The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Part 2

The Spirit of God spoke through the Apostle Paul that He did not want the Church at Corinth to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1). Likewise, God does not want the Church today to be ignorant concerning these supernatural gifts. Unfortunately there is much ignorance concerning spiritual gifts in the church today. Some know nothing about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even that such gifts exist. Some feel they have been done away with. Others know something about the gifts of the Spirit, but their knowledge is very limited. While yet others shy away from spiritual gifts because they have seen them used in the wrong way. As we proceed with our study, we must always keep in mind that when spiritual gifts are in manifestation, they will always uplift the Lordship of Jesus, not of man. They will not attract attention to man, but to Christ. I will again emphasize that understanding spiritual gifts and operating in them requires first and foremost a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We must be yielded to and led by the Holy Spirit, and given to a serious study of God’s Word. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), must be in operation along with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, our spiritual gifts will take us where our character will not keep us. These articles are written to inspire us to grow in these areas.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 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 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. The nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit listed above from I Corinthians 12 are divided into three categories. The revelation gifts are the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits.  The power gifts are the gift of faith, the working of miracles, and the gifts of healings. The utterance or inspirational gifts are prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Let’s begin with the revelation gifts.

The word of wisdom is the supernatural power to speak with divine insight, whether in solving difficult problems, defending the faith, resolving conflicts, giving practical advice, or pleading one’s case against hostile authorities. It is a word of wisdom. God has all wisdom and knowledge. He reveals a part of it to man, through the Holy Spirit, at a given time for a given situation.  It is a revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine plans and purposes in the mind and will of God.  A word of wisdom is a tiny portion of God’s total wisdom given directly to us.  God’s wisdom is not remote but very practical and to the point. A true word of wisdom can bring conviction and open a person’s heart to God. When problems and disputes are resolved through a word of wisdom, great unity is the result. Words of wisdom can produce open doors and spiritual progress. We have too much of man’s wisdom in the church and in the world today. Let us covet this spiritual gift so we can be a part of the solutions and not the problems. God’s wisdom revealed supernaturally to man will help our churches to grow and to be empowered to impact those around us. Words of wisdom are needed in our homes, schools, churches, communities, businesses; city, state and national governments and throughout the nations. We pray that we will become yielded vessels that God can impart His wisdom to and speak His message through.   Next time we’ll look at the word of knowledge which often works with the word of wisdom. We’ll also discuss discerning of spirits, the third revelation gift. It is our prayer that these articles will continue to inspire our readers to greater personal and corporate study of Spiritual Gifts. Truly, we need the divine, supernatural intervention of God in the situations and circumstances that we are facing today. Blessings!!