UCA Stawell: 29.03.2026
Don’t be Ignorant Concerning “Spiritual Gifts”
What a gift the Father has given to us. This wonderful comforter and helper…this wonderful person, The Holy Spirit.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 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 healings 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.
The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit
God has given His people nine mighty gifts of the Holy Spirit to enable them to mature spiritually, edify others, and do the work of the ministry. Although these gifts of God are perfect, the manifestation of these gifts are sometimes not so perfect because they are manifested through an imperfect channel: men and women.
However, perfect or imperfect, it is still God’s will that the Church have all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation and that every believer be open to the working of these gifts in their life. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul confirms this statement when he exhorted God’s people by writing:
“That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: ‘So that ye come behind in no gift;’ waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 1:5-7).
Therefore, these gifts are not only essential for spiritual maturity and ministry, but they also prepare you for Christ’s return.
The gifts are the “spiritual senses” of the Church. Just as we have five physical senses that allow us to function in the natural realm (in the world: sight, hearing, smelling, touch and taste), so we also have nine gifts of the Holy Spirit (the “spiritual senses”) that enable us to function properly in the spiritual realm.
- The Nine Gifts of The Holy Spirit
Key Biblical Meanings and Instances of the number 9:
Finality and Judgment: The number 9 is associated with the end of things and divine judgment. For example, the destruction of Jerusalem began in the ninth year of Zedekiah.
The Ninth Hour (3 PM): Jesus died at the ninth hour, marking the completion of His sacrificial work for humanity.
Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine fruit (attributes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).
Finality of Sacrifice: The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Hebrew calendar, starts on the 9th day of the seventh month.
Gifts of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12 lists nine specific gifts of the Spirit (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation).
The number 9 represents the ultimate perfection found in God’s works and His divine completeness
- Paul Says that “Spiritual Gifts” is something that we should not be ignorant about.
We read it today in 1 Corinthians 12:1
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
Ignorance comes through a lack of knowledge and if we don’t know about these gifts, how will we be able to desire and experience these gifts.
Here the Greek word for “gifts” is “charismata” and means gifts of grace.
- These nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are given and ministered by the grace of God and cannot be earned:
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
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 healings by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
-
The Nine Gifts Are Divided Into Three Categories:
- The three revelation gifts.
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Discerning of spirits
- The three power gifts.
Faith
Gifts of healing
Working of miracles
- The three vocal gifts.
Prophecy
Divers kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues
- Some important things to understand.
Every Child of God may receive at least one gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 4:10
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Paul had the desire to impart to all believers a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:11
“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;”
We receive these gifts according to the measure of God’s grace toward us. Romans 12:6
It is important that we do not neglect using the gift/s that the Holy Spirit imparts to us.
1 Timothy 4:14
” Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”
We should never let this gift lay dormant and unused in our lives.
2 Timothy 1:6
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
The gift that is within us will be manifested and shown through us.
1 Corinthians 12:7
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
The invisible person of the Holy Spirit manifests Himself through the operation of these gifts. Through us, He demonstrates His personality, will and purpose.
1 Corinthians 2:4
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:”
- IV. What IsThe Purpose Of These Nine Gifts?
Through the nine gifts, the Holy Spirit meets the different kinds of needs of people.
So far we have discussed and revealed the fact that:
- the Holy Spirit is not an it but a Person and fully God.
- That our God is a giving God in every aspect
- God the Father GAVE us His Son. The Father gives us Motivational Gifts at birth to use them to benefit ourselves and others. Our gifts shape our personalities. Because God has created us with free will, we can choose to use our motivational gifts appropriately, or we can choose to neglect them or even to abuse them. God loves us. He freely gives us abilities and talents that will help us live up to our potential and positively contribute to our communities. In our gifts he gives us our purpose, our reason to live and forms the foundation of our character.
- God the Son GAVE His life for us. He gives ministry gifts for the administration and leadership of the church. ie Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Administrators etc
- The Holy Spirit not only reveals Jesus to us but Jesus indwells the believer through the Holy Spirit. I will never leave you.
- The Holy Spirit gives the Church Gifts which we will explore next week, to help fulfil the ministry we have been called to do.
- We can and should get to know the HS, understand Him, hear Him and interpret His nudgings and promptings.
