Just writing this out, I'm so excited at where our small group is moving, especially with the core group of us each having experienced deep encounters of the Holy Spirit in our own personal way recently and it allowed us to embrace this great potential of where our small group can potentially move in if we just allowed His Holy Spirit to lead us and if we can exercise these gifts which our Heavely Father has given us within the small grp, the church & beyond the 4 walls of our church.
Below are the notes that i've taken from this 3 hours sermon series by Ps Benny Ho which I shared with the small group today, and I hope it give us at least some understanding from scriptures the theological views of this topic of the Gift's of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Benny Ho - Gifts of the Holy Spirit
When we have the Holy Spirit in us we get the gifts & the fruit of the spirit together
Romans 12:6-8 New International Version (NIV)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1) Residential gifts (Romans 12:6-8 we have e.g. Exhortation, serving teaching, encourage, leadership, mercy, etc We have at least 1 if not more...)
2) Non residential gifts (e.g speaking tongues, interpretation) 1 Cor 12
3) Office gifts - Eph 4, not just function but of the form of the person
Ephesians 4:3-13 New International Version (NIV)3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”)9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Everyone can be use by God to have any of these gifts1 Corinthians 12New International Version (NIV)Concerning Spiritual Gifts12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit,(A) brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.(B) 2 You know that when you were pagans,(C) somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.(D) 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,”(E) and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,”(F) except by the Holy Spirit.(G)4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit(H) distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone(I) it is the same God(J) at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.(K) 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,(L) to another a message of knowledge(M) by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith(N) by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing(O) by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers,(P) to another prophecy,(Q) to another distinguishing between spirits,(R) to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a](S) and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,(T) and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.Unity and Diversity in the Body12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,(U) so it is with Christ.(V) 13 For we were all baptized(W) by[c] one Spirit(X) so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free(Y)—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.(Z) 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.(AA)15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed(AB) the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.(AC) 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.(AD)21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ,(AE) and each one of you is a part of it.(AF) 28 And God has placed in the church(AG) first of all apostles,(AH) second prophets,(AI) third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing,(AJ) of helping, of guidance,(AK) and of different kinds of tongues.(AL) 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire(AN) the greater gifts.Love Is IndispensableAnd yet I will show you the most excellent way
9 supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit
Gifts of revelation:
1) Word of knowledge
2) Wisdom
3) Discernment of spirit
Gifts of power:
4) Faith
5) Healing
6) Miracles
Gifts of Inspiration:
7) Prophecy
8) Tongues
9) Interpretation of tongues
Gifts will probably overlap with one another when it's being manifested
Do you desire and dare to asked God for such gifts and move in the Holy Spirit?
Luke 11:13New International Version (NIV)13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Condition to move in the Spirit:
a) Be eager to move in the Spirit
1 Cor 12:31, "We need to desire & eagerly want it."
But God is the one who chooses who He wants to give.
b) Be committed to edify others
1 Cor 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
c) Be prepared to step out in Faith
d) Be diligent in practising the gift
e) Be willing to humble yourself before God.
Gifts are operated by Faith (Galatians 3)
As long as we are accountable to the leadership, Take some risk & just do it. Be prepared to be corrected if you’re wrong.
Gifts of revelation:
E.g. Of how he had a word of knowledge & he miss a chance to build faith to the congregation & to the one he had the word of knowledge
Be diligent to practice. One gets more sensitive to the Spirit. E.g before coming to a meeting, pray & write down what one want to bring to a meeting or congregation.
However there’s still a Danger, if one move powerful with The Holy Spirit, if pride comes in, be careful as the spirit can leave & another "demonic" spirit can come in.
Let attitude always to be humbled, yielded & surrender before the Lord.
1) Word of knowledge
“Word of knowledge can be define as the supernatural knowledge from a fragment of God that we cannot humanly comprehend in our human minds”
Acts 9:12- Ananias was given the word of knowledge to speak to Saul
Like an impression of word from the holy spirit
Acts 10:20, God spoke to peter there’s 3 men was going to speak to him downstairs.
If you see a "picture" for someone asked for an interpretation or check but with the person who can identify with it.
2) Word of Wisdom
Word of wisdom sometimes comes as an impression from the Holy Spirit. Listen to the spirit inside. E.g "a one liner" or phrase from God may come to you.
