PROFITING WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

PROFITING WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
INTRODUCTION

I was waiting on the Lord sometime in the month of July 2009, when the Lord expressed it to me to intensify my teaching on spiritual gifts. I feel that believers ought to understand the operation of the Holy Spirit in this area. I also feel that this avenue is proper to disseminate this. Please welcome to this important teaching.

INTRODUCTION 

Our calling is two fold. A call to be saved and a call to serve. Every believer is called to minister. Therefore, God has equipped us for the work of the ministry.
The equipping is in two fold. The ministry gifts and the spiritual gifts. The ministry gifts are the five-fold ministry gifts (Apostle, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher) and other ministry gifts referred to as helps (other serving capacity than the five-fold ministry gifts.) Eph 4:11 and Rom 12:4-8, 1 Cor 12:28. The spiritual gifts essentially compliment these ministry gifts. The spiritual gifts are the instruments needed to show the beauty of the ministry gifts. The purpose of this teaching is to look into the subject of spiritual gifts with a view to show what they are and how best to enjoy their manifestation. Please welcome!

DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS.

1 Cor 12:1-4. Now about spiritual gifts (the special endowments of spiritual energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed. You know that when you were heathen, you were led off after idols and could not speak (habitually) as impulse directed and whatever the occasion might arise. Therefore, I want you to understand that no one SPEAKING UNDER THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF THE [HOLY] SPIRIT OF GOD can (ever) say, Jesus be cursed. And no one can (really) say, Jesus is (my) Lord, except by and under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. Now there are DISTINCTIVE VARIETIES AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF ENDOWMENTS (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguinsing certain christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the [Holy] Spirit and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. (Amplified version)

From the above scriptures, we understand that:
1. Spiritual gifts are outstanding and  endowments by the Holy Spirit.
2. The vehicle through which the endowments are produced is through speaking.
3. The true test that the endowments are of the Holy Spirit is that they must glorify Jesus.
4. These endowments are diverse - distinctive varieties.
5. These endowments distinguish believers - make us see and understand the distinctive uniqueness of ministries.

WHAT ARE THESE ENDOWMENTS OR GIFTS?
Untill these endowments manifest by the impulse of the Holy Spirit, we cannot see, know and understand them.
1 Cor 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; to another THE GIFTS OF HEALING by the same Spirit; to another THE WORKING OF MIRACLES; to another PROPHECY; to another DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; to another THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES:
The above verses enumerated NINE GIFTS. I will base this study on these nine and I believe these are all about the spiritual gifts taught in the bible especially in the new testament.

WHO IS QUALIFIED FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
1 Cor 12:7,11.
7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY MAN to profit withal.
11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, DIVIDING TO EVERY MAN severally as he will.
Every man in the above passage means every believer in Christ Jesus. Every Christian is automatically qualified to manifest the gifts of the Spirit or spiritual gifts as long as they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:6.
In Acts 2:39, Peter said ''For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.'' Every one God calls ought to manifest at least a gift of the Holy Spirit.

VEHICLE OF THE ENDOWMENTS OR GIFTS
Though there are nine different gifts, but each manifest through speaking. Each one of the gifts is seen and recognized as the individual manifesting it speak forth. 1 Cor 12:3. Wherefore I give you to understand that no man SPEAKING BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD calleth Jesus accursed: and no man can SAY that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost (KJV). Whenever the Holy Spirit manifests any of his gifts through any believer in the church, the vehicle or avenue used is the tongue. Although there gifts of the Spirit that manifest primarilly by speaking, but every other cannot manifest without speaking. Jesus manifested the healing gifts by speaking, he did all the workings of miracle by speaking, he operated the gift of faith by speaking. If any man is doing a miraculous work without speaking, it should be challenged. Only magicians produce results without speaking. The creation account in Genesis was done with God speaking. ''And God said'' appeared about 10 times in the Genesis creation account in chapter 1 only.

