The Holy Spirit
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
· Describe the personality of the Holy Spirit.
· List various names and titles of the Holy Spirit.
· Identify emblems representing the Holy Spirit.
· Describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· List and define the gifts of the Spirit.
· Identify your spiritual gift(s).
· Identify the fruit of the Spirit.
· Identify the works of the flesh.
· Develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCING THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Identify the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity of God.
· List personality traits of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain the nature of the Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSES:
And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water;
and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him;
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased. (Matthew 3:16-17)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the Holy Spirit. It explains His position in the Trinity of God, discusses
His personality traits, and warns about His sensitive nature. As previously noted, the title "Holy
Ghost" is used to identify the Holy Spirit. The personal pronoun "He" is also used, as the Holy
Spirit is one of three persons of the Trinity of God.
Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as "He.” Jesus said:
-He shall speak of me. John 15:26
-I will send Him unto you. John 16:7
-He shall glorify me. John 16:14
-He shall not speak of Himself. John 16:13
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THE TRIUNE NATURE OF GOD
There are many gods worshiped throughout the world, but there is only one true God. The Holy
Bible contains the story of this true God. The Bible is the Word of God which reveals His
special plan for all mankind.
One of the things the Bible reveals is that God has a triune nature. This means His personality is
revealed in three different forms. He is three persons, yet one God. The Holy Spirit is part of
the triune nature of God which consists of the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
The three personalities are united as one in the Godhead.
Each part of the Trinity...the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit...have special
functions on behalf of mankind. This course concerns the ministry and purpose of the Holy
Spirit.*
GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is called God:
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy
Ghost...thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:3-4)
Since He is called God, the Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.
The Key Verses for this chapter reveal clearly the triune nature of God. Jesus is being baptized,
the Holy Spirit descends on Him, and God speaks:
And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:
And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased. (Matthew 3:16-17)
Prior to returning to Heaven after His ministry on earth, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit:
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of
me. (John 15:26)
__________________
* The study of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son is given in a separate Harvestime International Institute
course entitled "Spiritual Strategies.” An outline for study of God and Jesus is also provided in the "For Further
Study" section of this chapter.
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The Apostle Paul spoke of the triune nature of the Holy Spirit:
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God
sending His own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned
sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:2-3)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. (II Corinthians 13:14)
For through Him [the Son] we both have access by one Spirit unto the
Father. (Ephesians 2:18)
The Apostle Peter also spoke of the triune nature of God:
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of
glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on
your part He is glorified. (I Peter 4:14)
The book of Acts also verifies the triune nature of God:
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the
Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now
see and hear. (Acts 2:33)
The following diagram illustrates the triune nature of God. There are three personalities...God
the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit...yet they are one God:
Holy Spirit Son
Father
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NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
As part of the Trinity of God, the Holy Spirit has a special nature. When we speak of His nature
we mean the basic qualities which describe Him. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is:
OMNIPRESENT:
This means He is present everywhere:
Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
(Psalms 139:7)
OMNISCIENT:
This means He knows all things:
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
(I Corinthians 2:10-11)
OMNIPOTENT:
This means the Holy Spirit is all powerful:
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto
God. (Psalms 62:11)
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...
(Acts 1:8)
ETERNAL:
This means He is everlasting. He had no beginning and will have no ending:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
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The eternal nature of the Holy Spirit can be illustrated by a circle. The circle has no starting or
ending points, yet it exists:
The Eternal Nature Of The Holy Spirit
THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is part of the triune nature of God, but the Holy Spirit also has an individual
personality. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit...
HAS A MIND:
And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit...
(Romans 8:27)
SEARCHES OUT THE HUMAN MIND:
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)
HAS A WILL:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every
man severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11)
The will of the Holy Spirit guides believers by denying permission for certain actions:
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; but the
Spirit suffered them not. (Acts 16:6-7)
The will of the Holy Spirit also guides believers by granting permission:
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And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
Gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10)
SPEAKS:
He spoke to Philip:
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
(Acts 8:29)
He spoke to Peter:
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three
men seek thee. (Acts 10:19)
He spoke to the elders in the city of Antioch:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me
Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 records several messages spoken by the Holy Spirit to seven
churches in Asia.
LOVES:
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the
love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for
me. (Romans 15:30)
INTERCEDES:
One of the personality traits of the Holy Spirit is that He is an intercessor. This means He prays
to God on behalf of others:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we
should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered [spoken]. (Romans 8:26)
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SENSITIVITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has a sensitive nature. This means He has feelings that can be affected by the
actions of man. Because of the sensitive nature of the Holy Spirit, the Bible warns that you
should not:
LIE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT:
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy
Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
...Thou has not lied unto me, but unto God. (Acts 5:3-4)
RESIST THE SPIRIT:
The Holy Spirit has specific ministries on behalf of the believer which will be discussed in
Chapter Three of this course. Resisting the Holy Spirit is not yielding to Him when He tries to
minister in your life:
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the
Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)
QUENCH THE SPIRIT:
You quench the Holy Spirit when you refuse to do what the Holy Spirit would have you to do.
The word "quench" is used elsewhere in the Bible in reference to putting out a fire. When you
quench the Holy Spirit it stops the flow of His power within you. It is like throwing water on a
fire. The Bible warns:
Quench not the Spirit. (I Thessalonians 5:19)
GRIEVE THE SPIRIT:
Quenching the Holy Spirit is not doing what the Holy Spirit would have us do. Grieving the
Holy Spirit is doing something that the Holy Spirit does NOT want us to do. The nation of Israel
grieved the Holy Spirit:
How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the
desert! (Psalms 78:40)
The Bible warns:
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And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
INSULT THE SPIRIT:
You insult the Holy Spirit by going back into sin after you have experienced forgiveness through
the blood of Jesus Christ:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of
the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of
the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they
crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.
(Hebrews 6:4-6)
BLASPHEME THE SPIRIT:
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven
unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven
unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven
him; but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven
him, neither in this world neither in the world to come. (Matthew 12:31-32)
The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit has been called the "unpardonable sin" because
according to this passage it is the one sin for which there is no forgiveness. To blaspheme means
to speak abusive words which reject the power of the Holy Spirit as being of God and claim it is
of Satan. If a person totally rejects the power of the Holy Spirit then he can never be saved
because it is the Holy Spirit which draws sinful men to Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit produces many visible confirming signs of God's power. Jesus was saying that
if a person could not accept these miraculous signs as proof of the truth of the Gospel, then what
could ever possibly convince them to believe?
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VEX THE HOLY SPIRIT:
To vex the Holy Spirit means to irritate, annoy, provoke, or make angry. The Holy Spirit is
vexed by the disobedience and unbelief of mankind. The Prophet Isaiah records what happened
to God's people, Israel, when they vexed the Holy Spirit:
But they rebelled, and vexed His Holy Spirit: therefore He was turned to be
their enemy, and He fought against them. (Isaiah 63:10)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. The Holy Spirit is part of the triune nature of God which consists of God
the___________, God the ________, and God the __________ __________.
