The Work of the Holy Spirit V

6 hours ago
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As we begin this fifth and final installment of this series, it is important to be reminded of the foundational truth that has undergirded this entire series: God doesn’t give us things; he only gives us more of himself.

It’s All About Functioning

We are continuing with our study on the work of the Holy Spirit, which are actually the functions of the Holy Spirit within the Body of Christ as we have established in previous posts. We have learned how functioning is not about doing certain things. Functioning is all about being who and what you were created to be. Functioning is our natural inclination or innate tendency as a being. Functioning is what we do without worrying or fretting. Functioning naturally does not require a lot of effort, nor does it allow us to get puffed up with self-importance.

In the last post, we compared the Body of Christ to a drawer filled with kitchen gadgets. Within that drawer, there is no competition and no jealousy. Each tool, or each gadget, was created with its own purpose, and every tool in that drawer is instantly ready to be used for the task it was created for. Each of us in the Body of Christ should be the same: ready in an instant to do what we were called and created to be.

Categories of Functions

There are three categories of Holy Spirit gifts or functions. The first one is the “servant or ministry” functions. These are the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers that have been given to the Church. These are individuals who have been commissioned for a purpose and a function within the Body.

The second category of gifts or functions are the “service or motivational” functions. These include prophesy, serving others, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, showing mercy, helping, and guidance. These functions operate within the Body through individuals as well. It should be remembered that God doesn’t give us gifts. He gives us as gifts to the Church. These are not functions that are intended to draw attention to an individual. They are the way these individuals should naturally function within the Body. There is nothing magical or mysterious about any of these functions.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The third category are the “sign or manifestation” functions. These gifts or functions are also what we call the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We see this listing of functions in I Corinthians 12:8-11. From what we see in Scripture, there appears to have been a lot of controversy and confusion about these functions of the Holy Spirit within that local fellowship. Even today, there are differing opinions about these functions within the Body of Christ, and many church leaders shy away from exploring this topic in depth because of the controversy and the difficulty that it presents.

Beginning in I Corinthians 12:1, Paul states, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” This translation in the NIV uses the term “gifts of the Spirit.” The Phillips translation for this verse says, “Now I want to give you some further information in some spiritual matters.” This version improves our understanding and alleviates much of the confusion by leaving out the word “gifts.” Since that word is not in the original Greek, the Phillips translation is the more easily understood translation here.

Moving down to I Corinthians 12:4-7, again in the NIV, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” The word “manifestation” used here does not refer to some mysterious event or some magical happening. The word itself means to reveal something or bring it into the light.

Reading those same verses in the Phillips translation sounds like this: “Men have different gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives them. There are different ways of serving God, but it’s the same Lord who is served. God works through different men in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purposes through them all. Each man is given his gift by the Spirit that he may make the most of it.”

Different Groupings of Functions

We find the listing of what we commonly referred to as the gifts of the Holy Spirit in I Corinthians 12:8-11 where Paul writes, “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by this one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All of these are the work of the self-same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

When we read these verses with our English grammar, definitions, and inflections we interpret it in a way that supports our traditions and beliefs. But the original Greek translation tells a slightly different story. A careful reading of the original text reveals a few unseen things in this passage.

Three Groupings of Functions

There are actually three separate groupings of these manifestations or ways in which the Holy Spirit operates within a local church. We know this because Paul uses two different Greek words that are both translated as “another” in our English translations. In I Corinthians 12:9, two different Greek words are used. The first “another” is the Greek word “heteros,” which means one of a different kind. The second use of the word “another” in that verse is “allos,” which indicates another of the same kind already mentioned. The same thing happens in verse 10.

In the first group of these functions, we find that a word of wisdom and a word of knowledge are given “through” (rather than “to”) one kind or type of person. In the second group, we see faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, and distinguishing between spirits given through another kind or type of person. And in the third group, which is yet another different kind or type of person, we find tongues and interpretation of tongues.

(An in-depth study of these functions can be found in a different series on this website.)

