~~Watch the Video~~
Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-12
- 1 Corinthians 14:27-28
- 1 Corinthians 14:13-14
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Introduction
1 Corinthians 12:7-12
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Outline:
- Introduction
- Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
- Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
- Interpretation of Tongues
- The Gift of Writing
- The Gift of Administration
- Don’t depend on miracles
- 3 Parts of the Spirit
Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
The two greatest days in your life are:
- the day you were born
- the day you figure out why you were born
– – Mark twain
The Bible tells us that everything was created by God, the Designer, for a reason
If you want to find your purpose… You have to start with God
Your calling is the purpose that God created you for
- It's the end goal of your assignment on earth
- It is how you serve his purposes in the world
A Christian’s Callings
Christians have
- General callings
- A Unique calling
General Christian Callings
All Christians are called to:
- To Love God
- Love your neighbor
- Make disciples
- Be conformed to the image of Christ – sanctification
Unique Calling
Additionally, you were given unique
- Natural ability
- Acquired skills
- Spiritual Gifts
- Personality
- Desires and preferences
- Life experiences
All of this makes uniquely qualified to serve others, and to glorify God
Your gifts and talents are owned by God… Not you
Success is Measured by Faithfulness, Not Impact
In this series we will discover:
- What a purpose is and why it matters
- What makes you unique
- How your life experiences have prepared you for your calling
- What is your unique purpose
- How to overcome the barriers preventing you from pursuing your purpose
Throughout this next year, I will walk alongside you and help guide you to finding your purpose
Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
Gifts, Ministries, Effects
Same Spirit gives
- Same gift
- Different ministries
- Different effects
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Gifts
The raw spiritual "tool" or talent.
This is the internal enablement from the Holy Spirit
Examples
- Prophecy
- Healing
- Speaking in tongues
Ministries / Functions
The specific office,role or sphere of service where you use your gift.
Example:
- Pastor
- Choir director
- School teacher
Gift vs Ministry
You might have the gift of teaching, but that gift can be expressed in many different ways.
Example: Gift of teaching
- Pastor
- Jail ministry
- Classroom
You can have the gift of prophecy, but not serve in the office of a prophet
- You might be in the parking lot ministry
Effects
The supernatural impact or outcome of the gift being used.
Example
- 3 types of tongues
Manifestations vs. Permanent Gifts
Manifestations
The Holy Spirit can give any gift to any believer at a specific moment to meet a specific need.
Permanent Gifts
What people call "having the gift" is a consistent history of God choosing to work through someone.
3 Lists of Gifts
In this series, we are going to discuss three different classifications of gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Bible
- Motivational gifts. Romans 12:6-8
- Manifestation gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-12
- Ministries/function/offices Ephesians 4:11-12
Manifestation Gifts
Gifts of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:7-12
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning of Spirits
- Tongues
- Interpreting tongues
Not all Christians “have these” gifts
- the Spirit distributes them "as He wills" (v. 11)
- The spirit can manifest any of these gifts on any Christians at any given time
The Gift of Wisdom
AKA the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.”
It is the ability to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs
- A solution to a problem
The Word of Knowledge
The unique ability to receive knowledge which could only be revealed supernaturally
- Information
Faith
The gift of faith is the unique ability to trust God against all circumstances.
Having a supernatural peace or assurance about some situation
- Supernatural certainty
- Unshakable faith during persecution or suffering
Healing
The ability to initiate supernatural intervention of God that cures a physical ailment, disease, or injury without the aid of natural medical means.
Working of Miracles
This describes when the Holy Spirit chooses to "over-ride" the laws of nature, working in or through an available person.
Examples:
- Raising the dead
- Turning water to wine
The Gift of Prophecy
The ability to deliver a message from God to a group or individual
- Sometimes this is foretelling the future
Prophecy is also taking the timeless word of God and teaching it in a timely way
The gift is separate from the office
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 3 (The Gift of Prophecy)
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 4 (False Prophets)
The Discerning of Spirits
The spiritual gift of discernment is also known as the gift of "discernment of spirits" or "distinguishing between spirits." The gift of discernment enables one to clearly recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in a given situation.
A person with this gift can identify the source of a behavior, teaching, or spiritual manifestation.
There are generally four "spirits" they distinguish between:
- The Holy Spirit: Recognizing when God is truly moving or speaking.
- The Human Spirit: Sensing when something is just human emotion, ego, or "performance" rather than divine.
- Demonic Spirits: Identifying the presence of evil, deception, or oppression.
- The Spirit of Error: Spotting false doctrines or "half-truths" that sound biblical but aren't .
Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 5 (The Gift of Discernment)
Speaking In Tongues
To “speak in tongues” means to supernaturally speak in a language that you have never learned
Three types of tongues
- The Personal Prayer Language - 1 Corinthians 14:2
- The Ministry/Prophetic Gift: - 1 Corinthians 14:27-28
- Working with an interpreter
- The Universal Tongue (Xenoglossia) - Acts 2:1-12
- No interpretation needed…everyone hears in their language
Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 6 (The Gift of Tongues)
Interpretation of Tongues
The ability to interpret languages you’ve never heard into the language of the hearers.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
The gift of interpretation of tongues is the "companion gift" to the gift of speaking in tongues.
interpretation is what makes that message accessible and beneficial to the community (or whoever that message is addressed to)
It is an "Interpretation," Not a "Translation"
The Greek word used is hermeneia (where we get "hermeneutics").
• Translation is a word-for-word linguistic swap (Spanish to English).
• Interpretation is an explanation of the meaning or essence of the message.
Example: translator
In Zambia and India
Your Troubles Help You Grow
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxNDuopw2gk5rvZ8mbDRkSyPf4zdST8OwQ?si=WDxM6Tidv8cTwgnw
The Result:
The interpreter is capturing the "spirit" and intent of the message, not the literal vocabulary. This is why a person might speak in tongues for two minutes, but the interpretation is only three sentences—or vice versa.
Example: Columbia tour guide
- Long description in Spanish. Short description in English.
The gift of interpreting tongues is a supernatural, revealing of the general meaning of the utterance and tongues.
The person with the gift of interpreting tongues doesn’t necessarily understand the language that is being spoken.
- God reveals the main point of what the person who was speaking in tongues was saying.
Interpret Your Own Tongue
1 Corinthians 14:13-14
13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue is to pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive.
The Functional Purpose
According to 1 Corinthians 14:5, the goal of this gift is edification and building up the church.
Prophecy:
Tongues + Interpretation = Prophecy
Together, they function as a way for God to communicate to the group, a specific
- Encouragement
- Warning
- Truth
How the Gift Operates
The Greek word can mean “interpretation“ or “explanation“, so the gift of interpretation of tongues is actually the gift of explanation of what was spoken in an unknown tongue
The interpretation is usually addressed to the person or persons the prayer is about
The message is the “gist“ of what was spoken in tongues
How the Interpretation is Received (The Effects)
The Bible doesn't give a "user manual," but based on historical and modern descriptions, it usually manifests in one of three ways:
The "Mental Vision"
Some describe seeing a "mental picture" that they then describe to the room.
The "Thought" Seed
The interpreter receives a single, strong thought or phrase in their mind and, as they begin to speak, the rest of the message unfolds.
The "Emotional" Echo
The person feels the "weight" or "burden" of the message (joy, urgency, peace) and puts words to that spiritual feeling.
Hearing in Native Language
Story: Brian spoke in tongues once
- Another in his small group interpreted
- The person who interpreted the tongues heard what Brian said in English.
- At the same time he realized it wasn’t being said in English.
- He then realized that he needed to tell it to the group
Don’t speak without an interpreter
Don’t speak in tongues without an interpreter
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxRlrvOdwaYf298otUzF63Xf3oz14bhG4X?si=pbK0wBL3v6kvHDWv
Paul notes that in private, tongues are for personal growth. But in a public gathering, tongues require interpretation.
Note: This does not imply that if someone speaks in tongues without an interpreter that it is not of the Holy Spirit. The authentic gift of tongues was being used without an interpreter at Corinth and that is why Paul had to give this requirement in the first place.
The Gift of Writing
(Teaching or exhortation)
The gift of writing is the God-given ability to formulate, organize, and express spiritual truths in written form.
While "Writing" is not explicitly listed in the primary New Testament gift lists, it is widely recognized as a functional manifestation of the Holy Spirit used to edify the Church.
When operating in this gift you get extra ability that transcends your own writing ability.
Examples:
- Daily devotions
- Bible concordances
- Bible studies
You could argue that this is just a different expression of the gifts of teaching and prophecy
Core Characteristics
Those who possess this gift typically exhibit specific traits in how they approach their faith and their craft:
Clarity of Truth:
They can take complex theological concepts and simplify them without losing their depth.
Emotional Resonance:
Their writing often moves the reader toward a specific response
- Conviction
- Comfort
- Worship
Divine Compulsion:
There is often a sense of "stewardship," where the writer feels they must record what they have learned or experienced for the benefit of others.
Example: my website
When I did personal Bible study on the debatable topics for seven years I felt led to create a website and post all of the biblical understandings that I had gained
The Gift of Administration
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.
The Greek word for the spiritual gift of administration is Kubernesis.
- This is a unique term that refers to a shipmaster or captain.
- The literal meaning is "to steer," or "to rule or govern."
With this gift the Holy Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, direct, and implement plans to lead others.
- It is essentially the spiritual ability to understand goals and devise effective plans to reach them.
- this is not just secretarial or what we call administrative work
Unlike leadership, which often focuses on the vision (the "where"), administration focuses on the logistics (the "how").
Key Characteristics
Those with this gift are often the "unsung heroes" who ensure that the mission of a group is actually accomplished.
