THE HOLY
SPIRIT:
WONDERFUL
GIFT-GIVER
Check
Your
Knowledge
About
Spiritual
Gifts
The
Apostle
Paul
encountered
Jesus on
the
Damascus
Road and
was born
again;
three
days
later in
the
Damascus
Room
through
the
laying-on-of-hands
by
Ananias.
he
encountered
the Holy
Spirit
and
received
the
Spirit's
baptism.
Later,
this
same man
wrote an
84 verse
treatise
on
spiritual
gifts. I
Corinthians
12,13,14.
His
Biblical
explanation
provides
the most
comprehensive,
authoritative
information
we have
on the
subject.
More
importantly,
It is
the only
resource
bearing
the seal
of
Divine
Authorship.
All
conflicting
opinions,
no
matter
how
cherished
or
long-established,
are but
human
speculation
and must
be
discarded.
Scripture
is our
final,
absolute
authority.
The
Apostle
begins
his
dissertation
with the
plea:
"Now
concerning
spiritual
gifts,
brethren,
I do not
want you
to be
ignorant."
12:1.
Interestingly,
this
appeal
that we
"not be
ignorant"
appears
seven
times in
the New
Testament
concerning
different
topics.
Once, it
is by
Peter
and six
times by
Paul.
Each
time,
the
request
reveals
an
especially
deep
concern
of the
writer.
Its’
appearance
here
should
command
the
attention
of every
conscientious
believer.
The
Apostle
then
proceeds
carefully
to
detail
the
operation
of nine
grace-works
of the
Spirit.
These
are the
direct
result
of the
Spirit's
baptism.
Having
defended
the need
and
purpose
of the
gifts,
Paul
then
concludes
his
discourse
with the
stirring
rebuke,
"But if
anyone
is
ignorant,
let him
be
ignorant!"
14:38.
In other
words,
he says,
"After
this
careful
explanation
of
spiritual
gifts,
if
anyone
refuses
to
learn, I
have
nothing
more to
say to
him. Let
him
remain
illiterate!"
Paul
seemingly
anticipated
that
some
believers
would
reject
his
teaching
on
miraculous
works of
the
Spirit
and
added
this
harsh
warning:
"If
anyone
thinks
himself
to be a
prophet
or
spiritual,
let him
acknowledge
that the
things
which I
write to
you are
the
commandments
of the
Lord."
I
Corinthians
14:37.
What are
the
"commandments"
of which
he
speaks?
The
answer:
The
Apostolic
teachings
on
spiritual
gifts. I
Corinthians
12 and
14 speak
with
God's
authority
as much
as any
other of
Paul's
writings.
We are
no more
at
liberty
to
reject
these
Biblically
mandated
instructions
than any
other
commandment
of the
Lord.
Until
recent
years,
there
was
probably
no other
subject
about
which
the
Church
was more
ignorant
than
that of
spiritual
gifts.
Instead
of
heeding
Paul's
instruction,
the
modern
Church
has
engaged
in open
warfare
against
them.
This was
done in
spite of
Paul's
exhortation
that we:
1.
"Earnestly
desire
spiritual
gifts."
I
Corinthians
12:31.
2.
"Pursue
love,
and
desire
spiritual
gifts,
especially
that you
may
prophesy."
14:1.
3.
"Since
you are
zealous
for
spiritual
gifts,
let it
be for
the
edification
of the
church
that you
seek to
excel."
14:12.
These
admonitions
do not
indicate
the
reluctance
that
typifies
the
modern
church's
attitude
against
spiritual
gifts.
There
was no
such
lukewarmness
on the
part of
Paul or
the
Corinthians.
Identically,
believers
today
are
encouraged
to
exercise
the
gifts
for the
benefit
of
everyone:
"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
gifts of
healings
by the
same
Spir it,
to
another
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 each
one
individually
as He
wills
... But
if
anyone
is
ignorant,
let him
be
ignorant."
I
Corinthians
12:1;4-11;38.
The
argument
immediately
arises,
"These
gifts
passed
away.
They are
no
longer
valid."
Paul did
not
believe
that.
Nor does
the New
Testament
teach
it. In
the
introduction
of his
Corinthian
letters
(29
chapters
and
longest
of all
New
Testament
writings)
Paul
exhorted
believers
to " ...
