Understanding and Embracing the Gifts of the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in the Godhead Reflects in Spiritual Gifts

The unity within the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a profound mystery that is mirrored in the operation of spiritual gifts. These gifts are not random or chaotic but are a reflection of the divine harmony and purpose within the Trinity. The Holy Spirit, as a person, desires to work through believers to manifest these gifts, which are essential for the edification of both the church and the individual believer. This unity calls us to recognize the interconnectedness of our spiritual lives and the gifts we are given, urging us to use them in a way that promotes unity and growth within the body of Christ. [33:01]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: How can you actively seek to promote unity in your church community through the use of your spiritual gifts today?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit as a Personal Presence

The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or force but a person with emotions and a personality who dwells within us. This indwelling presence makes heaven accessible to us at all times, empowering us to operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Understanding the Holy Spirit as a personal presence changes how we interact with Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship where we can experience His guidance and empowerment in our daily lives. This relationship is foundational for bringing heaven's reality into our earthly experience. [34:45]

John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more personal relationship with the Holy Spirit today, acknowledging His presence in your life?

Day 3: The Multifaceted Gift of Tongues

The gift of tongues operates in three distinct ways: as a personal prayer language, as a means of speaking in another language for the benefit of others, and as a gift for the church that requires interpretation. Each operation serves a unique purpose and should be exercised with wisdom and discernment. Understanding these different facets helps believers to use the gift appropriately, ensuring that it contributes to the edification of the church and aligns with the Spirit's leading. [47:25]

1 Corinthians 14:13-15 (ESV): "Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also."

Reflection: How can you discern the appropriate context for using the gift of tongues in your spiritual practice today?

Day 4: Prophecy as a Greater Gift

Prophecy is considered greater than tongues unless tongues are interpreted, turning them into prophecy. This is because prophecy directly edifies the church by providing edification, exhortation, and comfort. It is a gift that should be desired earnestly as a means of building up the body of Christ. The role of prophecy is to bring clarity and encouragement, helping believers to grow in their faith and understanding of God's will. [58:34]

1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church."

Reflection: What steps can you take to earnestly desire and pursue the gift of prophecy for the edification of your church community?

Day 5: Clarity and Order in Spiritual Gifts

The gifts of the Spirit are meant to bring clarity, not confusion, to the church. They should be exercised in love and order, ensuring that they contribute to the edification and unity of the church community. This requires a commitment to understanding and using the gifts responsibly, always with the aim of building up the body of Christ. When exercised properly, spiritual gifts can transform a church community, fostering an environment of growth, unity, and love. [01:16:31]

1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV): "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your use of spiritual gifts today contributes to clarity and order within your church community?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the often-debated topic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy. These gifts, often misunderstood and controversial, are crucial for the edification of the church and the individual believer. We began by emphasizing the unity within the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and how this unity is reflected in the operation of spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit, as a person, not an influence, is the director of the church age and desires to work through us to manifest these gifts.

We delved into the nature of the Holy Spirit, highlighting that He is a person with emotions and a personality, who lives within us, making heaven accessible to us at all times. The gifts of the Spirit, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14, are not to be ignored. The Bible explicitly instructs us not to be ignorant of these gifts, yet many churches overlook them. The gifts are divided into categories: the mind of God, the hand of God, and the mouth of God, with tongues, interpretation, and prophecy being part of the latter.

The gift of tongues, often the most controversial, operates in three distinct ways: as a personal prayer language, as a means of speaking in another language for the benefit of others, and as a gift for the church that requires interpretation. We discussed the importance of understanding when and how to use these gifts, emphasizing that they should be exercised in love and for the edification of the church. Prophecy, which edifies the church, is considered greater than tongues unless tongues are interpreted, turning them into prophecy.