3. List the six personality traits of the Holy Spirit discussed in this chapter:
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
4. What does it mean when we say the Holy Spirit has "a sensitive nature"?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Because the Holy Spirit has a sensitive nature, the Bible warns that you should not:
_______to the Holy Spirit _________the Spirit. __________the Spirit.
_______the Spirit. __________the Spirit. __________the Spirit.
_______the Spirit.
6. Read the words in list one and the definitions in list two. Write the number of the
definition in front of the word which it best describes. The first is done as an example.
The Triune Nature Of The Holy Spirit
List One List Two
__5__Equal 1. This means He is all powerful.
_____Omnipresent 2. This means He knows all things.
_____Omniscient 3. This means He is present everywhere.
_____Omnipotent 4. This means He is everlasting.
_____Eternal 5. This means He is one with the Father and the Son.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
The subject of this course is the Holy Spirit who is one personality of the Trinity of God. The
following outline will assist you in study of the other two persons of the Trinity, God the Father
and the Son Jesus Christ.
THE TRINITY
God is a triune being composed of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
-The Father testified of the Son: Matthew 3:17
-The Son testified of the Father: John 5:19-20
-The Son testified of the Spirit: John 14:26
GOD THE FATHER
God is Creator of all things: Nehemiah 9:6
NAMES OF GOD:
The word "God" [one who is worshiped] is a title men use to describe the Supreme Being. The
Bible gives several other names for God. In the Bible names are more than an identification.
They are descriptive of the bearer of the name. The names for God include:
Jehovah: Means Lord. The Bible combines this with other names for God:
Jehovah-Rapha: "The Lord that healeth": Exodus 15:26
Jehovah-Nissi: "The Lord our banner": Exodus 17:8-15
Jehovah-Shalom: "The Lord our peace": Judges 6:24
Jehovah-Ra'ah: "The Lord my shepherd": Psalms 23:1
Jehovah-Tsidkenu: "The Lord our righteousness": Jeremiah 23:6
Jehovah-Jireh: "The Lord who provides": Genesis 22:14
Jehovah-Shammah: "The Lord is there": Ezekiel 48:35
Elohim: Which means God; used where the creative power of God is implied:
Father: Acts 17:28; John 1:12-13
Adonai: Means Lord or Master: Exodus 23:17; Isaiah 10:16,33
El: This is often used in combination with other words for God:
El Shaddai: "The God who is sufficient for the needs of His people": Exodus 6:3
Elolam: "The everlasting God": Genesis 21:33
El Elyon: "Most high God, exalted above all other gods": Genesis 14:18-20
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In the Hebrew language in which the Old Testament was written, the word "Yahweh" means
God. This word is combined with other words to reveal more about the character of God. God
is called:
-Yahweh Jireh: "The Lord provides": Genesis 22:14
-Yahweh Nissi: "The Lord is my banner": Exodus 17:15
-Yahweh Shalom: "The Lord is peace": Judges 6:24
-Yahweh Sabbaoth: "The Lord of Hosts": I Samuel 1:3
-Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: "The Lord thy Sanctifier": Exodus 31:13
-Yahweh Roi: "The Lord...my shepherd": Psalms 23:1
-Yahweh Tsidkenu: "The Lord our righteousness": Jeremiah 23:6
-Yahweh Shammah: "The Lord is there": Ezekiel 48:35
-Yahweh Elohim Israel: "The Lord God of Israel": Judges 5:3
-Quadosh Israel: "The Holy One of Israel": Isaiah 1:4
WHERE IS GOD?
God's throne is in a place called Heaven, but He inhabits the whole universe also. God is
everywhere: II Chronicles 16:9; Isaiah 66:1; Proverbs 15:3; Psalms 139:7-8
HOW BIG IS GOD?
God is bigger than the universe. There are no instruments of man that will measure Him: Isaiah
40:12,15,22
ATTRIBUTES OF GOD:
Attributes means characteristics. The attributes of God are listed below. God is:
A spirit: John 4:24
Infinite: [Not subject to human limitations]: I Kings 8:27; Exodus 15:18; Deuteronomy
33:27; Nehemiah 9:5; Psalms 90:2; Jeremiah 10:10; Revelation 4:8-10
One: This means He is a unity of the three persons in one: Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 4:35,39;
6:4; I Samuel 2:2; II Samuel 7:22; I Kings 8:60; II Kings 19:15; Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6-8; I
Timothy 1:17
Omnipotent: Genesis 1:1; 17:1; 18:14; Exodus 15:7; Deuteronomy 3:24; 32:39; I Chronicles
16:25; Job 40:2; Isaiah 40:12-15; Jeremiah 32:17; Ezekiel 10:5; Daniel 3:17; 4:35; Amos 4:13;
5:8; Zechariah 12:1; Matthew 19:26; Revelation 15:3; 19:6
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Omnipresent: Genesis 28:15-16; Deuteronomy 4:39; Joshua 2:11; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 66:1;
Jeremiah 23:23-24; Amos 9:2-4,6; Acts 7:48-49; Ephesians 1:23.
Omniscient: Genesis 18:18,19; II Kings 8:10,13; I Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 94:9; 139:1-16;
147:4-5; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 29:15-16; 40:28; Jeremiah 1:4,5; Ezekiel 11:5; Daniel 2:22,28;
Amos 4:13; Luke 16:15; Acts 15:8,18; Romans 8:27,29; I Corinthians 3:20; II Timothy 2:19;
Hebrews 4:13; I Peter 1:2; I John 3:20
Wise: Psalms 104:24; Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:12; Daniel 2:20-21; Romans 11:33; I
Corinthians 1:24,25,30; 2:6-7; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 2:2-3
Holy: Exodus 15:11; Leviticus 11:44-45; 20:26; Joshua 24:19; I Samuel 2:2: Psalms 5:4;
111:9; 145:17; Isaiah 6:3; 43:14-15; Jeremiah 23:9; Luke 1:49; James 1:13; I Peter 1:15-16;
Revelation 4:8; 15:3-4
Faithful: Exodus 34:6; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:31; Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14; I Samuel
15:29; Jeremiah 4:28; Isaiah 25:1; Ezekiel 12:25; Daniel 9:4; Micah 7:20; Luke 18:7-8; Romans
3:4; 15:8; I Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; II Corinthians 1:20; I Thessalonians 5:24; II Thessalonians
3:3; II Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 6:18; 10:23; I Peter 4:19; Revelation 15:3
Merciful: Titus 3:5; Lamentations 3:22; Daniel 9:9; Jeremiah 3:12; Psalms 32:5; Isaiah 49:13;
54:7
Loving: Deuteronomy 7:8; Ephesians 2:4; Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 49:15-16; Romans 8:39;
Hosea 11:4; Jeremiah 31:3
Good: Psalms 25:8; Nahum 1:7; Psalms 145:9; Romans 2:4; Matthew 5:45; Psalms 31:19; Acts
14:17; Psalms 68:10; 85:5
GOD THE SON, JESUS CHRIST
LIFE OF CHRIST:
The story of Jesus Christ, the Son, is recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Study these books for a complete record of the birth, life, death, and resurrection, and teachings
of Jesus Christ.