Come
short in
no gift,
eagerly
waiting
for the
revelation
of our
Lord
Jesus
Christ."
I
Corinthians
1:7. In
that
brief
statement,
Paul
equated
the
duration
of
spiritual
gifts to
be the
same
length
as the
Church's
waiting
for
Jesus'
return.
Examine
it for
yourself.
This is
precisely
what the
Apostle
said.
There is
probably
no
greater
ignorance
in the
Church
today
than of
spiritual
gifts
and
Jesus'
offer of
the
Baptism
in the
Holy
Spirit.
You may
ask,
“Why do
I need
the
baptism
in the
Spirit
and the
imparting
of
spiritual
gifts?”
Here are
a few of
the many
reasons:
1. Jesus
said you
needed
it.
2.
Without
it, you
are an
incomplete
disciple.
3. Good
as you
presently
are, you
will be
better
with it.
4. You
need to
be moved
out of "soulish"
effort
into
spiritual
effort.
5. The
baptism
in the
Spirit
releases
power in
your
life
which
can be
had no
other
way.
6. Once
you,
your
family,
friends,
recover
from the
shocking,
personal
change
the
baptism
brings
to your
life,
everyone
will
recognize
you are
a better
person.
7. The
Bible
teaches
it.
Early
Christians
depended
on it.
History
confirms
it.
On the
Day of
Ascension,
Jesus
told the
disciples
at the
Mount of
Olives,
"John
truly
baptized
with
water,
but you
shall be
baptized
with the
Holy
Spirit
not many
days
from now
... You
shall
receive
power
when the
Holy
Spirit
has come
upon
you."
Acts
1:5,6.
In a
single
statement,
Jesus
connected
baptism
in the
Spirit
to the
imparting
of His
power.
That
wonderful
event
occurred
on the
day of
Pentecost
when 120
disciples
in the
Upper
Room
received
the
blessing.
Scripture
carefully
explains
that
others
who were
not
present
at
Pentecost
experienced
the same
emp
owering
later.
That
included
the
Samaritans,
Acts
8:14-17,
Saul of
Tarsus,
Acts
9:17,
the
household
of
Cornelius,
Acts
10:44,
and the
Ephesians,
Acts
19:1-7.
Young
Timothy
followed
the
example.
II
Timothy
1:6.
Identically,
today,
multiplied
millions
around
the
world
have
stepped
into the
Spirit's
wondrous
baptism.
We are
told
seven
times in
the New
Testament
to “be
not
ignorant.”
The same
Greek
word for
"ignorance,"
agnoeo,
is used
in all
seven
references
though
the King
James
version
is
probably
the only
one that
translates
it
consistently.
If you
listen
carefully
you can
detect
the
similarity
between
agnoeo
and
ignore.
(agno/igno).
It
simply
means
"not to
know;"
that
ignorance
can come
from
lack of
information,
inadequate
intelligence,
or
willful
rejection
of
truth.
These
seven
topics
are
fundamental
to the
Church.
Notice
they are
in
pairs.
Two
concern
Israel,
two
concern
the
gospel,
two
foretell
the end
of the
earth,
and the
final
topic, #
7, the
Church's
spiritual
gifts.
Sincere
Christians
cannot
deny the
value of
any. In
all
probability
there is
no one
topic
about
which
Christianity
at large
is more
ignorant
than
spiritual
gifts.
Quoting
from the
King
James
Version,
the
seven
are:
1.
Israel's
rejection
and
restoration;
Gentile
fullness:
"For I
would
not,
brethren,
that ye
should
be
ignorant
of this
mystery,
lest ye
should
be wise
in your
own
conceits,
that
blindness
in part
is
happened
to
Israel,
until
the
fullness
of the
Gentiles
be come
in."
Romans
11:25.
2.
Israel's
dual
baptism
in the
cloud
and sea:
"Moreover,
brethren,
I would
not that
ye
should
be
ignorant,
how that
all our
fathers
were
under
the
cloud,
and all
passed
through
the sea;
And were
all
baptized
unto
Moses in
the
cloud
and in
the
sea." I
Corinthians
10:1.
Israel's
baptism
unto
Moses in
the
cloud
and sea
portrays
Christian
baptism
unto
Christ
in the
Spirit
and
water.
The
parallel
is
exact.
3.
