Course: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (10 lessons)A study based upon the Greek text describing the Gifts of the Spirit.

Course Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

Course Goal: That the student will desire to move in the gifts of the Spirit and will experience the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in his or her life.

Course Outine

Lesson One: Manifestations of the Spirit

Lesson Two: Word of wisdom

Lesson Three: Word of knowledge

Lesson Four: Faith

Lesson Five: Gifts of healing

Lesson Six: Working of miracles

Lesson Seven: Prophecy

Lesson Eight: Discerning of spirits

Lesson Nine: Tongues

Lesson Ten: Interpretation of tongues

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The Gifts of the SpiritLesson Outlines

The Lessons are presented in simple lesson outlines. Lesson one is an introductory lesson. Lessons two to ten follow the same lesson outline.

Lesson 1 Introduction: The gifts in 3 groupsIntroductory Story: Gifts in operation – Radar, confrontation, celebration (communicating victory)Main Points

1. Radar – wisdom and knowledge2. Confrontation – faith, healings, miracles. Prophecy,

discerning of spirits.3. Communication – tongues and interpretation of tongues.

Lessons 2 -10Introduction: What is the gift?Introductory Story: An example of the gift in action.Main Points

1. The gift in scripture2. Testimonies concerning the operation of the gift.

Church HistoryPersonal

3. Why is this gift necessary today?

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The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Course: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)Introductory Lesson One (Outline) Lesson Title: The Manifestations of the Spirit

Theme: The manifestations of the Spirit are given to different kinds of people within the body of Christ to profit the body of Christ.

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

Introduction: The manifestations of the Spirit are under His leadership, 1 Corinthians

12:11. The manifestations of the Spirit are given to profit the body, 1

Corinthians 12:7 The word profit is the Greek word 'sumphero' meaning to 'carry

together'. The Holy Spirit moves through the whole body for the benefit of the body.

Introductory illustration: The Battle of Britain (1940) - The discovery of radar enabled the allies to see. The spitfire enabled them to overcome. Celebration - Winston Churchill's speech lifted the nation.

First - radar gives direction, guidance and warning. Second - ability to attack and overcome the enemy. Third - celebration, rejoicing in victory.

Scripture divides the gifts by using the words 'allos' and 'heteros' translated 'another'. This division emphasises that all the members of the body should operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Main Points: The gifts are for direction, confrontation and for prayer and worship.1. Manifestations that provide enlightenment. A Word of Wisdom and a

Word of Knowledge provide supernatural knowledge for the body, 1 Corinthians 12:8. They reveal hidden things - a Word of Wisdom and a Word of

Knowledge. They are supernatural - Wisdom to know the will of the Lord and

Knowledge that the Holy Spirit reveals.

2. Manifestations that enable the body to confront the enemy and empower the body to overcome, 1 Corinthians 12:9-10. 'Faith; working of miracles; gifts of healing; prophecy; discerning of spirits'. They break down the barriers of the enemy that stand against the

church. They allow the church to directly confront the powers of darkness.

3. Manifestations that are given to lift the church to higher realms of prayer, praise and worship, 1 Corinthians 12:10. Tongues and interpretation of tongues.

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They enable the church to pray on a higher realm, 1 Corinthians 14:14 They enable the church to glorify the Lord, 1 Corinthians 14:2. The Holy Spirit will always bear testimony that Jesus is Lord, 1 Cor.

12:3.

Summary: The manifestations of the Spirit are given to profit the body1) The gifts provide enlightenment for the body. 2) The gifts provide empowerment for confrontation with the enemy. 3) The gifts enable the body to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and lift the

believer to a higher realm of prayer and worship.

Course: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Course Title: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)Introductory Lesson One:

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Lesson Title: The Manifestations of the Spirit

Lesson Goal: That the student will desire spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ‘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 discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.’

Introduction:The manifestations of the Spirit are given to everyone and for the benefit of the body of Christ . 'But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.' (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Everyone - The Holy Spirit moves through the whole body. There is no division in scripture between clergy and laity. There is one body and all believers are priests but not all believers have the same function within the body.

To profit the body of Christ - The word profit is the Greek word 'sumphero' which literally means to 'carry together'. We are one body in Christ called to build one another up in the Holy Spirit.

Manifestations are listed by the kind of person to whom the gift is given. Scripture divides the list of the nine gifts of the Spirit into three groups by using the words 'allos' meaning one of the same kind and 'heteros' meaning one of a different kind.