- The Church should be a joyous place, a place of peace, a place of comfort, of strength, of courage, a place where one feels one belongs, a place that is full of life and the world outside can see that there is something worth looking into in the church. We, I believe, should see the Gifts of the Holy Spirit operating in our midst; we have so much to learn, re-learn and let go of. Change, that dreadful word is necessary in all denominations. I’m not just talking about St Matthews but the Church worldwide needs to shake itself, to read what the Word of God is really saying, to re-evaluation the blue print of how the church should and needs to function and that means embracing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and being willing to receive and act upon what God is really saying to His Church.
- To summarize, it is our responsibility to develop our motivational gifts, those gifts that make us who we are, it’s the church’s responsibility to confirm the ministry gifts, and it is the Holy Spirit’s function to enable the use of His gifts for the benefit of all, to extend the Kingdom and to reveal the love of God to the community.
The Three Revelation gifts.
- A Word of Wisdom.
There is a significant difference between a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.
A Word of Wisdom is directive and by that we mean that it gives direction.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
“But wisdom is profitable to direct.”
Wisdom points or directs to knowledge and it uses that knowledge accurately and effectively.
Knowledge is therefore information. Wisdom is the effective use of that information.
Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright:”
1.1 A word of Wisdom is a tiny fragment and portion of God’s immeasurable wisdom given at a specific time, for a specific situation. By using this gift, the Holy Spirit supernaturally effects people, situations and things and brings about His desires and purposes.
Here are examples of the use of this gift in the Old Testament King Solomon used this gift in…
1 Kings 3:16-28. Story of the two women in the house, each giving birth to a baby boy, the one died and the mother swapped the babies over. The story of going before King Solomon and ultimately the right mother receiving back her son. Solomon orders the child divided in two, revealing the true mother as the one willing to give up her child to save his life. This display of divine wisdom brings awe and respect for his authority among all Israel.
In the New Testament, a word of wisdom by Paul brought confusion to the counsel of those opposing him and seeking his death.
Acts 23:6
“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.”
Context: Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin (Jewish high council), composed of Pharisees (who believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits) and Sadducees (who denied them).
Strategy: Paul realizes he cannot get a fair trial, so he exploits this theological divide. By claiming he is a Pharisee on trial for holding to the “hope and resurrection of the dead,” he brings his own beliefs in alignment with the Pharisees’ traditions.
Outcome: The Pharisees, rather than the Sadducees, take his side, stating, “We find nothing wrong with this man”. The dispute becomes so violent that the Roman tribune removes Paul for his safety.
The nature of wisdom is that it’s directive, it shows you how to proceed. It shows you what to do.
1.2 A Word of Knowledge. The Holy Spirit is omniscient (all knowing). He knows everything. A word of Knowledge is a tiny portion of God’s Knowledge supernaturally imparted by the Holy Spirit to/through ‘man’. It is Divine information imparted by God for a specific time and purpose. This knowledge is spoken out in words to people, to help them.
Here are some biblical examples of this gift in operation:
In the Old Testament:
The prophet Samuel imparts a word of Knowledge to the soon to be King of Israel, Saul, about his lost asses.
1 Samuel 9:20
“And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found.” Mollie scripture I will set your feet in a large place and foreigners will bow down before you.
In the New Testament:
Jesus revealed to Nathanael supernatural knowledge about what he was doing before he came to Jesus.
John 1:47-49
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael said to him, how do you know me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.
Similarly, Jesus gave a word of Knowledge to the woman at the well.
John 4:16-19
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come back here.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, you have well said, I have no husband: For you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband: in that you have spoken the truth. The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Eg of woman in India;
The Apostle Peter spoke a Word of Knowledge to Ananias.
Acts 5:1-3
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Example of Margaret Thomson when I returned to Australia.
There are five reasons why the Holy Spirit uses a word of Knowledge to and through us:
- Towarnpeople.
- Toinformpeople.
- Toexposehidden things.
- Toconfirmthings.
- TorevealGods power in knowing secrets.
1.3 Discerning of spirits. To discern is to recognize or distinguish between certain things. This gift allows Gods’ servants to recognize or distinguish between good and evil spirits. This gift operates in the following ways:
- To see people as theyactually are. Identifying between God’s children and Satan’s children or seeing that someone has an unclean spirit. It helps to detect demonic activity in the life of a person. It clearly identifies different positive or negative characteristics of the human spirit. It discerns a bitter, fearful, depressed, tormented or broken spirit.
