Empowered Living: Embracing the Gifts of the Spirit

Jan 25, 2020

Devotional

Day 1: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Gateway, Not a Goal

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not the final destination of the Christian journey, but rather the entryway into a life empowered by the supernatural. It is meant to open believers to the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live beyond the limitations of the natural and to experience the fullness of God’s power. The book of Acts demonstrates that the early church was characterized by continual supernatural activity, and this is the model God intends for His people today. Embracing the baptism in the Holy Spirit means stepping into a dynamic relationship with God, where the supernatural becomes a normal part of daily life. [01:06]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what ways have you viewed your spiritual experiences as a finish line rather than a starting point? How can you open yourself today to the ongoing, supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Day 2: The Gifts of the Spirit Are for Everyone’s Benefit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given for personal status or private enjoyment, but for the benefit and building up of the entire body of Christ. Each believer is entrusted with spiritual gifts as a stewardship, and withholding them deprives others of God’s intended blessing. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills, ensuring that every member, regardless of natural ability or social status, has something vital to contribute to the church. When believers earnestly desire and exercise these gifts, the church is strengthened, encouraged, and equipped for its mission. [15:42]

1 Corinthians 12:7, 11 (ESV)
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."

Reflection: What spiritual gift or prompting has God given you that you have hesitated to use? How might you step out in faith today to serve and bless others with what God has entrusted to you?

Day 3: Pursue Love and Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts, Especially Prophecy

Scripture calls believers to pursue love and to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, with a special emphasis on the gift of prophecy. Love is the foundation, but the gifts are the tools God provides for effective ministry. Prophecy, in particular, is highlighted because it edifies the church and brings God’s encouragement, direction, and conviction to His people. When the church gathers, each person is encouraged to come ready to contribute, not just to receive, and to seek the Spirit’s empowerment to build up others. [17:41]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Reflection: Are you actively seeking both to love others and to be used by God in spiritual gifts? What would it look like for you to come to your next gathering ready to encourage or build up someone else?

Day 4: The Purpose and Practice of Tongues and Interpretation

Speaking in tongues is a multifaceted gift that allows direct communication with God, the speaking of mysteries, and personal edification. However, when exercised in the assembly, it is meant to be accompanied by interpretation so that the whole church may be built up. God encourages believers to pray for the ability to interpret, assuring them that He desires to grant this gift for the edification of all. The practice of tongues and interpretation is not reserved for a select few, but is available to all who seek and ask in faith, trusting that God gives good gifts to His children. [21:54]

1 Corinthians 14:13 (ESV)
"Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret."

Reflection: If you have experienced the gift of tongues, have you asked God for the gift of interpretation? How can you take a step of faith today to seek greater understanding and usefulness in the gifts God has given you?

Day 5: Prophecy Brings God’s Encouragement, Direction, and Freedom

Prophecy is a gift through which God speaks encouragement, direction, and freedom to His people. When believers step out in faith to prophesy, even if imperfectly, God uses their obedience to reveal His love, address fears and doubts, and call His people closer to Himself. The exercise of prophecy is a learning process, and God honors those who are willing to act on what they receive, rather than waiting for perfection. As the church responds to God’s prophetic words, it experiences greater intimacy with Him and boldness to fulfill His purposes. [46:46]

1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV)
"On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."

Reflection: Is there a word of encouragement or direction you sense God is prompting you to share with someone? What would it look like to step out in faith and speak that word today, trusting God to use you?

Sermon Summary

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an endpoint, but a gateway into a life marked by the supernatural power of God. This experience is meant to open the door to the gifts of the Spirit, which are essential for living the Christian life as God intended—one that is permeated with the supernatural, as seen throughout the book of Acts. Among these gifts, the vocal gifts—tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy—are particularly significant, not only for personal edification but for the building up of the entire church.