1) Revelation. To one kind of person is given manifestations to know (revelation).1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another (heteros) the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

2) Power in confrontation. Another kind of person is given manifestations to do and to see. 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 To another (heteros) faith by the same Spirit; to another (allos) the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;To another (allos) the working of miracles; to another (allos) prophecy; to another (allos) discerning of spirits;

3) Exaltation. Another kind of person is given manifestations to worship.1 Corinthians 12:10 to another (heteros)divers kinds of tongues; to another (allos) the interpretation of tongues:

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The Holy Spirit ministers to the body of Christ and through the body of Christ. Every member of the body is necessary for building up of the body. The manifestations of the Spirit are given to different kinds of people.

Introductory illustration: Battle of Britain (1940).In the 2nd World War Britain was saved from invasion by the victory in the air known as the Battle of Britain.Three reasons for victory

development of radar; It was said that the British spread the rumour that the pilots ate carrots to improve their eyesight. The truth was the development of radar.

the superiority of aircraft (spitfire and hurricane); the skill of the pilots to be able to take off at short notice.

A war can also be lost because of low morale.Speeches of Winston Churchill – ‘Their Finest Hour’ and ‘The Few’Lifted morale – word of encouragementWhen the war was won the people rejoiced by gathering around Buckingham Palace. Celebration drew them to the King.

The Gifts of the Spirit work the same way. Wisdom and knowledge is the radar giving direction guiding and

warning. The second group provides the power to overcome the enemy. The third group is the celebration in the Holy Spirit glorifying the Lord in

joyous victory.

Main Points:1. God’s radar. Gifts that provide revelation of particular facts. ‘For to one is

given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ‘ (1 Corinthians 12:8).

A Word of Wisdom – information that enables the body of Christ to

understand the plan and purpose of God in a particular situation. It is the revelation of future events so that the body of Christ can

understand the times and act accordingly. For example – Agabus reveals a time of famine (Acts 11:28-30). The

church is prepared and sends relief to Jerusalem before it happens.

A Word of Knowledge – information that enables the body of Christ to know hidden things.It is the revelation of present events so that the body of Christ are

aware of what is taking place in people’s lives or in a particular place.For example – Jesus revealed to the woman at Samaria His

knowledge of her life (John 4:18).She had been in 5 marriages and now lived in sin. The woman came

to recognise that Jesus is the Messiah.

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The revelation of a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation of certain facts that could not have been known naturally. It is God’s radar for the church providing information so the body of Christ can be prepared and effective

2. Gifts of power. ‘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 discerning of spirits;’ (1 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The word gifts is ‘charismata’ – gifts of grace. The character of God is gracious.

Gifts for direct confrontation to overcome the enemy, 'faith; gifts of healing; working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits'.The operation of the power gifts empowers the body of Christ to do the

works that Jesus did. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. For example – Paul at Lystra. Acts 14:8-10 ‘And there sat a certain man at

Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.’

The operation of the gifts can repel the obstructive methods of the enemy. Acts 13:9-11 ‘Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.’

3. Rejoicing - Gifts to glorify and worship the Lord in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:10 ‘to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:’

The Manifestations of the Spirit will always glorify the Lord Jesus Christ but tongues and interpretation of tongues are given specifically for prayer, praise and worship.

It is the church gathering around the throne of God to glorify the Lord.

The gift of tongues on the Day of Pentecost empowered the believers to worship in the Holy Spirit. .Acts 2: 4 ‘And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’

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Tongues and interpretation are given specifically to glorify Jesus. 1 Corinthians 14:2 ‘For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.’

Discussion; The Holy Spirit will bear testimony that Jesus is Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:3 'Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.' The Lord Jesus was accursed once on the cross.He is no longer accursed. The Lord Jesus is now exalted far above all. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit through the body of Christ bear testimony that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Summary: The manifestations of the Spirit are given to the body of Christ for the benefit of building up the body of Christ.It provides the body of Christ with1.      Radar – providing revelatory information. 2.      Power to overcome all obstacles. 3.      Power to Pray and Praise – prayer and worship in the Holy Spirit.

Speeches of Winston Churchill

'Their Finest Hour'

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House of Commons,18th June 1940

‘Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will

still say, “This was their finest hour.” ’

'The Few'Churchill's speech to The House of Commons

August 20, 1940

‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’

'Why Should We Fear for our Future?'House of Commons16th August 1945

‘Our victory in Europe was more than a victory of arms. It was a victory of one way of life over another. It was a victory of an ideal founded on the right of the common man, on the dignity of the human being, and on the conception of the State as the servant, not the master, of its people.’

