Gifts of the Holy Spirit
There are actually three biblical lists of the “gifts of the Spirit,” also known as spiritual gifts. The three main passages describing the spiritual gifts are Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28. We could also include Ephesians 4:11, but that is a list of offices within the church, not spiritual gifts, per se. The spiritual gifts identified in Romans 12 are prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 includes the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:28 includes healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. A brief description of each gift follows:
1. Gift of Knowledge
Literal means To have in mind a real, true object.
Description:
The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas that are pertinent to the growth of the church and the well-being of the body.
Bible References in Theory: Romans 15:14 , 1 Corinthians 12:8 , 2 Peter 3:17,18
Bible References in Practice: 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 2 Corinthians 11:6, 2 Timothy 3:15
People with this gift:
- learn easily and recall the material accurately and in detail;
- discover biblical truth which enables them to better serve the body;
- have a deep love for the Scriptures, and enjoy digging deeper in the Bible for insight, understanding, and truth;
- carefully study and research subjects they want to understand better;
- organize information for teaching and practical use.
A person with this gift is usually:
Learned, Studious, Insightful, Analytical, Curious, Observant, Reflective, Truthful
People with this gift:
- should beware of becoming proud about what they know;
- should remember that it’s God’s message, not theirs, when they give a word of knowledge to the church;
- need to remember that their latest discovery may not be what others around them need to hear at that time.
People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Giving Bible studies, Preaching, Helping with seminars, Bible school teacher, Writing on Bible topics, Bible scholar
Description:
The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas that are pertinent to the growth of the church and the well-being of the body.
Bible References in Theory: Romans 15:14 , 1 Corinthians 12:8 , 2 Peter 3:17,18
Bible References in Practice: 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 2 Corinthians 11:6, 2 Timothy 3:15
People with this gift:
- learn easily and recall the material accurately and in detail;
- discover biblical truth which enables them to better serve the body;
- have a deep love for the Scriptures, and enjoy digging deeper in the Bible for insight, understanding, and truth;
- carefully study and research subjects they want to understand better;
- organize information for teaching and practical use.
A person with this gift is usually:
Learned, Studious, Insightful, Analytical, Curious, Observant, Reflective, Truthful
People with this gift:
- should beware of becoming proud about what they know;
- should remember that it’s God’s message, not theirs, when they give a word of knowledge to the church;
- need to remember that their latest discovery may not be what others around them need to hear at that time.
People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Giving Bible studies, Preaching, Helping with seminars, Bible school teacher, Writing on Bible topics, Bible scholar
2. Gift of Discernment
Literal means To separate; to differentiate; to make a distinction.
Description:
The gift of discernment is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to distinguish between truth and error, and to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or satanic.
Bible references in Theory: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 4:1,6
Bible references in Practice: Matthew 16:21-23, Acts 5:1-4, 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure;
- identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness;
- determine whether a testimony attributed to God is authentic;
- recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message or interpretation;
- are able to sense the presence of evil.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Perceptive, Insightful, Sensitive, Challenging, Decisive, Intuitive, Truthful, Discriminating
Cautions for People with this gift:
- may struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights;
- could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth in love;
- need to confirm their perceptions before speaking.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Counselling, Spiritual director, Church elder, Nominating committee, Preaching, Giving Bible studies
Description:
The gift of discernment is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to distinguish between truth and error, and to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or satanic.
Bible references in Theory: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 4:1,6
Bible references in Practice: Matthew 16:21-23, Acts 5:1-4, 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure;
- identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness;
- determine whether a testimony attributed to God is authentic;
- recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message or interpretation;
- are able to sense the presence of evil.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Perceptive, Insightful, Sensitive, Challenging, Decisive, Intuitive, Truthful, Discriminating
Cautions for People with this gift:
- may struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights;
- could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth in love;
- need to confirm their perceptions before speaking.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Counselling, Spiritual director, Church elder, Nominating committee, Preaching, Giving Bible studies
3. Gift of Wisdom
Literal means To speak appropriate truth at the right time.
Description:
The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.