Ultimately, the gifts of the Spirit should bring clarity, not confusion, to the church. They are meant to build up the body of Christ and should be desired earnestly, with love as the motivating factor. As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of communion with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us in the use of these gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of His people.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in the Godhead and Spiritual Gifts: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit operate in perfect unity, and this unity is reflected in the operation of spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit, as a person, desires to work through us to manifest these gifts, which are crucial for the edification of the church and the individual believer. [33:01]
2. The Nature of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not an influence but a person with emotions and a personality. He lives within us, making heaven accessible to us at all times. This indwelling presence empowers us to operate in the gifts of the Spirit, bringing heaven's reality into our earthly experience. [34:45]
3. Understanding the Gift of Tongues: The gift of tongues operates in three distinct ways: as a personal prayer language, as a means of speaking in another language for the benefit of others, and as a gift for the church that requires interpretation. Each operation serves a unique purpose and should be exercised with wisdom and discernment. [47:25]
4. The Role of Prophecy: Prophecy is considered greater than tongues unless tongues are interpreted, turning them into prophecy. Prophecy edifies the church by providing edification, exhortation, and comfort, and should be desired earnestly as a means of building up the body of Christ. [58:34]
5. Clarity and Order in Spiritual Gifts: The gifts of the Spirit should bring clarity, not confusion, to the church. They are meant to build up the body of Christ and should be exercised in love and order, ensuring that they contribute to the edification and unity of the church community. [01:16:31]
** [76:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:09] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
[31:20] - Focus on Tongues, Interpretation, and Prophecy
[32:22] - Unity in the Godhead
[33:39] - The Holy Spirit as a Person
[34:45] - The Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit
[35:26] - Fruit of the Spirit
[36:06] - Gifts of the Spirit Overview
[37:28] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts
[38:11] - Ignorance of the Gifts
[39:23] - The Role of Idols
[41:02] - Speaking by the Spirit
[42:06] - The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
[43:13] - The Gift of Tongues Explained
[44:24] - The Importance of Love in Gifts
[45:58] - Misconceptions About the Holy Spirit
[47:25] - Three Operations of Tongues
[48:59] - Real-Life Example of Tongues
[50:28] - Interpretation of Tongues
[52:04] - Love as the Motivator
[53:42] - The Importance of Teaching
[55:13] - Praying in the Spirit
[56:51] - The Power of Tongues
[58:34] - Edification Through Prophecy
[60:22] - Seeking Spiritual Gifts
[61:48] - Balancing Prayer and Understanding
[63:22] - Singing in the Spirit
[64:35] - Giving Thanks in the Spirit
[66:07] - Misuse of Spiritual Gifts
[67:35] - The Role of Prophecy in Church
[69:08] - Order in Church Meetings
[70:36] - Tongues as a Sign
[72:23] - Creating a Welcoming Church
[73:41] - Judging Prophecy
[75:09] - Controlling Spiritual Gifts
[76:31] - Conclusion and Prayer

Sermon Clips

1) "He is the director, he being the Holy Spirit, is the director of the church age, right now at this present time. He is a, come on, talk to me, he's a person, not a influence. False religions and cults and even some sects of Christianity will say that the Holy Spirit is an influence. He is not an influence. He's a person. Sixteen times in John chapter 16, Jesus spoke of him as a he, as a person. He possesses all the attributes of God. The only thing he lacks, and I don't even know if you would say it as a concern of lack, okay? But the only thing he doesn't have is a physical bone and flesh body, like you and I. He does have a body. Matthew chapter 3 says that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form. So he does have a body. He is a spirit though." [33:39] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "You never have to worry about being far from heaven because God put heaven in you. Come on, I expect, I got one, woohoo. Come on, how many of you know heaven's in us, praise God? That's fantastic. I don't have to worry about my prayers making it to heaven, why? Because I got the Spirit of God on the inside of me, all right? And so the last several weeks we've been pushing on the gifts and the fruit." [34:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The Bible, it doesn't say don't be ignorant about love. It doesn't say don't be ignorant about salvation. But it does say don't be ignorant about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And it's amazing to me, and I said this last week and I want to make sure I say it again. As a whole, as a whole, as a whole, Big C Church, whole, global church, a lot of churches are ignorant of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And what they do is instead of educating themselves and finding out what the Bible says and finding out what the experiences are, they just either, they take one or two paths. That path is either A, they're not for today, but why is there three chapters dedicated to it if so?" [38:11] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So here's the deal. everybody, we all profit when the gifts of the Spirit are in operation. Come on, talk to me. Absolutely, we should want the gifts. No one would argue, here's what's amazing, no one would argue about if I said, do you think we should all have love, joy, peace, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, against such there is no law. Do you believe we should have those in the church? And I say, oh man, we should have prophecy, tongues, interpretation. But it's the same Bible, y'all. The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Can I get a big amen on that?" [42:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Desiring spiritual gifts with the heart of love is biblical. It's biblical. It's right. It's accurate. Lord, help me operate in the gifts. Here's number two, and I'm giving you a scripture verses with it. Tongues edifies the believer, while prophesying, edifies the church. Does that make sense, everybody? Here's the third thing I want you to hear. The gifts of the Spirit should bring clarification and not confusion in the church. Amen?" [01:16:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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