THE TRUE TEST OF THE GIFTS
It must glorify Jesus! John 16:13-14. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not SPEAK of himself; but whatsoever he hear, that shall he SPEAK: and he will show you things to come. He shall GLORIFY ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
1 Cor 12:3. Wherefore I give you to understand that no man SPEAKING by the Spirit of God CALLETH JESUS ACCURSED: and no man can SAY that JESUS IS LORD but by the Holy Spirit.
Rev 19:10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, see thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren that have THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS: worship God: FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY (KJV).
Jesus said in John 16:13-14, that the ministry of the Holy Spirit shall glorify him. In 1 Cor 12:3, Paul said no man can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. This statement is more than just saying ''Jesus is Lord'' He said no one manifesting the Spirit can curse Jesus. These statements actually mean that any man manifesting the gifts of the Spirit will do it to glorify Jesus. In Rev 19:10, John said that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. In other words, manifesting the gifts of the Spirit testifies to the Lordship of Jesus. Every spiritual gift manifestation must point glory to the Lord Jesus (God) and no one else. Spiritual gifts are not for self glorification. The gifts are given for the Lordship of Jesus to be proclaimed.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians to correct them and to make them understand the grace of God upon them was not for self- glorification, but for the glory of the Lord Jesus. If a man in manifesting any of the gifts glorifies himself or make others glorify him, he is abusing the grace. If any man gratifies himself through the use of any of the gifts of the Spirit, we should be careful of such person. It is either he/she is proud or in error or is false. Beware of false teachers!

OUTLOOK OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS

In 1 Cor 12:7-11, nine gifts are listed.
1. THE WORD OF WISDOM.
2. THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE.
3. FAITH
4. GIFTS OF HEALING.
5. THE WORKING OF MIRACLES.
6. PROPHECY.
7. DISCERNING OF SPIRITS.
8. DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES.
9. THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.
These nine gifts are divers in operations, but it is the same Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 12:4.
Some of these gifts are similar in their operations and by this similarity, they are grouped accordingly. The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and discerning of spirits are similar in operation: they are REVELATIONAL in outlook. Prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues are similar: they are utterance in outlook. Faith, gifts of healing and the working of miracles are similar: they are power in outlook.
The nine gifts are grouped into three families according to their similarities.
REVELATION GIFTS: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and discerning of spirits.
UTTERANCE GIFTS: prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues.
POWER GIFTS: faith, gifts of healing and the working of miracles.

OUTLOOK OF REVELATION GIFTS

Revelation gifts are gifts that see into the realm of the spirits. This is why they are together as a family. They are The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge and Discerning of Spirits.
THE WORD OF WISDOM: 1 Cor 12:8. ''For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.'' This is an endowment of the Spirit with ability to see A PART of all in the mind of God for the FUTURE. It is the manifestation of the Spirit of God that reveals a part out of much that God has for an individual, family, nations and the entire world or universe of the things that are yet to occur.
The revelation of all tomorrows are words of wisdom. The word of the Lord that came through Samuel to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:1-9 is a combinatiom of the words of wisdom.
1 Samuel 10 :1-7,9. 1. Then Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? 2. When thou art departed from me today, THEN THOU SHALT FIND two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and THEY WILL SAY unto thee, the asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, what shall I do for my son? 3. Then shalt thou go on forward from thence and thou shall come to the plain of Tabor, and there SHALL MEET thee three men going up to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine.
4. And THEY WILL salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. 5. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou SHALT MEET a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabet, and a pipe, and a harp, before them, and they SHALL PROPHESY: 6. and the Spirit of the LORD WILL COME upon thee and thou SHALL PROPHESY with then, and SHALT be turned into another man. 9. ... AND ALL THOSE SIGNS CAME TO PASS THAT DAY. Samuel saw series of what will happen to Saul in a few hours in the future. These are words of wisdom spoken to Samuel in prophecy.
Acts 21:10-11. 10. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him unto the hands of the Gentiles. This revelation came to pass after many days from when it was spoken. This is the word of wisdom spoken like a prophecy. Every revelational prophecy that points to the future is a word of wisdom.. All prophecies of old and new testaments prophets addressing the future is a word of wisdom. The prophecy about the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist are words of wisdom. John's prophecy about the second coming of Christ and the millennium are examples. The entire bible is a combination of words of wisdom. They were declared before they came.

