PART 4 – What Are the Nine Manifestations?
In “The Nine Manifestations of the Holy Spirit, PART 4,” the final installment of our series, we explore three crucial manifestations that deepen our spiritual insight and interaction: Discerning of Spirits, Speaking in Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. The Discerning of Spirits equips believers with the ability to distinguish between divine, human, and demonic influences, providing clarity and protection in their spiritual journey. Speaking in Tongues is a profound spiritual practice that allows believers to communicate directly with God in a heavenly language, often edifying their personal faith and strengthening intimacy in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Interpretation of Tongues provides the ability to translate these divine messages into a language that the entire congregation can understand, fostering collective edification and unity. Together, these manifestations reveal the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding, empowering, and enriching the spiritual lives of believers.
7. Discerning of spirits
This manifestation of discerning of spirits gives believers the ability to discern whether a spirit is from God or satan, who is God’s enemy and the one who Jesus Christ reveals as a liar, murderer, and thief. It helps to identify truth from error, protecting our spiritual well-being and maintaining spiritual integrity within the church. The manifestation of discerning of spirits is essential for ensuring that teachings and prophetic messages are aligned with the truth of God’s Word.
A clear example of this manifestation is found in Paul’s encounter with a girl possessed by a spirit of divination in Philippi. Acts 16:16-18 (NLT) recounts the event: “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. She followed Paul and us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.’ 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.”
In this instance, Paul uses the gift of discerning of spirits to identify that the spirit influencing the girl, although it was speaking true words, was actually a deceptive force. His discernment not only addressed the source of the troubling influence but also ensured that the true message of the Gospel remained pure and undiluted.
8. Speaking in Tongues
The manifestation of speaking in tongues is the ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, which may be human languages or heavenly languages. When we speak in tongues, we’re essentially having a direct conversation with God. This language we’re using is understood by Him but remains a mystery to those who don’t have the gift of interpretation. The personal aspect of speaking in tongues is deeply enriching, fostering a profound, intimate connection with God. It increases our spiritual growth, even if others don’t fully grasp what’s happening. The purpose of this supernatural form of communication with God is to build up the individual believer and, when interpreted, to edify the church. Speaking in tongues is an outward manifestation of the inward reality of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
A significant example of this gift in action is seen at Pentecost, when the apostles spoke in various tongues. Acts 2:4 (NLT) recounts, “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” Acts 2:11 (NLT) further describes the impact: “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done.” This event vividly demonstrates the supernatural nature of speaking in tongues, as people from various nations heard the apostles proclaiming God’s wonderful works in their own languages, showcasing the power and scope of this manifestation of Holy Spirit power.
9. Interpretation of Tongues
The Interpretation of Tongues empowers believers to understand and convey the meaning of messages that are spoken in tongues, ensuring that the message is edifying and comprehensible to others in the church. The purpose of interpreting tongues is to make the messages spoken in tongues accessible and beneficial to the entire congregation, facilitating mutual understanding and growth within a community of believers.
Paul provides important guidance on the orderly use of tongues and interpretation in 1 Corinthians 14:13-27 (NLT). In this passage, Paul emphasizes that anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray for the ability to interpret what they say. He explains that if there is no interpreter present, the speaker should keep silent in the church and speak only to themselves and to God. Paul’s instructions highlight the importance of interpretation in ensuring that spiritual gifts are used in a way that builds up the community of believers and promotes clear communication. These gifts, while diverse in function, are united in purpose: to build up the body of Christ, to glorify God, and to advance His kingdom. They are manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers, both individually and corporately.
It’s exciting and important to know that we can operate in all nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit whenever we are led by him to do so. He empowers us to outwardly express God’s presence and power among His people. These nine manifestations are not only meant to enrich our personal spiritual lives but also to strengthen and unify the body of Christ. By understanding and embracing them, we honor God’s design and purpose, ensuring that our worship and service reflect His Will and advance His kingdom. As we seek to grow in these nine manifestations, let us remain committed to using them in love and wisdom, always aiming to build up one another and glorify God in all that we do. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Nine Manifestations of the Holy Spirit, PART 4 – What Are the Nine Manifestations?”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.