Here is a teaching on the nine gifts of the spirit that which are listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. This expanded teaching goes further and then covers chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians which is the love chapter, then also chapter 14 which then explores in detail the gifts of tongues, interpretation of tongues and how they can be used in a church srvice All nine of these gifts are all equally powerful and can and should be manifested in the believer’s life because these nine gifts and their proper application can make such a powerful difference in people’s lives both to yours and others. The right use of one or more of these nine gifts also can be a decisive and key factor in leading a person to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. I know many have taught on these many times but this is too important to ignore or overlook because they are so powerful. Look at what Jesus says in Matthew 10 when he sends out His disciples

(Matthew 10:7)  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

(Matthew 10:8)  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

We have freely received the gifts of the Spirit so we are to freely give them wherever we go. The two gifts here illustrated by His commands are gifts of healing and working of miracles. Look at what Jesus says in John chapter 14, verse 12

(John 14:12)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

The key to doing the same works that Jesus did and the greater works is the manifestation of the nine gifts of the spirit in your lives. These nine gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 in the first eleven verses of that chapter:

(1 Corinthians 12:1)  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

(1 Corinthians 12:2)  Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

(1 Corinthians 12:3)  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(1 Corinthians 12:4)  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:5)  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

(1 Corinthians 12:6)  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

(1 Corinthians 12:7)  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

(1 Corinthians 12:8)  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

(1Co 12:9)  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

(1Co 12:10)  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:

(1Co 12:11)  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Now I will give an explanation of each of these gifts in the order that they are listed in the teaching.

1. Word of Wisdom This is a word that is spoken to another person concerning some aspect of their life that the Holy Spirit needs to address. It can be encouraging to the hearer but might be corrective, with the idea of helping someone repent of a wrong or even break a stronghold or oppression. This can also inform or instruct them in something that the Holy Spirit needs them to know or even warn them to avoid something.

2. Word of Knowledge  This is a word that is spoken concerning something in another to a person who then reveals it to the person that they are helping or praying for. Jesus displayed this gift when He spoke to the woman at the well, telling her about her own life. This is also called revelation knowledge. It sometimes can be used by the Spirit to set up other giftings, too, such as healing or miracles, such as the Holy Spirit might reveal a health issue to be prayed over and thus healed.

3. Faith – this is the gift of extraordinary faith by the same spirit which helps us receive a healing but also make miracles happen too, mountain moving ones too. It operates in conjunction with the healing and miracles to help those gifts manifest to aid the body.

Mainly though it helps someone receive a miracle that God has intended for them though I suppose it will help the one or ones who are praying for them at the time, too.

4. Gifts of healing – This is plural as there are several gifts of healing available to the believer. This  not only includes external healing such as the removal of tumors, pulling people out of wheelchairs, cleansing of leprosy,even whole colonies of lepers, currently the healing of diseases also like HIV, malaria and more, but also includes inner and emotional healing where our own emotional wounds from things such as bullying are healed and people are delivered from the effects of them.

5. Working of miracles. This includes the casting out of demons, the raising of the dead, and also manifestations like Jesus feeding the 5000. It can be walking on water and include anything supernatural at all. This can include many of the more spectacular healings above, especially events like body parts manifesting where they were not before, legs and arms growing out to their full lengths, and even cancerous or non cancerous growths falling off of a person. There really is no limit here.

6. Prophecy. This is the speaking of a word to someone one on one, or spoken by an individual to a whole body of believers in a church service or bible study setting to give a word of encouragement, edification, instruction or correction, it need not necessarily deal with the future as the old testament prophets almost invariably did though it could as God gives them promises of their future. This can act like the word of wisdom can be used to enlighten or instruct the individual or the body in the church service or bible study.

7. Discerning of spirits- This gives the bearer a feeling of a person whether the person is good, evil or perhaps even demon possessed, in which case especially if the thing manifests it can and then really must be cast out of them. The big help here with this gift is to let one know when someone is good to interact with or should even be avoided even though the person him or her self may give indications to the contrary with their personality.