The gift of the word of wisdom is important
If one receives word of wisdom that is directional, asked for a word of wisdom for what to do. If you’re not clear, hold it first until you are clear to release it. Is it now or later, public or private
3) Gift of Discernment
Four kind of discernment
a) Normal discernment- Come naturally from experience
b) Godly judgement- discernment from God
c) Demonic discernment- from the devil
d) Gift of the discerning of Spirit
- Angelic spirit, Demonic spirit, Human Spirit, the Holy Spirit
-God given supernatural ability to recognise certain activities behind
- Is not ability to find fault with others, its not the power to discover fault & criticism (this is not supernatural), it's not for discerning character of one
- It's not mind reading
- It’s God opening our eyes to see in the spiritual realms (2 King 6)
- Some manifestation is not the devil is the person wanting attention seeking individuals (e.g rick seaward "who just said stop it now", and the person just stop
Gifts of power:
- Small expression of the omnipotence of God
- God intervenes into nature
- Gifts of faith, healings & working of miracles
4) Gift of Faith
- "God given ability to have faith to believe God with certainty for the impossible for the particular situation, it is a sudden infusion of faith in the situation."
"When you know when you know God is going to do something”
Different types of Faith
a) Natural Faith
-(e.g. in your dentist, in ideas, in a plane) we all have natural faith but not all is biblical.
b) Historical Faith
-(e.g. Born in a christian family doesn't bring you in a personal relationship with Christ, it's not based on tradition or heritage. )
c) Temporary Faith
- (eg, not counted the cost, matt 13:20, seed that fell on rocky places that have no roots, produces joy for awhile, e.g. Often seen in highly charge evangelistic rally)
d) Saving Faith
- Eph 2:8 “8 For it is by grace(A) you have been saved,(B) through faith(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”
-Believe that Jesus is Saviour & Lord
e) Faith in God
- Believe in God for provision (eg. Believing in Healing, miracles in life, general trust in what God can do)
- Faith in the promises of God, though faith in God, there's normally still a degree of uncertainly & unbelief
- This is the kind of Faith we hope to strengthen in daily.
f) Faith of God
- We normally have faith in God generally but it's different from Faith of God.
-Absolute certainty of something will happen, that you know that you know, mark 11:22 KJV, Have God's Faith, God is the Subject in the context), Faith that is OF God, Gal 2:20 KJV the "arema" word.
- Normally comes when God give us a direct & specific word from God that assures us deeply. Mark 11:22 can come alive when God really speaks to us.
g) Fruit Faith
- Gal 5:22
- Faithfulness from the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit.
- Character
h) Gift of Faith
- Is the sudden infusion that comes & goes for that moment
- This is one of the 1 Cor 12
- A Supernatural Faith given by the spirit to meet a need. Acts 20.
- Base in the knowledge of the will of God.
- Is not to be projected or imposed on others
- We all have a different measure of faith.
Word of knowledge already there, prophecy not yet happened
5) Gifts of Healing
- There are different kinds of healings to the whole person, not just physical, but emotional too.
- Some are specialise in inner healing, some blindness, backaches, etc
- Every single believer has a measure faith to have the authority over demons & sickness
- Some forms of healing are instantaneous (e.g how once he prayed for someone with a crooked back & she healed in front of everyone eyes.)
- Partial healing (Gradual healing, e.g. blind-man gradually being healed at Mark 8:22-26)
- Delayed healing, nothing happens at first & healed only later.
- Laying of hands,
- Anointing of oil (James 5)
- Through declaration (acts 3)
- Spirit of healing in the place
- Gifts of healing
- Special cases through handkerchief or even through Peter's shadow in scriptures
- Normally when healing takes places, great compassion & empathy for the person just comes suddenly
- Word of knowledge, prophecy, miracles normally comes hand in hand with healing
- The results are very evident
- Starts with a great desire to see the sick healed
6) Working of Miracles
" God given ability to corporate with God to perform an act that is supernatural & against the laws of nature, miracles has define reason & transcend natural laws."
- John 2:11, Jesus turning water into wine
- Fasting 40days & nights without food & water
-Matt 14- 5 loaves & 2 fishes in the feeding of 5 thousands
-Acts 19- extraordinary miracles shown
-Josh 10- Sun & moon stop for a day
-Elijah being fed by ravens! And many more examples
“Miracles happen to preserve & deliver His people today”
Reveals glory so that faith is build up & authentication of preaching of God's word.
- Mark 15 (signs & wonders coming together with gospel)
- If only these sign& wonders can follow thru into the marketplace.
Realisation of God's awesomeness
Acts 5:11, great fear came to the church
Anyone who has Faith in me will do greater things in me... Ask anything in My name & I will do it...
Illustration from a recent night meeting I attended that illustrates this "working of miracles"...