First Group of Functions

In the first grouping, which includes word of wisdom and word of knowledge, we need to understand that these are given through one type of person in the fellowship. The word “wisdom” means God-given insight. It is the ability to see beyond the obvious and to have insight into the cause or the reason behind an action. Wisdom is the ability to cut through the fog and confusion of a situation and reveal the truth behind the chaos and uncertainty that others are facing. These revelatory insights are shared when there’s a specific need or specific circumstance that needs a response. This type of insight is given to a specific type of person and is a natural function for these people.

To another of that same kind, there is a very similar function called a word of knowledge. Most of us think we have a handle on what knowledge is, but the Greek word speaks of knowing from personal experience. This function is not the same as book knowledge or academic understanding. This is experiential learning. It is something worth listening to and considering. A word of knowledge goes beyond theory. This is proven practice. This is real life.

A word of knowledge is a deep understanding of the way God works based on the close and intimate relationship we have with him, on our past experiences, and what we know to be true. This is what we share with others. A word of knowledge is not when someone walks up to you and says, “God gave me a word for you.” If anything, that is prophecy, which is speaking forth what you’ve been given to share. While this has been a common practice in some circles, it is nevertheless faulty teaching, which can lead to faulty actions and a whole lot of confusion.

With a word of wisdom or a word of knowledge, the need is the same. It is imperative that we remember that these functions – these operations of grace – are given to meet a present need, and that need is usually a need for direction on how to get out of a difficult or confusing situation. If used correctly within a local church, these two functions can minister very effectively to the personal needs of those with whom we fellowship.

Second Group of Functions

These functions are given to different kind or type of believer for the building up of the local church, not for drawing attention or recognition to individuals within the church. The first function in this grouping is faith. The word “faith” in the Greek means a firm conviction or persuasion. In the Hebrew, the word speaks of being certain. The Word says that everyone is given a measure of faith, but there are those whose faith surpasses that of the most of us. It is an innocent, childlike faith that says, “If God said it, it must be so.” There is no doubt, disbelief, or questioning. It is simple, absolute, and effective faith.

To another of the same kind is given the function of healing. The Greek word for healing means curing or a remedy and is only used three times in the New Testament. These, I believe, are the faith healers that operate within the Body of Christ. The Word says in Isaiah 53:5 and in I Peter 2:24 that we have been healed by his stripes, and if the Word says it, it must be so.

The third function in this list or category is the working of miracles. Again, this is through a person of the same kind as with faith and healing. Most people confuse healing and miracles, but looking at the words in the original language, we see that there is a definite and distinct difference in their effect. The word for miracles is “dunamis” from which we get our word “dynamite.” This term speaks of a dynamic force and a miraculous power. Miracles defy the laws of nature and are usually instantaneous. Healing, on the other hand, is a matter of a part of our body being restored to health, which can be a gradual process.

From what we find in Scripture, the majority of miracles – that is, nature-defying actions – occurred during three specific time periods in history. The first time period that we see the working of miracles regularly is when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt. A second period in time when we see a lot of miracles is during the ministries of Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament. The third time period, of course, was during Jesus’ ministry on earth and during the early years of the Church. Miracles still occur today but not in such abundance or frequency as during those particular periods in time.

To another of the same kind a person is given prophecy. We have some background knowledge about this now from our previous posts. As we have seen, the word means communicating revealed truth or declaring what the Lord has revealed. It is sharing information that cannot be known by natural means. It is sharing the secrets of God or things that he is shared with you to be communicated to others. It is the forth telling of the will of God, and it very well could be a “word of the Lord” as we call it. The function of prophecy is not predicting the future. This type of prophesying is given to meet a present need. It is not a random word that comes out of nowhere. Like all the other functions, prophecy is a natural process for this kind of believer. It is not a mysterious or magical event.

Spiros Zodhiates, in his Hebrew-Greek Study Bible, states “A prophecy is something that any believer may exercise as telling forth God’s Word. This, however, does not make him a prophet. A prophet prophesies, but the one who prophesies is not necessarily a prophet.” (page 1726)

And lastly, in this second category, to another of the same kind is given the discerning of spirits. A closer look at the word “discerning” finds that it means to carefully examine an issue or an idea like one would do for a court case. The word “spirits” is used in different ways throughout Scripture. It can be used to refer to the Holy Spirit, the human spirit, or can refer to evil or unclean spirits, but the word itself means “breath or breeze” and refers to the unseen part of us.