TITLES GIVEN JESUS CHRIST:
The name "Jesus" means "Savior or deliverer": Matthew 1:21
The name "Christ" means "the anointed one: John 3:34
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Additional titles given Jesus Christ in the Bible:
-The good shepherd: John 10:11
-Light of the world: John 8:12
-Bread of life: John 6:48
-The way: John 14:6
-The truth: John 14:6
-The life: John 14:6
-The King of kings and Lord of lords: Revelation 19:16
-Son of man: Matthew 17:22
-Son of David: Matthew 1:1
-The last Adam: I Corinthians 15:45
-Dayspring from on high: Luke 1:78
-Son of God: Matthew 16:16
-Only begotten Son: John 3:16
-Chief corner stone: Ephesians 2:20
-Great High Priest: Hebrews 4:14
-The mediator: Hebrews 12:24
-The lion of the tribe of Judah: Revelation 5:5
-The Alpha and Omega [first and last]: Revelation 1:8
-Righteous judge: II Timothy 4:8
-King of the Jews: Mark 15:26
-King of Israel: John 1:49
-Author and Finisher of our faith: Hebrews 12:2
-Blessed and only Potentate: I Timothy 6:15
-Prince of life: Acts 3:15
-Captain of Salvation: Hebrews 2:10
-The Lord: Acts 2:36
-The Savior: John 4:42
-The Christ: Mark 1:1
-The Logos or Word: John 1:1,14
-The Lamb of God: John 1:29
ATTRIBUTES OF JESUS CHRIST:
Because He is part of the Trinity of God, Jesus Christ has the same attributes as God. The Bible
verifies some of these specifically in the following verses. Jesus is:
Omnipotent: Matthew 28:18
Omniscient: Matthew 16:30; John 21:17
Omnipresent: Matthew 18:20; 28:20
Eternal: John 1:1-2; 8:58
Unchangeable: Hebrews 13:8
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DEITY OF JESUS:
The book of John emphasizes the Deity of Jesus, the fact that He was part of the Godhead. Each
chapter makes a reference to this. Read the selected verses on the following page and summarize
each in the space provided:
1:49 _________________________ 11:27 _________________________
2:11 _________________________ 12:32 _________________________
3:16 _________________________ 13:13 __________________________
4:26 _________________________ 14:11 _________________________
5:25 _________________________ 15:1 __________________________
6:33__________________________ 16:28 _________________________
7:29 _________________________ 17:1 __________________________
8:58 _________________________ 18:11 _________________________
9:37 _________________________ 19:7 __________________________
10:30 ________________________ 20:28 _________________________
21:14 _________________________
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CHAPTER TWO
REPRESENTING THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Identify emblems of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain what each emblem represents.
· List titles of the Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSE:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)
INTRODUCTION
The titles and emblems representing the Holy Spirit provide knowledge of His nature and
functions on behalf of the believer. Titles and emblems of the Holy Spirit are the subject of this
chapter as we continue this introduction to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
TITLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A title is a descriptive phrase which explains a person's position and/or function. For example, if
a person has the title of "President" of a country, it explains his position in government and his
function as leader of the nation.
The titles given to the Holy Spirit in the Bible reveal much about His position and function.
The Holy Spirit is called:
THE SPIRIT OF GOD:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)
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THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST:
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God
dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
(Romans 8:9)
THE ETERNAL SPIRIT:
This means the Holy Spirit is everlasting, with no beginning and no end:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH:
The Holy Spirit is the source of truth which inspired God's Word, the Bible. He reveals this truth
to mankind:
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all
truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that
shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. (John 16:13)
THE SPIRIT OF GRACE:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who
hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the
covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace. (Hebrews 10:29)
THE SPIRIT OF LIFE:
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
THE SPIRIT OF GLORY:
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the Spirit of
glory and of God resteth upon you. (I Peter 4:14)
THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION:
The Holy Spirit gives wisdom to believers and reveals knowledge of Jesus Christ:
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That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto
you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
(Ephesians 1:17)
THE COMFORTER:
The Holy Spirit comforts believers in times of trouble, sorrow, and loneliness:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name... (John 14:26)
THE SPIRIT OF PROMISE:
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of promise because He is the Spirit that was sent to fulfill the
promise of God:
And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should
not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which
saith, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy
Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:4-5)
THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS:
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:4)
THE SPIRIT OF FAITH:
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believe and
therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.
(II Corinthians 4:13)
THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION:
It is through the Holy Spirit that we are "adopted" into the family of God as the children of God:
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(Romans 8:15)
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EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Bible uses several emblems to represent the Holy Spirit. An emblem represents something.
It is a symbol which has a special meaning. The following are emblems used in the Bible to
represent the Holy Spirit:
THE DOVE:
The Holy Spirit was revealed in the form of a dove at the time of the baptism of Jesus. This
emblem of the Holy Spirit indicates approval, purity, and peace:
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a
dove, and it abode upon Him. (John 1:32)
Approval:
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a
dove, and it abode upon Him. (John 1:32)
Peace:
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and
be at rest. (Psalms 55:6)
Purity:
My dove, my undefiled, is but one... (Song of Solomon 6:9)
OIL:
Oil is used in the Bible as a symbol or emblem of the Holy Spirit. Oil indicates light, healing,
and anointing for service. All of these are given to a believer through the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach
the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at
liberty them that are bruised. (Luke 4:18)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)
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Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(Hebrews 1:9)
WATER:
Water signifies the new life and cleansing from sin that the Holy Spirit brings to the believer.
Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit being like water:
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If
any man thirst let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should
receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet
glorified. (John 7:37-39)
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry
ground: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine
offspring. (Isaiah 44:3)
A SEAL:
A seal is a special mark indicating ownership. It also indicates a finished transaction. The Holy
Spirit has sealed believers as belonging to God. It indicates their salvation is a finished work.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, were sealed with that
Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
(II Corinthians 1:22)
WIND:
The wind is also an emblem of the Holy Spirit. It represents the power of the Holy Spirit:
26
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is
born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2)
You cannot see the wind in the natural world, but you can certainly see visible effects of the
wind. In the natural world the wind has special functions. These functions are natural parallels
of the functions of the "wind" of the Holy Spirit:
Wind Produces Life:
It scatters seeds as it blows and this brings new growth. The Holy Spirit produces life through
the seeds of the Word of God as they are scattered in the hearts and minds of men. This life is
not only eternal life of salvation, but mature spiritual life through spiritual fruit which result from
the seed of the Word.
