The “Gifts of the Spirit” are biblical gifts intended for operation within God’s Church of born-again believers. In this brief summary we will attempt to explain a few simple truths concerning these wonderful gifts. Although this study is in no way exhaustive, it is intended to produce clarity regarding the purpose, use, and operation of spiritual gifts. Our local church desires and intends for spiritual gifts to operate in a biblically correct manner; therefore it is necessary that we both teach about them and allow room for their proper operation. However, spiritual gifts are often very misunderstood, incorrectly used, and even abused by many professing believers today. We feel it is essential to not allow error in their operation. For this reason we: Teach about spiritual gifts to all current and new members. Exercise leadership authority in our worship and ministry services in an effort to assure that spiritual gifts are operated in a Biblical manner. The Church is governed by rightly dividing the Word of God, the truth. The Word of God and the Spirit of God agree. Therefore there must be no division or contention between the two. In any case where there are variances of opinion, or division, or contention, leadership will choose to side with the Word and Spirit of God. God is a God of order and not of confusion, therefore we must teach from His Word. Another important point is that the Church is not pastored by the gifts of the Spirit. That quite simply is not their purpose. Spiritual gifts operate only through someone who already has the Gift (or baptism) of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). The Gifts of the Spirit are not separate and apart from the Holy Spirit, but emanate through it. Since the Gifts of the Spirit originate from the Holy Spirit let us take a brief look at what the Holy Spirit is. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. We commonly call it the Holy Ghost when someone has been filled with the Holy Spirit. We call this being “born-again”. It is the new birth experience. When someone receives the Holy Ghost they will “speak in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance”. This is not a learned language. This is not what some call a prayer language. It is not a language that can be taught by man or in a classroom. It is an unknown tongue to the believer. It is not mumbling or gibberish but it is a bursting forth as the Spirit speaks through you. It may be the tongues of men present and/or past. It may be the tongues of angels. However, it is unknown to the believer but known to God. This tongue is the initial evidence that someone has received the Holy Ghost. You have to have this experience before spiritual gifts can operate through you, and even then only as God will (which we will discuss later). This tongue is not the same tongue as the one described in the Gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12 and 14. Before we discuss spiritual gifts let us first discuss the Spirit of God itself. What is it like? We discover that by looking at its fruit. We find this in Galatians 5:22-23. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. KJV The Holy Spirit is God and the Gifts of the Spirit come from God’s Spirit in us. Therefore the Gifts of the Spirit will come forth and manifest in the same Spirit that God manifests. If they ever operate in harshness, cruelty, and such, it is not the Spirit of God at work but the spirit of man or of the devil. When spiritual gifts are in operation, the leadership of the Church will make every effort to discern the spirit as to whether or not it is of God. If we feel for any reason it is not of God, or it is being used abusively, or in any manner inconsistent with the scriptures, we reserve the right to stop someone from exercising their gift. We believe if someone has a right and submitted spirit this will never be a problem. However, if it is a problem for them, they are free to exercise their gifts somewhere else other than the Church or in meetings with Church members. In this manner the leadership will humbly endeavor to fulfill 1 Corinthians 14:40. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. KJV The Gifts of the Spirit are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. We will intermix comments with the verses. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. The Apostle Paul clearly states that the Gifts of the Spirit are diverse or different. They have different purposes. They are distinct. However, they all come forth from the same Holy Spirit. Comment: There may be slight differences in their deliveries due to human differences such as personalities, temperaments, languages, abilities to yield, cultures, etc. However, the Gifts of the Spirit themselves are consistent. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. Comment: The Gifts of the Spirit have different purposes within the Church, but all are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Comment: The ways in which the Gifts of the Spirit operate are uniquely different and distinguishable. Yet, they all come forth from the same God. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Comment: Spiritual gifts come forth as a manifestation from the invisible God as He operates through a Holy Ghost filled believer. In all cases they are for our benefit. In essence, the Gifts of the Spirit assist us in our being complete in Him (Jesus Christ our LORD). Jesus has all of the fullness of the Godhead in Him. He was always full of the Holy Spirit of God. However, we have the same Holy Spirit, yet we have the earnest (or down payment) of our inheritance. At times the Gifts of the Spirit operate or manifest, enabling the Church to operate like Jesus did. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; Comment: The Word of Wisdom is when God reveals through someone something that only God knows. The Word of Knowledge is when God reveals through someone something that God knows and someone else also already knows. 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Comment: Every man is given a measure of faith, but the Gift of Faith is a supernatural and spiritual anointing for faith. It is a knowing, a certainty. This enables someone to speak or step into an otherwise impossible situation and declare what God says to it. The Gifts of Healing are listed as plural. Healing may come in many forms. Healing may not appear instantly, but it is when God reverses the process and the body, mind, or spirit begins to recover or become well. 