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Course: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)Introductory Lesson Two (Outline)

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Lesson Title: A Word of Wisdom

Text: '... to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.' 1 Corinthians 12:8.

Introduction: What is the Word of Wisdom? 1) A Word of Wisdom may reveal something concerning the plan and

purpose of God.2) A Word of Wisdom may reveal an action that must be to taken.3) A Word of Wisdom may reveal an event that is going to happen in the

future.Comparison between a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.

Examples of a Word of Wisdom

Discussion: Skill is necessary in operating the gift of a Word of Wisdom

Testimony of a Word of Wisdom from experience: A Word of Wisdom may be a word not to do something – if we disobey the consequences maybe disastrous.Main Points1. The Word of Wisdom in Scripture. The Book of Acts.

Ananias - Acts 9:15-16. Gifts operating together. Agabus – revealing: Famine, Acts 11:28; imprisonment, Acts 21:11.

2. Testimonies concerning the Word of Wisdom.

Examples from Church History – The Gift in operation during the 16th century English Reformation

Personal Story: Confirmation and encouragement regarding ministry gift

3. Why is the Word of Wisdom necessary today? A Word of Wisdom will build up ministries. A Word of Wisdom warns the church to prepare for a future event. A Word of Wisdom can save lives, and prevent a tragedy or loss.

Summary: A Word of Wisdom1) Was needed in the Acts of the Apostles to guide, warn, prepare and

encourage the church.2) Has been seen in operation throughout Church history.3) Is necessary today to encourage the church especially during times of

trial or persecution.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Course: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)Lesson Two Lesson Title: The Word of Wisdom

Text: '... to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.' 1 Corinthians 12:8.

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Introduction: What is the Word of Wisdom? The list of the gifts of the Spirit begins with a Word of Wisdom.

A Word of Wisdom is supernaturally imparted wisdom from the Spirit of God.It is not natural wisdom.It is supernatural wisdom that is derived from the omniscience of God.

1) A Word of Wisdom may reveal something concerning the plan and purpose of God.2) A Word of Wisdom may reveal an action that must be to taken.3) A Word of Wisdom may reveal an event that is going to happen in the future.

Comparison between a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.A Word of Wisdom is a revelation relating to what will happen. It concerns things in the future.A Word of Knowledge is a revelation of what is happening or has happened. It concerns things present and things past.

A Word of Wisdom provides information concerning the plan and purpose of God so that a person can act with confidence and assurance. A Word of Knowledge provides information to guide and to break down barriers.A Word of Wisdom provides information concerning an action that needs to be taken because of a future event, or information about a future event allowing the person to decide what to do.A Word of Knowledge provides information regarding current events so a person can decide what should be done.

Examples of a Word of Wisdom:A Word of Wisdom can be: 1)     …a warning of a future disaster like 9/112)     …a warning of danger.3)     …an encouragement concerning the future, e.g. an end to persecution or trials.4) …an encouragement regarding the character of a persons ministry5)     …a revelation of what God will do concerning a persons ministry. 6)     …a word of guidance telling a person to do something or not to do something.

Discussion: Skill is necessary in operating the gift of a Word of WisdomThere is a skill required in operating this gift.The Spirit of God will initially reveal a part.But all the gifts operate by faith.It is easy to move from a Word of Wisdom to give our own advise or thoughts.This does not make a person a false prophet. But it can bring discouragement when something does not happen - the misuse of this gift can also produce scepticism.We must be careful not to mistake an emotional response to a particular situation or problem as a Word of Wisdom .

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Testimony of a Word of Wisdom from experience: A Word of Wisdom may be a word not to do something – if we disobey the consequences maybe disastrous.

Main Points1. A Word of Wisdom in Scripture. The Book of Acts.

a) Ananias - Revealing the plan and purpose of God in regard to ministry.Paul was known for his hatred of the Church.No Christian would have approached him without supernatural revelation.Acts 9:15-16. Word of Wisdom came through Ananias to Paul.Chosen vessel. Will face persecution.

Gifts operating together.Ananias received a Word of Knowledge concerning Paul’s location – He is at the Street called Straight.

• Then Ananias was sent by the Holy Spirit with a Word of Wisdom. • Also gifts of healing – Paul received his sight.

b) AgabusAgabus was a prophet.A prophet will operate the gifts of a Word of Wisdom and a Word of Knowledge.

i)   Revealing a future catastrophe. Famine. Acts 11:28 Church took action and made provision for poor in Jerusalem. Acts 11:29. Word of Wisdom did not tell Church what to do. Church decided. Combination of divine revelation and human reasoning.

ii) Revealing Paul’s future imprisonment. Acts 21:11. Holy Spirit reveals what will happen. Church wrongly tried to persuade Paul not to go. Paul ignored their pleas. Word of Wisdom was confirmed to Paul in every city by the believers.

