The Apostle Paul records a lengthy explanation regarding the gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14. Paul specifically names the gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-11, “To one there is given through the spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, 20 to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things…” Gifts, such as speaking in foreign languages, were necessary to spread the gospel into foreign lands and establish the early church. In 1 Corinthians 14:22 (HCSB), Paul specified that “…speaking in other languages is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers,” so that they would believe the message was from God. Then they could report with confidence that the power of God was at work. In the same manner, gifts of healing, wisdom and prophecy provided strong evidence of the power of God to those unbelievers who witnessed them.
For example, the miraculous gift of speaking in tongues was from God and was much needed at the time since the gospels were not yet written. The apostles and disciples were commissioned to spread the “good news” by word of mouth to Jews and other people from diverse cultures that spoke a variety of languages. The gift of tongues were for a specific purpose (to quickly spread the gospel) at a specific time (the time of the apostles) for a specific audience (unbelievers only).
This word “gift” is translated from the Greek word charisma and refers specially to a miraculous gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:27,28, Paul emphasized the different miraculous gifts given to some members of the early church did not make one member better than another. Therefore, they should not be boastful or proud when they were the receiver of a gift. The glory should go to God who made these distinctions in the church for the promotion of the Gospel.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle warns about possessing these gifts without producing the fruits of the spirit like faith, hope and love. These fruits of Christian character are of superior value in comparison to the gifts. In verse 8, he instructs that love never fails, but the other gifts of the spirit will eventually cease. Additionally, there is strong evidence that only the apostles could impart these gifts to others and after their death, these gifts did cease. See Romans 1:11; Act 4:30,31; Acts 19:6.
In 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul continues to counsel to “excel to the edifying (spiritual instructing) of the church.” None in the church had these miraculous abilities greater than Paul and yet he states in verse 19, “I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousands words in an unknown language.” Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians by teaching the doctrines of the ransom and the resurrection.
Today, the gift of the holy spirit is evidenced by a sanctified mind, one that is set apart for service to God. This will result in a greater flourishing of the “fruit of the spirit” described in Galatians 5:22,23. Those who make a consecration to God, if accepted, receive the gift of the holy spirit. To “make a consecration” means transforming one’s life, trying to follow the way Jesus lived his life. A consecrated person turns away from their natural sinful tendencies and instead tries very hard to obey God’s will in every decision of life. The Bible calls those with the holy spirit, “spirit begotten” (1 John 5:1, ASV).
A spirit-begotten person sees, thinks, speaks, and acts differently than they did before. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) Their loyalty and allegiance is to God first. They are committed to a higher purpose – doing things God’s way instead of their way.
The holy spirit is like a tool to help a person do the work required to live a consecrated life. When a person is spirit begotten, they can:
…be helped with their weaknesses. (Romans 8:26-28)
…be a good example to others. (Galatians. 6:10, 1 Timothy 4:12)
…develop the “fruit of the spirit” Paul describes in Galatians, in order to glorify God. (Galatians 5:22,23, John 5:18)
…be comforted through difficult experiences, knowing that the power of God is working in their lives for their best spiritual welfare. (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
…be inspired to share the word of God with others. (Matthew 5:16, Phil 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:6,7)
…help transform and renew their minds to set their focus on serving God. (Romans 12:2)
…have a greater understanding of the Bible – not through a miracle without any effort, but through the hard work of studying God ’s word. (Matthew 6:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:15)
…have a sense of peace as they rejoice in the Lord and guard their hearts and minds against evil. (Matthew 10:13, Philippians 4:4-7)
…be motivated to serve and build up other Christians. (Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 6:10, Matthew 25:40)
…be guided in the work of self-sacrifice, which is giving up one’s own desires in order to do the will of God. (Romans 12:1,2, Philippians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:9)
…increase their own hope and faith in God and His promises. Romans 5:5 says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the holy spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1325: “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?”
Unfolding how the holy spirit does and does not function in our lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
