i have read and heard alot taught, over the years, on the "7 fold ministries" and the "12 spiritual gifts". i'm not going there. The Holy Spirit is not limited to a man made template of how and when He manifests. Yes, there are certain Spiritual truths in the study of the Gifts and Administrations, but this is not a legalism.
Too often i hear "what is your 'gift'?" or "are you a pastor, or a teacher?". These are legitimate questions in themselves, but they often hold an underlying legalism that seeks to categorize and restrict. Can a pastor not be a gifted teacher as well? Can a prophet not exhort? The Holy Spirit moves where and when He wills. He is not restrained by our categories or formulas. We are each unique, and our gifts are unique. We each have a personal relationship with our Lord, and He has given each of us a personal call.
(Eph 4:8) "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Jesus promised us gifts. (John 14:12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And a diversity of gifts, not a limited few. We are individuals in the faith, each with our own 'walk', our own 'gifts', our own understanding of our Lord. The common thread that shows the Spirit within us is our love for one another. This gift of perfect love is given to all who truly have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. (Rom 12:9) "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." In all our diversity we share this. Any who has not Love, has not the Spirit of Truth.
This brings up another common categorization, the "required gift". i know you have heard of these, you may even hold to some yourself. Now hear me out, there is no required manifestation except LOVE. That is the only gift that is not divided among us as the Spirit wills, but given to all. We are each given the gift of Divine Love and we are each required to Love. There is no other "requirement" or gift that "proves" either our salvation or our annointing. Many teach that if you are filled with the Holy Spirit you must speak in tongues as "proof". Give me a break. Did John the Baptist speak in a tongue? Was he not filled from birth? Is there any record of Jesus speaking in a tongue? Was He not filled? Did Saul (Paul) speak in a tongue when he was saved on the road to Damascus? Was he not saved? Did he speak in a tongue when he was filled with the Holy Spirit through Ananias? Yet Paul wrote later that he had the gift of tongues, but that was not a proof of his Apostleship, much less his annointing or salvation. There are some who point to other "required" manifestations of the Holy Spirit in a believers life, but again, the Holy Spirit manifests in each of us as LOVE, beyond that is as He wills. It is time we stop trying to bring people under a doctrine or dogma and bring them under the Blood of Christ. Lead them to the Living Water and let them drink. Let the Holy Spirit manifest as He wills. Do not hinder the Spirit, nor deny Him.
You may ask now, "why were the lists of 'gifts, administrations, and operations' given in the epistles?". As with all, for our instruction and edification. Yes, there are ways to lump like things together in groups, aiding study and explanation. There are also, of course, the big calls, and the well known gifts. Most recognize the call of a pastor, or teacher. We can understand that with little explanation. But that does not say that all teachers have the same gifts. But there is more, Paul gave us examples, not an all inclusive list. What of the one who wears the carpet out in prayer? Many would say "a Prayer Warrior", but that is not one of the specified 'administrations'. What 'operation' of the Spirit does that fall under? Where is the gift of prayer? If someone is not a 'prayer warrior', are they not saved?
We each must build a personal, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said He would lead us in to all truth. (John 16:12-14) "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." He will teach us of Christ, and give us gifts for the benefit of all. That is the purpose of our gifts, edification of our brothers and sisters, not proof of our salvation. We can not walk someone else's walk, live by someone else's faith, nor can we force others to bare our cross. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is one on one. No one can do it for you, or give you a formula, and you can't dictate anyone else's relationship.
Praise GOD for all the diverse gifts and manifestations of His Holy Spirit in and through us. Glorify His presence, don't try to limit or structure Him. The Holy Ghost moves where He will. Let us move with Him.
If you want more, come to the "Warriors Fellowship" and hear more 'meat' from the Scripture.