Common traits include:
Organizational Clarity
They can see a chaotic situation and intuitively know how to categorize, delegate, and streamline it.
Detail-Oriented
They notice the small things—budgets, scheduling, and resources—that others might overlook.
Goal-Driven
They find deep satisfaction in seeing a project move from a concept to a completed reality.
Problem-Solving
When an obstacle arises, they don't just see a "stop" sign; they see a puzzle that needs a logistical solution.
Example: Wade and Steve
Natural versus spiritual organizational skills
Distinguishing between the Spiritual Gift of Administration and a Natural Talent for organization can be subtle, as they often overlap. However, theology and psychology point to several "litmus tests" involving the source, the motive, and the ultimate result.
Natural = project manager
The Source: DNA vs. The Divine
Natural Skill:
This is often "factory-installed."
You likely showed signs of it as a child (organizing your toys, planning your friends' schedules). It’s a combination of genetics, personality (like being high in the "Conscientiousness" trait), and early environment.
Spiritual Gift:
This is "after-market."
While it may build upon your natural traits, it is often described as a capacity that feels "supernatural" or "activated" after a spiritual conversion. You may find yourself able to organize spiritual matters or church dynamics with an insight that you didn't possess in your secular career.
Example: our Bible study series
- Didn’t realize I was teaching a series until the third lesson
The Motive: Efficiency vs. Edification
Natural Skill:
The primary goal is usually Efficiency. You want the "machine" to run smoothly because disorder is frustrating or illogical. The satisfaction comes from a "job well done" or a completed checklist.
Spiritual Gift:
The primary goal is Edification (building up others). An administrative "helmsman" isn't just trying to start a meeting on time; they are trying to create a structure where other people can use their gifts. They see people as "living stones" to be placed, not just "resources" to be managed.
They aren’t just focused on getting the task done; they are focused on the development of each individual involved in the task.
Example: team lead
- Upper management want it to get rid of one of my team members
- Let the person do what they are good at
The "X-Factor": Stress and Crisis
Natural Skill
When things get chaotic or people get messy (emotional, rebellious, or inconsistent), natural organizational skills can often lead to frustration or burnout. You might feel like "if people would just follow the system, this would work."
Spiritual Gift:
Because Kuberness is about steering a ship through a storm, this gift often shines brightest during a crisis. A person with the spiritual gift often feels a supernatural "calm" when things go wrong. They don't just fix the schedule; they provide a sense of direction that keeps people's faith intact during the chaos.
The "Unexpected" Element
A major distinction is often the "Unexpected Activation." Many people with the spiritual gift of administration were actually quite disorganized or "go-with-the-flow" in their earlier lives. Their sudden ability to manage complex ministry logistics is a surprise even to them.
Conversely, someone with a natural skill set might find that their "business" way of doing things actually clashes with a church environment because they lack the spiritual "steering" aspect of the gift.
Don’t depend on miracles
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
22For indeed Jews ask for [y]signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23but we preach [z]Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.
As we conclude looking at the manifestation gift… I want to give a caution about depending on and seeking after the miraculous.
We are not intended to live based on miracles. We live based on principles.
- Wisdom
- Emotional intelligence
- Discernment
When the principles are not working God will intervene
- If I’m living in a constant state of miracles, that’s an indication that I’m not living by principles
- God shouldn’t need to intervene that much
Miracles stop when you reach the promised land
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8bQ1NWW/
You might be trying to live in the book of acts when you should be living out of the book of proverbs.
Instructor: Michael Leadon
References
Previous Lessons:
- Your Skills and Talents
- Your Spiritual Gifts
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 2
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 3 (The Gift of Prophecy)
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 4 (False Prophets)
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 5 (The Gift of Discernment)
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 6 (The Gift of Tongues)
spiritual gifts, #4: Discovering your spiritual gifts: sign gifts
Mark Driscoll ministries
Gift of interpreting tongues: spiritual gifts, 15
Pastor allen Nolan
The three types of gifts.
Pastor Allen Nolan.
Extra
The kissing pastor.
https://youtu.be/4u6RB8zQ7EU?si=E7PEJPx5KHykpGlM
The three types of gifts.
Pastor Allen Nolan.
Serving/motivational gifts
Romans 12
People with the gift of prophecy see things as either black or white.
People with the gift of serving see something needs to be done and do it
The person with the gift of teaching wants to figure out why something happened and how to prevent it… And they are motivated to come and teach you the right way
The person with the gift of exhortation is always trying to stimulate someone to grow
- Everything that happens as a potential life lesson
Person with the gift of giving wants to give you something to solve the problem
The person with the gift of administration notices when systems aren’t in place
- They have no desire to do the work themselves
A person with the gift of Mercy is able to feel what other people are feeling
- Empathy comes natural to them
Your motivational gifts dominate how you
- Do
- Act
- Feel
- See things.
