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The gifts of the Spirit are supernatural endowments for service and are given according to the character of the ministry that is to be fulfilled. The purpose of all gifts is the same: to edify the Body (the Church). We should first seek Jesus, the "Giver" of the Holy Spirit and the gifts. The Bible tells us to covet earnestly the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Through the working of the Holy Spirit, we who believe on Christ are promised to do greater works than He did while ministering on earth (John 14:12). As Christians, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. He teaches us all things and brings the things the Lord teaches us to our remembrance (John 16:7-11; 13-15). What Scripture Says "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me...” (Acts 1:8). "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8). "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.... 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 12:1; 4-6). "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Spiritual MattersThe Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church about spiritual gifts or "matters" as the Greek word would literally be translated (1 Corinthians 12:1; 4-6). He listed three categories:
2. administrations - different kinds of service, and 3. operations - different workings. Gifts of the Spirit are not the same as natural talents or abilities, which are certainly gifts from God. Our talents and abilities allow each of us to contribute to society in a meaningful way. As each person "works" his talent, everyone benefits. Supernatural Manifestation Of GiftsThe supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit are worked through each person as the Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). In the history of the Church, these gifts have been manifested through Christians who are baptized in the Holy Spirit as evidenced by their ability to speak (praise and glorify God) in another language (tongue) unlearned by them (Acts 2:4,8,11;10:45,46). The supernatural gifts for service are
given according to the character of the ministry that is to be performed.
The power and purpose of God is evidenced through the Holy Spirit as people
minister. The Holy Spirit confirms their ministry with signs of God's power
(Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Except for Jesus commissioning the 70 and the 12 (Matthew 10; Luke 10), it was only after the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the first disciples that the supernatural gifts began working through them. Therefore, only after you have become a child of God and have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, are you eligible to minister the supernatural gifts. It is apparent that the ministry resulting from supernatural gifts confirms the message of the Gospel (Mark 16:17, 18,20). A Christian is encouraged to abound in the things of the Lord, but to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). The King of God's Kingdom is "Jesus." Direct your attention to Him and worship Him as the Giver of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Avoid the tendency to regard the gifts as measures of spirituality. You are known by your fruit, not your gifts. The fruit (virtues or God's qualities) of the Spirit is available to all Christians (Galatians 5:22,23). All Christians can bear fruit (good works). Gifts are given differently for the good of all. You should seek out fellowship with other
Christians whose faith has been increased because of the gifts of the Holy
Spirit. You may already be attending a Spirit-filled church where the gifts
are being manifested. If you need help in understanding the baptism in
the Holy Spirit or the gifts of the Holy Spirit, seek a Spirit-filled pastor
or counselor who will help you.
Pray in faith. Receive Jesus, the Giver
of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to fill you with His Spirit. Recognize that
you are now able to freely receive His gifts as directed by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the greatest gift: love. Pray that you will recognize when God
is putting you in a place of service for the use of His gifts.
Gifts of the Spirit, by Gordon Lindsay
(four volumes), published by Christ for the Nations, Inc., Dallas, TX,
1980; The Gifts of the Spirit, by Harold Horton; The Dynamics
of Spiritual Gifts, by William McRae; and 19 Gifts of the Spirit,
by Leslie B. Flynn.
Other related pamphlets are available upon request: HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM, DELIVERANCE, FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, HEALING, and FULL COUNSEL OF GOD. You may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you or write to: The Crossroads Centre
Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily "100 Huntley Street" telecast and the 24-hour-a-day telephone ministry lines are there for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this. God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. |
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