The Nine Gifts of The Holy Spirit

The Nine Gifts of The Holy Spirit


Revelation Gifts - gifts that reveal something
* Word of Wisdom
* Word of Knowledge
* Discerning of Spirits

Power Gifts - gifts that do something
* Faith
* Healings
* Miracles

Inspiration Gifts - gifts that say something
* Prophecy
* Diverse Tongues
* Interpretation of Tongues

1. THE GIFT OF WISDOM
There are three types of wisdom:
* The wisdom of God (I Corinthians 2:6-7)
* The wisdom of the world (I Corinthians 2:6)
* The wisdom of man (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18)
The gift of the word of wisdom is the application of knowledge that God gives you ( I Corinthians 2:6-7). This type of wisdom is a gift which cannot be gained through study or experience and should by no means try to replace them. The gift of the word of wisdom is seeing life from God's perspective. As a Christian exercises this gift, he begins to develop a fear of the Lord. This is the "beginning of wisdom" according to Proverbs 1:7.
The gift of the word of wisdom is also the revealing of prophetic future; it is speaking hidden truths of what is not known. It is a supernatural perspective to ascertain the divine means for accomplishing God's will in a given situation, and is a divinely given power to appropriate spiritual intuition in problem solving.
Furthermore, this gift involves having a sense of divine direction, being led by the Holy Spirit to act appropriately in a given set of circumstances, and rightly applying knowlege.
The gift of wisdom is the wisdom of God. It is the supernatural importation of facts; it is not natural. You can't earn it. It is received from God through prayer (Ephesians 1:17).
The gift of the word of wisdom works interactively with the other two revelation gifts: knowledge and discernment.

2. THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
A word of knowledge is a definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a similitude (a mental picture), a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid.
Furthermore, the gift of the word of knowledge is the transcendental revelation of the divine will and plan of God. It involves moral wisdom for right living and relationships, requires objective understanding concerning divine things in human duties, and refers to knowledge of God or of the things that belong to God, as related in the Gospel.
The gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge function together; knowledge is raw material and wisdom builds on it.

3. THE DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the source of a spiritual manifestation and determine whether it is of God (Acts 10:30-35), of the devil (Acts 16:16-18), of man (Acts 8:18-23), or of the world. It is not mind reading, psychic phenomena, or the ability to criticize and find fault.
Discerning of spirits must be done by the power of the Holy Spirit; He bears witness with our spirit when something is or is not of God. The gift of discerning of spirits is the supernatural power to detect the realm of the spirits and their activities. It implies the power of spiritual insight - the supernatural revelation of plans and purposes of the enemy and his forces. It is a gift which protects and guards your Christian life.
How to Test a Spirit
You can discern or test whether or not a spirit is of God by the following three ways:
1 Observing what a person does. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus explains that false prophets are known by their fruit - by their conduct and actions.
2 Observing whether or not a person exalts Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as Lord and Saviour (I Corinthians 12:3).
3 By listening to what a person says (I John 4:1-3). Does their confession line up with the truth of God's Word?

4. THE GIFT OF FAITH
The gift of faith is the supernatural ability to believe God without doubt, combat unbelief, and visualize what God wants to accomplish. It is not only an inner conviction impelled by an urgent and higher calling, but also a supernatural ability to meet adverse circumstances with trust in God's words and messages.

The Bible speaks of several different types of faith which increase from faith to faith (Romans 1:17):
* Saving faith - faith which gets you into Heaven
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
* Fruit of faith - faith which gets Heaven into you
(Galatians 5:22-23) .
* Gift of faith - stems from saving faith and the fruit of faith; It is the ability to believe for the miraculous
(II Thessalonians 1:3).
This gift not only operates in healings and in miracles, but in the realm of the impossible as well. Saving faith produces the active faith of the fruit of the Spirit which, in turn, produces the gift of faith. When the gift of faith is empowered, the results are miraculous!

5 THE GIFT OF HEALING
The gift of healings refers to supernatural healing without human aid; it is a special gift to pray for specific diseases.
Healing can come through the touch of faith (James 5:14-15); by speaking the word of faith (Luke 7:1-10); or by the presence of God being manifested (Mark 6:56; Acts 19:11-12).
The Bible speaks of "gifts" of healing because there are three types of healings: physical (diabetes, blindness, cancer, deafness, etc.), emotional (jealousy, worry, discouragement, and other destructive attitudes), and spiritual (bitterness, greed, and guilt, etc.).
Although there are three main types of healings, there is much diversity with the gift of healings. While one person might have the gift of healing to rid a person of cancer or perform a creative miracle, another person might have a diversity of the same gift to correct lower back problems or remove a root of bitterness).
According to Mark 16:17-20, the gifts of healing belong to all believers. You can know whether or not you have the gift of healing by the following:
* By the inner witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).
* When you have a special ability to believe for physical healing for someone (Romans 12:3-.
* When you have an overwhelming feeling of compassion which moves you to action (Matthew 20:34).