Wind Separates The Wheat From The Chaff:
It purifies as it blows away the debris. The Holy Spirit serves as a purifying power in the life of
the believer.
Wind Fans Dying Coals And Sets Them Ablaze:
The wind of the Holy Spirit "fans" God's people in revival and makes them a flaming fire of
ministry to the world.
FIRE:
Fire is another emblem of the Holy Spirit. Fire signifies:
The Presence Of The Lord:
And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the
midst of the bush: and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and
the bush was not consumed. (Exodus 3:2)
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Approval Of The Lord:
And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the
altar the burnt offering and the fat; and when the people saw, they shouted,
and fell on their faces. (Leviticus 9:24)
Protection And Guidance:
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in
the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and
night. (Exodus 13:21)
Purifying:
Isaiah 6:1-8 tells of the Prophet Isaiah being purified by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Read this
passage in your Bible.
The Gift Of The Holy Spirit:
When the Holy Spirit was first given, fire was used as a symbol of His presence:
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon
each of them. (Acts 2:3)
Judgment:
For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29)
REPRESENTING THE HOLY SPIRIT
The names and emblems representing the Holy Spirit reveal only some of His purposes and
ministry. Additional ministries of the Holy Spirit are detailed in the next chapter.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is an emblem?
________________________________________________________________________
3. Read the list of emblems of the Holy Spirit in list one. Read the definitions in list two.
Write the number of the definition on the blank in front of the emblem which it best
describes.
Emblems Of The Holy Spirit
List One List Two
_____Wind 1. Stands for purity and peace.
_____A seal 2. Indicates light, healing, anointing for service.
_____Water 3. Indicates life and cleansing.
_____A dove 4. Indicates ownership.
_____Oil 5. Indicates power.
4. Fire is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. List the six things that fire signifies:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
5. Thirteen titles of the Holy Spirit were discussed in this chapter. How many can you list?
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
___________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
29
FOR FURTHER STUDY
In the New Testament there are 261 passages which refer to the Holy Spirit. He is mentioned:
-56 times in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
-57 times in the book of Acts.
-148 times in the remaining New Testament.
Read the entire New Testament through. As you read, circle each mention of the Holy Spirit.
Study these passages to increase your knowledge of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
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CHAPTER THREE
THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
Explain the ministry of the Holy Spirit concerning:
· Creation
· Scriptures
· Israel
· Satan
· Jesus
· The sinner
· The Church
· Believers
KEY VERSE:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the ministries of the Holy Spirit from creation of the
world through His present ministry to believers.
CREATION
The Holy Spirit was active in creation of the earth:
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face
of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
(Genesis 1:2)
Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of
the earth. (Psalms 104:30)
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SCRIPTURES
The Holy Spirit's ministry involves the written Word of God which is called the Holy Scriptures
or the Holy Bible. The Holy Spirit ministered by:
REVELATION:
He spoke to human writers the message of God:
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:21)
INSPIRATION:
He guided these writers so the message would be accurate:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
ILLUMINATION:
He enlightens human hearts to understand the message of the Gospel:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
ISRAEL
The nation of Israel was chosen by God as a people through which He could reveal Himself and
fulfill His master plan in the world. was through Israel that the Messiah came to save men from
sin. The experiences of Israel provided an example both of success and failure for believers.
From Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the Gospel message spread throughout the world.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit to Israel is evident from the very beginning of the nation. The
Holy Spirit:
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CAME UPON THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL:
There are too many examples of this to reproduce all the verses as part of this manual. The
references are listed in the "For Further Study" section of this chapter. Study of this subject will
provide understanding of how the Holy Spirit moved in the lives of people during Old Testament
times.
CAME UPON ISRAEL'S PLACES OF WORSHIP:
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord
filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34)
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that
the cloud filled the house of the Lord. (I Kings 8:10)
GUIDED THEM TO THE PROMISED LAND:
Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy
manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness so that they lacked
nothing... (Nehemiah 9:20)
WILL COME UPON ISRAEL DURING THE TRIBULATION:
The tribulation is a future time of great trouble on the earth. God will place a special mark of
protection on Israel.
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the
living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was
given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed
an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of
Israel. (Revelation 7:2-4)
WILL COME UPON ISRAEL DURING THE MILLENNIUM:
The Millennium is a thousand years of peace during which Jesus will reign on the earth:
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And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications: and they shall look upon me
whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for
his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for
his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10)
SATAN
The Holy Spirit even has a ministry concerning Satan. The Holy Spirit is the restraining spiritual
force that limits the power of Satan:
...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift
up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)
When the Holy Spirit is removed from the world, then the spirit of the antichrist will have
control for a period of time. The antichrist will be an evil world leader:
For the mystery of iniquity doeth already work: only he who now letteth will
let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume, with
the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming;
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and
signs and lying wonders.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because
they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should
believe a lie;
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had
pleasure in unrighteousness. (II Thessalonians 2:7-12)
JESUS
The ministry of the Holy Spirit was evident in the life of Jesus. Jesus was:
CONCEIVED BY THE SPIRIT:
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon
thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that
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holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
(Luke 1:35)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise, when as his mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of
the Holy Ghost...
Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph,
thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18,20)
ANOINTED BY THE SPIRIT:
And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him... (Matthew 3:16)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach
the gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at
liberty them that are bruised... (Luke 4:18)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(Hebrews 1:9)
SEALED BY THE SPIRIT:
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth
unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath
God the Father sealed. (John 6:27)
LED BY THE SPIRIT:
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the
devil. (Matthew 4:1)
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EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT:
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come
unto you. (Matthew 12:28)
FILLED BY THE SPIRIT:
And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led
by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4:1)
For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth not
the Spirit by measure unto Him. (John 3:34)
TROUBLED IN THE SPIRIT:
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which
came with her, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. (John 11:33)
REJOICED IN THE SPIRIT:
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,
and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in
thy sight. (Luke 10:21)
OFFERED THROUGH THE SPIRIT:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
RAISED BY THE SPIRIT:
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He
might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the
Spirit. (I Peter 3:18)
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:4)
COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES THROUGH THE SPIRIT:
Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy
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Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.
(Acts 1:2)
SINNERS
The Holy Spirit's ministry concerning the sinner was described by Jesus:
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if
I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will
send Him unto you.
And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness,
and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more;
Of judgment because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:7-11)
THE CHURCH
The Holy Spirit serves several purposes in the Church. He...
FORMED IT:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the
Lord;
In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:19-22)
INSPIRES ITS WORSHIP:
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ
Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)
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DIRECTS ITS MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES:
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
(Acts 8:29)
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; but the
Spirit suffered them not.
