THE GIFTS OF DISCERNMENT, LANGUAGE AND INTERPRETATION

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NLT

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. HE GIVES SOMEONE ELSE THE ABILITY TO DISCERN WHETHER A MESSAGE IS FROM THE SPIRIT OF GOD OR FROM ANOTHER SPIRIT. STILL ANOTHER PERSON IS GIVEN THE ABILITY TO SPEAK IN UNKNOWN LANGUAGES, WHILE ANOTHER IS GIVEN THE ABILITY TO INTERPRET WHAT IS BEING SAID. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” 

 “…So we can help each other”

THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT 

Defined: The Gift of Discernment is the ability to distinguish whether an action, teaching or person is motivated by the Holy Spirit, human will, or deception. 

 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…” 1 John 4:1 NKJV

The gift of Discernment used properly is the Guardrails for the free gifts. 

“One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” 18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.” Acts 16:16-18 NLT

Wasn’t she telling the truth? Wasn’t she helping him? Promoting the cause? Possibly drawing a crowd for them? 

CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Why is the source a problem?

Is there something in your life right now, that you’re possible benefiting from, you know the source is tainted, poisoned, and you’re looking the other way?

THE GIFT OF LANGUAGES (TONGUES) 

Defined: The Gift of Languages is the supernatural ability to publicly deliver a message in a language the speaker does not know. 

There MUST be an INTERPRETATION.

“If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 NKJV

“He who speaks in a tongue (private prayer language) edifies himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4). 

Gift of Languages 🡪 PUBLIC 🡪 INTERPRETATION

Prayer Language 🡪 PRIVATE 🡪 PERSONAL

THE INTERPRETATION OF LANGUAGES (TONGUES)

Defined: The gift of the Spirit shares the message given in tongues by delivering that message in the native language of the congregation. 

Interpretation of Tongues edifies the church, and tongues and interpretation operate together like the gift of prophecy.

“I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:5 NKJV

Why The Fuss?

1. The Tambourine Syndrome – give someone a prayer language and they can’t help themselves.
2. Tongues draw attention. Some people simply need attention.

Theological Swirl:

Cessationism (miracles ceased) vs Continuationism (miracles exist today)

In chapters 12-14, Paul presents three pillars for the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Love – (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) all in done in love (rooted in fruit of Holy Spirit)
2. Edification – (1 Corinthians 12:7) everyone is built up
3. Order – (1 Corinthians 14:40) clarity and understanding

The Grand Finale: THERE ARE NO SOLOS IN THIS SYMPHONY! (We partner with the Holy Spirit!)