Introduction: Last week we started a series regarding the Gifts of the Spirit and we really focused on the fact that Paul said in I Corinthians 12:1 not to be ignorant concerning Spiritual Gifts. Today, we want to look at all the gifts of the Spirit listed in Romans I Corinthians 12:4-11, starting with those gifts that are not used anymore (*) and which don’t really concern us, then to go on with those that apply to us today. Some gifts were given in time past and are no longer active others are still active today. Remember, some of these gifts were given at different times for a different purpose.
The word of Wisdom– How to apply what you know. Proverbs 1:3 “to receive the instruction of wisdom”. Proverbs 1:6 “To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise”. It is to share the wisdom and truth of God with men in a simple and understandable way that can be applied to life.
Acts 18:26 “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly”. To take the knowledge of the scriptures that you have, coupled with wisdom, to know what to say, how to say, when to say it, that will apply or help with this situation. Apollos was already eloquent and mighty in the scriptures; he just needed a little more help to make him even better. The way they did it, was in such a way that it didn’t hurt him, offend him, discourage him, but helped him, there’s the wisdom.
The word of Knowledge– Sharing what you know. The ability to show precisely what the scripture says. A person has to really know a lot about the Bible or a specific topic/situation/field, to be able to give a word of knowledge to another. Acts 18:26 “expounded unto him the way of God”. You need to know your Bible in order to expound the scripture, and share the knowledge that you have.
Faith– Applies to all who get saved Ephesians 2:8-9 “through faith”. After salvation, having the faith for practical works- I Corinthians 13:2 “and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains”. Matthew 17:20 “if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say into his mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you”. A faith that enables a believer to do great things for God and His people. Some Christians have little faith others have greater faith. Our faith grows as we grow in the Lord.
(*) Gifts of healing– A sign for the Jews according to Exodus 4:1-8. This is a person that lays hands on another and is healed. Today, when the “healer” doesn’t heal the sick, he/she will blame the person with the sickness and accuse them of not having enough faith in God, this is wrong. Mark 3:14-15 / Mark 16:17-18. People that were healed, were healed with a word, with a touch, through a messenger, through an item (staff, handkerchiefs, aprons, etc.)
(*) Working of Miracles– Acts 14:3 “and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands”. II Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the sings of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds”. I Corinthians 1:22 “for the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom”. In Acts 13:11, Paul smites Elymas with blindness and in Acts 28:5 Paul is delivered from a poisonous snake bite. The miracles began when the Jews were called out of the land of Egypt.
Prophecy– I Corinthians 13:2 “and though I have the gift of prophecy”. Speaking of preaching and future events found in the Bible. I Corinthians 14:22-25 “but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe”. I Corinthians 14:3 “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort”.
II Peter 1:19-21 Regarding future events- All future events have been given to us in this Bible and all we have to do is believe it and tell others about it.
Discerning of spirits– the ability to know the work of the Holy Spirit and not be fooled. To identify a false prophet or false teacher. I John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”.
I Thessalonians 5:20-21 “Despise not prophesyings, Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”.
(*) Diverse Tongues– A sign for unbelievers- I Corinthians 14:22-24 “wherefore tongues are for a a sign”. This was not just a gibberish utterance, but a different language- Acts 2.
(*) Interpretation of Tongues– These are foreign languages given as a sign to the Jews. I Corinthians 14:27-28
Conclusion: The purpose of this lesson is for us to see what gifts are active for the church age and what gifts were for a different age and for a different purpose. Once we know those two things, we can ask God to show us what our gift(s) are and we won’t be deceived with those gifts that don’t apply to us today.
Anchor Baptist Church 