The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: A Biblical Guide for All Believers

By Don Bell | ⏱️ 5 minute read

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength. When Jesus had ascended to Heaven, He didn't leave us helpless; He sent the Holy Spirit to empower His Church with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to do the miraculous.

These supernatural gifts or abilities are not just theological concepts for Bible scholars and pastors; they are vital tools for every believer who wants to see the Kingdom of God advanced on earth. Whether you are seeking to understand what these gifts are, wondering if they are for you, or ready to step out and activate them, you have arrived at the right place.

This comprehensive series of articles will take you on an exciting journey from understanding the basics to walking in the supernatural power of God.

Mastering the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: A 7-Part Ministry Series

This in-depth study is divided into seven parts. You can read them in order or jump directly to the topic that speaks to your current hunger.

Part 1: The Foundation: What Are the Nine Gifts of the Spirit?

Before we can operate in the gifts of the Spirit, we must understand what they are. In this foundational article, we define the nine gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 and categorize them into three groups: the Utterance Gifts, the Revelation Gifts, and the Power Gifts.

Jesus promised that "signs will follow those who believe" (Mark 16:17). These signs are not just for show; they confirm the Word of God and demonstrate the reality of His Kingdom to a watching world. When we step out in these gifts, we shift from natural efforts to supernatural results.

I also share a personal testimony of a late-night drive where the Holy Spirit used a Word of Wisdom and Words of Knowledge to come to someone's rescue, demonstrating that these gifts are practical, real, and readily available for us to use today.

Read Part 1: Nine Gifts of the Spirit: Definitions & Categories

Part 2: The Purpose: Why Does the Holy Spirit Give Us His Gifts?

Are spiritual gifts merely for our own spiritual pleasure, or is there a greater design? The Bible reveals that the manifestation of the Spirit is given "for the profit of all."

In this article, we explore the two primary reasons God supernaturally empowers His people: to edify (build up) the Body of Christ and to evangelize the lost by revealing His presence. When we understand the WHY, the HOW becomes much clearer. We move from seeking "tingles" to seeking transformation.

Read Part 2: The Purpose of the Nine Gifts of the Spirit Explained

Part 3: The Promise: Does Every Believer Receive Nine Gifts of the Spirit?

This is one of the most common questions I receive: "Don, are these nine gifts really for me, or just for the super-spiritual?"

We examine the Scriptures to settle this question once and for all. If you have the Holy Spirit living inside you, not just a portion of Him, so you have the potential to manifest all His gifts. We'll look at the difference between the indwelling Spirit received when we're born again, and the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and why Paul encourages ALL believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts.

Read Part 3: Does Every Believer Receive Nine Gifts of the Spirit?

Part 4: FAQ: Clearing Up Confusion and Misconceptions About the Holy Spirit's Gifts

Fear and bad teaching often hold believers back from walking in the anointing. "What if I get a counterfeit spirit?" "Do I have to earn these gifts?" "What's the difference between natural talent and spiritual gifting?"

It is vital to distinguish between natural God-given talents (like public speaking) and supernatural gifts of the Spirit (like Prophecy). Furthermore, we must understand that these gifts are given by grace, not merit. You cannot "earn" a gift, but you can position yourself to receive it through hunger and faith. Clearing up these misconceptions is a major step to walking in Kingdom anointing.

In this Q&A section, we tackle the tough frequently asked questions and dismantle the misconceptions that the enemy uses to keep God's people powerless. Truth sets you free to receive all that Jesus has for you!

Read Part 4: FAQ About the Nine Gifts of the Spirit

Part 5: The Model: How Jesus Exercised the Gifts of the Spirit During His Ministry

Many believers think Jesus performed miracles simply because He was the Son of God. But, the Scriptures reveal a profound truth: Jesus "emptied Himself" and ministered as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit.

By studying how Jesus operated in the Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits, Miracles, and other gifts, we find our perfect model. He said, "'Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also…'" (John 14:12). This article shows you how to do those works and follow in His footsteps using the same supernatural abilities He used.

Read Part 5: How Jesus Exercised the Gifts of the Spirit

Part 6: The Activation: How to Activate the Gifts of the Spirit

You have the theology; now you need to put it into practice. How do you actually start to use the Holy Spirit's gifts?

Activation requires hunger, faith, and the willingness to take a risk. You do not force the gifts, but you must be willing to open your mouth or lay on your hands when the Spirit prompts. It is a partnership: God provides the power; you provide the willing vessel.

In this practical guide, I share steps to help you overcome the fear of failure and begin partnering with the Holy Spirit. You will learn how to recognize His gentle promptings and step out in faith to release His power.

Read Part 6: How to Activate the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Part 7: The Practice: Using the Gifts of the Spirit in Daily Life

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not just for Sunday morning services or platform ministries; they are for the marketplace, the home, and the neighborhood where you live. However, they must be used "decently and in order."

In this final installment, we discuss the etiquette of the anointing. We explore how to flow in the Spirit without drawing attention to ourselves, and how to ensure that agape love is the motivation for every prayer we pray, every word we speak, and every gift of the Spirit we exercise.

Read Part 7: How to Use and Exercise the Gifts of the Spirit

Accepting Your Call to Operate in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

God is calling every member of His Church to rise up in power. The world is waiting for a demonstration of the Kingdom, not just an explanation. We must learn to recognize the gentle nudges of the Spirit and distinguish them from our own thoughts. As we mature, these nine gifts should flow naturally, becoming a normal part of our Christian walk.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit open doors to a supernatural lifestyle, impacting both the Church, and the world. You are called to be an active participant, not a spectator in a pew. As you explore the articles in this series, may your hunger increase, and may you be empowered to walk in the fullness of your Kingdom inheritance.

Don't just read these articles — study them, pray over them, and then step out in faith to manifest Jesus to a waiting world. The Giver of the gifts is ready. Are you? Continue to Part 1, where The Nine Gifts of the Spirit are waiting to be discovered.

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don…

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or a theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you, a fellow believer, build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.