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE: 1 Cor 12:8. It is an endowment of the Spirit with ability to see a part of all in the mind of God for the PAST AND PRESENT. Most of what Moses wrote were words of knowledge. Revelation of the past events on earth before Moses was born and called into the ministry.
2 Kings 5:25-26. 25. But he went in, and stood before his master, and Elisha said unto him, whence comest thou, Gahazi? And he said, thy servant WENT no thither. 26. And he said unto him WENT NOT MINE HEART WITH THEE WHEN THE MAN TURNED AGAIN FROM HIS CHARIOT TO MEET THEE... God gave Elisha a revelation of what took place between Naaman and Gahazi, when Gahazi took the bribe. This is word of knowledge.

2 kings 6:8-12
8. Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, in such and such a place shall be my camp.
9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.
10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself, not once or twice.
11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and called his servants, and said unto them, will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?
12. And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, TELLETH the king of Israel the WORDS THAT THOU SPEAKEST IN THY BEDCHAMBER. This is an example of the word of knowledge. God revealed to Elisha every present plan of the king of Syria.

John 4:16-19.
16. Jesus said unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come thither.
17. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, thou has well said, I have no husband. 18. FOR THOU HAST HAD FIVE HUSBANDS; AND HE WHOM THOU NOW HAST IS NOT THY HUSBAND: in that saidst thou truly.
19. the woman saith unto him, sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
From the dialogue between the samaritan woman at the well and Jesus came the complete picture of the word of knowledge. Jesus saw the number of husbands she had had in the past and that the one she now has is not her true husband. the woman concluded that Jesus must be a prophet because of the revealed past and present.

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS: 1 Corinth 12:10.
It is the endowment of the Holy Spirit that identifies spirits. It comes in visions, dreams, trances and inward perceptions. The ability to see, and recognize the spirits is discerning of spirits. It is usually more than just identifying evil spirits. Many believers call this discernment, but its not. The bible calls it DISCERNING OF SPIRITS. This is a gift of the Spirit and not the same as a general ability every believer has to discern what is good from bad through deep study and experience in the usage of the word of God. Discerning of Spirit is a special ability from the Holy Spirit at his will. Heb 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of FULL AGE, even those who by reason of use have their (spiritual) senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil".
This scripture is not talking about discerning of spirits.
Discerning of spirits is a gift which manifests only as the Spirit of God enables an individual to see and know both good and evil spirits. The scripture we read in Heb 5:14 is talking about maturity in God and his word through which we are able to train our spiritual senses to distinguish what is good from what is evil morally. In discerning of spirits you can see and know the spirits and possibly its operations and names. It is not the same as speculation - thinking it should be and not very sure. In discerning of spirits, you are sure. It is not mind reading or psychic perception. It is not the same as ability of a medium to see ascenstral or familiar spirits. All of these are not gifts of the Holy Spirit. See 1 Samuel 28:7-16.

DISCERNING OF GOOD SPIRITS
Daniel 9:20-21.
20. And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of God;
21. Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the MAN GABRIEL, whom I had SEEN IN THE VISION at the beginning being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
Daniel saw the spirit, knew his name and mission. This is discerning of spirit.
Please take the time out to read the following scriptures: Ezek 1:4-5; Isa 6:1-2; Acts 7:55-56 and Rev 1:9-20. All these show clearly the examples of discerning of spirits (good spirits). The revelations of men, angels, the Lord Jesus himself and even the SIMILITUDE of the Father on the throne are examples of discerning of spirits (GOOD SPIRITS).

DISCERNING OF EVIL SPIRITS: Rev 13:1-12.
I will take verses 1 and 11. Please read all the verses on your own.
1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea and SAW A BEAST rise up out of the sea having seven heads and Ten horns and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head the name of Blasphemy.
11. And I beheld another BEAST coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he SPAKE AS A DRAGON.
Please read also Rev 17:3-5 and Rev 19:19-20. All these are examples of discerning of spirits (bad spirits). Every revelation about God the Father, The Lord Jesus, men, angels and demons in the bible are discerning of spirits. Isaiah saw the SIMILITUDE of the Lord sitting on the throne. Isa 6:1. Moses saw the back side of God. Exodus 33:20-23. Stephen saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55.
The revelation gifts are common tools in the ministry of a prophet.

