Their Purpose & Work: A Brief Study

What's the difference between the Gifts of the Spirit and the Gift of the Holy Ghost? What are the gifts of the Spirit? Are they necessary for the church today? Have you asked or been asked those questions? If so, keep reading for the answers, and be sure to read all of the Bible passages for better understanding.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the saints of Corinth shortly after their church was founded—they were still new converts to Christ. He knew that every believer had received the Spirit of Christ. Yet, they were ignorant of many spiritual matters. However, each could gain more spiritual knowledge through teaching and experience.

The book of First Corinthians, chapters 12, 13, and 14, best explains the gifts of the Spirit. Chapter 12 gives a general description of the gifts and concludes by encouraging believers to covet or desire Spiritual gifts. Chapter 13 reveals the foundation for life, growth, and maturity in the Spirit. Chapter 14 discusses the proper use of the gifts of the Spirit during services.

Understanding the Gift and the Gifts

The "gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38) is distinct from the "gift of tongues" addressed in 1 Corinthians 12.

In Acts 2:38, the Greek word for 'gift' is Dorea, meaning "a singular gift, present, a sacrifice." Therefore, the initial evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

In I Corinthians 12:4, the Greek word for 'gifts' is Charisma, meaning "favor, deliverance, spiritual endowment, miraculous faculty." The Spiritual gifts (charisma) are benefits or by-products of the Holy Ghost gift (dorea).

The Bible states, "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they are none of His" (Romans 8:9). It’s essential to have the Holy Ghost.However, being used in the gifts of the Spirit is not.

The gifts of the Spirit are distributed according to God’s plan and the Christians' desire, as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.”

What Are the Gifts of the Spirit?

The nine specific spiritual gifts often overlap in their operation. The Spirit uses them to instruct, encourage, and warn sinners and saints. The gifts are to be used in submission to the God-anointed auspices of the local ministry, as taught in 1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Those gifts are as crucial to the church today as they were when Paul explained them to the church in Corinth.

Who Can Be Used in the Gifts?

Every saint of God! Jesus said that signs would follow the believers, not just ministers (Mark 16:17-18). The Lord promised, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). We must never forget that they are God’s gifts that He gives as He chooses and that they are not ours. We are the vessels.

REVELATORY GIFTS

Word of Wisdom: Wisdom generally comes by experience. With the Spirit’s guidance, wisdom helps a person respond appropriately in words or deeds. For example, the Lord Jesus promised this gift during persecution (Luke 21:12-15), although it also works at other times.

Word of Knowledge: Natural knowledge results from study or instruction. Spiritual knowledge is a more profound revelation from God in specific situations that aligns with divine principles and God's moral knowledge. For example, Peter understood the gift while preaching in Acts 10:28, 34, 43.

Discerning of Spirits: The spiritual ability to distinguish and judge the motive behind words or actions. The apostle Paul used this gift in Acts 16:16-18.

AUDITORY GIFTS

Diverse Kinds of Tongues: This does not refer to the natural ability of some to learn other languages, nor is it a man-taught.

The tongues of men and angels (1 Corinthians 13:1) are God-inspired during seasons of personal refreshing (1 Cor. 14:2, 14, 18; Jude 1:20), and intercession (Romans 8:26-27).

Interpretation of Tongues: This gift is typically used during church services in conjunction with the gift of tongues. Its purpose is to edify the church and convict the unbeliever, prompting them to acknowledge the power and presence of God (1 Corinthians 14:22-25).   

Prophecy: This gift can refer to preaching, but its primary meaning is foretelling future events, warnings, or blessings. It is used in many places and settings (Acts 2:17; Acts 21:9).

ACTION GIFTS

Faith: The gift of faith is greater than the measure of faith given to every person (Romans 12:3). The gift of Faith demonstrates obedience to God's will and word in the face of temptation, persecution, and times of natural calamity, as well as forgiving others for trespasses against you (Luke 17:5; Hebrews 11).

Gifts of Healing: Healings include medical cures that produce wholeness and wellness. These healings are expedited through the gift and with prayer. They point the way to Jesus Christ and are to praise the Lord Jesus, bringing sinners to salvation.

Working of Miracles: These miracles include instantaneous healings, raising the dead, the miraculous provision of food or finances, and safety in peril (Acts 31-10; Acts 12:1-19; Acts 27).

THE EXCELLENT WAY

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the "Love Chapter." Paul mentions several noble and spiritual activities, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, a tremendous intellect, faith in miracles, philanthropy, and a willingness to die for Christ or others. Paul said anyone who does those things without love as their motivation is loud echoes, nothing, and unprofitable.

Anyone who abuses the gifts of the Spirit for self-glory or as a means of self-justification to disobey all aspects of God's Word will become spiritually deceived. Jesus said in Matthew 6:22, 23, NLT, 'On judgment day, many will tell me,' Lord, we prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and performed many miracles in your name."' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.”

However, genuine Christians will "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind – love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-38, NLT). As God's gifts flow through the believer's heart, every family, city, state, and nation can experience the glory of God.