Speaking in tongues serves several purposes: it is direct communication with God, a means of speaking mysteries beyond our understanding, and a way to edify ourselves spiritually. Yet, the gift of tongues extends beyond private prayer; it can be used in public settings as a sign to unbelievers or as a message to the assembly, provided it is followed by interpretation. The gift of interpretation is not a word-for-word translation, but a Spirit-inspired rendering of the sense of what was spoken in tongues, making the message accessible and edifying to all.

Prophecy, on the other hand, is the Spirit-given ability to speak forth words in a known language that do not originate from human understanding. It is a direct channel for God to encourage, direct, and build up His people. The New Testament makes it clear that all believers are encouraged to desire and exercise these gifts, especially prophecy, for the benefit of the church. These gifts are not reserved for the naturally gifted or the spiritually elite; they are tools given by God to every believer, regardless of background or ability, to fulfill their calling and serve the body of Christ.

The exercise of these gifts requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to step beyond natural limitations. It is not about personal achievement, but about stewardship—using what God gives for the profit of all. As believers practice and grow in these gifts, they experience a deeper reality of God’s presence, receive personal direction, and become channels of encouragement and revelation to others. The key is to act on God’s Word, earnestly desire the gifts, and be willing to contribute to the life of the church, trusting that the Holy Spirit will equip and guide each one according to His will.

Key Takeaways

1. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a beginning, not a destination. It is intended to usher believers into a life where the supernatural is normal, equipping them to operate in the gifts of the Spirit and to live beyond the limitations of the natural mind. Settling for the initial experience without pressing into the gifts is to miss the fullness of God’s intention for His people. [01:06]
2. The vocal gifts—tongues, interpretation, and prophecy—are diverse in their operation and purpose. Tongues can be for private communion with God, a sign to unbelievers, or a message to the church, but always require interpretation when given publicly. Interpretation is not mere translation, but Spirit-led communication of God’s message, and prophecy is the direct utterance of God’s heart in a known language. [04:16]
3. Every believer is called to desire and exercise spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, for the edification of the church. The gifts are not toys for personal enjoyment, but tools for ministry and stewardship. Refusing to use them not only limits personal growth but deprives the church of God’s intended blessing through each member. [15:42]
4. The gifts of the Spirit are God’s equalizer in the church, transcending natural abilities and social status. Through the Spirit, the least likely person can become a vessel for God’s voice, demonstrating His justice and wisdom. This challenges us to move beyond our own limitations and to value every member’s contribution in the body of Christ. [19:21]
5. Practicing the gifts, especially interpretation and prophecy, requires faith and a willingness to act on God’s Word. The process is often imperfect and progressive, but God honors those who step out in obedience. The more we practice, the more we grow, and the more the church is built up and encouraged by the living voice of God in our midst. [49:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - The Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Gateway, Not Goal
[02:27] - The Nine Gifts of the Spirit Explained
[03:33] - Three Categories of Spiritual Gifts
[04:16] - The Vocal Gifts: Tongues, Interpretation, Prophecy
[05:15] - Purposes and Functions of Speaking in Tongues
[07:09] - Tongues as a Sign to Unbelievers: Testimonies
[09:18] - Varieties of Tongues and Their Uses
[10:11] - The Gift of Interpretation: Meaning and Practice
[12:27] - Flexibility and Nature of Interpretation
[13:12] - Prophecy: Definition and Distinction
[14:31] - Personal Direction Through Interpretation
[15:42] - Stewardship and Responsibility in Using the Gifts
[17:41] - Pursuing Love and Desiring Spiritual Gifts
[18:34] - Contributing to the Church Through the Gifts
[19:21] - God’s Equalizer: Gifts for All
[20:33] - Encouragement to Interpret: Scriptural Basis
[23:53] - Receiving by Faith: Principles of Petition
[25:09] - Practical Steps to Exercise Interpretation
[27:44] - God’s Desire to Speak Personally
[32:03] - Encouragement to Prophesy: Scriptural Foundations
[33:13] - The Impact of Prophecy on Unbelievers
[34:42] - Learning and Practicing Prophecy
[36:32] - Prayer for Release of Prophetic Gifts
[39:29] - Overcoming Fear and Embarrassment
[42:06] - Acting on Prophetic Words
[46:46] - Prayer for Deliverance from Doubt and Fear
[49:32] - Faith in Exercising the Gifts
[51:16] - Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Vocal Gifts

Bible Reading

- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
(The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; listing the nine gifts of the Spirit.)