OUTLOOK OF THE UTTERANCE GIFTS The utterance gifts are the manifestations of the Spirit that speak or declare. They are Prophecy, Divers Kinds Of Tongues and The Interpretation Of Tongues. PROPHECY: 1 cor 12:10. Prophecy is the manifestation of the Spirit that speak unto men for edification, exhortation and comfort. It is the endowment of the Spirit that every believer ought to desire to manifest. The true test of this gift is that it should build, encourage and comfort the church.
EDIFICATION: Speaking to men to build them up or improve them. EXHORTATION: Speaking to men to encourage or persuade them to do something or become better in life. COMFORT: Speaking to men to ease them of the pains, worries and troubles of life. Prophecy is a brief utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit to EDIFY, EXHORT and COMFORT the church. It is commonly called simple prophecy or forth-telling.

1 Cor 14:3. "But he that prophesieth SPEAKETH unto men to EDIFICATION, and EXHORTATION, and COMFORT." A song inspired by the Holy Spirit (spiritual song) is a simple prophecy. Exhortation from the word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit is a simple prophecy. This kind of prophecy is called forth-telling. This is a gift that every believer ought to desire to manifests. The prophecy of a prophet is usually a combination of word of wisdom, word of knowledge and sometimes discerning of spirits spoken like a prophecy. This kind of prophecy is called fore-telling. Every believer should manifest the simple gift of prophecy or forth-telling. It is the right of ALL BELIEVERS. Paul in 1 Cor 14:1, said "...But rather that YE may prophesy." In verse 5, "I would that YE ALL spake with tongues, but that YE prophesied." verse 26, "..EVERYONE of you hath...to edifying.

In Acts 19:6, Paul laid hands on twelve believers and all of them spoke with tongues and PROPHESIED. Everything you do in the church that can bring either edification, exhortation or comfort is simple gift of prophecy and all believers must follow after it. The prophecies of the prophets may not be spoken to edify or comfort sometimes because they are beyond simple prophecies. Agabus, the prophet, spoke of the arrest of Paul at Jerusalem. This is not simple prophecy. It did not comfort the church in any way, but otherwise. It was the word of wisdom spoken and the church became worried about Paul going to Jerusalem. They actually persuaded him not to. See Acts 21:10-14. Some of the messages of a prophet can bring fear and concern. This message was intended to warn Paul. If you were in Paul's place and not sold out to God. You would be discouraged and afraid to continue the mission.
The messages of a prophet is beyond speaking to the church to comfort or edify. This does not mean that prophets don't speak to the church for comfort and exhortation. They do. There are prophets sent to nations and those sent to the church. Prophets speak about what will happen to individual, nations and the world of the good or bad to come. Prophets are instruments of judgement and warnings from the Lord. Their messages are deeper and stronger than that of just any believer with the gift of prophecy. It is the same anointing and grace, but a prophet ministers under stronger hands. God can also use any believer to give warnings to the church or individual of the plans of the enemy and God for the future, but this does not mean that such believer is a prophet. There is more to the office of a prophet than I can discuss here. Desire earnestly to profit the church with your gift.

DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES: 1 Cor 12:10.
It is the endowment of the Spirit that enables an individual believer speak with tongues which is not the same as praying in tongues. When this is interpreted, it is equatalent to prophecy.
1 Cor 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. Here Paul is not talking about praying in tongues, but the manifestation of the Spirit that no believer can manifest at his/her will, but as the Holy Spirit will. This is a gift of the Spirit that is intended to give a message to an individual or the church, if it can be interpreted. This should not be confused with praying in tongues that believers can exercise anytime at will. This is a gift of the Spirit that can only manifest as the Spirit wills.

