Spring 2003
Giftings of the Holy Spirit
Wade E Taylor

“And now, … I want to write about the special abilities
the Holy Spirit gives to each of you, for I do not want
any misunderstanding about them.” I Cor 12:1 TLB.

There are different “levels” on which spiritual giftings operate. Our coming to a higher level of calling and effectiveness in ministry relates to the quality of our devotional life, and the integrity of our relationship to the Lord.

“Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions
of endowments, and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit
remains the same.” I Cor 12:4. AMP

Our being used in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit flows out from our ability to yield to the manifestation of the presence and power of God. These giftings operate on different levels of anointing and impartation. The spiritual depth and quality of that which flows out through the operation of the gift directly relates to the accumulated spiritual “substance” that abides within us. This abiding spiritual “substance” develops through our commitment and the quality of our devotional life.

An example of this progression is “prophecy.” This same pattern applies to other Gifts.

“For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn,
and all may be comforted.” I Cor 14:31.

This prophetic “gifting” is available to all. The only condition is our ability to yield to the Holy Spirit who then speaks through us. This is a “part” realm, and is given for “exhortation, edification, and comfort.”

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.” I Cor 13:9.

No one person has the full and complete word; thus the need for “body” ministry, where each supplies their particular part.

“For it is under His direction that the whole body is perfectly
adjusted and united by every joint that furnishes its supplies.
And by the proper functioning of each particular part, there
is brought about the growing of the body for its building up
in love.” Eph 4:16 Williams.

The next level of the prophetic is the “five-fold” ministries, of which one is the “prophet.”

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers … until …” Eph 4:11-13.

The “gift” of prophecy is available to all (“You may all ...”). The office of the prophet is limited (“some … until”). A prophet may, or may not, prophecy. Being a prophet is not related to prophesying. Rather, a prophet speaks as an “oracle,” or in behalf of God. It is a very high calling, as the prophet must be in the right place, with the right word, which is to be delivered to the right person, at the right time. Both the “gift” and the “office” operate in a limited realm.

There is yet another, higher level. This applies to the voice of the Lord being as “the sound of many waters,” and is the “spirit of prophecy.” As we become so identified with Jesus that we are “as one” with Him, we become the expression of His thoughts and words, which flow out from our inner being. The “spirit of prophecy” is unlimited, as it is the Lord speaking though us.

“I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren that have
the testimony of Jesus: Worship God: for the testimony
of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10b.

The “gift” realm relates to “yieldedness” and is the Holy Spirit quickening our faculties. The “spirit” realm relates to “relationship” in which we have become so “one” with the Lord that it is no longer I, but the Lord.

Jesus ordained twelve that “they should be with Him.” (Mark 3:13-15). When we become sufficiently identified with Jesus, then He will send us forth as an expression of His life and ministry. As we become fully submitted, with our self life fully crucified, we are lifted from the “gift” realm into the spirit of prophecy,” in identification with our Lord. Now our ministry becomes “the testimony of Jesus” and we can say with the Apostle Paul,

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:20a.

Now there is one voice, His voice as a trumpet. This spirit realm will become much more prevalent in these last days, as the Lord begins to openly come forth within the overcomers - those who have so died to self that their lives have become the expression of His life. Through these, the “dominion and authority” that Jesus fully paid the price for, will begin to possess people, the nations, and the earth, and bring them under Kingdom government.

The Lord is preparing a people for this day. May we submit, as Mary, who yielded her body to become the vehicle that brought the baby Jesus into this world to become our Savior (gift realm). Today may we also so yield that we can become the vehicle that will bring the fully mature and glorified Jesus into full view as the head of the corporate manchild (spirit realm).

May our Lord cause this word, as a “fertile seed” to develop within us, that the “gift” realm may be lifted into the higher, unlimited “Spirit” realm, that His kingdom may be fully established.