A Spirit-filled church is not just a church that acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s presence; it is a church that actively walks in the gifts and power of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 that the gifts of the Spirit are given for the benefit of the entire church:

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

These gifts were never meant to be optional. They are essential to the life and effectiveness of the church. A church that neglects the gifts of the Spirit neglects the power of God working among His people.

Why Do the Gifts Matter?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit equip believers to function in the supernatural, just as the early church did in the book of Acts. They are not reserved for pastors, evangelists, or select leaders; they are for every believer.

Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 14:1:

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”

It is not prideful to desire the gifts—it is biblical! A Spirit-filled believer is empowered to do what Jesus did and even greater works (John 14:12). Let’s take a deeper look at the nine gifts of the Spirit and how they function in the life of a believer.

The Nine Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit are generally divided into three categories:

1. Revelation Gifts (Knowing the Mind of God)

• Word of Wisdom
• Word of Knowledge
• Discerning of Spirits

1. Power Gifts (Demonstrating the Power of God)

• Faith
• Gifts of Healing
• Working of Miracles

1. Vocal Gifts (Speaking the Will of God)

• Prophecy
• Diverse Tongues
• Interpretation of Tongues

Revelation Gifts – Knowing the Mind of God

These gifts reveal supernatural insight and knowledge that only God could give.

1. Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is divine insight into the future, a supernatural strategy from God. This is more than natural wisdom; it is a God-given revelation to direct His people.

Example: In Acts 27:21-25, Paul received a word of wisdom when he warned the sailors that their ship would be lost but that no lives would be taken. This guidance saved them.

2. Word of Knowledge

The Word of Knowledge is supernatural knowledge about a present or past situation that could not have been known by natural means.

Example: In John 4:16-19, Jesus told the Samaritan woman details about her life that He could not have naturally known. This gift led to her salvation.

3. Discerning of Spirits

Discerning of spirits is the ability to see into the spiritual realm—to distinguish between the Holy Spirit, demonic spirits, and the human spirit.

Example: In Acts 16:16-18, Paul discerned that a woman’s “prophetic” gift was actually a spirit of divination and cast it out.

Power Gifts – Demonstrating the Power of God

These gifts bring visible manifestations of God’s supernatural power.

4. Faith

This is not ordinary faith but a supernatural gift of faith that allows a person to believe for the impossible.

Example: Daniel had the gift of faith when he was thrown into the lion’s den (Daniel 6:23), yet he remained unharmed.

5. Gifts of Healing

This is God’s supernatural power to heal sicknesses and diseases.

Example: In Acts 3:6-8, Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate, demonstrating the power of the Spirit.

6. Working of Miracles

A miracle is a supernatural intervention in the natural world.

Example: Jesus turning water into wine (John 2) and Moses parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14) were miracles.

Vocal Gifts – Speaking the Will of God

These gifts involve supernatural speaking to edify the church.

7. Prophecy

Prophecy is a word from God spoken through a person for edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Example: In Acts 21:10-11, the prophet Agabus prophesied about Paul’s imprisonment.

8. Diverse Tongues

This is a supernatural language given by the Holy Spirit.

Example: In Acts 2:4, the disciples spoke in tongues as a sign to unbelievers.

9. Interpretation of Tongues

This gift allows for the translation of a message spoken in tongues.

Example: In 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, Paul teaches that tongues in a church gathering should be interpreted.

How to Walk in the Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts are not just for church services. They are for everyday life. Here’s how you can grow in them:

1. Desire them – Ask the Lord to manifest them in your life (1 Cor. 14:1).
2. Be filled with the Spirit – The more you are filled, the more you flow in His power (Eph. 5:18).
3. Step out in faith – God moves when we are obedient (James 2:17).
4. Stay in prayer and the Word – The gifts flow in those who abide in Christ (John 15:7).

A Spirit-filled church embraces the gifts of the Spirit and moves in power just as the early church did. The gifts are not optional—they are essential!