SESSION #9
Defining and Using Spiritual Gifts
Presented by: Pastors, Calvin Bergsma & Jim Bugg
Video: vimeo.com/gcf/70-principle-9
Audio:
Notes: PDF Notes Additional Explanation
▪ Defining and Using Spiritual Gifts
▪ The Gifts of Revelation: Discerning of spirits, Word of Knowledge & Word of Wisdom
▪ Gifts of Power: Healing, Faith & Miracles
Embedded Files
God’s most precious gift to us was a baby born in Bethlehem.
God’s olive branch to man, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Through the Gift of Christ, our relationship with God can now be restored (Emmanuel) “God with us”
Our Quality of Life is based on Relationships
But Relationship, is based on communication.
How is your communication with God? Does Heaven hear from you? Do you hear God?
God did not stop giving us gifts with the birth of Christ.
Ep.4:8 When he (Christ) ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.
Ps.68:18 You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive: You have received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Recently we’ve been learning about some of the Gifts that Christ gave us after He had ascended.
1 Cor. 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
We found that we need to be aware of gifts to appreciate and use them.
1 Cor. 12: 4-11 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another (gift of special) faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healings, by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to every man severally as he wills.
The 9 Gifts listed here are not ridged liturgical events that follow exact form & protocol.
They look slightly different as God's Spirit manifests them in each of us individually.
There are as many variations… as there are individuals that God anoints use them.
Many times one gift overlaps with other gifts
It is not as important to define the gifts as it is to use them!
Hammers and saws are not meant to be discussed, admired, or just collected,
they are made to be used.
It might be a better question
Do you want to be productive in God's service?
Then use the Spiritual tools He has given the church.
The Apostle Paul defines 9 recognized categories of gifts (manifestations) of the Spirit and tells us
that even in them there are diversities in these activities.
1 Cor. 12:5 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
Jesus’ ministry produced results because: He operated by the leading and power of the Spirit.
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”
We can only expect these kinds of results if: We also operate by the leading and power of the Spirit.
Let’s look at a few of the (Special Revelation) Gifts the Spirit of God gives to us.
1.) Word of wisdom: a momentary impartation of divine wisdom pertaining to the situation at hand
logos Sophia
logos = word, message, statement
Sophia = wisdom, prudence, enlightenment
Wisdom always results in welfare (beneficial)
A word of wisdom is one that excels ‘normal’ wisdom
Examples of Solomon (1 Kings 3:16); Jesus (Matt 21:23; 22:19)
This Gift of wisdom… was promised by Jesus
Luke 21:12-15 1"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."
This was exemplified by the apostles
Acts 6:10 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
This gives new meaning to the Words of Solomon the Wisest man.
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.
The Apostle Paul describes it this way.
1 Cor. 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Is this Gift it is on YOUR list to wish for this year?
2.) Word of knowledge: being made aware supernaturally of information that you did not know beforehand
It is spoken. logos = word, message, statement
It is informative. gnosis = knowledge, insight, enlightenment
It is knowledge, not guesswork or a hunch
John 4:3-30 This is an example of Jesus using special private information
“The Word of Knowledge” As a power tool for ministry.
There is a unique key that will unlock the heart of every man and God’s Spirit can give it to you.
I pray for and receive this gift quite often (1 example) Alonzo Threet
This is all amazing stuff. God encourages us to and desire to have them.
Look at the effect it had on the people when Jesus used them.
Mark 2:1-12 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins " He said to the paralytic, I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
These gifts not only bring revelation, but redemptive power confirming God’s Word
THE POWER GIFTS (Healing, Faith & Miracles)
And they were gathered to gather… and suddenly the sound of a mighty rushing…
Acts 2:2 “Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”
What do Christians look like (how would you describe them)
What effect do they have on those around them (What do they do)...
As Jesus left this planet He described the effect his followers would have on the world around them.
Jesus said these signs (evidences) shall follow them that believe.
Mark 16:14-20 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat (they were eating), and upbraided (rebuked) them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.19 So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.,
It’s interesting to note that (in this passage) the signs DID NOT just confirm the apostle’s words, but it confirmed the gospel message that those who WOULD believe preached.
Do you believe… or is there a degree of unbelief and hardness in your heart, only believing what you have handled experienced not the testimony of those who have seen?
For the next few hundred years this description of the church fit well.
The early Christians operated under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
They performed amazing miracles and healings.
The effect of this 2-fold approach to ministry was dramatic & radically changed the then-known world.
The apostle Paul describes it this way:
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Cor. 2:4-5
The Apostle Paul believed strongly in the teachings of Christ
He had great faith in those words, enough to put into practice.