6. THE GIFT OF MIRACLES
A miracle is the performance of something which is against the laws of nature; it is a supernatural power to intervene and counteract earthly and evil forces. The word miracles comes from the Greek word dunamis which means "power and might that multiplies itself." The gift of miracles operates closely with the power gifts of faith and healings to bring authority over Satan, sickness, sin, and the binding forces of this age.
Miracles can also be defined as supernatural intercessions of God. God exhorts us with energy to do something that is not natural or normal to us. Just as the ministry gift of miracles is the expression of prayer, so is the function of the Holy Spirit to direct our prayers (Romans 8:26).
However, the greatest miracle (and often least talked about) is the miracle of salvation. Sure, it doesn't appear as spectacular as parting a sea or even raising a person from the dead, but then again, we as human beings are truly impressed by the manifestations of outward signs and wonders. God, on the other hand, isn't so concerned about outward appearances and flamboyant showmanship but rather a person's heart condition. It is God's desire that believers utilize these spiritual gifts to combat unbelief and bring non-believers to repentance in order that spiritually dead people can be transformed into new creatures in Christ Jesus.
After you become a new creature in Christ, a miraculous transformation begins to occur in you every day to confirm you to Christ's image (Ephesians 1:17-20) and to strengthen your inner man (Colossians 1:10-11). The power of God was miraculously manifested in the lives of believers in the New Testament church (Acts 4:33; Mark 16:20), and God wants His power not only working in you, but also through you (Acts 1:.
Jesus said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, and he told him not to associate with such people (II Timothy 3:5). If you want the gift of miracles to operate in you, make sure that the Word of God is in you and that you are being influenced by the right people. Miracles are the product of the spoken Word of God, because the Word of God and God are one (Psalm 33:6).

7. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
The gift of prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts (I Corinthians 14:3); helps us build up or strengthen; and should lead us to the Word of God. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come (John 16:8-11).

Prophecy is divinely inspired and anointed utterance; a supernatural proclamation in a known language. It is the manifestation of the Spirit of God - not of intellect (I Corinthians 12:7), and it may be possessed and operated by all who have the infilling of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 14:31)

Intellect, faith, and will are operative in this gift, but its exercise is not intellectually based. It is calling forth words from the Spirit of God. The gift of prophecy operates when there is high worship (I Samuel 10:5-6), when others prophets are present (I Samuel 10:9-10), and when hands are laid on you by ministers (Acts 19:1-6).

Some Common Misconceptions About Prophecy
The gift of prophecy (I Corinthians 12) and the office of the prophet (Ephesians 4:11) are not the same thing.
There is a ministry of the prophet, but not everyone is a prophet. For example, a boy may wear a Cubs baseball cap, but that does not mean he plays professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs. You may prophesy, but operating in the simple gift of prophecy does not qualify you to stand in the office of a prophet, much like wearing a Cubs hat does not qualify you to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs - you must be gifted. To stand in the office of a prophet, one must have a consistent manifestation of at least two of the revelation gifts ( word of wisdom, word of knowledge, or discerning of spirits) plus prophecy.

Prophecy is not the intepretation of tongues.
The Bible says that "greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:5), even though both are inspired utterances. Tongues, of course, is inspired utterance in an "unknown" tongue. The interpretation of tongues is inspired utterance telling that which was spoken in tongues. Prophecy, on the other hand, is inspired utterance in a "known" tongue. The difference between interpretation and prophecy is that interpretation is dependent upon tongues, whereas prophecy is not.
Prophecy is not prediction..
People sometimes think that "prophecy" means to predict (foretell) what will happen in the future. Actually, the simple gift of prophecy is essentially forthtelling; it is a ministry to make people better and more useful Christians now. Prophecy in the New Testament church carries no prediction with it whatsoever, for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). Notice that there is no mention of the word prediction here.

Prophecy is not the same thing as preaching..
The words preach and prophesy come from two entirely different Greek words. To "preach" means to proclaim, announce, cry, or tell. Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and PREACH the gospel.." (Mark 16:15). Note that He didn't say to prophesy the Gospel.
The word prophecy means to "bubble up, to flow forth, or to cause to drop like rain." Teaching and preaching are preplanned, but prophecy is not.
The Bible tells us that we are to "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things." I Thessalonians 5:20-21. When a prophecy is given, we are to test it and hold on to what is good in it.