Heidi Baker's Sharing the Story on this Miraculous healing of the deaf while being tested by Scientist
(This formely skeptical scientist witness the miracle first hand and documented this in medical history thereafter, in their amazement they turn to Christ in the end)
Gifts of Inspiration:
- Gives us the ability to speak
7) Prophesy
- The God given ability to speak under the direct supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit to be His mouth piece to speak
- Prophesy is the voice of Christ for the church
- preaching & prophesy is different
- But some preaching can have a prophetic slant
- Prophecy does not equal prophet
In the church God has appointed prophets in the church today...
- 1 Thessalonians 5:9, do not treat prophesy with contempt
- prophesy must be subjected to the written will of God
- The word of God must be the main source of guidance & not prophecy
- OT is more of fore telling, predictive in nature, has happened already
-NT is more Forth telling. A lot of times in NT, One doesn't really looked for prophesy. It will just come.
- Not for guidance but more for confirmation
5 main uses of prophesy
- Edify
- Exhort
- Comfort
- Convict (1 Cor 14)
- Instruct
Tongues + Interpretation = Prophesy.
Conviction:
Tongues is a sign for unbelievers,
Prophecy is for believers
If a tongues & interpretation of it comes together it will be a supernatural sign for the unbeliever
Unbelievers see tongues together with interpretation than they will get convicted that God is here
Gifts of prophesy
- Surrender the eyes of our imagination & let Him fill it with what He wants to do with it.
- If one see a vision asked God for an interpretation
- Dreams (Dan 7)
- Angelic visitation (Rev 1:1)
-"Prophetic act"- What you do in the physical, expresses in the spiritual. (The march around Jericho, mosses)
- Hands up win, hands down lose
- Habakkuk recorded prophecy not really to speak it to others.
- Habakkuk was a prophetic song
-"prophetic songs"
- prophesies must be judge (operate in group) acts 11:27 "plural" accountable.
- Prophets comes well with teachers normally as a team
- E.g. in a church, allow a space to exercise the gifts. Don't worry if you feel God has something on your heart or impression. Just speak even if you think you make a mistake. As long there's someone accountable to correct it at the end of the day.
Those who can judge first the elders, than the prophetic, those who have the gifts of discernment, all mature believers who are spirit filled (John 10:27)
1 John 4, testing the spirit
Context is with the Gnosticism. Importance that Jesus came into flesh
Be careful if we say something & doesn't come to past, we need to take an account of it.
Fulfilment is also a test of the prophesy
Take some risk, but stay accountable
“Holy Spirit needs to draw with knowledge of God's word in us. So we need to know the Word.”
- Belt of truth & sword of the spirit (The Logos!)
- Guild up our minds with God's truth & we use the "Arema" to find the battle.
- The belt & sword comes together.
- We need the belt so God can bring the scriptures word for word into action.
Things to beware of using prophecy
- To lecture, scold or make a point, it's meant to build others out
- Not to give personal counselling in prophetic prayer, or to push a pet topic.
- Do not speak if you’re unclear
- If you have a word, just say it simple, ”I sense God saying this..."
Avoid preaching...
8) Gift of tongues
- Tongues given when one received the spirit
- Holy Spirit edifies oneself or intercession
- Tongues given at an assembly to speak to a body.
Tongues communicating with God in the heavenly realm.
1 Cor 14: 2, “2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
9) Gift of interpretation of tongues
- The God given ability to interpret the language to the people to understand
- interpret & not translate (To explain the meaning of what been uttered)
- If one speak in tongues to an assembly there must be an interpretation either by someone or the one who Interpret it. However, there are times one speak in tongues in an assembly & someone could interpret but keep to oneself
- Reasons for Paul to address in controlled speaking of tongue is probably many spoke & interpret until there was overwhelming uncontrolled of them, so now there's a need to control with some guidelines in that point of time to 2-3. There was probably an imbalance of those who speak in tongues but not many prophesies so Paul emphasise that prophesy is better to control that imbalance.
So what is the most important and best gifts?
"The Best gift is when it is use at the most needed point of time."
Love is what that expresses the gift.
Love is not a gift, it’s the best way to exercise the gifts
Imparting of gift, to give & share to someone
- Through close association & relationship
2 sources of impartation
- Through the Holy Spirit
- Through an anointed person
- E.g. Moses prayed for Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, Jesus to his disciples
- Always in the context of relationships
2 people in close association can cause an impartation if they serve closely in mentoring or ministry one can grow in that anointing.
We tend to get attracted to move in the spirit for certain people.
Impartation is not just about supernatural.
Activation of the gift of the spirit can be in the form of praying in the spirit, so we can flow in the spirit. Ask God to activate that spirit in us right now. When we have the Holy Spirit in us we get the gifts & the fruit of the spirit together
Everyone can be use by God to have any of these gifts.
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