1 Corinthians 12:7-11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The gift of speaking in different kinds of tongues, the interpretation of tongues and prophesy are usually called the vocal gifts because all three have to do with speaking and making utterances.
The Gift of Speaking in Diverse Tongues
This gift is not the same as speaking in tongues which happens at the point of a believer being filled with the Holy Spirit and this is usually for personal prayer and personal edification. The gift of speaking in diverse tongues is for public ministry and for the sake of building up the body. A good example is in the book of Acts on the day of Pentecost. The crowds heard these men speak in their own languages yet they had not taken the time to learn the language. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit in operation and these men head the goodness of God spoken in their native languages. The result was 3000 people got born again. This gift can manifest in a known human language as in the day of Pentecost or it can manifest in an unknown tongue and the same Spirit that gave the gift also gives the gift of interpretation.
The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues
When a prayer, declaration or pronunciation is made to those who are gathered publicly in an unknown tongue, it makes no sense because the recipient of the message cannot understand it hence, we need an interpreter. This gift allows one to declare to others the intent or meaning of the public speaking in tongues, so that the entire Body is built up. A great example is Daniel interpreting the words that were written on the wall for the king.
The gift of Prophesy
This gift enables one to proclaim what God wants said with clarity, creativity, and power. The primary ministry in this gift is not prediction, but in confronting people with the truth about God and man–with conviction and repentance as the result. Prophesy edifies, exhorts and brings comfort to the body of Christ. True prophesy brings no condemnation.
Remember all these gifts are given by the same Spirit to each believer as the Spirit wills and they are for the benefit of all in the body. The gifts are in no way to show spiritual supremacy.
Have you operated in any of these three gifts? What was the situation and how did you handle it? What were the results? If you have not experienced these gifts, is it something you desire? Pray about it ask God and He will answer?