Seven Ways to Judge Prophecy
1. By their fruits you shall know them.
(Matthew 7:16-18,20)
2. Does it glorify Christ?
(John 16:14; I Corinthians 12:3; I John 4:1-2)
3. Does it agree with the Scriptures? (Isaiah 8:20)
4. Are their prophecies fulfilled? (Deuteronomy 18:22) Some prophecies are not of God even though they may come to pass. The benchmark remains that all prophecies should exalt the Lord Jesus.
5. Is the prophecy disjointed or confused? True prophecy is line upon line and precept upon precept.
(Isaiah 28:13)
6. Do the prophecies produce liberty or bondage? (Romans 8:15)
7. All believers have an unction (anointing) within them that tells them when something is wrong. Prophecies should witness with our spirit.
(I John 2:20,27)

Why Is Prophecy Important?
There are five reasons why prophecy is so important in the local church:
1. It brings life. Prophecy brought life to the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-4).
2. It gives spiritual vision. The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish.' The Lord gives vision through the prophetic word (Proverbs 29:13,18).
3. It edifies, exhorts, and comforts (I Corinthians 14:3).
4. It brings revival and restoration. True prophecy brings restoration and revival (Acts 2:16-18).
5. It guides you to your right position in Christ. Prophecy is used by God to direct you where you need to go (Acts 13:1-3)

8. THE GIFT OF DIVERSE TONGUES
Supernatural utterance through the power of the Holy Spirit in a person that manifests as spiritual language. The Holy Spirit energizes the tongue to edify believers through language and music.
Diverse tongues is the most misunderstood and dynamic gift. It is not your prayer language, but it can surface through intercession, conference, or through the individual.
Supernatural utterance in languages not known to the speaker; these languages may be existent in the world, revived from some past culture, or "unknown" in the sense that they are a means of communication inspired by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4, 10:44-48, 19:1-7; I Corinthians 12:10, 13:1-3, 14:2, 4-22, 26-32).
The spiritual gift involving ability to speak in foreign language(s) not previously studied or to respond to experience of the Holy Spirit by uttering sounds which those without the gift of interpretation could not understand. At Pentecost the church received the gift to communicate the gospel in foreign languages (Acts 2). God gave His Spirit to all His people to empower them to witness and prophesy. In Corinth some members of the church uttered sounds the rest of the congregation did not understand (I Corinthians 12-14). This led to controversy and division. Paul tried to unite the church, assuring the church that there are different gifts but only one Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4-11).

There are three types of tongues mentioned in the Bible:
Three Types of Tongues
1. An unknown tongue unto God (I Corinthians 14:2).
This type of tongue edifies you (I Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20), assists you in prayer (Romans 8:26-27), stirs up the prophetic ministry (I Corinthians 14:5), refreshes your soul (Isaiah 28:11-12), gives victory over the devil (Ephesians 6:18), and helps you worship in the Spirit (I Corinthians 14:14-15; Hebrews 2:12).
When you sing in the Spirit, God joins in with you and confuses and defeats the enemy (Isaiah 30:29-31); it breaks the yoke of bondage (Acts 16:25); it brings you into the presence of God (Psalm 22:3); and it aids you in intercession (Romans 8:26).
2. A known tongue that is a sign to unbelievers.
(I Corinthians 14:2; Acts 2:6).
3. A tongue that is understood through interpretation and edifies the church (I Corinthians 14:15).

Please note that the gift of tongues (as well as your prayer language) is a product of both God and man. Every believer has a part to play in speaking in tongues for the Spirit gives you utterance, and you do the talking. The Holy Spirit does not talk with tongues. In fact, nowhere in the Bible does it mention that the Holy Spirit ever talked with tongues. Instead, you will be doing the talking in the flesh; after all, God said He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who has ever spoken in tongues was in the flesh; however, he or she was inspired by the Spirit when they spoke.

9. THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural verbalization and subsequent interpretation to reveal the meaning of a diverse tongue. This gift operates out of the mind of the Spirit rather than out of the mind of man.
It is important to note that "interpretation" of tongues is not the same thing as "translation" of tongues, for the interpreter never understands the tongue he or she is interpreting. For example, the message in tongues may be long and the interpretation short because the interpretation only gives the meaning. On the other hand, one may speak a short time in tongues and then given a lengthy interpretation. Yet still, at other times, the interpretation is almost word for word.
The Word of God says that if you pray in tongues, you should pray that you will also interpret - not only for the benefit of others - but for your own benefit as well.
If someone speaks in tongues, you can ask God to move through you to give the interpretation so others will understand, but you can also do this in your private prayers for your own personal benefit. You can pray, "Father, help me understand what I've just said to you in the Spirit," and the Lord will give you the interpretation.
The gift of interpretation of tongues is the second of three inspirational or vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit. When combined with the inspirational gift of diverse tongues, the miraculous and supernatural phenomenon known as prophecy results.


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