This question reveals a common confusion between two categories of spiritual gifts: sign gifts and functional gifts. To answer it clearly, we must rightly divide what Scripture says about each—and understand their purpose within God’s unfolding plan.
Sign Gifts Were Temporary and Confirmatory
In the early church, God gave miraculous gifts—tongues, healings, prophecy—not as permanent features of Christian life, but as signs to confirm the gospel and authenticate the apostles.
“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” — 2 Corinthians 12:12
“Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not…” — 1 Corinthians 14:22
These gifts were foundational. Once the full revelation of Scripture was complete and the apostolic office fulfilled, the need for signs ceased.
“Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8
Today, no believer receives direct revelation, speaks unknown languages by the Spirit, or performs miraculous healings. These were temporary gifts for a transitional time.
Functional Gifts Are Still Operational
What remains today are spiritual functions—non-miraculous roles that build up the Body of Christ through the written Word. These are not mystical abilities, but Spirit-enabled ministries grounded in Scripture.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us… let us use them.” — Romans 12:6
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:12
These include:
Teaching – Explaining Scripture with clarity and sound doctrine (Romans 12:7; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Evangelism – Sharing the gospel of grace (Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5)
Exhortation – Encouraging spiritual growth (Romans 12:8)
Giving, Mercy, Helps, Administration – Supporting the ministry practically and spiritually (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28)
These gifts are not supernatural in nature. They operate through study, service, and spiritual maturity—not through signs or wonders.
Teaching in the Spirit Today
To “teach in the Spirit” today means to faithfully communicate the Word of God, rightly divided, with clarity and conviction. It is not a mystical download or prophetic utterance. It is the Spirit working in the believer to illuminate truth and guide understanding.
“Now we have received… the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:12
“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…” — 1 Corinthians 2:15
So, when a believer teaches sound doctrine, it is the Spirit working through the Word and in the hearer—not through a supernatural gift, but through spiritual discernment and obedience to truth.
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