DIVERSITIES OF TONGUES: 1 Cor 12:28.
"And God has set in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, DIVERSITIES OF TONGUES."
There is something Paul is talking about here that I believe is deeper than the gift of divers kinds of tongues. The gifts being enumerated by Paul here, are ministry gifts and not just spiritual gifts. The ministry of diversities of tongues is peculiar with the apostles and prophets. But God can call an individual to fill that gap, who may not necessarily be in any of the five-fold ministry gifts. In 1 Cor 14:6, Paul said, "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall it profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine."
In verses 18-19, he said, "I speak with tongues more than ye all: 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." Paul in the above verses is not necessarily emphasizing praying in tongues, though we may refer to it when teaching about praying in tongues. He is actually talking about a ministerial gift of diversities of tongues that can be used to minister to the church through the instruments of tongues and interpretation. A prophet can be inspired by the Holy Spirit while teaching, to speak with tongues and interprete to teach the church. This is more like a ministry and is deeper than what any believer can just manifest. The same anointing, but stronger than that which enables the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. In these last days, we shall see more of this.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES: 1 Cor 12:10. This is the endowment or gift of the Spirit that enable a believer to interprete a message spoken in tongues. 1 Cor 14:13. "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongues pray that he may interprete." When messages spoken in tongues are interpreted, it is equal to prophecy. Therefore the combination of the manifestations of the gifts of divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues is equal to prophecy. Desire to manifest this gifts together, but rely on the Holy Spirit to help.
By the grace of God I have been endowed to manifest some of the gifts I have so far taught: REVELATION AND UTTERANCE GIFTS. My ministry will not have been complete if not for the endowments.

OUTLOOK OF THE POWER GIFTS The power gifts are the endowments or gifts of the Spirit when manifested, bring instant action leading to healing, deliverance and miracles. Acts 10:38 says "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost AND POWER: who went about doing good, and HEALING ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL; for God was with him. These gifts are Faith or Wonder-working Faith, Gifts Of Healing and The Working of Miracles. They are gifts that acts or do. They are common manifestations in the ministry of Apostles, prophets and evangelists. See Acts 8:5-7; 5:12 and 2 Cor 12:12.

FAITH OR WONDER-WORKING FAITH: 1 Cor 12:9. Note that we are considering GIFTS of the Spirit. The faith we are talking about here is not that with which all believers grow to live a victorious christian life. It is not the faith with which you believe God to answer your prayer, though it may manifest sometimes like that. It is not the faith that comes through deep study of the word. It is not what believers grow into. It is not the general faith. It is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit at his will to bring about a miracle even at the expense of the faith of one manifesting it and one to receive the miracle. At the manifestation of this gift, you are taken over by the Spirit and doubts cannot set in untill the miracle is done and the anointing lifts up. Manifesting this gift is not in the effort of the believer, nor is it in his maturity. It is in the POWER of the SPIRIT.
When Joshua spoke to the sun to stand still for a whole day in Joshua 10:12-13, it was not because Joshua had enough faith for this, it was the manifestation of supernatural faith. The hand of God came on him to declare this without a single doubt. See Acts 3:1-8,16. Acts 13:6-11. Please read Acts 3:1-8 and compare it with Acts 14:8-10. In both scriptures, cripples were healed, but by two different ways. Acts 3:1-8, was by the gift of faith manifesting through Peter, the apostle. And Acts 14:8-10 was by the faith of the cripple when he listened to Paul's teaching. The first is a manifestation of the Spirit and the second is not. Now, I am not saying it was not the Spirit of God that healed in both cases, but that the ways both healings came differ. Many miracles and signs done in the bible were by the operation of the gift of faith.
Have you tried to move a particular mountain before and it seems un-movable and doubts began to set in? I have been there before. It is because you were not operating in the gift of faith. You can believe God for any miracle and keep trusting him refusing to doubt untill answer comes. This is the general faith all believer should exercise. Mark 11:20-24. It is not the same as manifesting the gift of faith. You can pray for someone to be healed and teach the person to receive his healing by confessing it untill it is done. This is not manifesting the gift of faith. The gift of faith manifests as the Spirit wills. 1 Cor 12:11. The manifestation usually results in instant miracles and signs. This gift will usually manifest in the ministry of the five-fold, especially apostles, prophets and evangelist. They are notable for manifesting POWER GIFTS. Nevertheless, the place of prayer is vital.

