THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Title: THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Acts 2:38-39, Joel 2:28-29

INTRODUCTION:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are special abilities given to believers to edify the church, strengthen believers, and glorify God. They reflect the nature of God’s power working through us, and each gift serves a unique purpose within the body of Christ. These gifts are not just for personal benefit but for the building up of the church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. In this study, we will examine the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, their purposes, and how believers are called to use them.

1. THE REVELATION GIFTS

The Revelation Gifts are gifts that reveal or make known something supernaturally.

a) The Word of Wisdom:
This gift provides supernatural insight into God’s will or purpose in a particular situation, often guiding others in difficult decisions (James 1:5).

b) The Word of Knowledge:
This gift reveals specific information about a person or situation that is otherwise unknown to the one who receives it (Acts 5:1-11).

c) The Discerning of Spirits:
This gift enables a believer to distinguish between spirits, recognizing what is from God, what is human, and what is demonic (1 John 4:1).

d) Purpose of Revelation Gifts:
To provide insight, guidance, and protection for the church by revealing hidden truths (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Biblical Example:
Jesus used the word of knowledge when He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing details about her life (John 4:16-18).

2. THE POWER GIFTS

The Power Gifts demonstrate the supernatural power of God, showing His ability to intervene in the natural world.

a) The Gift of Faith:
This is a supernatural confidence or trust in God’s power to perform a miracle, beyond ordinary faith (Hebrews 11:1).

b) The Gifts of Healings:
These gifts enable individuals to heal diseases or ailments supernaturally in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:18).

c) The Working of Miracles:
This gift produces supernatural acts or events that defy natural laws, often bringing glory to God (Acts 19:11-12).

d) Purpose of Power Gifts:
To confirm the gospel message and demonstrate God’s power in a tangible way (Mark 16:17-18).

Biblical Example:
Peter demonstrated the gift of healing when he healed the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8).

3. THE VOCAL GIFTS

The Vocal Gifts involve speaking as inspired by the Holy Spirit for edification, exhortation, and comfort.

a) The Gift of Prophecy:
This gift allows a person to speak forth a message from God, often providing encouragement or direction (1 Corinthians 14:3).

b) Different Kinds of Tongues:
This gift enables a person to speak in an unknown language, whether human or angelic, that they do not naturally know (1 Corinthians 14:2).

c) The Interpretation of Tongues:
This gift allows someone to interpret a message given in tongues so that others can understand and be edified (1 Corinthians 14:13).

d) Purpose of Vocal Gifts:
To build up the church through inspired speech, bringing clarity, encouragement, and divine insight (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Biblical Example:
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples spoke in various tongues, which were understood by the crowd, demonstrating the gift of tongues (Acts 2:4-6).

4. THE MINISTRY GIFTS

The Ministry Gifts equip believers for various roles within the church, each role serving a unique function.

a) Apostleship:
This gift establishes new churches and strengthens the body of Christ in new territories (Ephesians 4:11).

b) Prophecy (Ministry Role):
Those with the ministry role of prophecy are gifted to speak messages from God, often to correct, guide, or encourage (Romans 12:6).

c) Teaching:
The teaching gift enables one to explain God’s Word clearly and accurately, fostering understanding and growth (Romans 12:7).

d) Pastoring:
A pastoral gift provides care, guidance, and nurturing for believers, shepherding them in their faith journey (Ephesians 4:11).

e) Evangelism:
This gift enables a person to effectively communicate the gospel, leading others to faith in Christ (2 Timothy 4:5).

Biblical Example:
Paul served as an apostle, planting churches and mentoring leaders across various regions (Acts 13:1-3).

5. THE SERVING GIFTS

The Serving Gifts empower believers to support the church and community in practical and compassionate ways.

a) Service/Helps:
This gift enables individuals to assist others selflessly, often in supportive or practical roles (1 Corinthians 12:28).

b) Giving:
Those with this gift are generous, often blessed by God to give sacrificially to support God’s work (Romans 12:8).

c) Administration:
The gift of administration involves organizing, managing, and helping the church function effectively (1 Corinthians 12:28).

d) Mercy:
This gift empowers a person to show compassion and kindness to those in need, reflecting God’s love (Romans 12:8).

e) Encouragement/Exhortation:
This gift allows one to motivate others in their faith journey, providing support and encouragement (Romans 12:8).

Biblical Example:
Dorcas served with the gift of helps, making garments for the needy, which endeared her to her community (Acts 9:36).

CONCLUSION:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential for the health and growth of the church. Each believer is given gifts as the Spirit determines, to be used for the common good. As we discover and develop these gifts, we become effective instruments for God’s Kingdom, serving and edifying others. Let us seek to be vessels that God can use, exercising these gifts in love, humility, and obedience.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to discover and develop the gifts You have given me.

2. Father, grant me the grace to use my gifts for the edification of the church.

3. Holy Spirit, increase my sensitivity to Your leading.

4. Lord, let the gifts of the Spirit manifest in my life to glorify Your name.

5. Father, give me the wisdom to operate each gift with humility and love.

6. Holy Spirit, empower me to bring healing and deliverance to others.

7. Lord, let the gift of discernment grow in me to protect Your people.

8. Father, help me speak words of prophecy that encourage and build up others.

9. Lord, use me to demonstrate Your power through the gifts of the Spirit.

10. Father, let me be an instrument of Your peace and love in all I do.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will operate in the gifts of the Spirit with boldness and wisdom.

2. May the Holy Spirit stir up every dormant gift within you.

3. I decree that you will be a vessel of honour, used mightily by God.

4. May the Spirit of discernment protect you from every deception.

5. I declare that the power of God will manifest through you, bringing healing and miracles.

6. May you walk in love and humility, serving others with your gifts.

7. I declare that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will flow freely in your life.

8. May you bring glory to God through every gift He has entrusted to you.

9. I decree that you will be a beacon of light, drawing others to Christ.

10. May God’s grace enable you to fulfil His purpose as you operate in His gifts.