Mar 16:17 KJV And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Corinthians 12:7
There are things the believer cannot afford not to know. Some of which are the things of the Spirit:
“Now concerning spiritual be gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12:1).
Do not be ignorant of the things of the Spirit, as this will influence your general attitude in Christian worship.
So, one must have accurate and precise knowledge of every good thing which is in him in Christ Jesus: “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6).
One of the crucial things to know is that the believer has been enabled to function in the spirit.
In our opening scripture, Paul said, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
It is common knowledge that you do not start a statement with the word “BUT”. Paul had previously made some important statements: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
The Apostle Paul was saying that while there are different gifts, different administrations, and different operations. However, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every believer for the benefit of all. The word “but” is used as a contrast and not a contribution.
The different gifts are listed in verses eight, nine, and ten, but the same Spirit is at work in different ways. The word “manifestation” was translated from the Greek word “phanerosis,” which simply means exhibition or expression.
This implies that the ability to exhibit or express the power and presence of the Spirit has been given to every believer.
Hence, every believer can function effectively in the Spirit. The fact that the believer has been given the manifestation of the Spirit signifies that he can see, hear and speak in the spirit and by the spirit.
Now, seeing, hearing, and speaking by the spirit are the functions.
To say that not every believer can see or hear or speak in and by the spirit is to say that there are deformed children of God.
God does not have any deformed child! We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
Acts 9:10 “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord” This man needed to be introduced by Luke the Author.
He was referred to as a disciple (i.e., a learner); he was not an Apostle or Prophet and so on. Ananias saw in the spirit (he saw a vision); he heard in the spirit (the Lord spoke to him in a vision); and he spoke in the spirit (he said to the Lord, “Behold, I am here”).
This ability to function actively and effectively in the spirit has been given to every believer. You too can see, hear and speak in the spirit and by the spirit.