GIFTS OF HEALING: 1 Cor 12:9. Some of the healings done in the bible and in our contemporary meetings especially crusades are done by the exercise of the healing gifts. Here, those who are healed don't even have faith to be healed. This is the manifestation of the Spirit as he wills. The Spirit of God has healed many doubters before through the exercise of this gift. There is the place of exercising one's faith to receive healing and this is probably the most sure way to receive it. The devil cannot robb you of the miracle received by your faith. Many lost their healings because they did not know how it came. They were healed by the manifestation of the gifts of healing. Their faith was not involved. Even unbelievers can be healed this way. It is not as the preacher wills, it is not as the sick will, it is as the Spirit wills. 1 Cor 12:11. Please see Matt 15:29-31; Lk 4:40-41; Acts 8:5-7

THE WORKING OF MIRACLES: Acts 2:22. "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by MIRACLES and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:" It is the manifestation of the Spirit that results into miraculous activities. Moses divided the Red Sea. Exodus 14:21. "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and THE LORD CAUSED THE SEA TO GO BACK BY A STRONG EAST WIND all that night, and MADE THE SEA DRY LAND and the waters were divided." Elijah and Elisha divided the Jordan River. 2 Kings 2:8,14. Jesus fed multitude with five loaves and two fishes. Matt 14:15-20; 15:34-37. See Acts 5:12-16 and Acts 8:5-7. These are scriptural examples of the working of miracles. The gifts of power manifest in almost similar ways.

THE WORKING: Mark 8:22-25.
22. And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
23. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, and he asked him if he saw ought.
24. And he looked up, and said I see men as trees, walking.
25. After that he put his hands AGAIN upon his eyes and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
This manifestation sometimes take process of working it. Jesus had to repeat the action the second time for the blind man to see clearly. This is WORKING of miracle. Amputated hands and legs can grow into full length by process of gradual growth untill fully restored. Like I said earlier, the power gifts readilly manifest in the ministries of apostles, prophets and evangelists because of their kind of assignments.

PURPOSES OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Cor 14:7. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man TO PROFIT WITHAL." 1 Cor 14:12. "Even so ye, for as much as ye are zealous of Spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH."
The major purpose of spiritual gifts is to profit the church in many ways. The following ways are considerable: BRINGS GROWTH: Spiritual and numerical growths are enhanced when gifts of the Spirit manifest. SPIRITUAL: Paul said in 1 Cor 14:3-4 that prophesying edifies, exhorts and comforts the church. In verse 12 of the same chapter, he encouraged the individual believer to be zealous of spiritual gifts to the edifying of the church. All these enhance the spiritual growth of the church. (THE WORD OF GOD TAKES PRIORITY PLACE IN THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH). When the spiritual growth is enhanced, all other things take their rightful places. 3 John 2.
1. NUMERICAL GROWTH: It is notable in the scripture and in our contemporary days that signs and wonders attract growth.the manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit bring signs and wonders which in turn attract people to the kingdom of God and the church. The Lord Jesus himself, said that some will not believe except they see signs and wonders. John 4:48. Paul in 1 Cor 14:24-25, said that prophecy will attract the unbelievers to God. Verse 25 says, "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. By the healing of the cripple at the beautiful gates, multitude turned to God. The manifestations of the Spirit were some of the major occurrences that brought many to Jesus. Nevertheless, the ministry of the word is most vital. The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of Truth. The word of God is the Truth.

2. STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH: To edify means to strengthen. Spiritual gifts bring strength to the church. Acts 15:32. "And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, EXHORTED the brethren with many words and CONFIRMED THEM. Judas and Silas were representatives of the church in Jerusalem sent to the churches established by Paul and Barnabas to resolve the controversy on the issue of circumcision. These men were prophets with the gifts of the Spirit. They EXHORTED the church with MANY WORDS and CONFIRMED the church. The word confirmed used in the KJV here means STRENGTHENED. The strength of the early church, apart from unity, was the manifestations of signs and wonders brought about by the gifts of the Spirit. The bible says by the signs that were wrought among them, fear came upon many people. Acts 5:12-16.