Discernment means to judge by present evidence whether the spirits at work are evil or of God. For example, the Bible talks about the devil appearing as an angel of light in II Corinthians 11:14, but we know from the effect of his actions that he is evil. This is discerning of spirits. Again, an in-depth study of these functions can be found in a different series on this website.

Third Group of Functions

As we begin to explore this third category, we need to understand that this is another of a different kind of person or believer. In this category, one of the Holy Spirit functions is using different kinds of tongues. We typically call this “speaking in tongues.”

This concept and this verse has divided the Body of Christ perhaps more than any other aspect of our faith. To say that it has not been used as a club to beat others or to judge others would be untrue. The Bible says in I Corinthians 14:33 that our God is a God of order and peace, and yet the controversy surrounding this practice continues to divide and destroy believers and fellowships.

We need to look at the Greek words to get a better understanding of the purpose and existence of this function or operation. The phrase “kinds of” is the Greek word “genos.” This is the word that we get our biological terms “genome” and “genus.” It speaks of a family, race, nation, or things that are alike.

The word “tongues” here are simply that. The word means languages. It refers to a particular language that a people or group speaks. It is the native language of a people. There’s nothing spooky or mysterious here, but we are left with a question: What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?

Why Tongues?

We read in Acts 2 that on the Day of Pentecost, as the disciples were gathered in that upper room, the Holy Spirit came upon them with fire, and they all began speaking in another languages. The reason those languages were necessary was to serve as a witness to the various Jews who were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Pentecost.

There are three main reasons for this function in the Body of Christ. Tongues can be a vehicle for prayer and praise. They are also for the edification, support, encouragement, and building up of believers. The third reason is that they are a sign for unbelievers like Paul says in I Corinthians 14:22.

There is much that has been written in the Word about this practice. Jude, the brother of Jesus, wrote in Jude 20, “But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.” We are to pray in Spirit and not in accordance with our own selfish desires, or by making our own foolish or prideful declarations in tongues. Paul deals extensively with this in I Corinthians 14 as he’s teaching the Corinthians through a crisis that’s taking place in their fellowship, and he continues to teach and guide us today through this thorny issue.

I Corinthians 14:2 says, “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” In I Corinthians 14:4 it reads, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” The word “edify” literally means to build up like a construction worker does.

I Corinthians 14:22 says, “Tongues, then are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers, but for believers.” Then Paul finishes the chapter in verse 39 with these words, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

From these Scriptures, we can see that both of these functions were common and accepted within the early church. The question we are left with today is, “Do we need tongues in our churches today?”

I come from a Pentecostal background, and my response would be “yes” if there is a present need, just like with all the other functions or operations of the Holy Spirit. If there are unbelievers present and the Holy Spirit deems it necessary and appropriate, then we only have one job. We must be obedient.

Interpretation of Tongues

Now to the second half of this prickly pear, to another of the same kind is given the interpretation of tongues. It is obvious that tongues without interpretation is confusing and meaningless for those in attendance. The Greek word for interpretation refers to giving the gist of a message rather than a strict translation. It is a summary or equivalent meaning rather than a word-for-word rendering. An interpretation of tongues is like a sign language interpreter or foreign language interpreter translating the gist of a conversation rather than a word-for-word interpretation.

This activity is Spirit-led or Spirit-directed and brings clarification and edification to the group. The interpretation of a message has the same effect as prophecy. Tongues are for the unbeliever. Prophecy is for believers. If Father gives you a message to share among the believers, you really should deliver it in the native language of those present. That sounds harsh, but it is what I’ve been told. (That, my friend, is a word of wisdom.)

Functioning in the Local Church

Each of us have been placed in our local fellowship by God himself, and our given function within that church is more than merely filling a seat. Each of us have a ministry, a service, and a function. It is incumbent upon each one of us to know what our function is and then to be about our Father’s business and accomplish that purpose.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®

Scripture quotations taken from The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips

Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England.

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