- To be able to distinguish between different spiritsnamely;
The Holy Spirit; Angels; Fallen angels; Evil spirits and demons;
and the Human spirit. There are numerous examples of this gift in operation in the Bible:
- Jesus discerns the characteristic of Nathanael’s spirit.
John 1:47
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”
- Peter discerns bitterness as the characteristic of Simon’s spirit.
Acts 8:23
“For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
- Paul discerned an evil spirit in a woman.
Acts16:18
“But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
- John encourages us to discern all spirits.
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Example of prayer with Mavis for a lady we didn’t really know much about. Gift of discerning spirits and a Word of Wisdom.
Key Differences between Discerning of Spirits and Discernment.
Discerning of Spirits is a direct, sudden revelation (gift) from the Holy Spirit, while general discernment can be developed through experience and spiritual maturity.
Scope: The gift of Discerning of Spirits is specifically limited to identifying the spiritual source (angelic, demonic, or Holy Spirit), whereas general discernment is broader, covering wise judgment, behaviour, and doctrine. Discerning of Spirits is a specific ability to know if a prophecy is truly from God or another spirit.
In summary, all believers are expected to have/develop/grow into discernment, to navigate life, but the discerning of spirits is a specialised, prophetic gift of the Holy Spirit used to identify unseen spiritual influences/forces in a given situation or place.
- What the Gifts Are NOT For.
- Toys to play with.
- To Be Used For Commercial Profit.
- To Enhance One’s Own Reputation and/or “So-Called Ministry”.
- To be used to manipulate or Control anyone.
- What the Gifts ARE for.
- The Evangelism of The World.
- Building Up and Healing of The Church.
- The Three Power Gifts:
3.1 The Gift of Faith.
1Cor.12:7-10
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.
WHAT THE GIFT OF FAITH IS NOT:
- Not Simply Human Confidence
It is not natural courage or confidence. It is not ambition or natural business ability. These are very important and they keep people going, but they should not be confused with the gift of faith. Even those who deny the Spirit of God may possess courage and confidence. There are many things that a person can do in the natural to build one’s confidence, but the gift of faith is not built up by natural means. It is a manifestation of the Spirit of God (1Cor.12:7).
- Not Saving Faith
It is not saving faith, which every Christian must have in order to truly be a Christian. The gift of faith is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit to help someone who is already a Christian.
- Not Simply Hoping(Maybe)Something Will Happen
The gift of faith is not simply trying to have faith. It doesn’t come from, screaming, yelling, jumping, or supposing. It is not guess-work, predicting, or positive confession. Simply hoping (maybe)
something will happen may keep a person working towards a goal, but it is not a manifestation of the Spirit of God. A person doesn’t necessarily need the Holy Spirit to hope something good will happen. Particularly as Hope in the bible means confident expectation of good, not wishy washy maybe type of hope I hope I win tatts lotto type of hope.
- Not One’s Theology
It is not a doctrine, a theory, a dogma, a theological principle, a disciplined prayer life, a conviction, a creed, or any man-made policy. It is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
WHAT THE GIFT OF FAITH IS:
- Definition:
The gift of Faith: The special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence so that they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church or a current situation.
The person with this gift is able to envision what God wants to happen and to be certain (absolutely without doubt) He is going to do it in response to prayer, even when there is no concrete evidence.
The believer with this gift is able to see with the eye of faith, the Spirit at work and trust the Spirit’s leading without knowledge of the path ahead.
Mark 11:24 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
The gift of faith encourages the congregation, gives hope, the confident expectation type of Hope, to believers and is a witness to unbelievers. This gift instils confidence in God’s ability, to help both themselves as individuals and the church as a whole, reach the vision that God has for them.
Personal Example: 1 Chronicles 28:20
It is easy to think that it is “our faith” that is doing mighty things. Instead we must remember it is God who does the mighty works. It is God who answers prayer and He must get the Glory. It is His Gift of Faith not a faith we conger up ourselves.
It is a Gift of Faith from the Father through the Holy Spirit to us.
- Old Testament Examples:
It was the gift of faith that caused Abraham to claim that God had given him a son even before he saw any natural evidence. He understood that God “…calls those things which are not, as though they were.”