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: Comment: The Gift of the Working of Miracles is without limitations as to what those miracles might be. Miracles can be instant. The Gift of Prophecy is not teaching or having knowledge of eschatology. Prophecy is an oral or spoken gift, an utterance by the Holy Ghost. It is when the Spirit of God speaks through a Holy Ghost filled believer and reveals things to come or events to occur. The Gift of Prophecy is not preaching or teaching, but a Divine Utterance. The unique thing about the Gift of Prophecy is that it comes forth in an understandable language, but it is differentiated from the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues because it does not require a prior use of the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues. In simpler terms, there needs to be no message in tongues prior to a prophetic utterance. The Discerning of Spirits is a spiritual knowing and understanding as to the source and type of spirit involved in a person, situation, or circumstance. When Jesus told some that, “Ye are of your father the devil,” He was discerning their spirit. However, His knowing came by way of the Holy Ghost and not by human knowledge. The Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues is an oral and spoken gift. It only operates through someone who has already received the Holy Ghost and speaks in tongues (Acts 2). The Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues is a speaking or bursting forth of an utterance authored and originated by the Holy Ghost. This happens when God wants to speak a Word to His Church or to individuals. Repeat, it is a Divine utterance. The Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues is also an oral and spoken gift. It only operates through someone who has received the Holy Ghost and speaks in tongues (Acts 2). The Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues is not when someone says, “Well here is what I think the Lord is saying”, or any other such function of the human mind or reasoning. It is a speaking or bursting forth of an utterance authored and originated by the Holy Ghost. That is the key. Interpretation isn’t similar to someone interpreting a foreign language they are familiar with. The tongue is an unknown tongue, and the interpretation is an oral manifestation of Divine revelation. The speaker simply yields to an utterance of the Holy Ghost. The speaker is as interested in what is being spoken through them as anyone else is. Normally the operation of the Gift of Tongues will be followed by the operation of the Gift of the Interpretation of tongues. There may be one to three messages in tongues come forth, but that should be followed by an interpretation. The Gifts work in cohesion. If one doesn’t interpret, then we change the order of the service, or direct praise and attention to God, but we don’t simply allow ongoing message after message in tongues without the interpretation. If tongues are followed by interpretation, that clears the way for other messages. God can speak as much as He wants. There may be multiple messages come forth in one service. There are times that no interpretation comes. Mover forward. However, don’t be surprised if the interpretation doesn’t come in the next meeting or so. It happens. The person used in The Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues may or may not be the same person used in the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues. It is a matter of yielding. Spiritual gifts are not a sign of someone’s perfect spirituality. God uses people who yield. Never deem someone as super-spiritual or perfect simply because they are used in the Gifts of the Spirit. They may simply be sensitive to the Spirit, willing, and yielding. 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. KJV The source of all is the Holy Ghost. It is the Holy Ghost who searches the hearts and chooses who it will use. Of course prayer and dedication play into the big picture, and some individuals may be used to operate in multiple gifts. Gifts of the Spirit often operate in multiples, and rather seamlessly. They will never contradict one another. They do not create confusion. We also learn more about spiritual gifts from 1 Corinthians 14. 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. Comment: When we pray and speak in tongues through the Holy Ghost, it is the Spirit of God speaking through us. The Spirit of God interacts with the spirit of man. Our relationship with God is Spirit to spirit. The Spirit speaks mysteries, or things only God knows. Howbeit, those things spoken by the Spirit of God mesh with the written Word of God and eventually impact our understanding. That is how discipleship occurs. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Comment: The Gift of Prophecy is uttered forth in an understandable tongue or language. 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. Comment: The Apostle Paul was writing to the Church at Corinth. They were already born again and had the Book of Acts experience. They already spoke in tongues through their Holy Ghost experience. That is different than the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues. Not all have that. Paul said he wished everyone did have that gift. However, it is better that someone have the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues so the Church would be better edified. Both gifts work together, but edification comes when the message from God is interpreted through the Holy Ghost. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Comment: The operation of the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues must be followed by the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues or Prophesying. People learn by revelation, teaching, preaching, knowledge, prophesying, and doctrine. 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 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. Comment: Paul is referring to the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues here. 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 spirit, and 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? