1 Corinthians 12:7-11
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a (1) message of wisdom, to another a (2) message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,9 to another (3) faith by the same Spirit, to another (4) gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another (5) miraculous powers, to another (6) prophecy, to another (7) distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in (8) different kinds of tongues, and to still another the (9) interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
To each one: Everyone has a spiritual gift
A manifestation of the Spirit: Tangible evidence of God in our midst. The Spirit manifests the power, wisdom and will of God to and through His people
The Trinity at work:
The Spirit distributes gifts (charisma)
The Lord (Jesus) serves (diakonia)
God (the Father) works (energema)
The common good: For the benefit and upbuilding of everyone in the church (implies “in house” use) (not just exalt a select few)
Revelation Gifts: God reveals truth, wisdom and knowledge that could not be understood through natural means.
- Wisdom: A revelation of the future to give guidance to the disciple (Agabus, Acts 11:28-30) OR practical insight, guidance, answers and solutions for disciples by giving timely application of biblical truth (Acts 6:10; 15:3-22)
- Knowledge: Knowledge about a person’s past or present circumstances. Can provide confirmation or exposure (“lays open the secrets of men’s hearts”) (Acts 5:1-10; John 4)
- Distinguishing between spirits: Knowledge of the spiritual origination of a message, circumstance or activity, whether it is of God, of man, of angels or of demons (Acts 16:16-18; Matthew 16)
Power Gifts: God’s power on behalf of His people to deliver and provide, and endorse His Word
- Faith: The supernatural ability to believe God for supernatural and otherwise possible things (1 Corinthians 13:2; Luke 17:6)
- Healing: To restore someone’s physical health supernaturally (James 5:14-16; Acts 5; 9:32-34).
- Miraculous powers: The power to change the course of nature in such that extols the Lord (Matthew 14:22-33; Acts 28:3-4; John 6).
Inspiration Gifts: Gifts that encourage, edify and comfort God’s people, as well to impart a gift or calling (1 Corinthians 14:3).
- Prophecy: An inspired utterance, speaking from God as carried along by the Holy Spirit- not man’s opinions, but God’s words (Acts 2:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:32).
- Tongues: An utterance to be spoken out loud in the congregation (not to be confused with the prayer language). Should always, with some exception (God may use as a stumbling block and a sign against the obstinate, 1 Corinthians 14:21-23), be used in tandem with interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:13, 27-28).
- Interpretation: A supernatural understanding of the message given in tongues. Can be given to the person speaking in tongues or to someone else. The interpreted tongue has the same effect as prophecy.
Romans 12:3-8
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.