3. ESTABLISH: To be established means to be rooted and grounded. When a church is strong, there is likelihood for it to be firmly established. The operations of the gifts of the Spirit can help in this. Note that the basic ingredient for the establishment of the church is the word of God. 4. FRUITFUL: Every establised church will definately be fruitful. Don't forget that the word of God plays a vital role in establishing a fruitful church. When the gifts of the Spirit manifest, they are for the glorifying of Jesus, the head of the church. The gifts of the Spirit cannot manifest outside God's word. 5. GREAT JOY: The manifestation of the Spirit enhances great joy. People's needs are met, healings and miracles are done. These bring joy to the church. Acts 8: 6-8. Verse 8, says "And there was great joy in that city. The purpose of spiritual gifts to the church cannot be exhausted.

AS THE SPIRIT WILLS 1 cor 12:11. ''And all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.'' The statement ''As the Spirit wills appears several times in this work. It is a statement one must note else one will run the risk of error or be frustrated in trying to make happen what the Spirit will not. The gifts of the Spirit are not manifested as one wills and at any occasion. It is as the Spirit enables. It is a spiritual malady to try to manifest the gifts when the Spirit is not willing. The reason why people run into error is because they want to manifest the supernatural at all cost. If we rely on the Spirit and prayerfuly allow him to use us, we will profit with our gifts. I desire to manifest all the gifts at all times, but it does not happen so. IT IS AS THE SPIRIT APPORTIONS AND MANIFESTS THEM.

STEPS TO PROFITING WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS As much as it is true that spiritual gifts are manifested as the Spirit wills, we still need to take certain steps for the Spirit to use us. We have our responsibilities, and if we can fulfill them, we will be used of the Spirit. Manifesting spiritual gifts is not entirely automatic. When we have done what we ought, the Spirit will be willing to manifest them through us. A few of all the many steps we should take are listed here:

1. BE BORN AGAIN AND FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT: Acts 19:5-6. 5. When they heard this, they were BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. 6. And when Paul had laid hands on them, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM, and they SPAKE WITH TONGUES, AND PROPHESIED. No man can manifest any of the gifts without being filled with the Spirit. The sign of infilling is manifestation of the Spirit, especially prophecy.

2. UNDERSTAND SPIRITUAL GIFTS: It is important for believers to understand spiritual gifts, because it will help in ensuring that we don't abuse the use of the gifts. It will also help us to understand the importance of spiritual gifts, which will help us to yield to the manifestations. 1 Cor 12:1. "Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you IGNORANT." God wants us to understand spiritual gifts. This is the very reason I wrote this book.

3. DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS: 1 Cor 14:1. "Follow after charity (AGAPE LOVE), and DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS..." 1 Cor 14:12. "Even so ye, as much as ye are ZEALOUS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SEEK that ye may EXCEL to the edifying of the church. God will always grant the right desires of our hearts that line up with the will of God. Psalm 37:4.

4. AGAPE LOVE: In Cor 14:1, where Paul exhort us to desire spiritual gifts, he put love as the motive for why we should manifest the gifts of the Spirit. "Follow after CHARITY, and desire..." In 1 Cor 13:1-2. 1. Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 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. The scripture above is talking about different gifts that can be manifested, but Paul said these manifestations profit nothing to one's account if the LOVE OF GOD is not the motive. Love, therefore is a very vital step to manifesting the gifts.

5. PRAYER FOR GRACE: 1 Cor 1:4-7. Please read this scripture. Paul was acknowledging that grace was what brought the enriched gifts of the Spirit to the Corinthian church. The prayer for grace to manifest spiritual gifts is very vital and we must pray it. We are what we are and all we can ever be in God's kingdom by his grace. Please read my book on THE POWER OF GRACE. 1 Cor 14:13, Paul encouraged us to pray to manifest the gifts.