Opposition
to the
gospel
in Asia:
"For we
would
not,
brethren,
have you
ignorant
of our
trouble
which
came to
us in
Asia:
that we
were
pressed
out of
measure,
above
strength,
insomuch
that we
despaired
even of
life."
II
Corinthians
1:8.
Types of
opposition
which
Paul
experienced:
A.
Physical
infirmity.
Galatians
4:13-15.
B.
Stoning,
shipwreck.
II
Corinthians
11:23-28.
C.
"Contemptible
speech."
II
Corinthians
10:10.
D.
"Thorn
in the
flesh."
II
Corinthians
12:7.
E. "
Weakness,
fear,"
etc. I
Corinthians
2:3.
F.
Persecutions.
II
Timothy
3:11.
G.
Apostolic
division.
Acts
15:36-40.
4.
Opposition
to the
Gospel
in
Europe:
"Now I
would
not have
you
ignorant,
brethren,
that
oftentimes
I
purposed
to come
unto you
(but was
let
hitherto),
that I
might
have
some
fruit
among
you
also,
even as
among
other
Gentiles."
Romans
1:13.
Reasons
for the
opposition:
A. To
prevent
Paul's
impartation
of
spiritual
gifts.
1:11.
B. To
han
dicap
the
gospel’s
bringing
salvation.
1:16.
C. To
stop
believers
from
living
"by
faith."
1:17
5.
Jesus'
Second
Coming;
Resurrection
of the
saints:
"But I
would
not have
you to
be
ignorant,
brethren,
concerning
them
which
are
asleep,
that ye
sorrow
not,
even as
others
which
have no
hope." I
Thessalonians
4:13.
6. The
"thief
in the
night"
destruction
of the
earth:
"But,
beloved,
be not
ignorant
of this
one
thing,
that one
day is
with the
Lord as
a
thousand
years,
and a
thousand
years as
one day
... But
the day
of the
Lord
will
come as
a thief
in the
night
..." II
Peter
3:8,10.
II Peter
3:3-5.
"Knowing
this
first,
that
there
shall
come in
the last
days
scoffers,
walking
after
their
own
lusts,
And
saying,
Where is
the
promise
of his
coming?
For
since
the
fathers
fell
asleep,
all
things
continue
as they
were
from the
beginning
of the
creation.
For this
they
willingly
are
ignorant
of, that
by the
word of
God the
heavens
were of
old, and
the
earth
standing
out of
the
water
and in
the
water."
7. The
Holy
Spirit's
miraculous
gifts to
the
Church:
"Now
concerning
spiritual
gifts,
brethren,
I would
not have
you
ignorant."
I
Corinthians
12:1.
The New
Testament
contains
six
passages
in which
gifts of
the
Spirit
are
identified.
Since
the New
Testament
is a
Covenant,
not
merely a
book–inalterably
ratified
by the
sprinkling
of the
blood of
Christ--not
of bulls
and
goats,
all
these
gifts
are
still
active;
none
have
been
removed.
Hebrews
9:19-26.<
o:p>
1. 1
Corinthians
12:8-12:
“For to
one is
given
the word
of
wisdom
through
the
Spirit,
to
another
the word
of
knowledge
through
the same
Spirit,
to
another
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 each
one
individually
as He
wills.”
2. 1
Corinthians
12:28.
“And God
has
appointed
these in
the
church:
first
apostles,
second
prophets,
third
teachers,
after
that
miracles,
then
gifts of
healings,
helps,
administrations,
varieties
of
tongues.”
3.
Romans
12:6-9.
“Having
then
gifts
differing
according
to the
grace
that is
given to
us, let
us use
them: if
prophecy,
let us
prophesy
in
proportion
to our
faith;
or
ministry,
let us
use it
in our
ministering;
he who
teaches,
in
teaching;
he who
exhorts,
in
exhortation;
he who
gives,
with
liberality;
he who
leads,
with
diligence;
he who
shows
mercy,
with
cheerfulness.”
4.
Ephesians
4:11-12.
“And He
Himself
gave
some to
be
apostles,
some
prophets,
some
evangelists,
and some
pastors
and
teachers...”
5. 1
Corinthians
7:7.
“For I
wish
that all
men were
even as
I myself
(unmarried).
But each
one has
his own
*gift
from
God, one
in this
manner
and
another
in that.
