1 Corinthians 12:7-11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
Although the Spirit is gives a diversity of gifts, and the Lord gives differences of administrations, and God gives diversities of operations, there is a oneness of purpose. The expression (manifestation) of the Spirit is for the profit (benefit), not only of the individual, but also of those with whom we come into contact.
Whether we are blessed with the word of wisdom or the word of knowledge, it comes by the same Holy Spirit. It is a gift for the glory of God and the edifying of His Church. The word (communication) that comes to us by the Spirit may concern the knowledge of our relationship with our Lord and Savior or the wisdom to know how to present ourselves so that the glory is always His.
Of the gifts listed in verse ten, there is some debate about whether all of these gifts are still in effect today. It is not my intention to enter into that debate. Rather we should recognize that when we encounter any of these gifts, they come from the same Spirit that gives the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. Regardless of the gift, there is no variableness in the Giver.
These wonderful, spiritual gifts are not given for us to do with them as we please. It is not up to us to determine when, where, or how these gifts are used. The same (one) Spirit “worketh (is active and effectual) in all these gifts. God, the Holy Spirit, gives these gifts to whom He sees fit as He sees fit.
Spiritual gifts come only from the Holy Spirit. They are distributed within the church by the Holy Spirit. They are used in the church by the Holy Spirit. We should give God thanks for the gifts we are given and the gifts we see in others, because they are distributed according to His perfect knowledge and His holy will.
May the gifts from that come from that “selfsame Spirit” cause us to give Him honor and glory as He makes His work evident in His people!