- 1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12-13, 24-25, 31, 39
(Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy; instructions on tongues, interpretation, and prophecy in the church.)

- Mark 11:24
(“Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”)

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, what are the nine gifts of the Spirit, and how are they distributed among believers?
What does Paul say is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7?
In 1 Corinthians 14, what does Paul say about the importance of prophecy compared to speaking in tongues?
Based on the sermon, what are the three main purposes of speaking in tongues? ([05:15])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gateway, not a goal. What does it mean for a believer’s spiritual journey if they treat it as a starting point rather than an endpoint? ([01:06])
Why does Paul encourage all believers to desire and exercise spiritual gifts, especially prophecy? How does this challenge the idea that only certain people are “qualified” to be used by God? ([17:41])
The sermon describes the gifts as “tools, not toys.” What are the dangers of treating spiritual gifts as something for personal enjoyment rather than for building up the church? ([15:42])
How does the practice of interpretation and prophecy require faith and obedience, and what might hold someone back from stepping out in these gifts? ([49:32])

Application Questions

The sermon says that settling for the initial experience of the Holy Spirit without pressing into the gifts is to miss the fullness of God’s intention. Have you ever been content to “arrive” spiritually? What would it look like for you to move forward into more of what God has for you? ([01:06])
Every believer is called to desire and exercise spiritual gifts. Do you honestly desire these gifts, especially prophecy? If not, what holds you back from asking God for them? ([17:41])
The gifts of the Spirit are described as God’s “equalizer” in the church, allowing anyone—regardless of background or ability—to be used by God. Have you ever felt unqualified or overlooked in church? How does this teaching challenge your view of yourself and others? ([19:21])
The sermon gives practical steps for exercising the gift of interpretation: speak in tongues, stop, ask God for the interpretation, and then speak it out in faith. Would you be willing to try this in a safe setting? What fears or doubts might you need to overcome? ([25:09])
Prophecy is meant to encourage, direct, and build up others. Can you think of a time when a word from God—through someone else or directly—encouraged or guided you? How did it affect your faith? ([14:31])
The speaker warns that hearing prophecy but not acting on it can make it ineffective. Is there a word or prompting from God that you have not acted on? What would it look like to respond in obedience this week? ([45:23])
The process of growing in the gifts is often “imperfect and progressive.” Are you willing to step out and risk making mistakes as you learn? How can the group support each other in practicing and growing in the gifts? ([44:12])

Sermon Clips

“I believe that in the purposes of God, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is intended to be merely a doorway. There has been discussion in the Pentecostal movement in past years as to whether it was a goal or a gateway. And there was a time when some Pentecostals took the attitude, well, I'm saved, I'm baptized in water, I'm baptized in the Holy Spirit, I speak in tongues, I've arrived. Unfortunately, that's incorrect. And people who think they've arrived have just dropped out, that's all. The baptism is not a goal. It is a gateway. It's not the termination, it's the starting point of a life lived in supernatural power.”

“I believe it is impossible to live the Christian life to the full on the plane of the natural. It is permeated with the supernatural. Every chapter in the book of Acts, and there are 28, contains descriptions of events that are totally supernatural. And the book of Acts is the only official record we have of what the Lord intended the church to be.”

“I believe every believer baptized in the Holy Spirit has the divine right and gift to communicate personally with the Lord in another tongue at any time. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about that. We'll see you in a minute. All right. He that speaketh in another tongue speaketh not to men, but to God. For no man understandeth him, howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. He that speaketh in another tongue edifieth himself.”

