Revelation Gifts

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. (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)

Revelation is a word that is often misused in modern church circles. It’s not a feeling or an understanding. Revelation is when God reveals something to us that cannot be known in the natural. The revelation gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-8 include the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, both of which are given by the Spirit to reveal hidden truths and give God’s divine guidance.

The word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation from God about information about past or present events that someone could not have known by any natural way. It is insight into specific details or situations that God wants to reveal to the person receiving a word of knowledge. Notice it’s called a word of knowledge; it’s not complete knowledge.

The word of wisdom is also divine insight, but instead of being about the past or present, it reveals insight into the future. Giving or receiving a word of wisdom can help people discern God's will and make wise decisions that align with His divine wisdom and guidance.

Different from the previous two, the gift of discerning of spirits enables believers to perceive and distinguish between different spiritual influences and manifestations. This gift allows individuals to see into the spiritual realm and recognize the presence of angels, demons, and sometimes even Jesus.

God gives us revelation gifts because He wants us to see into the truth of matters. A word of wisdom or a word of knowledge should always find confirmation in your spirit. Be attentive to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, whether you are on the giving or the receiving end of one of these revelation gifts.

Practical Application

Seek the revelation gifts by listening to and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s leading. As you follow and obey, it will be easier to discern what He is saying and how He is leading. Practice sitting quietly while actively listening to Him.

1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:7

The Utterance Gifts

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:1-4)

Those who have been taught faith understand the power of our words. The kingdom of God operates by words. In 1 Corinthians 12:1-4, as Paul wrote about the gifts of the Spirit, he taught us about what we call the utterance gifts. The utterance gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit that involve speaking messages and revelations from God. These words edify, exhort, and comfort believers. Many times, these words of utterance also attract the lost to the Lord. The different utterance gifts include divers kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy.

Divers kinds of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker. These can be both heavenly and earthly languages. The interpretation of tongues is connected to this and means the ability to supernaturally interpret these languages so that they are understood by those who hear it.

Prophecy is the highest among the utterance gifts. A Prophecy is an utterance from God that is declared in one's known language. Also, it’s important to note that just because you are used in prophecy, it does not put you in the office of a prophet. 1 Corinthians 14:31 says that all may prophesy, so we should expect to see more believers being used in the utterance gifts of the Spirit as they receive revelation and walk in obedience.

Practical Application

Pay attention to the words that you speak. As we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words, naturally, we become more sensitive about what the Holy Spirit would have us say. If you want to be used in the utterance gifts of the Spirit, you need to guard your mouth from anything that opposes God’s Word.

Hebrews 2:4; Romans 12:6

The First and Primary Gift of the Spirit

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

When you think of supernatural gifts, you probably picture the spectacular, such as healing of the sick, special miracles, or other amazing exhibits of supernatural acts. However, none of these are the most important or the primary spiritual gift by which all the others operate.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul talked about speaking in tongues, prophesying, understanding mysteries, possessing all knowledge, and exercising great faith, yet, he said that without love, none of these abilities would be possible.

Even the most remarkable displays of spiritual power have no point if they are not specifically motivated by God’s love for others.

Operating in love is not optional for true Christians. Accepting God’s love and showing it to others is the foundational principle that allows all spiritual gifts and expressions of faith to operate. Without love as the driving force behind our words and deeds, what we do will have no lasting impact.

If we desire to be full of and operate in God’s power, we must first be full of His love and desire to show that love to those around us.

Practical Application

Be on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate love to others on purpose. It may be through acts of kindness, giving something to someone they didn’t expect or serving them with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Helping to meet the practical needs of others is a powerful way to display God’s love to others.

1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 4:8