YOUR SIXTH SENSE

THE HOLY SPIRIT: GIVER OF GIFTS

1COR. 12:1-11

Varieties of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the speechless idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed,” and no one is able to say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, 5 and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord, 6 and there are varieties of activities, but the same God, who works all things in all people. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is beneficial to all. 8 For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another ⌊miraculous powers⌋, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues. 11 But in all these things one and the same Spirit is at work, distributing to each one individually just as he wishes.”

INTRODUCTION

Today I want to talk about spiritual gifts. And it doesn’t do the subject justice to try and do this in one message. Because there are so many spiritual gifts, all given by the HS for the work of ministry and the glory of God, that one would have to commit to a couple weeks at least. When it comes to spiritual gifts, we usually tend to focus on 1Corinthians 12:1-11. And then we skip right over chapter 13 and leave it for weddings. But chapter 13 is there for a reason, and that reason is pivotal for our understanding of the use of spiritual gifts.

1.0 THERE IS A VARIETY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS BUT ALL FOR ONE PURPOSE – TO GLORIFY JESUS! (LET’S FOCUS ON THE PURPOSE)

1.1 The Corinthians were a very status-conscious, success-driven, competitive church, so they sought after the gifts of the Spirit as a way of distinguishing themselves from and raising themselves above their fellow Christians.

Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed,” and no one is able to say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, 5 and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord…”

1.2 So, we must not seek after the things of the Spirit with impure, selfish motives. He is not a thing or a power to be owned for our personal use and motives. Rather, he’s a power that owns us for the service and glory of God. Simon the sorcerer made that mistake and was rebuked by the apostles (Acts 8:9-10, 18). He thought he could buy the power.

1.3 The sole purpose for the gifts is for the glory of our king – not for our personal agenda.

2.0 THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MINISTRIES AND WAYS IN WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES AND WORKKS THRU PEOPLE

2.1 I have never seen a deliverance, or a healing ministry listed in the bible per se, but the Holy Spirit clearly anoints certain people with a particular strength in those areas.

a. Songwriting – Hymns old and new

b. Composing music – Beethoven, Bach and the classics

c. Artistic creativity – Spirit inspired art

d. Financial management – Joseph (maybe a wisdom gift in operation)

e. Architecture – Bezalel and Aholiab (Ex 35)

f. Leadership

2.2 None of these are listed as spiritual gifts, but it’s the same Holy Spirit that gives skill and anointing to people to perform exceptionally in these areas. This is what Paul meant when he said:

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

2.3 Variety of activities speaks to the way in which the Holy Spirit may move in different settings. (Hugo Chan on the Chinese church).

3.0 WHEN THE GIFTS ARE IN OPERATION CHRIST IS GLORIFIED AND EVERYONE BENEFITS (7-10).

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is beneficial to all

3.1 This is only understood when we see ourselves as one, each part having a vital connection to the other. This is the reason why Paul went on to talk about the body being one and making a comparison with the church.

3.2

4.0 SPIRITUAL GIFTS CAN BE GIVEN THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE LAYING ON OF HANDS (ROM.1:11).

4.1 11 For I desire to see you, in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, in order to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be encouraged together with you through ⌊our mutual faith⌋, both yours and mine. Rom 1:11-12

CONCLUSION