Through the gift of faith, the children of Israel marched around the city of Jericho claiming that God had given them the city (past tense) before the walls ever fell.
- New Testament Examples:
By the gift of faith Jesus rested his head on the pillow DURING the storm. He already had the assurance they were going over to the other side (Mk.4:35).
Ananias had the assurance, even before he went to see Paul, that Paul would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 9).
Peter had a gift of faith when he walked to Jesus on the water. He acted accordingly. Real faith is trust. You will walk out on it. Explain why he began to sink and how he recovered and walked on the water again to the boat.
When this God given gift of faith operates through us, we can remove mountains.
Mark 11:22-23
22 And Jesus answering said unto them, have faith in God.
23 For verily (truly) I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.
1 Corinthians 13:2
“And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains.”
- People With This Gift:
4.1 Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same;
- Act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles;
- Have an attitude, in various crises that arise, not only that God can do something, but that He will do it;
- Advance the cause of Christ because they have the faith to go forward when others will not;
- Are not afraid to ask God for what is needed and trust the Lord for provisions.
Here are two examples in the Old Testament of this gift in operation:
- By Faith Gideon Defeated The Midianites.
Judges 7:19-21
“So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp … blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.”
- By Faith David Killed Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:50
“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.”
In the New Testament we have two examples of the use of this gift by Peter:
- By Faith Peter Raises The Lame Man.
Acts 3:6-7
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
- By Faith Peter Raised TabithaFrom The Dead.
Acts 9:40
“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”
- The Gifts of Healings.
The gifts of healing are God’s supernatural way of curing all manner of sickness and disease in the human body. We know that God is a healer and loves imparting healing to the sick. God is called Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer.
Exodus 15:26
“For I am the LORD that heals you.”
2.1 Not for Self-Exaltation but for the sake of Love
Gifts of healings and workings of miracles are not for self-exaltation but for the benefit of others. They could easily become the basis of pride just like teaching or preaching or mercy or hospitality or prophecy or any of the gifts. But they are meant to be expressions of love. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “Though I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Gifts are not the main thing. Love is the main thing. Using gifts is only one way to love. Eg. Margaret Thomson
This is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Eg. Little girl in Luton going blind.
That’s the first thing to say: the gifts are all for the sake of love. So we choose to let the love of Jesus for us, break us down and build us up to love others.
2.2 Not the Ability to Heal at Will
The second thing to say is that if God gives you gifts of healing, it does not mean that you can heal at will or that everyone you pray for will be healed. Isn’t it interesting that the literal phrase in verse 9 is not “gift of healing” but “gifts of healings“—two plurals? I think this probably means that different kinds of gifts for different kinds of healings are given to various people according to God’s sovereign Will. This alone would suggest that one person will not have a monopoly on every sort of healing that is necessary. And it suggests that there will be many times when a person with some gifts to heal will not be able to heal.
This was Paul’s experience. God gave him the grace to heal the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:10) and many people in Ephesus (Acts 19:12) and the demonized girl in Philippi (Acts 16:18) and Eutychus when he was taken up dead after falling out of a window. (Acts 20:9–10).
But Paul could not heal himself from the thorn in the flesh
(2 Corinthians 12:8–9) or from the ailment that he had when he preached in Galatia (Galatians 4:13–14).
And evidently he could not heal Timothy from his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23) or Epaphroditus from his life threatening sickness (Philippians 2:26–27) or
Trophimus whom he “left ill at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20). Sometimes Paul was given gifts of healings and sometimes he wasn’t. God is sovereign in this affair. Nothing is mechanical or automatic.
So the wording of 1 Corinthians 12:11 Verse 11 says it is the Spirit who “apportions the gifts to each one individually as he pleases.” He is sovereign and can give or withhold a gift of healing whenever he deems best.
2.3 Only To Be Sought With the Motivation of Love.
1 Corinthians 14:1.
“Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.
” Once you set your heart to pursue love, you will be in a position to be zealous for spiritual gifts. Among those spiritual gifts are “gifts of healings.” Therefore I think 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges us to seek this gift.
We should simply seek with all our hearts to do good to each other, and pray humbly that, if God wills, some of us would be granted gifts of healings for the blessing of the church and the glory of God’s name in the world.