8. Diverse kinds of tongues-   There are several kinds of tongues too that are included with this gift. One is in Acts 2 where someone is supernaturally given the language of the hearer and is able to preach a flawless sermon with it. Another is one that can manifest in church services or bible studies with a word for the others present, in which case gift nine will also manifest with an interpretation of the said word spoken. Then there is the personal private gift of tongues which is the personal private prayer language that each believer gets and is used to edify the believer and is used so they pray in their most holy faith. It also prays the perfect will of God so God will invariably answer ALL such prayers made in your personal prayer language as all are in His will. I cannot stress how important this gift is to go deeper in your walk with God, too, especially as the bible commands us to pray ceaselessly twice, and this is the way to do it, with our personal prayer language. The gift of tongues has been such a blessing for me, too, personally, lifting me up on many occasions over the last few years that I have been using it.

9. The interpretation of tongues. This functions combined with gift number of 8, tongues, in a church service or bible study where one person speaks in an unknown tongue at the service or bible study  than either the speaker of the tongue in the church service or bible study or another individual then will interpret the said tongue speaking out its meaning in English or whatever the language the service or study is being conducted in so the rest of the body receives edification, much like a prophecy

All nine of the gifts are essential for the functioning and maintaining of the body and as said in the scripture above but these manifest as the spirit wills, meaning one can have at one point or the other all nine gifts come on one.

I like what is said in the next 11 verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 concerning the gifts and how the body of Christ is one body with many members all of whom having the same need to each other even the weak ones and one member can NOT say to another that there is no need for it

(1 Corinthians 12:12)  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

(1 Corinthians 12:13)  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:14)  For the body is not one member, but many.

(1 Corinthians 12:15)  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

(1 Corinthians 12:16)  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

(1 Corinthians 12:17)  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

(1 Corinthians 12:18)  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

(1 Corinthians 12:19)  And if they were all one member, where were the body?

(1 Corinthians 12:20)  But now are they many members, yet but one body.

(1 Corinthians 12:21)  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

(1 Corinthians 12:22)  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

Paul then gives more instructions on the body in the remaining verses of 1 Corinthians 12 about how God makes things with the body and how we are to rejoice when one rejoices and mourn when one mourns. Paul then goes through the offices and gifts of the church and then exhorts all to covet earnestly the best gifts of the spirit and then speaks of something better(love)

(1 Corinthians 12:23)  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

(1 Corinthians 12:24)  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

(1 Corinthians 12:25)  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

(1 Corinthians 12:26)  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

(1 Corinthians 12:27)  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

(1 Corinthians 12:28)  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

(1 Corinthians 12:29)  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

(1 Corinthians 12:30)  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

(1 Corinthians 12:31)  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians then goes on to expound on the more excellent way, which is in  the King James version, charity, which is agape love, which is God’s form of love. The first three verses state how all we do is nothing and counts for nothing unless it is done in the motive of charity(love) then goes on to define in some detail of what this love/charity really is and then at the end goes on in fact that charity (love) is the greatest of faith, hope and even wisdom which is not mentioned.

(1 Corinthians 13:1)  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

(1 Corinthians 13:2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

(1 Corinthians 13:3)  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

(1 Corinthians 13:4)  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(1 Corinthians 13:5)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(1 Corinthians 13:6)  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

(1 Corinthians 13:7)  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

(1 Corinthians 13:8)  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

(1 Corinthians 13:9)  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

(1 Corinthians 13:10)  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

(1 Corinthians 13:11)  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

(1Co 13:12)  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(1 Corinthians 13:13)  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians 14 goes on again encouraging people to covet the  gifts of the Spiritbut then goes on to express the benefits of tongues and the requirement of an interpreter in a church service. It also speaks of the value of the gift of prophecy in that same church service. Paul’s intent is of this chapter is not only to encourage the gifts but also to keep things going in an orderly manner in a church service.

