The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

By: Don Pirozok

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The Purpose and Motivation Behind the Gifts The gifts of the Holy Spirit are bestowed upon believers for specific purposes that align with God’s overarching plan for His Church. These gifts are not given for personal glorification or self-exaltation but to serve others, to strengthen the Church, and to advance the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” This underscores the communal nature of the gifts; they are meant to benefit the entire body of Christ.

1. Edification of the Church: The primary motivation behind the gifts is the edification of the Church. In Ephesians 4:12, Paul explains that spiritual gifts are given “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” The gifts are tools that God uses to build up His people, to equip them for service, and to help them grow into maturity in Christ.
2. Manifestation of God’s Power: The gifts of the Spirit serve as tangible manifestations of God’s power and presence. They are a demonstration of the reality of God’s Kingdom breaking into the present age. Through these gifts, God shows His sovereignty, His love, and His desire to intervene in human affairs. Miracles, healings, and prophetic words are not just acts of power but are also signs that point people to the reality of God’s rule.
3. Spiritual Unity and Diversity: The gifts also promote unity within the diversity of the Church. Although the gifts are diverse, they all originate from the same Spirit, and they are all intended to work together harmoniously within the body of Christ. As Paul illustrates in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, the Church is like a body with many members, each with a different function but all working together for the common good. The diversity of the gifts highlights the richness of God’s provision for His Church and the need for every member to contribute to the life of the body.
4. Empowerment for Mission: The gifts of the Spirit empower believers for the mission of the Church. Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, and He promised that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). The gifts are part of this empowerment, enabling believers to witness boldly, to minister effectively, and to bring the message of the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it.
5. Confirmation of the Word: The gifts of the Holy Spirit also serve as a confirmation of the preached Word. In Mark 16:20, it is recorded that the disciples “went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.” The operation of the gifts in conjunction with the preaching of the Gospel provides a powerful testimony to the truth of God’s Word.