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Comment: The Apostle Paul was simply correcting their errors in verses 14-17. Many people were simply praying in tongues whenever they gathered for church. He tells them that is good for you but what good is that for the whole church? 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Comment: Paul was a tongue-talker. We all should be. 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Comment: In a corporate gathering speaking constant messages through the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues and people praying in the tongues of the Holy Ghost doesn’t teach others or produce understanding to the Body of Christ. He is telling them to use wisdom. 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. Comment: Real tongues are an undeniable evidence of the Holy Ghost. In a mature believer the Fruit of the Spirit is as well. Prophesying ministers to or serves those who believe. They hunger for God’s Words. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? Comment: This is very true. If guest come into a church and they are not familiar with the Holy Ghost, and everyone is just speaking in an unknown tongue, they will not understand it. They will leave and possibly never return. 24 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. Comment: If an unbeliever comes to church and an understandable word is delivered to him through the Gift of Prophecy of the Interpretation of Tongues then God will be able to use it to reach that person. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Comment: The same dilemma existed in Paul’s day that often exists today. If there is not order in the Church, disorder will arise. Various people will take spiritual things out of context, and what the Holy Ghost would use for good some will turn into a mix-match of confusion. For this reason we teach sound doctrine. We believe in spiritual gifts. We desire the operation of spiritual gifts. We expect God to have order in His Church, and we will endeavor to have order. If someone is asked to refrain or limit their exercise of their “gift”, we pray they do not take it personal or make it a point of contention. Gifts do not operate under contention. In every case, the Church leadership will endeavor to follow peace with all men, but will make a determination that is best for the entire assembly. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. Comment: This is biblical. We will endeavor to follow this as aforementioned in a previous comment. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 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. Comment: 1 Corinthians 14:32-33 says, And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Holding ourselves subject to one another, using the Bible as our guide, and under the love and inspiration of the Holy Ghost, is the best way to prevent confusion in the Church. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? Comment: The Apostle Paul was addressing the hypocrisy of the men of the Church in verses 24-36. The men had silenced the women. He addresses their custom in verses 34-35. He then mockingly rebukes them in verse 36. He asks, “What?” To clarify, we believe in Christ Jesus there are neither male nor female. The Gifts of the Spirit originate from God and are used through whomsoever He will use. It is His decision. God uses men and women. The leadership will endeavor to discern the spirit of those utilized in spiritual gifts. A right spirit is the priority, and not whether they are male or female. 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. Comment: In verse 37, the Apostle Paul said if you think you are a prophet or are to be used in spiritual gifts then you will be in agreement with my teachings. This Church believes what Paul taught is true and applicable today. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. KJV The same Biblical guidelines that we exercise whenever the Church is assembled also apply at small home fellowship meetings, prayer meetings, and other such gatherings of the Church Body. In private, smaller, and/or intimate settings the same wisdom and discretion is encouraged that would be expected in the General Assembly. An audience where the saints are mature and experienced in such operations is distinguished from an audience of new or inexperienced members or guests. As stated, we do not pastor through spiritual gifts, but through sound doctrine, so we believe the best policy for spiritual gifts is openness and transparency. If the members believe the Gifts have operated in such a meeting, they should have no problem revealing the details to the Church leadership. We ask that the pastor be informed of such, including the jest of what was spoken through the gifts, and who operated in the gifts. This transparency isn’t so the pastor can police the people, but so that if any issues arise from the use of spiritual gifts they can be properly and soberly addressed without “surprising” the leadership. Mainly, transparency helps the leadership rejoice with and share in what God is saying and doing in the Body of Christ. A good practice is to keep a recorder handy. If someone records a “Word from the Lord” it is easier to remember what was spoken. A good time to do this is whenever someone feels the Spirit is leading into an atmosphere where spiritual gifts might operate. It is good to afterward transcribe the words, assimilate them to those involved and to the pastor, and then to continue to pray over the words. Some prophetic promises and prophecies do not happen immediately and therefore they can be prayed over and remembered. This makes for a powerful testimony whenever it does come to pass. In summary, as long as there are people there will be imperfections in the Body of Christ. We desire unity. We need God to be with us and to anoint us with understanding and wisdom. Our Church will not attempt to dominate anyone’s private or personal life of devotion. We will endeavor to use wisdom in the use of spiritual gifts. We need spiritual gifts. We believe in exercising spiritual gifts. We commit to doing our best to follow Biblical order in the use of spiritual gifts. God bless you.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 01:30:04 +0000
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