He took his commission seriously... and did what God had commanded
Even in the face of persecution
But 300 years later, it has NOW become in vogue to be a Christian
(Just like 65 % of Americans claim to be Christians)
This world is filled with those who claim to believe the message of Christ, But many have fallen into the trap of intellectual belief without the faith, passion, and conviction that results in action. (Religion)
Many have organized & systematized - tamed & domesticated Christianity into something that could be socially acceptable and intellectually explained and placed it all under a manmade hierarchy that would make sure it would stay that way.
The Bible tells us that in the last days, this would happen & describes it this way.
"Having a form of godliness but denying the power of it: avoid such men." 2 Tit. 3:5
Jesus explained the Gospel using stories that touched the heart
And then he confirmed the word with the signs and wonders he performed.
He operated not on His own but relying on the leading & power of the Holy Spirit
He then said, “Greater works you will do!”
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."
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are God's way (His Tools) to accomplish this.
Jesus returned to heaven and (as He promised) He sent the Holy Spirit.
And the Holy Spirit makes available the all gifts and power needed to equip each believer to minister… in the same way Jesus did.
He commands us to seek and use the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit gives us.
In the last few sessions, we have been teaching about these Power Tools
Again, the Gifts listed in 1 Cor. 12: 4-11 are not ridged liturgical events that follow exact form & protocol and it is not as important to define the gifts as it is to use them.
Yes, Paul defines 9 recognized categories … of gifts (manifestations) of the Spirit, but he also tells us that… even in them there are diversities in these activities
1 Cor. 12:5 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
Discerning of spirits: the ability to see into the spiritual world and or be made supernaturally aware of spiritual beings and their intent.
Gift of Faith: a sudden elevation of your ability to believe God for something.
Gifts of healing: a supernatural ability to bring healing (many times by the laying on of hands)
Miraculous powers: the power to do things miracles (not improbable the impossible)
Remember all the spiritual gifts are supernatural manifestations of the Spirit, they are not our natural gifts or abilities
This is all amazing stuff God encourages us to and desire to have them.
.
During the last 2000 years there has always been a remnant of Christians who have taken to heart the words in the great commission put them into practice.
The results were still were the same… God showed up with power
(Fundamentally) Christianity is all about “Gods power to change lives”
Jesus is our example on how to minister… He did it by the power of the Holy Spirit
Let’s look at how Jesus used the gift of Discerning of spirits in Luke 11:9-28
Jesus tells us to seek the Holy Spirit then demonstrates the gifts He gives us.
Luke 11:9-28 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters. “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ “And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. “Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, & they go in and live there; & the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe (Does) it.”
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
It enables us to identify demons so they could be cast out (Acts 16:16-19; Mark 1:34). (Example:) Spiritual X-Ray or Project Rehab
THE MIRACULOUS GIFT OF FAITH (1Cor. 12:9)
This gift was not ordinary faith from hearing (Rom. 10:17 faith by hearing, but a special miraculous faith that could bring about miracles, possibly even to moving of mountains (1Cor. 13:2 cf. Matt. 17:20; 21:21)
The miraculous demonstrations done by such faith would provide the evidence.
(Example:) Faith and healing (Roller skating)
GIFTS OF HEALING: Example: my own ears
This gift produces immediate miraculous healing, not gradual, healing.
Healing at a natural rate is not a miracle. This does not mean that God did not cause it. God can and does heal by natural means. Indeed, all healing is due to laws that God provided. However that is not what is meant by “miracles,” “signs” or “manifestations” (Mark 16:17, 18, 20; 1Co. 12:9). Those were sudden and complete deliverances (Luke 4:39; 5:13, 25; 8:44, 47, 55; 13:13; 18:43; Matt. 8:3, 13; 9:22; 15:22-28; 20:34; Mark 1:32, 42; 2:12; 7:35; 10:52; John 4:51-53; 5:9; Acts 3:7; 9:18; 9:34).
MIRACLES: Mel Tari, Like a Mighty Wind. Creation House, Carol Stream, Illinois, 1971
Example: Pastor Abraham
Unbelief can limit what God will do
Mat 13:54-58 He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Faith in God & his word will unleash the power of heaven
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to the one that believes.
The Gifts are both a blessing to believers as well as tools for evangelism.
They are the tools supplied with the job of the Great Commission
They are yours collectively & are exercised with wisdom & discernment
IN CONCLUSION:
I encourage us to study the gifts and their use and earnestly desire to use them.
These gifts are powerful and productive.
The Holy Spirit provides every type of spiritual gift;
Utterance beyond your own ability
Knowledge beyond what you've learned
Supernatural power NOT limited by natural law.
Where your ability ends... The Holy Spirit's ability takes over.
Ask Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit...
It is something you need
It is something you should desire
It is the only way to fight the spiritual battle all Christians are engaged in.
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