Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1
Introduction

by Pastor John Hamel

“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(s) 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:” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

There are nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  We see them all in the above Scripture.  The nine Gifts are separated into three groups.

The first group is commonly referred to as the Power Gifts.  They are called the Power Gifts because they DO something.  They are:  The Gift of Faith, the Gifts of Healings and the Working of Miracles.

The second group is commonly referred to as the Revelation Gifts.  These are Gifts that REVEAL something.  They are:  The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge and the Discerning of Spirits.

The third group is commonly referred to as the Utterance Gifts.  This is because they SAY something.  They are:  The Gift of Prophecy, the Gift of Tongues and the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.

It is not possible to study each Gift in great detail in these short studies.  These studies are simply brief overviews.  For greater detail, see my book, “The Person of The Holy Spirit: 65 Study Outlines.”

We will define each Gift in this brief series.  We will also see a Biblical example of each Gift in operation.  Whenever possible, I will share with you how each of these Gifts have operated in my own life.  That way you will recognize them when you see them in your Bible.  You will also recognize them when they operate through you or around you.

Everyone operates in at least two Gifts occasionally.  The Holy Spirit alone decides which two those are.  We cannot choose our Gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

It would be good for you to memorize the name of each Gift as well as its definition.  This was the first thing I did when I discovered them well over 30 years ago.  The Holy Spirit’s Gifts operate best through those who recognize and understand them most.

Please keep in mind that each of these Gifts is a Supernatural Gift.  They operate by the supernatural power of God.  They have nothing to do with man’s natural abilities.  Our job is to have faith in these Gifts and just allow the Holy Spirit to operate them in the way He sees best. 

Soon you will recognize which of the Gifts the Holy Spirit has imparted to you.  Please keep in mind that you cannot turn your Gifts on and off at will.  The Holy Spirit decides when and how your Gifts will operate.  The best thing you can do is to spend time worshipping God and reading His Word.  This always leads to greater manifestations of your Gifts.

In our next lesson we will study the first of the three Power Gifts, the Gift of Faith.

Be blessed as you study … John and Barbara Hamel

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