INTRODUCTION:
In our last study, we looked at the importance of speaking in tongues and that connected us to one of the gifts of the Spirit- diverse kinds of tongues. In this study, we will have a look at the Gifts of the Spirit. From our text, we find that Paul didn't want the Church at Corinth to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts, in the same vein; the Church today should not be ignorant concerning these gifts.
There are some people who know nothing about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even that such gifts exist; they think these gifts have been done away with. While there are others who know something about the gifts of the Spirit, but their knowledge is very limited.
The focus of this study therefore is to become acquainted with these wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit.

GIFTS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND OPERATIONS (1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-6)

Verses 4-6
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all
In other words; there are different spiritual gifts, but all of them stem from the one and only Holy Spirit.
We may administer (serve with) these gifts differently, but we serve the same Lord.
There are different types of operations (procedures), but it is the same God who does the work in all of us

Verse 7
". . . The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:7). Paul was making the distinction here that "gifts" of the Spirit aren't gifts in the sense that the believer owns and operates the gift whenever he wants to. They are gifts of the Holy Ghost, manifested through individual believers as the Spirit of God wills. The gifts of the Spirit aren't just given for the individual, but they are given in order to profit the whole local assembly or local body of believers.

THE NINE GIFTS CATEGORIZED (1 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10)
“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:”

The nine manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit are generally divided into three groups of three each. The division into these three groups is purely to be able to easily distinguish and discuss them. The division is as follows:

REVELATION GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT REVEAL SOMETHING
• The Word Of Wisdom: Enables one to express the Holy Spirit's revelation/knowledge/answers to either an individual or to a group of people, church, etc., 
• The Word Of Knowledge: A definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a similitude (a mental picture), a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid. 
• The Discerning Of Spirits: The ability to quickly perceive whether such things as people, events, or beliefs are from God or Satan

POWER GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT DO SOMETHING
• The Gift Of Faith: The special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God's work in the church. They take Him at His Word and put the full weight of their lives in His hands.  They expect God to move and are not surprised when He answers a prayer or performs a miracle. 
• The Working Of Miracles: The ability (energizing power) given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles
• The Gifts Of Healings: The ability (energizing power) given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles of healing

UTTERANCE OR INSPIRATIONAL GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT SAY SOMETHING
• Prophecy: The Greek word translated “prophesying” or “prophecy” means to “speak forth” or declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God which is designed to influence people.
• Divers Kinds Of Tongues: A supernatural utterance in an unknown Tongue (language). Not to be confused with the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues 
• Interpretation Of Tongues: A supernatural showing forth of that which has been said in an unknown Tongue (language). The person giving the message in tongues or usually, another believer suddenly becomes aware of The Holy Spirits desire to use them by His sudden presence coming on them. They then allow The Holy Spirit to speak out through them the Interpretation of the “Message that was previously given in tongues” by giving voice in the Known (common everyday) language

Very often these gifts work together, as with tongues and interpretation. Also, sometimes what we call prophecy is actually a word of wisdom that is being given forth. It is not really the gift of prophecy; because the gift of prophecy has no revelation; that is, no foretelling or element of prediction with it. It however, brings edification, exhortation and comfort as we see in (1 Cor. 14:3).

CONCLUSION
In concluding this study, in 1 Cor. 12:31; the Bible admonishes us to seek earnestly the best gifts
So which of these gifts in the different categories will be the best?
Gifts of Revelation: Of the three gifts of revelation, the WORD OF WISDOM will be rated as the best gift because it brings supernatural revelation of the plan and purpose of God.
Gifts of Power: Of the three gifts of power, the gift of FAITH will be rated as the best gift because it is the supernatural ability to work a miracle and bring healing.
Gifts of Utterance: Of the three gifts of utterance, the GIFT OF PROPHECY will be rated as the best gift because it is complete in and of itself and it brings edification, encouragement, and comfort to the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14:3).
And between the best gifts in these categories, the WORD OF WISDOM will be rated as the best; again because it brings revelation about the divine plan and purpose of God.

A part of this teaching has been extracted from “The Holy Spirit and His Gifts” by Kenneth Hagin

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai