The Exercise of Spiritual Gifts

Paul lays particular emphasis upon the supernatural ministry imparted by the Holy Spirit to every member of a New Testament Church.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Cor. 12:7)

And again, concerning the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit:

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Cor. 12:11)

Notice carefully what Paul says here: “the manifestation of the Spirit [the manifest, public demonstration of the indwelling Spirit] is given to each one [to every member of the church]” (1 Cor. 12:7). And again: All these nine supernatural gifts the Holy Spirit distributes “to each one individually [to every member]” (1 Cor. 12:11).

These words make it plain that it is the express will of God for every member of the Church to exercise spiritual gifts – that is, the open, public, supernatural manifestation of the indwelling Spirit. If all believers do not in fact have these gifts in operation, it is not because God withholds them but simply because such believers through ignorance or carelessness or unbelief fail to press on into the fullness of God’s revealed will for His people.

Such believers have failed to obey Paul’s exhortation to “earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31). He further urges believers to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1).

There are three spiritual gifts about which Paul is particularly specific: tongues, interpretation and prophecy.

“I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied.” (1 Cor. 14:5)

Since Paul is here writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, his words impart to the Church the revealed will of God for all His believing people both to speak with tongues and to prophesy. If there are believers who do not enjoy the exercise of these gifts, it is not because God has withheld them but simply because those believers have not entered into the fullness of their inheritance in Christ.

The Lord said to Joshua and to His people under the old covenant:

“There remains very much land yet to be possessed.” (Josh. 13:1)

So it is also with God’s people under the new covenant today.