The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Part 2
Memory Passage
because those who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a
slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry,
"Abba, Father."
Romans 8:14-15
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12
Please refer to your Bible.
Insights
"In our own time, these 'action gifts' (spiritual gifts) have become as much an
arena of debate and disagreement as (the sacraments) were in earlier church
history. Two things may be said here by way of preliminary comment on this
vexed area of discussion. Central to the exercise of any gift of the Spirit is the
ministry of the word given to God's people. There is no comprehensive list of
the gifts of the Spirit in any one passage of the New Testament. But in the lists
which do exist (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 28-30; Eph. 4:11, 1 Pet. 4:10-11),
it is clear enough that the ministry of God's revelatory word is central to the use
of all other gifts; it stabilizes and nourishes them; they give expression to that
word in various ways." -Sinclair Ferguson, The Holy Spirit
Consider this!
There has been great controversy and disagreement over spiritual gifts,
especially the sign gifts. ".the ministry of God's revelatory word is central to
the use of all other gifts; it stabilizes and nourishes them; they give expression
to that word in various ways." In other words, gifts are an expression of the
truth in the Word of God. Unless the exercise of spiritual gifts results in the
truth of God's Word being revealed in the life of the one who exercises his/her
gifts and in those who receive the ministry of the gifts, the gifts and the one
gifted must be examined and corrected.
Personal Reflection
- Read the passages listed above that identify the spiritual gifts. List your
spiritual gifts. If you do now know your spiritual gifts, contact a friend and ask
them for their perspective.
- As you study the Scriptures, what passages help encourage you in your
giftedness, or clarify the use of your gifts?
- Many times the incorrect use of the gifts develops when we disregard scripture
and act upon feelings or special revelations "from the Lord" that are contrary to
God's Word. How can you guard yourself from error so that you can be fully
effective for the ministry God gives you?
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