Discipleship Series-THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT Part 2

 For Bethel's Bible Study Part 2 of the Discipleship Series, The Gifts Of The Spirit was taught by Bro. Jonathan Walker. As I have done in times past, I will share portions of the lesson directly from the Bethel App where the entire lesson is posted. 

 The gift of prophecy – An anointed utterance from God that can be either a foretelling or a forthtelling. 1. Forthtelling is to proclaim, exhort or announce a message under the inspiration of God. When we preach, teach, or witness and testify to others, we are in essence forthtelling or prophesying. 2. Foretelling, on the other hand, is to proclaim or announce an event that has not yet occurred. This type of prophecy is to foretell and prognosticate future situations. 3. In Acts 21:9-12, we read of a prophet in the church named Agabus who foretold by the power of the Holy Ghost what would happen to Paul if he journeyed to Jerusalem. 4. The gift of prophecy, in both its foretelling and forthtelling manifestations, is spoken in the common language of the specific church to whom the prophecy is being directed. 5. True prophecy is always consistent and harmonious with the Word of God. It never replaces, contradicts or diminishes the Bible. All prophecy is subject to and subordinate to the Word of God and never supersedes authentic doctrinal teaching or spiritual leadership. 6. The gift of prophecy, when used properly, brings edification, exhortation, and comfort to the Church. • 1 Corinthians 14:3, 5 – “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”

Divers kinds of tongues – Speaking in tongues is a supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit through a human being in a language not learned or understood by the speaker. For the church to be edified, there must be an interpretation of the “tongue.”

• 1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” • 1 Corinthians 14:4 – “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”  The gift of tongues is a separate endowment, distinct and apart from these previous uses of tongues. The gift of tongues is when a message in tongues is given to the church, to be followed later by an interpretation of the message. The apostle Paul taught extensively in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 on the proper use of the gift of tongues for church edification.

. On occasion, a person who has received this gift will feel an unction to deliver a message in tongues in a public worship service. a. The recipient of this gift must operate the gift decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). b. The person must also know the difference in being inspired to speak in tongues during a service for personal prayer or praise and being anointed to speak a message in tongues to the entire congregation. Knowing the difference between these two functions is crucial. c. Use of this gift should not hinder, interrupt or stop the flow of worship in a service, but should increase faith and worship.

The gift of interpretation of tongues – By this gift a Holy Ghost-filled person interprets (not translates) a message that has been delivered in tongues to the Church. 1. This gift is called the “interpretation” of tongues, not the “translation” of tongues. It is not a word-forword transliteration, but instead it is a revealing of the idea, the thought or intent of the message. 2. The interpretation is often filtered through the individual’s personality, education and speech patterns. God does not necessarily reveal the translation word by word, but more frequently He reveals it as a thought, a subject, or a theme, and the interpreter expresses the theme in his or her own words. 3. The message revealed by the interpretation of tongues must always be consistent with the Word of God

 The gift of Faith – This gift is a supernatural measure of faith above and beyond the faith that all of us normally possess as children of God.

 The gift of faith is a supernatural portion of confidence and trust in God that surpasses all reason – this gift has the power to look absolute impossibilities in the face and still maintain complete confidence in God. 1. The gift of faith is not used solely for miracles – it also provides strength and courage to help us “keep going on” when all hope is gone; to stand firm on God’s Word when things don’t go our way; to keep “fighting the good fight of faith” even when we don’t see the results we desire to see.

The gifts of Healing – When the gifts of healing are in operation, God miraculously removes the cause of disease or affliction and healing takes place. 1. It is important to note that this impartation is listed in the plural – “gifts of healing.” There are different kinds of gifts of healing, and each is manifested and operated in its own unique way.

Healing can occur when the elders of the church anoint with oil. • James 5:14-15 – “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

. The gift of Working of Miracles – This gift is an activation of God’s power to effect an immediate, supernatural event. Miracles are events that contradict the known laws of nature. 1. There are many different kinds of miracles. In fact, the gift of Working of Miracles is unlimited in its scope and variety. 2. Through the gift of the working of miracles: • Bodies have been healed • Lives have been spared in accidents • Jobs have been acquired • Babies have been born • Marriages have been saved • Financial needs have been met • People have been brought back to life • The gospel has been preached

 Through the gift of Working of Miracles Eutychus was raised from the dead (Acts 20:9-10); Dorcas was raised from the dead (Acts 9:39-40); Philip was transported to Azotus after ministering to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39); Peter escaped from prison (Acts 12:5-11); and Paul and Silas escaped from prison (Acts 16:25-26). 5. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of “following after miracles” or becoming “sensation seekers.” Signs and miracles are not verification or proof that someone or something is “of God.” • Matthew 24:24 – “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

There are also other non-specific gifts of the Spirit, such as “gifts of helps” and “gifts of governments” that are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28. These gifts are listed as plural and include a wide range of endowments and faculties. 2. Our desire to receive spiritual gifts must be motivated by a desire to bless and edify the body of Christ. • 1 Corinthians 14:12 – “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

The validity and authenticity of these wonderful Gifts of the Spirit are without question. The gifts of the Spirit, under proper direction, are vital ministries of the church. Paul’s teachings and admonitions serve to guide us in the proper operation of these supernatural gifts. The pastor and ministerial leadership of the church must always have the oversight and administration of the operation of these gifts, insuring that all things should be done decently and in order. We must be challenged by the Word to covet the best gifts and to allow God to use these gifts through us for His divine purpose.

God is good.