2. Testimonies concerning a Word of Wisdom.

a) Examples from Church HistoryWe find the Word of Wisdom in operation in Church history especially during times of revival. The 16th century Reformation was a time of great revival.Personal Story: English ReformationI once went on a tour with a group who believed the manifestations of the Spirit ceased when the whole canon of scripture had been written.

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When we were at Canterbury, England we were told how a martyr under the persecution of Bloody Mary in 1555 had called out as he died, 'we will be the last to die in this persecution'. At the same time a believer in the prison told the other imprisoned believers not to fear because none of them would die. The next day Queen Mary known as Bloody Mary died and the prisoners were released. It is ironic that the group who speak about these events in Church History also deny that the manifestations of the Spirit are for today. The martyrs were operating in the gift of a Word of Wisdom.

b) Examples from Personal experience

Personal testimony A Word of Wisdom is a revelation concerning the plan and purpose of God.Early in my Christian experience a preacher telephoned me and asked if he could come to see me. I was at work and so I told him that I would come to him during my lunchtime. He told me things concerning the ministry God had given me. The things he told me were a confirmation of what was already on my heart. This word of wisdom was a great encouragement to me.

When God uses a believer in a Word of Wisdom it does not mean he or she has the ministry of a prophet. God uses many believers to give a Word of Wisdom to the Church.

3. Why is the Word of Wisdom necessary today?It is as necessary today as it was in the days of the book of Acts.

a) A Word of Wisdom will build up ministries.b) A Word of Wisdom gives warning to the body of Christ so that

the church can be prepared for a future event.c) A Word of Wisdom can save lives, and prevent a tragedy or

loss.

a) A Word of Wisdom will build up ministries.The Word of Wisdom enables the Body of Christ to know the plan and purpose of God. This is necessary to:

• Provide direction• Recognise developing ministry gifts. • • Producing great boldness so that the believer can be fearless in the

face of trials, persecution and danger. • • Bring encouragement in the face of great trial.

b) A Word of Wisdom gives warning to the body of Christ so that the church can be prepared.

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The Word of Wisdom enables the Church to take appropriate action before hand.Action that brings great blessing.

c) A Word of Wisdom can save lives, and prevent a tragedy or loss.The Word of Wisdom enables believers to take preventative action.

• Preventing an accident• Preventing a crime• Prevent a person doing something that will have bad consequences

If the Word of Wisdom is disobeyed the consequences may be disastrous. It is important to recognise when God speaks by a Word of Wisdom and act accordingly.

SummaryA Word of Wisdom1) Was needed in the Acts of the Apostles to guide, warn, prepare and

encourage the church.2) Has been seen in operation throughout Church history.3) Is necessary today to encourage the church especially during times of trial

or persecution.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Course: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)Lesson Three (Outline) Lesson Title: A Word of Knowledge

Text: ‘…to another the word of knowledge.’ 1 Corinthians 12:8

Introduction: What is a Word of Knowledge?

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The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation of facts concerning a person, place, or thing, relating to the present or the past.The Word of Knowledge will warn, guide, inform, and encourage A Word of Wisdom is a word relating to future events. A Word of Knowledge is a word relating to the present time.

Introductory Story. A Word of Knowledge will provide information regarding something or someone that is lost.The gift operates as the Spirit wills. We can ask for a Word of Knowledge when we need to know the whereabouts of someone or something.

Main Points:1. A Word of Knowledge in Scripture

Example in the Gospels: Breaking barriers: Gender, Racial, Religious (John 4) Jesus was able to break through the barrier’s by a Word of Knowledge concerning her personal life.

Example in the Acts of the Apostles: Revealing lies Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira. Revealing where Paul was located (Acts 9:11,12). The Word of Knowledge was given to Ananias concerning where Paul was. Revealing that people were coming to Peter before he met them. Acts 10:19

Example in the Old Testament: Revealing the whereabouts of the King and his intentions (1 Kings 21, 18)

2. Testimonies of a Word of Knowledge Examples from Church History Examples from Personal experience

3. Why is the Word of Knowledge necessary today?The Word of Knowledge is necessary today for the same reasons that the Word of Knowledge was necessary in the Book of Acts – warns, reveals, breaks down barriers, provides information .Summary

1) The gift in Scripture2) Testimonies3) Why the gift is necessary today

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