But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…

Commentary by — Richard T. Ritenbaugh

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

(7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) 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: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
King James Version

How does the manifestation of God’s Spirit work? God gives His Spirit to a person, and out of his mouth flow words of wisdom. The Spirit itself is not part of these words of wisdom, but the Spirit is working with the speaker’s mind, and the person himself speaks the words. Nevertheless, who gets the credit? God—by working through His Spirit!

We do not see the Spirit itself flowing into the churches, guiding and directing individuals. What we see are the works that the Spirit produces when it flows into individuals who are receptive to it through faith. We see things such as sermons given and articles written. We see healings. We see people acting in faith: for instance, allowing themselves to be fired for keeping the Sabbath, but knowing in faith that God will provide. We see people able to use their gift of languages to help others to understand the truth in translating God’s message into another language. We see whatever the Spirit inspires people to do for the good of the church, to further people’s understanding, and to prepare them for the Kingdom of God.

All of these are manifestations of God’s Spirit. Even though the Spirit works in so many different ways, all these works come from one God. It is He who wills them to be manifested in each individual.

— Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To learn more, see:
The Two Witnesses (Part 4)

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God’s Spirit
God’s Spirit, Manifestation of
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit “in” us
Holy Spirit as Channel of God’s Creative Energy
Holy Spirit as God’s Creative Power
Holy Spirit imparts Understanding
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Holy Spirit, Manifestation of