Bible References: Colossians 4:3, 1 Corinthians12:1-11; 14:1-12, 1 Timothy 4:14
INTRODUCTION
The Utterance Gifts are gifts of the Holy Spirit that have to do with talking. They are
Gifts of inspiration which involve the spoken or written word. They are: Gift of
prophecy, Divers Kinds of Tongue, Interpretation of Tongues). They are also known
as vocal Gifts which make known the mysteries of God to the body of Christ. The
Utterance Gifts give us direction in our walk with God. They must be used decently and
orderly to avoid confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:27-33, 39-40.
DISCUSSION
The gift of prophecy: This is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue. A sudden
supernatural ability to speak by divine inspiration in the speaker’s known language.
The word ‘prophecy’ comes from a Greek word meaning, ‘to speak for another’ (God’s
spokesman). All children of God can have the gift of Prophecy – 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
The main aim of the gift of prophecy: 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3
• Edification: To build up the church, to strengthen (take away fear and
weaknesses) and benefit the body (1 Cor 14:26)
• Exhortation: A warning from sin and a calling to get nearer to God and be
focused on Him
• Comfort: To set at ease, to encourage and bring inner healing in times of
sorrow, distress, persecution and suffering.
The basis of any true prophecy is the Word of God. Thus, the litmus test for identifying
whether a prophecy is true or false is if it aligns with the written word of God and bears
witness with your spirit.
Diverse Kinds of Tongue is a supernatural utterance in unknown Tongues. It is the
sudden supernatural ability to speak in a language that is unknown to the speaker. The
Gift of Tongues is not the prayer language of tongues that comes with the baptism of
the Holy Spirit which is intended for every believer (Acts 1:12-14). This gift is a public
ministry of tongues (Acts 2: 6-8) given to edify the church, not the individual. It is not
manifested by every believer. It is usually accompanied by its “sister gift”- the
interpretation of tongues.
Interpretation of Tongues: The purpose of this gift is to verbalize a message that was
given in an unknown tongue. One person gives a message in a language he does not
understand and another person through divine inspiration gives the interpretation. It is
not a TRANSLATION, but an INTERPRETATION. Interpretation is the showing of the
MEANING of what has been said (not a word-for-word translation). So, it is possible to
have a short message in tongues and a long interpretation, and vice versa. 1 Corinthians
14:13-14
Whoever operates in the gift of tongues, should also seek the Gift of interpretation for
the edification of the body of Christ. The gift of the interpretation of tongues is very
similar to prophecy because it is for edification, exhortation, and comfort. This is to
affirm that there is a connection among all these gifts.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
• What is the importance of the ‘utterance gifts’ to the church? 1 Cor. 14: 3
• What is the difference between speaking in tongues and the gift of diverse
tongues? Acts 10:44,
• Can all believers interpret tongues? 1 Cor. 14:13
• How can the utterance gifts cause confusion in the church? Is this happening in
the church today?
PRAYER
*Father, thank You for your Holy Spirit who lives in me.
*Dear Holy Spirit, remove and quench every limitation in me in Jesus name; fill me
afresh today and baptize me with the gift (name the gift you desire) in Jesus name.
*Holy Spirit, come and express Yourself freely in me and through me. Help me to
correctly use and receive Your gifts in Jesus’ name
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.