6. PRAY AND ENGAGE IN THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD: Prayer and the ministry of the word activate the grace and anointing of God for the manifestation of the Spirit. Acts 6:4. Peter said "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." These two combination will produce outstanding result in any life that engage in them.
7. COOPERATE WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD: Yielding to the Spirit is one of the best steps to being continually used by the Spirit to manifest his gifts. Yielding to the Spirit is a willingness on one's part to be used by the Spirit of God. Romans 6:16. "Know ye not, that to whom ye YIELD yourselves servants to OBEY, his SERVANTS YE ARE TO WHOM YE OBEY; whether of sin unto death, or of OBEDIENCE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS." Here, Paul was talking about being taken over by who or what we yield ourselves to. Each time you yield yourself to the manifestation of the Spirit, you put yourself on the line to being used more and more. 1 Thess 5: 19-21. * 19. Quench not the Spirit. 20. Despise not PROPHESYINGS. 21. Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.
8. STIR UP THE GIFTS AND FEAR NOT: 2 Timothy 1:6-7. * 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. 7. For God hath not given us the SPIRIT OF FEAR; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. This scripture best suits ministerial gifts, but it can be referred to for spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are also the gifts of God. In Acts 19:6, the bible tells us that Paul laid hands on the twelve Ephesians who received Jesus and got baptized in water and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, they spoke with tongues and prophesied. So, in Timothy here, Paul said "by the putting on of my hands." The gift here could also include spiritual gift. To stir means to provoke to show. Do all you can to ensure that your spiritual gifts do not die. 1 Tim 4:14-15.
The second part says we should not entertain fear. Fear will kill the gifts. The fear of mistakes, falsehood and competence, will prevent you from yielding fully and totally to the extent to which the Spirit wants to take you. Try and be in liberty of the Spirit. If you make any mistake while manifesting the gifts, correct yourself and stand to be corrected and be encouraged to go on without dwelling on your mistakes. Don't let your past mistakes or errors stop you from flowing in the next move of the Spirit whenever he is willing. Remember that you are a clay, and still undergoing some moulding in the hands of the potter, and not yet perfected vessel and the Spirit of God understands this. In 1 Cor 14:29, Paul told us: "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other JUDGE." Why should any one judge what is intended to be by the Spirit? Because the vessels being used are not perfect. They can make mistakes. They can add from self, what the Spirit is giving. This is one basic reason why others should judge. 1 Thess 5:21. "PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast to that which is good."

9. DO NOT DOUBT HIS MANIFESTATIONS: Doubt is a killer of the move of the Spirit. Whatever you doubt, you cannot manifest. Doubt is a robber. If you keep doubting the reality of the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, you would not be used by the Spirit even if he is willing to use you. You still need faith to carry on.

10. KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD: Your knowledge of the word of God will enhance the extent to which the Spirit can use you. Though one can manifest the gifts of the Spirit without much of the word. Even baby Christians can manifest the gifts. The Corinthian church was virtually less spiritual. Paul called them babies in the things of God. Nevertheless, the more of God you know, the more he will use you. Daniel 11:32. "...But the people that do know their God shall be strong and DO EXPLOITS." Believers' exploits in the hand of the Holy Spirit require deep knowledge of the word of God. The bible says "deep calleth unto deep" in Psalm 42:7.

CONCLUSION Like I said at the beginning of this book, this work came up because the Spirit of the Lord instructed me to intensify my teaching on the gifts of the Spirit. Teaching on the gifts of the Spirit is one of the most challenging work to do. By the special help from the Holy Spirit, I have combined the knowledge of the scriptures, knowledge from a reliable source and my experiences in the ministry so far, to write this book. I do not conclude that I have dealt with all there is to know about spiritual gifts. The things of God are too deep for anyone to conclude so. As you take every step to do all you have learnt in this book, the Holy Spirit will teach you better. The purpose of this book is to see that the gifts of the Spirit are activated in the body of Christ to the glory of God and the expansion of his kingdom.
Make every effort to put your gifts to use. 1 Timothy 4:14-15.
If there is any part of this work you do not understand or seems to be unparallel with  your theology, please feel free to write me or mention it in your review or comment. Thank you and God bless you for reading and telling others about this message.
Should you want to get in touch with me, personal email:

Pastorfestusakinmoye@gmail.com