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them. (Acts 16:6,7,10)
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me
Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and
from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:2,4)
SELECTS ITS MINISTERS:
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He
hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
ANOINTS ITS PREACHERS:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
(I Corinthians 2:4)
GUIDES ITS DECISIONS:
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary things. (Acts 15:28)
BAPTIZES IT WITH POWER:
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place.
38
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as a fire, and it sat upon
each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
BELIEVERS
The Holy Spirit serves an important purpose in the lives of believers. He...
CONVICTS:
It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin to draw men and women to Jesus. You could not become
a believer without this ministry of the Spirit:
And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness,
and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to My Father and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:8-11)
REGENERATES:
The Holy Spirit changes your life when you become a believer:
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His
mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost. (Titus 3:5)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he
enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
39
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:3-7)
SANCTIFIES:
The Holy Spirit takes this life which has been changed by salvation and enables righteous living:
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of
the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth...
(II Thessalonians 2:13)
BAPTIZES:
Chapter Four of this manual deals with this experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit:
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
DWELLS WITHIN:
The purpose of this indwelling is to strengthen the new nature received through salvation:
What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is
in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
(I Corinthians 6:19)
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed
away; behold all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and
these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would.
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But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)
In the natural world, after a house has been lived in by a person for a period of time it reflects the
character of that person. Likewise, our spiritual houses should reflect the character of the Holy
Spirit who dwells within.
STRENGTHENS:
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)
UNITES:
The Holy Spirit makes a believer one in spirit with God and other believers. This is called the
"unity of the Spirit":
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (I Corinthians 6:17)
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that
one body, being many are one body: so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into
one Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:12-13)
INTERCEDES:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we
should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Ghost. (Jude 20)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
(Ephesians 6:18)
GUIDES:
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all
truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that
shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. (John 16:13)
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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(Romans 8:14)
DEMONSTRATES LOVE:
The Holy Spirit shows the love of Christ to and through the believer:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
CONFORMS TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST:
The Holy Spirit conforms the believer to the image of Christ:
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of
the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:18)
REVEALS TRUTH:
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)
TEACHES:
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need
not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all
things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall
abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
ASSURES OF SALVATION:
The Spirit itself beareth witness, with our spirit, that we are the children of
God. (Romans 8:16)
And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.
And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath
given us. (I John 3:24)
GIVES LIBERTY:
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
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Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
liberty. (II Corinthians 3:17)
COMFORTS:
...and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost...
(Acts 9:31)
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth
Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you,
and shall be in you...
But the Comforter , which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:17,26)
QUICKENS:
But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He
that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [empower, give new
life, resurrect] your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(Romans 8:11)
SPEAKS:
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought
beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever
shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but
the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11)
DEMONSTRATES GOD'S POWER:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power;
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of
God. (I Corinthians 2:4-5)
INSPIRES WORSHIP:
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and
in truth. (John 4:24)
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EMPOWERS FOR WITNESSING:
The power to witness is the true evidence that one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and
ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
GIVES GIFTS AND DEVELOPS FRUIT:
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers. These are specific abilities to enable him to
function effectively as part of the Church. The Holy Spirit also develops spiritual fruit in a
believer's life. Spiritual fruit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
Because of their importance, the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit are discussed in separate
chapters.
44
SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List five purposes of the Holy Spirit in relation to the nation of Israel.
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
3. Is this statement true or false? The Holy Spirit was involved in creation of the earth.
The statement is:______________________
4. Write the number of the correct meaning in front of the word which it describes.
Purposes Of The Holy Spirit
In Relation In Scripture
_____Illumination 1. He spoke to human writers the message of God.
_____Revelation 2. The present ministry of the Holy Spirit which helps
people understand the Gospel.
_____Inspiration 3. The Spirit guided the writers so the message would
be accurate.
5. Give a Scripture reference which explains the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of a
sinner.
________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in regard to Satan?
________________________________________________________________________
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7. This chapter listed eleven purposes of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus Christ. How
many of these can you list?
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
__________
8. This chapter discussed seven purposes of the Holy Spirit in the Church. How many can
you list?
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
___________ ___________
9. This chapter discussed twenty purposes of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. How
many can you list?
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________
10. What is the true evidence that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study the following Bible passages to learn more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit to
the nation of Israel:
Genesis 41:38
Numbers 11:17; 11:25; 27:18
Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6,19; 15:14-15
I Samuel 10:10; 11:6; 16:13
I Kings 18:12
II Kings 2:15-16
Ezekiel 2:2
Daniel 4:9; 5:11; 6:3
Micah 3:8
II Chronicles 15:1; 24:20
2. Review the purposes of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Are you allowing the
Holy Spirit to serve in each of these areas in your life?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Review the ministries of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Think about the church fellowship
you attend... In which areas are they allowing the Holy Spirit to serve His purposes? In
which areas is improvement needed?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER FOUR
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Define baptize.
· Identify three Scriptural references where it reveals what happened when people receive
the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain how to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· Identify the outward physical sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain the true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
· List guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
· List four main objections people sometimes raise to the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSE:
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and
ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
INTRODUCTION
The Bible speaks of four different baptisms:
1. The baptism of suffering experienced by Jesus.
2. The water baptism performed by John the Baptist.
3. Christian baptism in water.
4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
This chapter concerns the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (The other three baptisms are discussed in
the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Foundations Of Faith").
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DEFINITION
The word "baptize" means to completely immerse or submerge in something.
PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM
After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His
followers:
And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the
city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.
(Luke 24:49)
The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit:
And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He
may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth
Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you
and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless. (John 14:16-18)
This was not a new promise. The gift of the Holy Spirit had been promised since Old Testament
times:
...for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.
To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest,
and this is the refreshing...(Isaiah 28:11-12)
...I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...(Joel 2:28)
THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
As you learned in a previous chapter, the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers.
One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit, however, is to make the Christian a powerful
witness for the Gospel:
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and
ye shall be witnesses unto me...to the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
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The true evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was visible immediately in the life of the
Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his
baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in
the salvation of 3,000 people.
It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel
throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence
of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to
the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after
me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)
I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost. (Mark 1:8)
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but
one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to
unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Luke 3:16)
And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same
said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining
on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:33)
Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost:
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy
Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
When Peter spoke of events which took place in the home of Cornelius he quoted the words of
Jesus:
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 11:16)
Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit:
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For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into
one Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:13)
Use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as used to describe Christian
baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual
experience.
The Holy Spirit was given during a time of Jewish observance called the feast of Pentecost. For
this reason, baptism in the Holy Spirit is often called a "Pentecostal experience" and the time of
the giving of the Spirit called "the day of Pentecost.”
