Spiritual Gifts pt4: Operations

By Bill Gothard

Diversities of: OPERATIONS

Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:6

Greek word: Energema - “Effect”

* Phanerosis - “To show,” v.7

Category 3: MANIFESTATION

Gifts listed in: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

The manifestation given “…to profit withal…” (1 Cor. 12:7)

Basis of classification:

Verse 7 continues the thoughts of verse 6, speaking of the result of the Holy Spirit’s work. It is our responsibility to develop our motivational gifts. It is the church’s responsibility to confirm ministry gifts, and it is the Holy Spirit’s function to reward the use of the gifts for the profit of all.

1. WORD OR WISDOM: Seeing life from God’s perspective

As a Christian exercises his gift, one of the results is that he develops a fear of the Lord. This is the beginning of wisdom.” (See Proverbs 1:7)

2. WORD OF KNOWLEDGE: Comprehending Christ and His Word

Knowledge comes as the Holy Spirit opens one’s understanding, because things of God are spiritually discerned. (See 1 Cor. 2:14)

3. FAITH: Visualizing what God wants to accomplish

Faith is the result of hearing the Word of God as it is proclaimed and taught. (See Romans 10:17).

4. HEALINGS: Removing diseases from the spirit, soul, or body

The diseases of the spirit are bitterness, greed, and guilt. The diseases of the soul are discouragement, worry, jealousy, and other destructive attitudes. (See Psalm 103:1-3)

5. MIRACLES: Natural or supernatural events with precise timing to bring glory to God

Just as the ministry gift of miracles is the expression of prayer, so it is the function of the Holy Spirit to direct our prayers. (See Romans 8:26)

6. PROPHECY: Bringing to light secret motives of the heart

It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. (See John 16:8-11)

7. DISCERNING OF SPIRITS: Recognizing what is of God vs. the world, the flesh, and the devil

Discerning of spirits must be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. He bears witness with our spirit when something is or is not of God.

8. VARIOUS TONGUES: Glorifying God through language and music

The Holy Spirit energizes the tongue to edify believers through language and music.

THIS SERIES IS CONTINUED…