Gifts
of the Holy Spirit 1
Introduction
by Pastor John Hamel
“For to one is
given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by
the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts
of healing(s) by the same Spirit; 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:” (1 Corinthians
12:8-10)
There are nine
Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We see them all in the above Scripture.
The nine Gifts are separated into three groups.
The first group is
commonly referred to as the Power Gifts. They are called the Power
Gifts because they DO something. They are: The Gift of Faith, the Gifts of Healings and the Working of Miracles.
The second group is
commonly referred to as the Revelation Gifts. These are Gifts that
REVEAL something. They are: The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge and the Discerning of Spirits.
The third group is
commonly referred to as the Utterance Gifts. This is because they SAY
something. They are: The Gift of Prophecy, the Gift of Tongues and the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.
It is not possible
to study each Gift in great detail in these short studies. These
studies are simply brief overviews. For greater detail, see my book,
“The Person of The Holy Spirit: 65 Study Outlines.”
We will define each
Gift in this brief series. We will also see a Biblical example of
each Gift in operation. Whenever possible, I will share with you how
each of these Gifts have operated in my own life. That way you will
recognize them when you see them in your Bible. You will also
recognize them when they operate through you or around you.
Everyone operates
in at least two Gifts occasionally. The Holy Spirit alone decides
which two those are. We cannot choose our Gifts. (1 Corinthians
12:11)
It would be good
for you to memorize the name of each Gift as well as its definition.
This was the first thing I did when I discovered them well over 30 years
ago. The Holy Spirit’s Gifts operate best through those who recognize
and understand them most.
Please keep in mind
that each of these Gifts is a Supernatural Gift. They operate by the
supernatural power of God. They have nothing to do with man’s natural
abilities. Our job is to have faith in these Gifts and just allow the
Holy Spirit to operate them in the way He sees best.
Soon you will
recognize which of the Gifts the Holy Spirit has imparted to you.
Please keep in mind that you cannot turn your Gifts on and off at
will. The Holy Spirit
decides when and how your Gifts will operate. The best thing you can
do is to spend time worshipping God and reading His Word. This always
leads to greater manifestations of your Gifts.
In
our next lesson we will study the first of the three Power Gifts, the Gift
of Faith.
Be blessed as you study … John and Barbara Hamel
How
to Be Born Again (Receive Christ as Your Savior)
How
to Receive The Holy Spirit & Power
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