The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (20)

LESSON 20: THE GIFT OF WORKING OF MIRACLES

Jason Klebes / General Adult

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:10 (NKJV)

“to another the working of miracles…”

INTRODUCTION:

In the category of the power gifts, we now deal with the gift of working of miracles.

A happening is only a miracle as far as man is concerned. It isn’t a miracle to God. God, having all power, does not recognize miracles as extraordinary—He simply operates according to His nature. What is a miracle to man is only an act with God. It is a miracle with man because we are not able to perform it by our own natural strength.

Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)

“Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”

Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

Luke 1:37 ESV

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

This is important: miracles are not rare in heaven—they are normal expressions of God’s power. What we call “miraculous” is simply God interrupting natural law with supernatural authority.

The Greek words for “working of miracles” are energema dunamis.The greek words for “working of miracles” are energema dunamis. Energema- from this word we derive the word energy.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 76.7 κράτος, ους; δύναμις, εως

76.7 κράτοςb, ους n; δύναμιςc, εως f: a deed manifesting great power, with the implication of some supernatural force—‘mighty deed, miracle.’

Dunamis- we derive the word dynamite. It is the same word translated in Acts as power, “eneergy of dynamite” or “explosion of almightiness”

Energema – from this word we derive the word energy (active, operative power).

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 42.11 ἔργον, ου; ἐνέργημα, τος

42.11 ἔργονa, ου n; ἐνέργημα, τος n: (derivatives of ἐνεργέωa ‘to function, to work,’ 42.3) that which is done, with possible focus on the energy or effort involved

Dunamis – we derive the word dynamite. It is the same word translated in Acts as power.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 76.7 κράτος, ους; δύναμις, εως

76.7 κράτοςb, ους n; δύναμιςc, εως f: a deed manifesting great power, with the implication of some supernatural force—‘mighty deed, miracle.’

So this gift can be described as: “The explosive, active energy of God’s almightiness.”

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”

The word power here is dunamis—the same root word. This means the believer is not just saved, but empowered to be a vessel of supernatural intervention.

The Gift of the Working of Miracles means the supernatural intervention by God in the ordinary course of nature. In this gift, God works through a vessel or instrument.

Kenneth E. Hagin said:

“The working of miracles is a supernatural intervention in the ordinary course of nature—a temporary suspension of the accustomed order.” — Kenneth E. Hagin, “The Spirit and His Gifts,” p. 22

1. THE DONKEY SPOKE

a. Numbers 22:28 (NKJV)

“Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam…”

The donkey was able to speak human words—THIS WAS A SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTION.

This is not symbolic. This is not poetic. This is a literal suspension of natural law. Animals do not speak—but under the working of miracles, God overrode creation itself.

b. Key Insight:

The working of miracles differs from the gift of faith in that God uses an earthly instrument to carry out His plan.

In this case, the instrument was a donkey. God used a created being to manifest supernatural power.

2 Peter 2:16 (NKJV) confirms this:

“a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.”

Application Insight: God can use anything—and anyone—as a vessel when the working of miracles is in operation.

Smith Wigglesworth said:

“God wants men and women so yielded that He can work through them as easily as He spoke through Balaam’s donkey.” — Smith Wigglesworth, “Ever Increasing Faith,” p. 46

2. DAVID AND THE WORKING OF MIRACLES

a. 1 Samuel 17:34–36 (NKJV)

“…I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth…”

b.

When David slew the lion and the bear with his bare hands, it was the working of miracles.

c.

No one can conquer a bear or lion with their bare hands without a supernatural act of God—this is a miracle.

This was not natural courage alone. This was divine empowerment—God’s power flowing through a yielded vessel.

Notice what David said later:

1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV)

“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear…”

David recognized: 👉 This was not me—this was God working through me.

This is a key marker of the working of miracles:

God empowers the person

The person acts

The result is supernatural

T.L. Osborn said:

“Miracles happen when God’s power flows through a believing vessel who dares to act.” — T.L. Osborn, “Healing the Sick,” p. 29

3. SAMSON AND MIRACLES

a. Judges 14:6; 15:15 (NKJV)

“And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…”

Samson, a judge of Israel, killed a lion with his bare hands and then killed one thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey.

b. Judges 16:29–30 (NKJV)

He also knocked over the pillars of the temple, destroying the enemy.

c.

It was a force of miracles that did it through him.

Notice the repeated phrase:

“The Spirit of the LORD came upon him”

This is the operation of dunamis power—the same power promised in Acts 1:8.

This teaches us:

The working of miracles is often physical empowerment

It can affect strength, matter, and natural laws

It produces visible, undeniable results

Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne teaches:

“The power of God is not theoretical—it is tangible, demonstrable, and it flows through yielded vessels to accomplish the impossible.” — Rodney Howard-Browne, “The Touch of God,” p. 63

4. JESUS AND THE WORKING OF MIRACLES

Before we examine Old Testament examples, we must understand that Jesus is the pattern for all miracle ministry.

Acts 10:38 (NKJV)

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power…”

👉 Jesus operated in dunamis power—the same power given to the Church.

Examples of Jesus Working Miracles:

– John 2:1–11 Turning water into wine

– Matthew 14:19–21 Multiplying loaves and fish

– Matthew 14:25 Walking on water

– Mark 4:39 Calming the storm

These are not healings—these are creative miracles and dominion over nature.

Key Revelation:

John 14:12 (NKJV)

“The works that I do he will do also…”

Jesus did not say we would admire His works—He said we would continue them.

