The Vocal Gifts Of The Holy Spirit
Speaking in tongues is the gateway into the supernatural heavenly realm.
There are 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit: 3 vocal gifts, 3 revelation gifts and 3 power gifts.
In this lesson we will discuss the 3 vocal gifts. Firstly, read 1 Corinthians 12:4-10.
All 9 gifts are available to every believer and Paul encourages us to seek the higher gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:31)
Introduction: Reasons for receiving the gifts
- 1. For building up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:12)
As we study, practise and use the gifts, we will grow from level to level in the effective work of each gift. 1 Corinthians 12:11-12 speaks of the whole body of the church being involved.
- 2. To be a witness for Jesus by proving that He is alive (Hebrews 2:4)
- 3. To meet the needs of individual people (1 Peter 4.10)
The 3 vocal gifts
- 1. Tongues – 2 types
a) The manifestation of tongues
b) A message of tongues
2. Interpretation of tongues
3. Prophecy
1. Tongues
a) The manifestation of tongues
The manifestation of tongues is received with the Holy Spirit to be used to praise the Lord in speaking or singing. Here one enters an exciting, dynamic and unlimited realm of prayer, no longer limited to human language or lack of understanding. Instead one comes into the perfect oneness with God.
i. Tongues are used to speak to God and not man (1 Corinthians 14:2)
ii. Tongues are used to edify and build up the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4)
iii. The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be uttered,
when we pray for others (Romans 8: 26-27)
iv. Sometimes as we pray in the Spirit, the gift of interpretation also operates and we
suddenly begin to pray in our own language with supernatural revelation
v. Tongues helps us to take the sword of the Spirit, the word of God
(Ephesians 6:17-18)
b) A message of tongues
This is given for the church as a message of tongues of angels or human language.
i. To bring God’s word with interpretation to the church (1 Corinthians 13:1)
ii. As a sign to unbelievers (Acts 2. 6-8 ,11). Also, read Mark 16:17
iii. The Holy Spirit in tongues helps us to pray the right prayer for a person, when
we do not know how to pray for them (Romans 8:26-27)
iv. To help us pray for the right things (James 4:3)
v. In tongues one edifies and encourages the church (1 Corinthians 14: 3)
- 2. Interpretation of tongues
a) A message of tongues needs to be interpreted by oneself or another
(1 Corinthians 14:13)
As we step out in faith and begin to speak, God will fill our mouths with the interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27). There may be more than one interpreter but not more than three
b) After two or three speak, let others judge whether it is a true and accurate
message from God (1 Corinthians 14:29).
This is done through a revelation gift.
3. The Gift of Prophecy
The Old Testament speaks of the gift of prophecy in 1 Samuel 10:6 and Joel 2:28.
The gift of prophecy is a clear inspired word from the Lord in the known tongue of the people to encourage and strengthen the people. This spontaneous message from god will edify the individual or the whole church.
a) Make love your aim and eagerly desire the supernatural gifts especially that you
may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1)
See also v5 and v39 of the same chapter.
c) Let the prophecy be judged. (1 Corinthians 14:29-32)
i. Does it agree with scripture? (Galatians 8)
ii. What are the fruits of the spirit in the believer’s life? (Matthew 7:15-16)
iii. Does it glorify God? (John 16:13-14 and Revelation 19:10)
iv. Do the prophecies get fulfilled? (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)
v. Does it lead to God or away from God? (Deuteronomy 13:1-3)
vi. Does it bring freedom or bondage? (Romans 8:15)
vii. What is the inner witness of the Holy Spirit? (1 John 2:20)
If the Lord wants to prophecy through you, He will quicken your spirit, to do so He will show you the right timing and speak through you natural voice in your own language.
The message will always build up, or edify. (1 Corinthians 14:3)