The Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Their Purpose, Their Power, and the Importance of Love
Prophetic Training | Arsenal of the King International Ministries
by Reverend Cassia
Did you know that the Apostle Peter proclaimed that sons and daughters would prophesy, young men would see visions, and old men would dream dreams?
What does Scripture teach us about the gift of prophecy? Why did the Apostle Paul encourage believers to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy? And how should these gifts operate within the Body of Christ?
Let us examine what the Word of God teaches about prophecy, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and why love must always come first.
What Are the Gifts?
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (KJV)
“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
1 Corinthians 12:11
According to 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit: the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Divers Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.
However, this is not an exhaustive listing of the gifts and ministries mentioned in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul also identifies helps and governments, along with other gifts and ministry roles established by God within the Church.
1 Corinthians 12:8–11, 28
There are also gifts listed in Romans 12.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Romans 12:5–9
The Ministry Offices of the Church
In addition to the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul identifies ministry offices within the Body of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul identifies apostles, prophets, and teachers. In Ephesians 4:11, he further identifies apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These are commonly referred to as the fivefold ministry.
These ministries are given for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11–12
We will examine these ministry offices more thoroughly in a separate chapter of our training series.
Dreams and Visions
Dreams and visions, while not included in Paul’s discussion of the nine gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, are listed with prophecy as a characteristic of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, first in Joel 2 and then again in Acts 2.
Did you know that the Apostle Peter proclaimed that sons and daughters would prophesy, young men would see visions, and old men would dream dreams?
In the Greek, dreams are described as to “dream (divinely suggested) dreams,” and a vision is “a sight, a vision, an appearance presented to one, whether asleep or awake.” New Testament Greek Lexicon
Practice With Love
First things first, in this prophetic training series, the most important thing we will practice is love. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that love must be the foundation for exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts should never be exercised for personal recognition or glory, but out of genuine love for God and others.
The Holy Bible states:
“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 13:2
Confidentiality Is an Expression of Love
When exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we must remember that confidentiality is an important responsibility in ministry. When someone entrusts us with personal information, prayer requests, or sensitive circumstances, we must treat that information with love, wisdom, and discretion.
The Holy Bible states:
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
Proverbs 11:13
Prophetic ministry must never be used to embarrass, humiliate, expose, or bring attention to the person exercising the gift. We must respect the dignity and privacy of those to whom we minister.
Confidentiality does not mean concealing abuse or remaining silent when someone is in danger. Protecting others and following applicable reporting requirements are also responsibilities of Christian ministry.
Love, humility, wisdom, and confidentiality must guide the exercise of spiritual gifts.
Closing Thoughts
As we continue learning about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, let us remember that these gifts are given for the edification of the Body of Christ and never for our own recognition. We must exercise them with love, humility, wisdom, and obedience to God’s Word. Above all, everything we do in ministry must bring glory and honor to God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Peter reminds us:
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11
May we always remember that the gifts belong to the Holy Spirit, and all glory, honor, and praise belong to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Chaplain Johnson
Called to Preach. Called to watch. Called to warn. Called to equip.