The Holy Spirit came down from Heaven and completely immersed [baptized] believers
assembled in the upper room of a house in Jerusalem. They had been waiting or "tarrying" for
His coming as they had been commanded to do by Jesus. Peter said this experience was the
fulfillment of God's promise,"In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” This
promise was given by the prophet Joel:
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all
flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall
dream dreams, your young men shall see visions;
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour
out my spirit. (Joel 2:28-29)
Male and female, young and old were to be included in this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They
were to prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions. God's Spirit was to empower both servants
[men] and handmaidens [women]. On the day the Holy Spirit was given, Peter said:
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)
Peter's words revealed that the promise of the Holy Spirit was:
-A national promise: "Unto you" [the Jewish people].
-A family promise: "Your children.”
-A universal promise: "To all that are afar off.”
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THE PHYSICAL SIGN
The Holy Spirit is invisible to the natural eye. He was compared by Jesus to the wind:
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is
born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)
Although the wind is invisible, the effects it produces can be seen and heard. When the wind
blows the dust rises from the ground, the trees all bend in one direction, leaves rustle, the waves
of the sea roar, and clouds move across the sky. These are all physical signs of the wind. So it is
with the Holy Spirit. Even though He is invisible, the effects which the Holy Spirit produces can
be seen and heard.
There are three places in the New Testament where we are told what happened when people
were baptized in the Holy Spirit:
1. DAY OF PENTECOST:
Acts 2:2-4 is the record of what happened on the day of Pentecost:
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon
each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4)
2. HOUSE OF CORNELIUS:
Acts 10:44-46 is the record of what happened when Peter preached the Gospel to a man named
Cornelius and his family:
While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
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For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God...
(Acts 10:44-46)
3. CONVERTS AT EPHESUS:
Acts 19:6 describes what happened to the first group of converts at Ephesus:
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
A COMMON SIGN: THE TONGUES
As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three: Those
who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoke with other tongues. Other supernatural signs
of the Holy Spirit are mentioned, but none of these were evident on all three occasions.
On the day of Pentecost there was the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire were
seen. These were not recorded on the other two occasions. At Ephesus the new converts
prophesied. This is not mentioned as having occurred on the day of Pentecost or in the house of
Cornelius.
The one outward sign which the apostles observed in the experience of Cornelius and his
household was that they spoke with tongues. This physical sign was proof to the disciples that
this family had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From these Biblical records we conclude that
the physical sign of speaking in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit confirms that a
person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man. This is what happened on the day of
Pentecost:
...And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold are
not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
(Acts 2:7-8)
Tongues can also be a language not known to man. This is called an unknown tongue:
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. (I Corinthians 14:2)
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PURPOSES FOR TONGUES
The sign of tongues received through baptism in the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives
of believers. Turn to I Corinthians 14 in your Bible. These are some purposes of tongues:
-Prayer to God: Verse 2
-Self-edification: Building up yourself and increasing spiritual knowledge.
Verse 4
-When interpreted they edify the church: Verses 12-13
-Intercession: Verse 14 (See also Romans 8:26-27)
-Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22
-Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21 (See also Isaiah 28:11-12)
-Praise: Verses 15,17
OBJECTIONS TO TONGUES
Some people object to speaking in tongues. These are some of the objections they raise:
EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT:
One of the most common objections is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is
converted...He does not need any further experience to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
But consider the examples of people in the New Testament who were true believers. The
apostles had repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed
personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, a resurrection. Jesus told His
followers:
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the
city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
(Luke 24:49)
He also said:
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy
Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
The promised experience of being baptized in the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost:
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
Although the apostles were already Christians it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were
filled with [baptized in] the Holy Spirit.
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The people of Samaria heard the Gospel preached. They believed and were baptized in water, but
they had not received the Holy Spirit:
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus).
Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 8:14-17)
The people of Samaria received salvation through the ministry of Philip. They received the Holy
Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John. Receiving the Holy Spirit was a separate
experience from receiving salvation.
Acts 19:1-6 describes how Paul went to the city of Ephesus and met people described as
"disciples.” The first question Paul asked was, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye
believed?"
If people received the Holy Ghost when they received salvation it would be foolish for Paul to
ask this question. The fact that he asked it makes it clear that people become believers without
receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit
at the same time he is converted, it is still a separate experience from salvation.
As you previously learned, the ministry of the Holy Spirit can be observed from the very creation
of the world. The Old Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit coming on Israel's spiritual leaders.
The Holy Spirit is also operative in the life of a sinner to bring him to Christ.
But these ministries of the Holy Spirit are different from being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus made that clear when He said:
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth
Him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you
[presently], and shall be in you [in the future]. (John 14:17)
The Holy Spirit was with the disciples at that time, but not yet in them. They were filled
[baptized] with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.
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The Holy Spirit is WITH the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ. But this is not the same as
being IN him.
In Old Testament times the power of the Holy Spirit came upon spiritual leaders at special times.
In the New Testament this power was given permanently to believers.
The Holy Spirit was WITH the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times. But He was not yet IN
them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit.
DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES?
Another objection to tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of the Apostle
Paul. In I Corinthians 12:30 he asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer to his question is
"No, all do not speak with tongues." But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being
baptized in the Holy Spirit. The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit which can be used
by the believer in the church.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:27-28)
Paul is speaking of gifts which may be used by members of the church. One of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit is "diversities of tongues.” It is an ability to give special messages to the church in
tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not
everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues. (This subject is discussed further in
Chapter Nine).
FEAR:
Some believers do not seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are afraid they will
receive an experience that is not of God. But the Bible says:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you;
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened.
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Or what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a
stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how
much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them
that ask Him? (Matthew 7:7-11)
If a believer asks God for something, just like a good earthly Father, God will not let him receive
anything that will harm him.
EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Another objection to tongues is that it is an emotional experience. Many believers who receive
the baptism of the Holy Spirit emphasize their own emotional reactions to the experience.
Man is an emotional creature. Conversion to Jesus Christ does not eliminate a man's emotions.
He will still experience joy and sorrow. Conversion frees man's emotions from the control of
sin. It redirects these emotions to worship of God.
The word "joy" in Scripture is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:52 we read
that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Some people react with great
emotion to the joy which comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are naturally
more emotional than others. They may shout, laugh, or experience sensations in their physical
bodies.
But these emotional reactions are not the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The confirming sign
is speaking in tongues. The evidence is power. It is not necessary to show great emotion such as
laughing, shouting, dancing, etc., to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. How one reacts emotionally
to the joy this experience brings is often related to his individual emotions.
But you should not criticize those who have joyful, emotional reactions to the Holy Spirit. The
Bible records emotional reactions of those who had a powerful experience with God. People
trembled, fell prostrate on the ground, shouted, rejoiced, and danced before God.
It is interesting to observe the emotional reaction of people to various athletic events. They will
yell, laugh, jump up and down, and express much excitement over a sports game. How much
more excited we should be over a gift like the Holy Spirit which accomplishes so many purposes
in our lives, brings great joy, and equips us with power to reach the world with the Gospel.