Kenneth E. Hagin said:

“Jesus performed miracles as a man anointed by the Holy Ghost, setting the example for the Church.” — Kenneth E. Hagin, “The Spirit and His Gifts,” p. 35

5.THE APOSTLES AND THE WORKING OF MIRACLES

After Pentecost, the same power flowed through the Church.

Acts 5:12 (NKJV)

“Through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done…”

Examples:

– Acts 9:40 Peter raises Dorcas

– Acts 5:15 Peter’s shadow heals

– Acts 13:11 Paul blinds Elymas

– Acts 28:5 Paul survives a viper bite

Acts 19:11 (NKJV)

“God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul…”

Again: God worked—but through a man.

6.CHURCH HISTORY & REVIVAL MIRACLES

Throughout history, whenever there has been revival, there has been a restoration of miracle power.

John Wesley

“The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness… and God confirmed His Word with power.” — John Wesley, Journals

Smith Wigglesworth

“Only believe, and you will see the power of God sweep through your life.” — Smith Wigglesworth, “Ever Increasing Faith,” p. 12

Aimee Semple McPherson

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever—and He still performs miracles.” — Aimee Semple McPherson, Sermon Collection, 1920s

Revival history proves: Miracles are restored wherever the Holy Spirit is welcomed.

One of the clearest modern examples of the working of miracles in operation can be seen in the ministry of Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947), a key figure in early Pentecostal revival.

Wigglesworth was known for extraordinary demonstrations of God’s power—not just healings, but creative miracles and supernatural interventions that defied natural laws.

THE STORY: RAISING A DEAD MAN

There is a well-documented account where Wigglesworth was called to pray for a man who had died.

When he arrived, instead of praying quietly, he took action—which is a key mark of the working of miracles.

He lifted the man’s lifeless body out of the bed

Propped him against the wall

Commanded life to come back into him in the name of Jesus

When the body could not stand, he repeated the action again.

On the second or third time, the man suddenly came back to life, stood on his own, and was completely restored.

WHY THIS IS THE WORKING OF MIRACLES

This was not the gift of faith (passive trust). This was active participation:

Wigglesworth acted God supplied the power The result was supernatural intervention

CHURCH HISTORY EXAMPLE: THE WORKING OF MIRACLES IN THE MINISTRY OF John G. Lake

Another powerful example of the working of miracles can be seen in the ministry of John G. Lake (1870–1935), a pioneer of divine healing and the Pentecostal movement.

Lake’s ministry was marked by extraordinary demonstrations of God’s power, especially during the bubonic plague outbreak in South Africa.

THE ACCOUNT: AUTHORITY OVER A DEADLY DISEASE

During the plague outbreak, entire communities were being devastated:

People were dying rapidly

Medical workers were overwhelmed

Fear was spreading just as fast as the disease

Lake and his team chose not to run from the crisis—but to step directly into it with the power of God.

THE SUPERNATURAL DEMONSTRATION

Doctors, concerned for Lake’s safety, warned him of the danger of infection.

Lake responded with bold faith and understanding of the authority of the believer.

To prove what he believed, he invited the doctors to conduct an experiment.

THE TEST:

They took (deadly bacteria) live plague germs

Placed them on Lake’s hand

Observed them under a microscope

What happened shocked the medical professionals:

The germs died instantly upon contact with his body.

WHY THIS IS THE WORKING OF MIRACLES

This was not:

A healing that took time

A recovery process

A natural immune response

This was:

A supernatural interruption of natural law God’s power actively working through a yielded vessel

LAKE’S EXPLANATION

Lake attributed this to what he called:

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”

Romans 8:2 (NKJV)

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

He believed that the life of God flowing through him was greater than any disease or death.

BIBLICAL PARALLELS

This aligns directly with Scripture:

Mark 16:18 (NKJV)

“…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Acts 28:5 (NKJV)

“But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.”

Just as Paul was unaffected by the viper, Lake demonstrated authority over disease.

7. FAITH OR A MIRACLE

a. It is the same Spirit working within us for all the gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (NKJV)

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…”

b. The Difference Explained:

Gift of FaithWorking of MiraclesGod works for youGod works through youPassive receptionActive participationYou stand and believeYou act and release powerExample: Daniel in lion’s denExample: Moses parting Red Sea

Example of Working of Miracles:

Exodus 14:21 (NKJV)

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea…”

God did the miracle—but Moses had to act.

Key Distinction:

Gift of Faith → You receive a miracle

Working of Miracles → You participate in releasing the miracle

Kenneth E. Hagin explains:

“In the gift of faith, God brings the miracle to pass without human effort. In the working of miracles, God uses the individual as an instrument.” — Kenneth E. Hagin, “Bible Faith Study Course,” p. 87

CLOSING INSIGHT

The gift of working of miracles is not just for Bible days—it is for today.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Acts 2:39 (NKJV)

“For the promise is to you and to your children…”

God is still looking for vessels:

Yielded

Faith-filled

Obedient

Through whom His dunamis power can flow.

Final Quote (Pentecostal Emphasis):

“The Holy Ghost was not given for us to admire, but for us to cooperate with—so that God’s power can be released into a dying world.” — Howard Carter, “Questions and Answers on Spiritual Gifts,” p. 41

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

Be available to God

Be sensitive to the Spirit

Be willing to act when He prompts you

Because the working of miracles requires participation.

God supplies the power.

You supply the obedience.

And when those meet— miracles happen.