The Manifestation of the Holy Spirit

1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

In verse 1 of this chapter, Paul tells us the purpose of this letter. Paul does not want the church to be ignorant regarding spiritual matters. There seems to have been a misunderstanding regarding the operation of tongues as found in verse 3, 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.

He goes on to say that there are diversities (distinctions) of gifts, differences of administrations, and diversities of operations. All of these are by the same Spirit, Lord and God, Who works all in all. In this verse, Paul is telling us that there are distinct gifts, administrations and operations. However in the next verse, verse 7, he makes a contrast to the previous verse 6, by using the conjunction "But" or in contrast to what Paul had just stated, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The manifestation [an outward evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit within every believer] of this same Spirit is given to every believer to profit.

In order to understand the following passages the Greek word heteros (another) is defined as "to 'number' as opposed to some former person or thing." There are 9 different aspects or profits to the manifestation of the Spirit. It is not speaking of individuals, but each aspect is counted in the manifestation of God's Holy Spirit, and each aspect or type of manifestation is different but is given by the same Spirit.

1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

The first 2 components are: word of wisdom and word of knowledge.

1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

3. faith; 4. gifts of healing

1Co 12:10 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:

5. working of miracles 6. prophecy 7. discerning of spirits 8. kinds of tongues 9. interpretation of tongues

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh (operate or put forth power) that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (in proportion or to the degree) as he will (Greek verb - deponent, middle-passive voice). The verb means to be disposing, wishing, desiring, intending, purposed, predisposed, etc. Although many understand this verb to be referring to the Spirit, there are some who understand this verb to be referring to "every man," being predisposed toward certain functions within the body. Nonetheless, Paul regarding spiritual gifts, instructs us to "covet earnestly the best gifts," or to have warmth of feeling for or desire.

Note: There is no limit to the working of these in a believer. Often one manifestation requires the operation of the others. For example, a believer may receive revelation from God regarding the presence and name of an evil spirit (word of knowledge). The believer may also receive revelation on a course of action, such as, "cast the evil spirit out" (word of wisdom). In order to take this course of action the operation of "faith" is required, etc. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is not to be confused with gift ministries that operate in different individuals (Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, etc.) for building up the body of Christ.

Another example can be found regarding the subject of tongues. We read,

1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

When speaking in tongues before a congregation, Paul instructs the individual to "pray" that he or she may interpret.

Here we see the operation of tongues and the interpretation of tongues by the same individual.

Link below to all the bible verses on tongues and interpretation of tongues:

Speaking / Interpretation of Tongues and Prophecy

Reflection

Caution: The Devil and his demons will counterfeit the manifestations and gifts of God's Holy Spirit. Test everything to see whether or not it is coming from God.

Scripture reads,

2Co 11:14 And no wonder! For even Satan transforms himself into [or, disguises himself as] an angel of light.

2Th 2:9 of whom is his [i.e., the lawless one's] arrival according to [the] supernatural working of Satan, in all power and signs and wonders of deceit [fig., counterfeit miracles],

Beware: As part of Satan's counterfeit, he will possess or control the body of an individual, however, God will not violate the free expression of His saints. Another way the devil may counterfeit the spiritual things of God is to influence a believer from the outside, in which one may discern the information or power received is being transmitted from an outward source rather than from the Holy Spirit within. The more we exercise ourselves in the Word of God, the more we increase our ability to discern good from evil and truth from error.

Food for Thought:

1. God doesn't seek to control His people, but He seeks our cooperation by yielding to His love, truth, and power. He may intervene from time to time and control circumstances for our good, however, we don't submit to His control, we just trust and follow His leading in every way and reap His promises. In the book of Acts, the believers were "filled," not "controlled" with the Holy Spirit.

2. God gave us "Truth" and "Power"

3. One's Salvation is not predicated on an individual's experience in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a free gift from God to anyone who accepts Christ as their Savior.