1
Corinthians
7:7. *c
hárisma
ek Theoú
6. 1
Peter
4:9-12.
“Be
hospitable
to one
another
without
grumbling.
As each
one has
received
a gift,
minister
it to
one
another,
as good
stewards
of the
manifold
grace of
God. If
anyone
speaks,
let him
speak as
the
oracles
of God.
If
anyone
ministers,
let him
do it as
with the
ability
which
God
supplies,
that in
all
things
God may
be
glorified
through
Jesus
Christ,
to whom
belong
the
glory
and the
dominion
forever
and
ever.
Amen.”
List Of
Gifts
and
Times
Mentioned.
1. Word
of
wisdom.
1
2. Word
of
Knowledge.
1
3.
Faith. 1
4. Gifts
of
healings.
2
5.
Miracles.
2
6.
Prophecy.
4
7.
Discerning
of
Spirits.
1
8.
Tongues.
2
9.
Interpretation
of
tongues.
1
10.
Apostles.
2
11.
Prophets.
2
12.
Teachers.
3
13.
Helps. 1
14.
Administrations.
1
15.
Ministry.
2
16.
Exhortation.
1
17.
Giving.
1
18.
Leading.
1
19.
Mercy. 1
20.
Hospitality
1
21.
Speaking.
1
22.
Chastity.
1
It is
probable
that
“speaking”
and
“exhortation”
are the
same
gift; so
also
with
“giving”
and
“hospitality.”
There is
a
blurring
of
distinction
between
others.
While
prophecy
is
mentioned
four
times,
teaching
three
times,
and the
other
gifts a
lessor
number,
we are
expected
to
believe
all of
them
without
challenge.
If the
Bible
says
something
one time
only we
are to
believe
it
without
question.
THE
ARGUMENT
AGAINST
THE GIFT
OF
TONGUES.
“Whether
there
are
prophecies,
they
will
fail;
whether
there
are
tongues,
they
will
cease;
whether
there is
knowledge,
it will
vanish
away.
For
we20know
in part
and we
prophesy
in part.
But when
that
which is
perfect
has
come,
then
that
which is
in part
will be
done
away
...” I
Corinthians
13:8-10.
Those
who
oppose
gifts of
the
Spirit
frequently
quote
the
passage
above to
defend
their
position.
Though
an
invalid
claim,
it is
their
only
defense.
The
assumption
is,
“That
which is
perfect”,
is a
reference
to the
completed
New
Testament
and that
tongues
were
removed
when the
canon
was
complete.
I find
great
conflict
in
believing
that
Paul's
Corinthian
letter
was
written
by
inspiration
of the
Holy
Spirit”(
I Peter
1:21)
but when
‘the
Bible
was
perfected’--completed--those
‘perfect’
writings
about
prophecy,
tongues,
knowledge,
became
imperfect.
My
question
is this:
How can
the
Bible
qualify
to being
'that
which is
perfect'
if it
contains
passages
which
are
erroneous
and
unsafe
for us
to
believe?
If this
claim be
so–that
perfect
Bible
writings
became
imperfect
when
“that
which is
perfect
had
come”--we
have a
crisis
that
throws
us
completely
out of
authentic
theology
and into
irrationality.
The key
is the
word
“then”–which
is used
three
times in
the
text–and
in all
three
instances
referring
to the
same
future
date.
Observe
the
times it
appears:
“When
that
which is
perfect
has
come,
Then
that
which is
in part
will be
done
away ...
For now
we see
in a
mirror,
dimly,
but Then
face to
face.
Now I
know in
part,
but Then
I shall
know
just as
I also
am
known.”
I
Corinthians
13:10,12.
All
three
times
the word
'then'
appears,
it
points
to the
same
future
perfection.
Question:
Have we
come to
the time
when we
no
longer
‘see in
a
mirror,
dimly,’
“but
'face to
face'?.
No. Have
we come
to the
time
when we
no
longer
know 'in
part'
but 'as
I also
am
known'?
No, Then
we have
not yet
come to
the time
when
'that
which is
perfect
has
come'.
Thankfully,
knowledge
has not
yet
vanished
away.
The
Following
Scriptures
Speak Of
The Holy
Spirits
“Gifts”.
WHICH
ONES ARE
YOU
WILLING
TO
DISCARD?
Acts
2:38.
