated earlier revelatory gifts are oftentimes communicated through dreams, visions, revelations and God's audible voice. This is especially true with the gift of the word of knowledge.

The Purpose: The Purpose of the gift of the word of knowledge is to help the believer know and operate in the mind of God. As the believer receives information from the Holy Spirit, the believer is given the ability to understand something more comprehensibly, that would have otherwise not been known. It is also used to help in the evangelism of unbelievers, knowing where to go, what to say and who to say it to (1 Corinth. 2:10-16; Phil. 3:15).

Gift of Discerning of Spirits

The Definition: The gift of discerning of spirits is the ability to identify what spirit is in operation in any natural or supernatural situation. (1 Corinth. 2:14)

The Application: The gift of discerning of spirits is put to use when the Holy Spirit reveals what type of spirit is causing a situation to occur. The Holy Spirit will allow a believer to look into the spirit realm and distinguish the natural from the supernatural, leading to the root of the matter or spirit that is in operation.

The Purpose: The purpose of the discerning of spirits is primary to identify and resolve demonic influence. Discerning of spirits is necessary to cast out devils. It is also useful when determining whether or not someone is speaking or acting in a spirit other than the Holy Spirit (1 Corinth. 2:13-15; 1 John 4:6).

Ask for both the boldness to preach and do miracles.

Power Gifts

The Power gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as “power” gifts is that they all do something or cause something to happen beyond the natural means of man’s ability. There are three gifts of power which are; The Gift of Faith, The Gift of Working Miracles and The Gift of Healing. The power gifts are synonymous with signs and wonders, in fact, they are what we refer to as signs and wonders. We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are all used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.

Gift of Working of Miracles

The Definition: The gift of the working of miracles is the ability to supernaturally make something happen; it is a great exploit. This is done by God through a believer. (Acts 19:11; John 9:16; Acts 2:22)

The Application: The gift of the working of miracles is put to use when the Holy Spirit uses a believer to exhibit the power of God through some type of action. The action, being supernatural and therefore beyond natural understanding is direct evidence pointing to God. Jesus performed such miracles as; turning water into wine (John 2), feeding five thousand with little food (Mat. 14) and bringing forth money from the mouth of a fish (Matthew 17).

The Purpose: The purpose of the working of miracles is to confirm the gospel. This confirmation for the believer is the power and authority to do exactly what the Word of God says is possible for believers. For unbelievers, miracles are signs pointing toward God as the all-powerful, creator of heaven and earth. It builds faith in believers and is a sign to unbelievers causing them to come to God (John 6:2; Mark 16:17-20).

Gift of Healing

The Definition: The gift of healing is the ability to cause healing of the human body supernaturally. Healing of the human body includes every part of the human anatomy, including mentally and emotionally.

The Application: The gift of healing is put to use when the Holy Spirit uses a believer to cure or heal a person or people miraculously. The extent of the healing can vary from inner healing of alignments and disease to full healing, including regeneration of damaged tissue, organs, or lost functions and limbs (Luke 17: 12-19; Luke 22:50-52). Many times, in the New Testament, laying on of hands and touch, were used as a means of healing. The Word was also used to heal, but predominantly it was done through 'hands.' Laying on of hands to heal is a sign of God's ability to forgive sins and restore.

The Purpose: The purpose of the gift of healing is to confirm the gospel. This confirmation for the believer is to demonstrate the power and authority of God to forgive sins and restore to one’s original state. For unbelievers, healing is a sign that God as the all-powerful, creator of heaven and earth. It builds faith in believers and is a sign to unbelievers causing them to come to God (John 6:2; Mark 16:17-20).

Gift of Faith

The Definition: The gift of faith is the ability to foreknow the outcome of a situation before signs of a solution begin to manifest. It is the Holy Spirit assuring you of something before it's assured naturally, concerning the miraculous. It is the supernatural and unwavering confidence in God. (Mat. 21:22; Mark 11:24).

The Application: The gift of faith is put to use when the Holy Spirit assures the believer of something and the believer, having full understanding the situation is accomplished, lives and acts out in victory; before it naturally happens. This can be better understood by these examples: Peter's faith allowed miracles to manifest by merely his shadow passing over people (Acts 5:15). Jesus' faith to remain asleep during the storm knowing his life was safe (Mark 4:37-41). Peter's faith to walk on water knowing he would not fall because Jesus was there (Mat.14:29). In these situations, there was a faith that caused miraculous things to happen, which is a clear indication for the gift of faith.

The Purpose: The purpose of the gift of faith is to cause the manifestation of miracles that inevitably give God glory; it encourages and brings joy to believers and adds souls to the kingdom.

Ask for both the power to preach and perform miracles.