Kingdom People: Awakening Spiritual Gifts
As Kingdom People, we believe that God wants to awaken us to spiritual gifts and realities. In 1 Corinthians 12:1 and 31, Paul encourages believers not to be uninformed about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and to eagerly desire them.
The invitation to awaken spiritual gifts is still extended to us as believers today. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the One and same Spirit who distributes them (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). The Holy Spirit in you wants to activate gifts for the glory of God- and this is an exciting reality to be part of!
So, what are the spiritual gifts?
According to 1 Corinthians 12, there are 9 spiritual gifts:
Revelatory
1. Word of Knowledge
- This is an informative word, which knows past or current facts.
- The woman at the well (John 4:18) is a great example of how Jesus received revelation by the Holy Spirit of the woman’s situation.
2. Word of Wisdom
- This is a directive word.
- We can receive wisdom to give us right direction; to know what to do with knowledge.
- We have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16) to be guided by the Spirit’s thoughts and purposes.
3. Discernment of spirits
- The Holy Spirit in us helps us to discern people and demonic activity around us.
- We can perceive beyond the outward appearance to know the condition of the heart (Luke5:22).
- Discernment protects us from deception (Hebrews 5:14) and we are reminded in Ephesians 6:12 that we wrestle not with flesh and blood
Power
4. Gift of Faith
- This is different to faith in God for salvation.
- It has an authority on a supernatural level, to accomplish something of God’s will.
5. Gifts of Healing
- A restoration of health and wholeness occurs (Luke 4:40).
- It can be a gradual process.
6. Working of Miracles
- These are instantaneous and visible (John 9:1-3).
Inspiration/Vocal
7. Prophecy
- This is an ability to speak forth words from God for edification and building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).
- All true prophecy centres on the person of Christ (Revelation 19:10).
- Earnestly desire prophecy especially (1 Corinthians 14:1)
8. Unknown Tongues
- This is a heavenly language.
- We edify ourselves when we speak in this language (1 Corinthians 14:4), and we speak mysteries to God; evening singing in the Spirit.
9. Interpretation of tongues
- This is for the edification and building up of the church (14:26).
Your response to these gifts must be to eagerly desire them from a place of humility, need and reverence. We want to lift the church up into the nature and expression of Christ, and to see God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10, Romans 14:17).
‘With great power comes great responsibility.’
‘Lord, help us to desire and steward the spiritual gifts you have for us. Move in power in us and through us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.’
Next steps:
1) Speak to the Lord and ask Him for what you desire.
2) Ask the Lord what your community needs. Pray for His Kingdom to come in your home and community.
3) Begin/continue to regularly speak to God in your heavenly prayer language. As you do this, you will grow and mature spiritually.
4) Catch up with the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrezRte0XZ8