Word of wisdom: This gift allows a person to understand things from God's point of view. It helps us to see the truth and make good decisions based on that truth, the ability to speak with insight and prudence by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:8). This gift is perhaps listed first because of its foundational importance to the church, and Paul encourages believers to earnestly desire this gift (1 Corinthians 14:31). Wisdom is a key teaching in the Scriptures, with the Psalmist declaring, " The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Psalm 111:10). This gift of wisdom is what Solomon sought from God, enabling him to rule God's people with discernment and justice (1 Kings 3:12). Wisdom is intrinsically linked with the fear of the Lord, which is not about being afraid, but about revering and respecting God, loving His Word, and obeying His commands. Disobedience, therefore, is devoid of wisdom. If believers in the church revere God's laws and commandments, including the greatest commandments to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39), then many can possess this gift. However, it's also possible that many may not. This gift is of utmost importance within the Body of Christ, for if we can love God and our neighbors, we can significantly contribute to the church and those outside of it. This love is a powerful testimony to unbelievers, drawing them to Christ (John 13:35).
Word of knowledge: The subsequent spiritual gift is that of knowledge (v 8). Some individuals possess an extraordinary ability to recall scriptures, demonstrating a profound understanding of God and His principles. They appear to swiftly discern what aligns with biblical teachings and what does not. Some versions refer to this as the "Word" of knowledge, while others describe it as the "utterance" of knowledge. The Word undoubtedly refers to the Word of God. The "utterance" of knowledge may suggest that those endowed with this gift discern when to articulate specific words, when to refrain, and which words to use. Both terms seem to encapsulate the essence of true knowledge. Those blessed with this gift often excel as teachers, deacons, elders, or pastors. This is the ability to have an in-depth understanding of a spiritual issue or situation, the gift enables us to disclose information that is not naturally known to any man (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Gift of faith: The next gift of the Spirit that Paul refers to is the gift of faith (v 9). Individuals blessed with this gift have a remarkable perspective on life. They radiate confidence, regardless of the circumstances. This is a person who mirrors God's nature, perceiving things that don't exist as though they already do! This is a supernatural conviction or belief in God without physical proof, the ability to trust God in extraordinary circumstances. It is a deeper level of trust and belief in God's power and promises. (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Gift of healing: The gift of healing has long been a subject of controversy. Some self-proclaimed "faith healers" assert they possess this gift but have frequently been revealed as frauds by investigative journalists. Many of their supposed "healed" subjects have been interviewed before their alleged healing. Some of these healers exploit the power of positive thinking to convince individuals they are healed. Others have even employed actors to feign recovery from a non-existent ailment. This gift was more prevalent in the New Testament church, serving as a testament to the power of Jesus Christ's name and God's presence in the church. Nevertheless, this is era of instantaneous healing by someone's shadow passing over a person has ended. The gift of healing may be related to the power of prayer, as we know that the fervent prayer of a righteous person can yield miracles (James 5:16). Regardless, we must acknowledge that any healing that occurs is "...by that one Spirit" and not by human intervention. The miraculous ability to invoke divine health into the sick and injured, or to heal physical or emotional ailments with the power of God (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Working of miracles: The gift of "miraculous powers" is a unique gift of the Spirit that is primarily seen in the New Testament church. This gift may be associated with individuals who claim to have the ability to heal through faith, but it is important to remember that any gift or its outcomes are always attributed to the Spirit, the ability to perform supernatural acts, which is the manifestation of the Spirit of God.
Prophecy (The Gift of Prophecy (Speaking): The subsequent spiritual endowment is the gift of prophecy (verse 10). Prophecy carries various connotations, but in the Corinthian church context, it is evident that prophecy encompasses the gift of teaching and/or public speaking. This is t the ability to predict or declare God's will. This gift aligns with individuals who serve as teachers or pastors, as God bestows this gift upon those with the capacity to teach or preach effectively. It does not imply foreknowledge or clairvoyance, as only God possesses such attributes.
The Gift of Discernment: This is the gift of "distinguishing between spirits" is synonymous with the gift of discernment. The ability to discern the source and nature of spiritual influences. This gift enables individuals to discern and apply scriptures within the church body. It also empowers them to distinguish whether someone is genuine and earnest or if they harbor ulterior motives. An illustrative instance is found in Acts chapter five, where Peter demonstrated discernment in detecting Ananias and Sapphira's deceitful actions. Those endowed with the gift of discernment can guide the church in making appropriate decisions.
Speaking in tongues: The Gift of Tongues. The gift involves the ability to speak in diverse tongues (verse 10). This gift has been a subject of controversy and misunderstanding, the ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker. The initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost saw many speaking in tongues, but the apostle Paul, in his extensive discourse on tongues in 1 Corinthians chapters twelve through fourteen, corrected the Corinthians for misusing this gift. The mandate to speak in tongues is not apparent from this passage, as it primarily addresses corrective measures for the Corinthians who had distorted the gift. Acts 2 recounts the believers speaking in other languages (Greek: "glossa"), signifying known languages, not unintelligible utterances. The gift of tongues should not be confused with ecstatic gibberish.
The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues: The subsequent gift, as mentioned by Paul, is the gift of interpreting tongues (verse 10), the ability to interpret the meaning of tongues for others. This gift enables an individual to interpret languages spoken in a gathering. While some may naturally possess the ability to learn foreign languages, this spiritual gift surpasses mere linguistic proficiency. In the church, if someone spoke in tongues, there had to be an interpreter present; otherwise, they were to remain silent. Disorderly speaking in tongues without interpretation hinders edification, as God is a God of order. Tongues serve as a sign for unbelievers, as illustrated in Isaiah 28:11-12, emphasizing that the gift involves speaking in known languages as a testimony to those who do not believe. These gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the common good and are empowered by the same Spirit. They also yield the fruits of the Spirit in the life of the believer.
The significance of the gift of Holy Spirit to every believer.
1. Empowerment for Service: The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to serve God and carry out His work on earth. This includes preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and performing miracles. (Acts 1:8).
2. Spiritual Growth: The Holy Spirit helps Christians to grow spiritually. He teaches and reminds them of God's word, convicts them of sin, and guides them in the path of righteousness. (John 14:26, John 16:8).
3. Fruit of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit in the lives of Christians. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to Christians. These gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to Christians for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
5. Comfort and Counsel: The Holy Spirit is also known as the Comforter or Counselor. He comforts Christians in their troubles and counsels them in their decisions. (John 14:16, John 16:7).
6. Assurance of Salvation: The Holy Spirit assures Christians of their salvation. He bears witness with their spirit that they are children of God. (Romans 8:16).
7. Intercession: The Holy Spirit helps Christians in their prayers. He intercedes for them according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27).
8. Transformation: The Holy Spirit transforms Christians into the image of Christ. He works in them to change their character and behavior to be more like Jesus. (2 Corinthians 3:18).
9. Unity: The Holy Spirit brings unity among Christians. He unites them in love and purpose to serve God and each other. (Ephesians 4:3-4).
10. Revelation: The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God to Christians. He helps them to understand the Bible and to know God's will for their lives. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).