Bible references Theory: 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, Colossians 4:5,6, James 3:13-18
Bible references Practice: 1 Kings 3:16-28, Luke 21:15, Acts 6:9,10
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take;
- receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body;
- provide simple, practical solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion;
- hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation;
- apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Sensitive, Insightful, Practical, Prudent, Logical, Judicious, Rational, Reasonable
Cautions for People with this gift:
- may be tempted to keep it to themselves because others are not always open to advice;
- need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may weaken their faith in God;
- should be careful about looking down on others who don’t appear to have as much commonsense.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Church board chairman, Counselling, Nominating committee, Church elder, Conflict resolution, Finance committee
Description:
The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.
Bible references Theory: 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, Colossians 4:5,6, James 3:13-18
Bible references Practice: 1 Kings 3:16-28, Luke 21:15, Acts 6:9,10
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take;
- receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body;
- provide simple, practical solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion;
- hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation;
- apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Sensitive, Insightful, Practical, Prudent, Logical, Judicious, Rational, Reasonable
Cautions for People with this gift:
- may be tempted to keep it to themselves because others are not always open to advice;
- need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may weaken their faith in God;
- should be careful about looking down on others who don’t appear to have as much commonsense.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Church board chairman, Counselling, Nominating committee, Church elder, Conflict resolution, Finance committee
4. Gift of Teaching
Literal means To instruct.
Description:
The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn.
Bible references Theory: Matthew 28:19,20, 1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 2:1,2
Bible references Practice: Matthew 7:28,29, Acts 18:24-28, Acts 20:20,21
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- communicate biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word of God;
- challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture;
- focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better;
- give attention to details and accuracy;
- prepare themselves through extended times of study and reflection.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Organized, Enthusiastic, Authoritative, Expressive, Articulate, Disciplined, Analytical, Practical
Cautions for People with this gift:
- need to keep their material simple and practical;
- should avoid pride that may result from their superior biblical knowledge and understanding;
- can easily get angry at those who appear uninterested.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Church elder, Bible school teacher, Giving Bible studies, Youth activities leader, Lay evangelist, Leading out in seminars
Description:
The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn.
Bible references Theory: Matthew 28:19,20, 1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 2:1,2
Bible references Practice: Matthew 7:28,29, Acts 18:24-28, Acts 20:20,21
Distinctives of People with this gift:
- communicate biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word of God;
- challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture;
- focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better;
- give attention to details and accuracy;
- prepare themselves through extended times of study and reflection.
Personal traits and behaviors of A person with this gift is usually:
Organized, Enthusiastic, Authoritative, Expressive, Articulate, Disciplined, Analytical, Practical
Cautions for People with this gift:
- need to keep their material simple and practical;
- should avoid pride that may result from their superior biblical knowledge and understanding;
- can easily get angry at those who appear uninterested.
Mobilizing for ministry of People with this gift are needed in the church for:
Church elder, Bible school teacher, Giving Bible studies, Youth activities leader, Lay evangelist, Leading out in seminars
Prophecy – The Greek word translated “prophecy” in both passages properly means “a speaking forth.” According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the word refers to “discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; especially by foretelling future events.” To prophesy is to declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God that is designed to influence people.
Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.
Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.
Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.
Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money and time with them as needs arise.
Leadership – The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over or has the management of other people in the church. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.
Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.
Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.
Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.
Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.
Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.
Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (Acts 2:22). This gift was exhibited by Paul (Acts 19:11-12), Peter (Acts 3:6), Stephen (Acts 6:8), and Phillip (Acts 8:6-7), among others.
Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.
Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the temporary “sign gifts” given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift authenticated the message of the gospel and those who preached it as coming from God. The phrase “diversity of tongues” (KJV) or “different kinds of tongues” (NIV) effectively eliminates the idea of a “personal prayer language” as a spiritual gift.
Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.
Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.
Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.
Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.
Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.
Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money and time with them as needs arise.
Leadership – The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over or has the management of other people in the church. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.
Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.
Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.
Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.
Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.
Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.
Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (Acts 2:22). This gift was exhibited by Paul (Acts 19:11-12), Peter (Acts 3:6), Stephen (Acts 6:8), and Phillip (Acts 8:6-7), among others.
Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.
Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the temporary “sign gifts” given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift authenticated the message of the gospel and those who preached it as coming from God. The phrase “diversity of tongues” (KJV) or “different kinds of tongues” (NIV) effectively eliminates the idea of a “personal prayer language” as a spiritual gift.
Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.
Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.