1 Corinthians 12:4-11 talks about nine gifts given to each one through the Spirit as necessary. We can lead a powerful believing life by understanding the nine gifts of the Spirit and receiving them. Now let's delve into them.
01. Word of Wisdom
If we receive the word of wisdom through the Holy Spirit, we can make use of the Word of God properly when and where necessary, and thereby we can help people change quickly.
The Holy Spirit renews their hearts. He encourages them, and turns their lives into lives of joy and thanks. Moreover, He plants faith and hope for Heaven in them so that they can overcome this world. To the extent that we achieve sanctification the greater is wisdom that is given by God. (James 3:17-18). If we receive this gift, it spiritually strengthens us and enables us to perform every kind of duty properly.
02. Word of Knowledge
To be armed with God's Word, we first should be able to realize the Word. It means our spiritual eyes for the Word should stay open. Otherwise, we will just know its literal meaning, not understanding its true meaning. Then we can't feel God's heart and love.
Without such spiritual armament, we can't practice the Word, and can't experience God's works. Only by receiving the gift of the word of knowledge can we comprehend spiritual meanings of the Scripture, make them bread for ourselves, and put them into practice.
03. Faith
Only through the Holy Spirit's help can we be given faith from God. This is because we can receive faith only when we practice God's Word stored as knowledge.
Good-hearted people practice the Word by decisively casting away things that are against the Word right after discovering them in their hearts. Some people immediately accept and believe the works of the living God when they experience or witness proofs of His existence. Those people can do so because they received the gift of faith.
04. Healing
Those who are given the gift of healing can heal viral diseases through prayer.
Even if one comes down with a serious disease, if he thoroughly repents of his wrongdoing and receives prayer from one who possesses the gift of healing, he can be healed. Suppose a person committed sins due to ignorance of the truth. If he repents heartily, then God may have mercy on him and heal him. Moreover, if he receives prayer of those with the gift of healing, he will be healed more quickly and easily.
05. Effecting of Miracles
This gift of effecting of miracles can manifest works that can't be achieved by human means such as healing of disabilities or congenital diseases, controlling weather or celestial bodies, and transforming men's personalities and temperaments.
This gift is given to people who seek the will of God. People are able to perform such amazing miracles that are beyond human ability after they enter the fourth level of faith—the faith to love God exceedingly and as they pile up fervent prayer to get into the fifth level—the faith to please God.
06. Prophecy
Prophecy is a prediction of the future, made under the Spirit's inspiration and in God's will. One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3).
The gift of prophecy is given to a person who prays much, who obeys the Word of God and has a sanctified heart without any evil. When they prophesy, they don't know what they are saying because they speak in the fullness and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
07. Distinguishing of Spirits
Distinguishing of spirits is knowing the will of God. In order to receive the gift, we should obey the Word of God completely. When we understand the voice of the Holy Spirit clearly and practice the will of God, we can distinguish spirits in the power of God.
Entering the perfect level of distinguishing spirits, we can discern between what belongs to spirit and what belongs to flesh. We can distinguish the voice of the Spirit from our own thoughts; goodness from evilness; and truth from falsehood. We can identify those who communicate with evil forces and those who are disturbed by them and swiftly respond to it.
08. Various Kinds of Tongues
The gift of tongues is beneficial for a Christian life so God wants to give it to any child who has received the Holy Spirit.
Praying in tongues is prayer with the spirit. When we pray with the spirit, we can receive the Spirit's fullness and understand the Word of God better. We will be able to pray earnestly and become filled with the Spirit, which helps us receive strength. We can overcome trials and afflictions and throw away things we long the most to cast away. Moreover, the prayer with the spirit is heard only by God so Satan cannot hinder the prayer from being offered up.
09. Interpretation of Tongues
One can interpret tongues when he or she is filled with and inspired by the Holy Spirit, but this gift is given only to people who are to have the gift in God's special will or to some who have become sanctified.
For the gifts of prophecy and interpreting tongues, we should be able to stop thoughts coming in. Even if God gave the gifts, unless we have this ability, our own thoughts sometimes come out in prophecy or interpretation. Of course, God doesn't give the gift of interpretation of tongues to those who don't live in the truth, because they are influenced by Satan to some degree.
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