The Psalmist David agreed. He presents a picture of joyful, loud, emotional worship of God:
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O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of
our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise
unto Him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
(Psalms 95:1-3)
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and
harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed
instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high sounding
cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
(Psalms 150:3-6)
You do not have to fear that the baptism in the Holy Spirit will cause you to do something
improper or lose control of yourself.
Paul said there were times to "keep silent" and "hold your peace" in regards to speaking in
tongues (I Corinthians 14). He would not make these statements if the Holy Spirit caused people
to be out of control. The Bible says:
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
(I Corinthians 14:32)
This means that any gift God gives is subject to or under the control of the user. God does
nothing improper for...
...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...(I Corinthians 14:33)
RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
The following are guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
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REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
BELIEVE IT IS FOR YOU:
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39)
DESIRE IT:
...Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst let him come unto me, and
drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water.
(but this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him should
receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet
glorified.) (John 7:37-39)
ACCEPT IT AS A GIFT:
The Holy Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost.
Because it is a gift, you can do nothing to earn it:
...the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the
law, or by the hearing of faith?
He therefore that ministereth to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles
among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles; through Jesus
Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(Galatians 3:2,5,14)
Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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YIELD TO GOD:
Yield your tongue to God in praise and worship. As you praise Him audibly you may first
experience stammering lips. As you continue to yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit and He will
speak through you words foreign to your understanding. This is the confirming physical sign of
Holy Spirit baptism:
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
(Isaiah 28:11)
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
REQUEST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER BELIEVERS:
The Holy Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8,9,19) or without the
laying on of hands (Acts 2,4,10). Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled believers
can help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.
IMPORTANCE OF THE EXPERIENCE
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is important because it enables you to become a powerful witness of
the Gospel message:
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and
ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out
devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not
hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
(Mark 16:17-18)
The Holy Spirit also gives special spiritual gifts and develops spiritual fruit in your life. These
gifts and fruit are the subject of the remaining chapters of this study.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
2. Give six guidelines for receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
_____________________ ____________________ ___________________
_____________________ ____________________ ___________________
3. What is the outward physical sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Give a Biblical reference to
support your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the four main objections some people have to the sign of "other tongues"?
_____________________ ____________________
_____________________ ____________________
6. Are any of these objections valid on the basis of Scripture?______________
7. What is the meaning of the word "baptize"?
________________________________________________________________________
8. List three Scripture references where we are told what happened when people received
the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
_____________________ ____________________ ___________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. The Holy Spirit is mentioned 85 times in the Old Testament. As you read the Old
Testament circle each mention of the Holy Spirit. This study will help you understand
His ministry before New Testament times. If you completed the similar assignment for
the New Testament given in Chapter Two, you will have a complete study of the Holy
Spirit marked right in your own Bible.
2. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given as a fulfillment of promises which dated back to
Old Testament times. Study these promises of the Holy Spirit:
Old Testament:
Isaiah 28:11-12
Joel 2:28-29
Isaiah 44:3
New Testament:
John 7:38-39; 14:16-18; 15:26; 16:7-11
Acts 1:4,5,8; 2:38-39
Galatians 3:14
Luke 24:49
3. Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, follow the guidelines given
in this chapter to receive it.
4. Review the purposes for tongues discussed in this chapter. Which of these purposes have
you witnessed in the use of other tongues?
5. Review the objections to speaking in tongues which were discussed in this lesson. Think
about how you will respond the next time you hear one of these objections raised.
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CHAPTER FIVE
INTRODUCTION TO THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Define spiritual gifts.
· Identify the source of these gifts.
· Distinguish between spiritual gifts and natural talents.
· Explain purposes for spiritual gifts.
· Explain the objectives of spiritual gifts.
· Explain how these gifts are distributed.
· Identify abuses of spiritual gifts.
· Identify the key to using spiritual gifts.
· Distinguish between true and false [counterfeit] spiritual gifts.
KEY VERSE:
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
(I Corinthians 12:1)
INTRODUCTION
Jesus left His followers with the responsibility to extend the Gospel message to the ends of the
earth. The power of the Holy Spirit would help them fulfill this task:
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and
ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Jesus did not leave His followers with such a great responsibility without giving them the ability
to fulfill the challenge. Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to
empower believers to be effective witnesses of the Gospel.
The subject of spiritual gifts was one on which Paul taught in the early church. He said:
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Now concerning spiritual gifts , brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
(I Corinthians 12:1)
This chapter introduces the subject of spiritual gifts. Following chapters will concern the various
spiritual gifts available to believers. Guidelines also will be given to help you discover your own
spiritual gift.
WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
The word "spiritual" means "characterized or controlled by the Holy Spirit.” A "gift" is
something freely given from one person to another. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability
given by the Holy Spirit to a believer to minister as part of the Body of Christ.
There is a difference between the "gift" of the Holy Spirit and "gifts" of the Holy Spirit. The
"gift" of the Holy Spirit occurred at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit came in answer to
the promise of Jesus:
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter...Even
the Spirit of truth...(John 14:16-17a)
The "gift" of the Holy Spirit has already been given in answer to this promise. "Gifts" of the
Holy Spirit are supernatural abilities the Holy Spirit gives believers to enable effective ministry:
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
GIFTS AND TALENTS
There is a difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents. A talent is a natural ability
inherited at birth or developed through training. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability which
did not come by inheritance or training. It is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to be used
for specific spiritual purposes.
It is possible that a natural talent may be sanctioned [approved and blessed] by the Holy Spirit
after one becomes a believer. When this occurs the talent then becomes a gift as well as a talent.
For example, a person may have a natural talent in administration because of training he has
received. After baptism in the Holy Spirit this natural talent may be sanctioned [approved] by
the Holy Spirit and he may be used in the spiritual gift of administration.
Spiritual gifts provide spiritual capabilities far greater than the finest natural talents. Although
we should use all our natural talents for the work of the Lord, we still need spiritual gifts.
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PURPOSES OF THE GIFTS
The purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in Ephesians 4:12-15:
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ;
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)
According to this passage, the purposes of the Holy Spirit are to:
-Perfect the saints
-Promote the work of the ministry
-Edify Christ and the Church
The objectives or goals of spiritual gifts are that we will:
-Become united in the faith.
-Develop our knowledge of Christ.
-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.
-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.
-Mature spiritually in Christ.