2.4 Many Healings Were Imparted To Men Through The
Life Of Jesus.
Mark 5:30
“And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?”
Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
The Apostle Paul ministered healing to the father of Publius.
Acts 28:8
“And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”
- 3. The Working of Miracles.
This is a supernatural energy flow from God that causes an instantaneous creative change in the human body, nature or a specific situation. It is sometimes described in the Bible as a “mighty work”.
Matthew 13:54
“How come this man has this wisdom, and does these mighty works?”
3.1 Here are some examples of this gift being used:
Three Examples of Miracles Done By Jesus.
Acts 2:22
“You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs.”
- Jesus turning water into wine:
John 2:7-11
- Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes.
John 6:9-11
- Jesus walking on water.
Matthew 14:25
- The Three Power Gifts:
- The Gift of Faith.
1Cor.12:7-10
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.
WHAT GIFT OF FAITH IS NOT:
- Not Simply Human Confidence
It is not natural courage or confidence. It is not ambition or natural business ability. These are very important and they keep people going, but they should not be confused with the gift of faith. Even those who deny the Spirit of God may possess courage and confidence. There are many things that a person can do in the natural to build one’s confidence, but the gift of faith is not built up by natural means. It is a manifestation of the Spirit of God (1Cor.12:7).
- Not Saving Faith
It is not saving faith, which every Christian must have in order to truly be a Christian
The gift of faith is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit to help someone who is already a Christian.
- Not Simply Hoping Something Will Happen
The gift of faith is not simply trying to have faith. It doesn’t come from, screaming, yelling, jumping, or supposing. It is not guess-work, predicting, or positive confession. Simply hoping something will happen may keep a person working towards a goal, but it is not a manifestation of the Spirit of God. A person doesn’t necessarily need the Holy Spirit to hope something good will happen.
- Not One’s Theology
It is not a doctrine, a theory, a dogma, a theological principle, a disciplined prayer life,
a conviction, a creed, or any man-made policy. It is a supernatural manifestation of the
Holy Spirit.
WHAT THE GIFT OF FAITH IS:
- Definition:
The gift of Faith:
The special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence so that they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church.
The person with this gift is able to envision what God wants to happen and to be certain He is going to do it in response to prayer, even when there is no concrete evidence. There is discernment of the will and purpose of God for the future of his work.
The believer with this gift is able to see the Spirit at work and trust the Spirit’s leading without knowledge of the path ahead.
Mark 11:24 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Benefits:
The gift of faith encourages the congregation, gives hope to believers and is a witness to unbelievers. This gift instils confidence in God’s ability to help both themselves as individuals and the church as a whole reach the vision that God has for them.
Pitfalls:
There is a danger in becoming despondent, depressed or angry when answers don’t go our way. Satan uses disappointment to challenge our faith.
It is easy to become critical of those who are doubting. Instead, we are to love and encourage others to grow in their faith.
It is easy to think that it is “our faith” that is doing mighty things. Instead we must remember it is God who does the mighty works. It is God who answers prayer and He must get the Glory.
Finally, there is a temptation to think that “faith” is the end in and of itself. It is not. We need to pray for discernment and exercise our faith toward God’s true will in the situation.
- Old Testament Examples:
It was the gift of faith that caused Abraham to claim that God had given him a son even before he saw any natural evidence. He understood that God “…calls those things which are not as though they were.”
Through the gift of faith, the children of Israel marched around the city of Jericho claiming that God had given them the city (past tense) before the walls ever fell.
- New Testament Examples:
By the gift of faith Jesus rested his head on the pillow DURING the storm. He already had the assurance they. were going over to the other side (Mk.4:35).
Ananias had the assurance, even before he went to see Paul, that Paul would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 9).
Peter had a gift of faith when he walked to Jesus on the water. He acted accordingly. Real faith is trust. You will walk out on it.
When this God kind gift of faith operates through us, we can remove mountains.
Eg: Setting up the Witness in Australia
Mark 11:22-23
22 And Jesus answering said unto them, have faith in God.
23 For verily (truly) I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he said shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.
1 Corinthians 13:2
“And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains.”