Then
Peter
said to
them,"Repent,
and let
every
one of
you be
baptized
in the
name of
Jesus
Christ
for the
remission
of sins;
and you
shall
receive
the gift
of the
Holy
Spirit.
Acts
8:20. 20
But
Peter
said to
him,
"Your
money
perish
with
you,
because
you
thought
that the
gift of
God
could be
purchased
with
money!
Acts
10:45.
And
those of
the
circumcision
who
believed
were
astonished,
as many
as came
with
Peter,
because
the gift
of the
Holy
Spirit
had been
poured
out on
the
Gentiles
also.
Acts
11:17.
If
therefore
God gave
them the
same
gift as
He gave
us when
we
believed
on the
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
who was
I that I
could
withstand
God?"
Romans
1:11.
For I
long to
see you,
that I
may im
part to
you some
spiritual
gift, so
that you
may be
established
—
Romans
5:15.
But the
free
gift is
not like
the
offense.
For if
by the
one
man's
offense
many
died,
much
more the
grace of
God and
the gift
by the
grace of
the one
Man,
Jesus
Christ,
abounded
to many.
Romans
5:16.
And the
gift is
not like
that
which
came
through
the one
who
sinned.
For the
judgment
which
came
from one
offense
resulted
in
condemnation,
but the
free
gift
which
came
from
many
offenses
resulted
in
justification.
Romans
5:17.
For if
by the
one
man's
offense
death
reigned
through=2
0the
one,
much
more
those
who
receive
abundance
of grace
and of
the gift
of
righteousness
will
reign in
life
through
the One,
Jesus
Christ.
Romans
5:18.
Therefore,
as
through
one
man's
offense
judgment
came to
all men,
resulting
in
condemnation,
even so
through
one
Man's
righteous
act the
free
gift
came to
all men,
resulting
in
justification
of life.
Romans
6:23.
For the
wages of
sin is
death,
but the
gift of
God is
eternal
life in
Christ
Jesus
our
Lord.
1
Corinthians
1:7. So
that you
come
short in
no gift,
eagerly
waiting
for the
revelation
of our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
1
Corinthians
7:7. For
I wish
that all
men were
even as
I
myself.
But each
one has
his own
gift
from
God, one
in this
manner
and
another
in that.
1
Corinthians
13:2.
And
though I
have the
gift of
prophecy,
and
understand
all
mysteries
and all
knowledge,
and
though I
have all
faith,
so that
I could
remove
mountains,
but have
not
love, I
am
nothing.
2
Corinthians
9:15.
Thanks
be to
God for
His
indescribable
gift!
Ephesians
2:8. For
by grace
you have
been
saved
through
faith,
and that
not of
yourselves;
it is
the gift
of God,
Ephesians
3:7. Of
which I
became a
minister
according
to the
gift of
the
grace of
God
given to
me by
the
effective
working
of His
power.
Ephesians
4:7. But
to each
one of
us grace
was
given
according
to the
measure
of
Christ's
gift.
Philippians
4:17.
Not that
I seek
the
gift,
but I
seek the
fruit
that
abounds
to your
account.
&n bsp;
1
Timothy
4:14. Do
not
neglect
the gift
that is
in you,
which
was
given to
you by
prophecy
with the
laying
on of
the
hands of
the
eldership.
Hebrews
6:4. For
it is
impossible
for
those
who were
once
enlightened,
and have
tasted
the
heavenly
gift,
and have
become
partakers
of the
Holy
Spirit.
2
Timothy
1:6.
Therefore
I remind
you to
stir up
the gift
of God
which is
in you
through
the
laying
on of my
hands.
James
1:17.
Every
good
gift and
every
perfect
gift is
from
above,
and
comes
down
from the
Father
of
lights,
with
whom
there is
no
variation
or
shadow
of
turning.
My final
word is
this:
“As each
one has
received
a gift,
minister
it to
one
another,
as good
stewards
of the
manifold
grace of
God.” 1
Peter
4:10. As
a
conscientious
Christian,
you want
to serve
God and
His
people
by
allowing
the free
demonstration
of His
gifts in
you.
Being
religious
is not
what He
seeks
from
you. He
wants
genuine
spirituality
to be
the
hallmark
of your
life.
That can
only
happen
when His
gifts
are free
to
glorify
Jesus
through
you. Do
it!