 (1 Corinthians 14:1)  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

(1 Corinthians 14:2)  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

(1 Corinthians 14:3)  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

(1 Corinthians 14:4)  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

(1 Corinthians 14:5)  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

(1 Corinthians 14:6)  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

(1 Corinthians 14:7)  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

(1 Corinthians 14:8)  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

(1 Corinthians 14:9)  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

(1 Corinthians 14:10)  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

(1 Corinthians 14:11)  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

(1 Corinthians 14:12)  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

(1 Corinthians 14:13)  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

(1 Corinthians 14:14)  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

(1 Corinthians 14:15)  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

(1 Corinthians 14:16)  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

(1 Corinthians 14:17)  For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

(1 Corinthians 14:18)  I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

(1 Corinthians 14:19)  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

(1 Corinthians 14:20)  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

(1 Corinthians 14:21)  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 14:22)  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

(1 Corinthians 14:23)  If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

(1 Corinthians 14:24)  But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

(1 Corinthians 14:25)  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

(1 Corinthians 14:26)  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

(1 Corinthians 14:27)  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

(1 Corinthians 14:28)  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

(1 Corinthians 14:29)  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

(1 Corinthians 14:30)  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

(1 Corinthians 14:31)  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

(1 Corinthians 14:32)  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

(1 Corinthians 14:33)  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

(1 Corinthians 14:34)  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

(1 Corinthians 14:35)  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

(1 Corinthians 14:36)  What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

(1 Corinthians 14:37)  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 14:38)  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

(1 Corinthians 14:39)  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

(1 Corinthians 14:40)  Let all things be done decently and in order.

These gifts of the Spirit and such are one of the best things about being saved. God sent Jesus to die for our sins to restore relationship with Him and then the death of Jesus on the cross which He willingly and lovingly went through enabled us to regain this wonderful relationship with God. There is nothing that can compare with the relationship with God or even come remotely close to it at all. I am now including a prayer which you can say to invite Jesus in your heart to begin this wonderful relationship with Him. Please pray this with me now:

Heavenly Father I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I confess to You that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I confess and repent of all of my sins and unrighteousness. Right now I confess with my mouth Jesus as the Lord of my life and believe in my heart that You, God did indeed raise Him from the dead. I thank You for cleansing and forgiving me of all of my  sins and unrighteousness and for saving me. I thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place for my sins, and for the inexpressible gift of eternal life that I now claim through the death of Jesus on the cross. Thank You, Lord, again for saving me. In the Name of Jesus I pray Amen

Do you have the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the accompanying evidence of speaking in tongues? It is also easy to get and I strongly recommend it too, as I have found praying in tongues to be such a blessing to me. I have found myself flowing in several of the other gifts too as the spirit willed. The only one that I may have not manifested perhaps has been the interpretation of tongues. I guess it isn’t as important to me as the other 8 so it hasn’t been manifesting. My favorites are speaking in tongues which can be so edifying, healing and miracles. I am now going to include a prayer which you can pray with me to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit along with the gift of tongues to prove the manifestation of this baptism as well as the other 8 gifts. Please pray this prayer with me

Heavenly Father I/we come to You in the Name of Jesus. I we confess in Your word that if we ask all things in prayer believing I/we shall receive it. Right now I/we are asking You for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and now we believe we now have received it along with the gift of speaking in tongues. I/we thank You for this wonderful gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit including the evidence of speaking in tongues with all the other eight gifts that will manifest as you will. In Jesus Name I/we pray Amen. 

I conclude this teaching by strongly encouraging you to keep confessing that you have this baptism again and again, thanking God for giving it to you to fight the devil. I also urge you strongly to begin speaking in tongues as soon as you can. Often you have to force this to happen, one syllable at a time, if need be and letting it slowly develop and manifest over time. Some it can come suddenly, too without warning. If it does, praise God and do not be scared of it, for it could lose the gift for fear. This making it happen shows God your faith in that you have indeed believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit and it will help your gifts and relationship grow deeper with God. I urge you to pray in tongues as much as you can as it will keep you built up and edified in the spirit, chasing away discouragement and even rejection, and this gift will also hasten the sanctification process too. Speaking in tongues also makes it easier to hear God’s voice and sometimes can help you deal with the clutter which can mask His voice. If you can do it, pray in the Spirit for hours per day, even if under the breath. As I said the more you do it the better it will be for you.

God bless you and yours.