- People With This Gift:
4.1 Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same;
4.2 Act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles;
4.3 Have an attitude, in various crises that arise, not only that God can do something, but that He will do it;
4.4 Advance the cause of Christ because they have the faith to go forward when others will not;
4.5 Are not afraid to ask God for what is needed and trust the Lord for provisions.
Here are two examples in the Old Testament of this gift in operation:
- By Faith Gideon Defeated The Midianites.
Judges 7:19-21
“So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp … blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.”
- By Faith David Killed Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:50
“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.”
In the New Testament we have two examples of the use of this gift by Peter:
- By Faith Peter Raises The Lame Man.
Acts 3:6-7
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
- By Faith Peter Raised TabithaFrom The Dead.
Acts 9:40
“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”
- The Gifts of Healing.
The gifts of healing are God’s supernatural way of curing all manner of sickness and disease in the human body. We know that God is a healer and loves imparting healing to the sick. God is called Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer.
Exodus 15:26
“For I am the LORD that heals you.”
- Not for Self-Exaltation but for the Sake of Love
Gifts of healings and workings of miracles are not for self-exaltation but for the benefit of others. They could easily become the basis of pride just like teaching or preaching or mercy or hospitality or prophecy or any of the gifts. But they are meant to be expressions of love. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “Though I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Gifts are not the main thing. Love is the main thing. Using gifts is only one way to love.
This is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
That’s the first thing to say: the gifts are all for the sake of love. So decide to let the love of Jesus for us, break us down and build us up to love others.
- Not the Ability to Heal atwill
The second thing to say is that if God gives you gifts of healing, it does not mean that you can heal at will or that everyone you pray for will be healed. Isn’t it interesting that the literal phrase in verse 9 is not “gift of healing” but “gifts of healings”—two plurals? I think this probably means that different kinds of gifts for different kinds of healings are given to various people according to God’s sovereign will. This alone would suggest that one person will not have a monopoly on every sort of healing that is necessary. And it suggests that there will be many times when a person with some gifts to heal will not be able to heal.
This was Paul’s experience. God gave him the grace to heal the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:10) and many people in Ephesus (Acts 19:12) and the demonized girl in Philippi (Acts 16:18) and Eutychus when he was taken up dead after falling out of a window.
(Acts 20:9–10).
But Paul could not heal himself from the thorn in the flesh
(2 Corinthians 12:8–9) or from the ailment that he had when he preached in Galatia (Galatians 4:13–14).
And evidently he could not heal Timothy from his stomach ailments
(1 Timothy 5:23) or Epaphroditus from his life threatening sickness (Philippians 2:26–27) or Trophimus whom he “left ill at Miletus”
(2 Timothy 4:20). Sometimes Paul was given gifts of healings and sometimes he wasn’t. God is sovereign in this affair. Nothing is mechanical or automatic.
So the wording of 1 Corinthians 12:11 Verse 11 says it is the Spirit who “apportions the gifts to each one individually as he pleases.” He is sovereign and can give or withhold a gift of healing whenever he deems best.
- Only To Be SoughtWith the Motivation of Love.
1 Corinthians 14:1.
“Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts .
” Once you set your heart to pursue love, you will be in a position to be zealous for spiritual gifts. Among those spiritual gifts are “gifts of healings.” Therefore, I think 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges us to seek this gift.
We should simply seek with all our hearts to do good to each other, and pray humbly that, if God wills, some of you would be granted gifts of healings for the blessing of the church and the glory of God’s name in the world.
- Many Healings Were ImpartedTo Men Through The Life Of Jesus.
Mark 5:30
“And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?”
Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
The Apostle Paul ministered healing to the father of Publius.
Acts 28:8
“And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”
- The Working of Miracles.
This is a supernatural energy flow from God that causes an instantaneous creative change in the human body, nature or a specific situation. It is sometimes described in the Bible as a “mighty work”.
Matthew 13:54
“How come this man has this wisdom, and does these mighty works?”
Here are some examples of this gift being used:
- Three Examples of Miracles DoneByJesus.
Acts 2:22
“You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs.”
- Jesus turning water into wine:
John 2:7-11
- Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes.
John 6:9-11
- Jesus walking on water.
Matthew 14:25
- The Apostles Performed Many Miracles.
Acts 5:12
“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.”
Acts 8:13
“Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Just like with all the Gifts of The Holy Spirit, you can seek any one of the “Power” Spiritual Gifts at any time…however it is up to the Holy Spirit to give as He wills.