Why Have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are our Father’s means of equipping us to continue doing His work – the same work that Jesus did and in the same way that He did it. Through these gifts he enables us to share in bringing about the answer to Jesus’ prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”

Jesus’ manifesto is quoted in Luke 4:18-19, quoted from Isaiah 61. The Holy Spirit annointed Him to proclaim good news, to provide, to set free, to comfort, to give sight, to deliver, to beautify. Our Father wants to annoint us and equip us for the same purpose. To help bring the blessings of His Kingdom wherever He places us.

What are these Gifts?

Refer to 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

Verse 1 “Spiritual Gifts”. Pneumatika – the Holy Spirit breathing into our lives and working God’s purposes through us. Illustrations: pneumatic tyre and (better) bagpipes.

Verse 4 “gifts”. Charismata – gifts of grace from our Father to His children, so that we too can give freely as we have freely received. Illustration: a tap, pouring out life-giving, thirst-quenching, dirt-removing, wound-cleansing water.

Verse 5 “service”. Diakonia – provision to enable us to serve even as Christ served and laid down His life for us. Illustration: the example of Jesus (See Phil 2:1-18).

Verse 6 “working”. Energema – the energy and power of God working through us to advance His kingdom. Illustration: the supply of electrical power to an appliance or power tool.

Verse 7 “manifestation”. Phanerosis –revealing, shining out, making known the presence of God in us and amongst us. Illustration: the glow and warmth that tell us the bar-b-cue is alight.

Who Gives these Gifts?

God Himself: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are given by the Father (James 1:17) apportioned by the Lord Jesus (Eph 4:7) and distributed by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:11). They are called “gifts of the Holy Spirit” because it is God the Holy Spirit who opens up our minds, hearts and wills to understand, believe, receive and use them.

Who Receives these Gifts?

The Body of Christ (Romans 12:4,5; 1 Cor 12:12,13)

Different gifts are given to different individuals (Rom 12:6)

Each one has a part to play (Eph 4:16)

According to the Holy Spirit’s choice (1 Cor 12:11)

How do we Receive these Gifts?

By grace (Eph 4:7)

By allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way (1 Cor 12:11)

By asking God in faith (Luke 11:13; James 1:5,6)

Through prophecy and laying on of hands (1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6)

How should we Use Our Gifts?

For God’s pleasure, purpose and praise (Rom 12:1; Phil 2:13; 1 Pet 4:11)

With understanding of God’s will (Rom 12:2)

With humility (Rom 12:3; Eph 4:2; Phil 2:3-5)

With love (1 Cor 13:1-3; Eph 4:15)

With faithfulness (1 Pet 4:10)

To achieve unity (Eph 4:13)

To build up (Eph 4:16)

With submission and discipline (Eph 5:21; 1 Cor 14:29-33,40)

Question

What do you expect to see (a) in Westhill and Kingswells (b) in your own circle of family and acquaintances when God’s Kingdom comes in the way He wants it to in our communities? Will you have to change in any way if you are to be a part of bringing this about?

Key Bible Passages to read

Romans 12: 1-16 especially verse 6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us.”

1 Peter 4: 7-11 especially verse 10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Ephesians 4:7-16 especially verse 16, “The whole body … grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

1 Corinthians 12:1 – 14:40 especially 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.”

John 9:1-7 especially verse 4, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me.”

John 20:19-23 especially verse 21, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Luke 4: 14-21 especially verse 18, “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.”

John 8:28, “I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me … I always do what pleases Him.”

Philippians 2:1-18 especially verse 13, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”