“The use of speaking in tongues is to communicate direct with God, to speak mysteries and to build yourself up. If there were no other reasons, those would be sufficient. But I believe that the full gift of kinds of tongues goes on beyond that.”

“Another use of the tongues is as a sign to unbelievers. This is very rare, most charismatics don't think about it. But it happens at times that when God's people are together or God's people are ministering, a believer will speak a language which he doesn't know, but an unbeliever present understands that language. That's a sign to unbelievers.”

“Tongues is a very rich field. Now, we're not going to deal with that any further now, but we're going to go on to the other two vocal gifts, interpreting and prophesying. We need to begin with a definition. The gift of interpretation has no meaning apart from the gift of tongues. But if someone has spoken in an unknown tongue by the Holy Spirit, the gift of interpretation enables either that person or another person, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not through intellectual understanding, to speak out in a known language that which...which was said beforehand in an unknown language.”

“So there's quite a lot of room for flexibility in this area of interpretation. However, it is communicating in a known language the sense of what was said previously in an unknown language. And then prophesying just goes one step further. Prophesying is speaking in a language that is known, words that are given by the Holy Spirit. They do not proceed from human understanding. They are given supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.”

“If you come into this experience and you walk in it, it'll bring you into a new dimension of personal communication with God. I spoke to you yesterday about finding your place and I think I challenged some of you to seek God for your calling. This is one of the ways that God can begin to direct you into your place.”

“If God gives you, let's say, a prophecy, and you're too faint -hearted to give it out, not only have you cheated yourself, but you've cheated the others and the members. of the body of Christ. You see, it's a stewardship. It's not something that you just use if you feel like it for yourself. You're responsible. God may want to speak to your neighbor through you, He may want to speak to the whole assembly, He may want to speak to the preacher.”

“The gifts are not toys, they're tools. You need them to do the job. And if you refuse God's equipment and can't do the job, you're going to be answerable to God for the job you didn't do.”

“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts. But particularly that you may prophesy. Are you particularly desiring this morning to prophesy? If not, you're not obeying Scripture.”

“When God's people come together, we should not come, each of us merely to receive. We should come, each of us, with something to contribute. And one of the main ways we can contribute is out of the gifts of the Spirit. See, that's God's equalizer.”

“But the truth of the matter is God gives you supernatural ability. And Paul says He gives it to the part that needs it most. You have two people in a church. One is a doctor, the other is what we call in Britain a child lady. You wouldn't know what that is, but a cleaning woman. All right, now in the average non -spiritual church, the doctor becomes a deacon, the child lady just sits in a pew. Everybody knows that's her place. But when the Holy Spirit moves, the doctor is still a deacon, but the child lady becomes a prophetess. You see, that's God's wisdom, that's God's justice.”

“Now, if God says, let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret, to me that indicates it's God's will for you to interpret. Otherwise, God wouldn't tell you to do it.”

“If you ask for something good, you will never get something bad. Turn to your neighbour and say that. If you ask for something good, you will never get something bad.”

“Normally when you interpret, it'll take one or other of two forms. It'll either be praise and worship, or it will be God taking your lips and speaking to you. A message for you. Now when I first started this, the percentage used to be about sixty percent praise and worship. About forty percent God speaking to you. But things are changing and now it's the other way round. Which to me is indicative that God wants more and more to speak to His people.”

“The exercise of the gifts of spirit, very few people start exercising them perfectly, but the people who wait to be perfect before they exercise them, never exercise them.”

“What's the good of God speaking if we don't act on what He says? Now, the Lord spoke through Ruth and He said, There are many that have doubts and fears, and you are to lay them aside.”

“Because without faith it is impossible to please God. But if I give the first sentence, then the rest follows. You see?”

“See how consistent the theme is, the love of God, His concern for us, that He wants us to be free from care and fear and to be bold. Amen.”

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