THE TRINITY AND THE GIFTS
You learned earlier that the Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity of God. All three persons of the
Trinity are involved in empowering believers with spiritual gifts:
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are
differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities
of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
(I Corinthians 12:4-6)
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The Holy Spirit, God, and the Lord [Jesus Christ] are all mentioned in this passage. Their
involvement in spiritual gifts is shown in the following chart:
verse four verse five verse six
Spirit Lord God
Diverse Gifts Diverse Administrations Diverse Operations
(different gifts) (different ministries) (different ways gifts are used)
SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
The gifts of the Spirit are also given to the Church as weapons of spiritual warfare to conquer the
spiritual forces of Satan:*
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Since the battle in which believers are engaged is spiritual, then spiritual rather than natural
weapons must be used. Believers sometimes go into spiritual warfare without knowledge of
these weapons. Anytime you go to battle without your weapons you cannot expect to win the
fight. This is why it is important to understand spiritual gifts. They are part of the spiritual
weapons God has provided.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE GIFTS
Each believer has at least one spiritual gift:
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:10)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man
severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:7,11)
__________________
* Harvestime offers a separate course on the subject of spiritual warfare entitled "Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of
Spiritual Warfare.”
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Because every believer has at least one spiritual gift, we each have a responsibility to discover
and use our gift.
You will not be judged by how many spiritual gifts you have. You will be judged by your
faithfulness to use the spiritual gift or gifts you have been given. The parable of the talents in
Matthew 25:14-30 confirms this truth.
There are many spiritual gifts, but no believer has all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of
miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(I Corinthians 12:29-30)
A person may have more than one gift, but no one has all the gifts of the Spirit. If he did, then he
would have no need of others in the Body of Christ.
THE ABUSE OF GIFTS
A spiritual gift from God can be abused. To "abuse" a gift means to not use it properly. You can
abuse spiritual gifts by:
NOT USING GIFTS GIVEN TO YOU:
The Apostle Paul told Timothy:
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with
the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14)
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which
is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)
ATTEMPTING TO USE GIFTS NOT GIVEN TO YOU:
While ministering in Samaria, Peter and John met a man named Simon who wanted to have the
powerful gifts he saw demonstrated. Simon offered money to obtain these abilities. Peter said:
Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God
may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this
matter... (Acts 8:20-21)
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Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit. They cannot be obtained by any other method. You
cannot just decide you want to have or use a certain spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit must give it to
you.
On another occasion, seven sons of the chief of the priests saw the miracles of the Apostle Paul
and tried to use this gift to cast out evil spirits:
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but
who are ye?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them and overcame
them, and prevailed against them so that they fled out of that house naked
and wounded. (Acts 19:15-16)
It can be dangerous to try to operate a gift without the Holy Spirit's anointing.
NOT USING THE GIFTS PROPERLY:
In I Corinthians 12-14 Paul deals with proper use of spiritual gifts. To summarize the teaching
of these chapters he states:
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...Let all things be done
decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:33,40)
God is not the author of confusion. Where there is confusion the gifts are not being used
correctly. Spiritual gifts can also be improperly used when you manipulate people, gain wealth,
or use them for your own selfish satisfaction rather than in ministry to others.
The guidelines for use of gifts which Paul gives in I Corinthians 12-14 prevent confusion. You
will have an opportunity to study these in the "For Further Study" section of this lesson.
GLORIYING YOUR GIFT:
When you "glorify" your gift, you consider it more special than other gifts. You begin to see the
gift as greater than the Giver.
MANY GIFTS FROM ONE SOURCE
The Bible indicates there are many gifts which come from one source. The source of spiritual
gifts is the Holy Spirit. He gives and operates these gifts in the lives of believers:
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Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(I Corinthians 12:4-7)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth on exhortation: he that giveth let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with
cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8)
There is one source of spiritual gifts but there are many different gifts. No gift is more
important than another. Your position in the Body of Christ is compared to parts of a human
body. Just as in the human body, the smaller parts such as the eye have important functions, the
seemingly "small" gift is often quite important in the functioning of the church. Some gifts
involve greater responsibilities, but no gift is more important than another.
Some parts of the human body have greater responsibilities than others. For example, the eye
lets you see what is around you. It guides you when walking. It permits you to read and see and
enjoy God's creations. The eye has greater responsibility, but it is no more important than the
big toe which provides balance for walking. The guidance of the eye for walking is useless if
you have no feet with which to walk. The eye's function to permit reading is useless if you have
no brain to understand what you read.
Sometimes misunderstanding arises in the Church when believers do not recognize the spiritual
gifts of others. For example, one person may have the gift of giving and may not understand
another believer who does not give as liberally. Or one may have the gift of administration and
become very impatient with people who are less organized.
Each believer should use his spiritual gifts to work together with other believers who have
different gifts. When this happens, the Church functions effectively as the Body of Christ.
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STEWARDS OF GIFTS
You are only a steward of spiritual gifts. A steward is someone who does not own that with
which he works. He uses something given to him by another person. He uses it in behalf of the
person who gave it to him. You are a steward for Jesus Christ:
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the
mysteries of God. (I Corinthians 4:1)
Part of the "mysteries" of which you are a steward are spiritual gifts. They are given to you by
the Holy Spirit to minister effectively for Jesus:
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:10)
As a steward, you will be judged on the basis of your faithfulness to use the gifts you have been
given:
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
(I Corinthians 4:2)
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The main passages identifying spiritual gifts are listed below. Read these before you study the
following chapters. These verses introduce the various gifts:
-Romans 12:1-8 -I Corinthians 12:1-31
-Ephesians 4:1-16 -I Peter 4:7-11
Remember that these gifts are special abilities from God to minister in different ways. While
there may be some evidences of these in all our lives it does not necessarily mean we have a
certain gift. For example, all believers are to give to the work of the Lord with tithes and
offerings. But the gift of giving is an unusual generosity prompted by the Spirit of God. All
believers have a measure of faith according to the Word of God. But the gift of faith is a special
ability to believe beyond that of the ordinary Christian.
ARE GIFTS FOR TODAY?
Some people claim that all of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible are not for the Church today.
They believe some gifts, like prophecy, tongues, miracles, etc., were only for the early Church.
These people say that after the Church was established and the New Testament written, some
spiritual gifts were no longer needed. They often use I Corinthians 13:10 to explain their belief:
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But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be
done away. (I Corinthians 13:10)
They say that when the perfect revelation of God's Word was written, there was no longer a need
for tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. They say that once the Church was established there
was no longer a need for confirming signs and miracles.
What they fail to note is that knowledge is also mentioned in the same passage as being
"vanished" or done away with:
...whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they
shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(I Corinthians 13:8)
If we use this verse to say tongues, interpretation, and prophecy are no longer needed, then we
must also say knowledge is no longer needed.
This passage actually refers to a future time when the "perfect" Kingdom of God is established
on earth. Since what is perfect has come, we will have no need of any of the spiritual gifts then,
because...
...He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself
shall be with them, and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)
We will have no need of messages through prophecy, tongues, or interpretation, for we will be
dwelling with the God who inspires such messages. We will have no need of the word of
wisdom or knowledge, for we will be living with the source of knowledge. We will not need
discerning of spirits, for...
...there shall no wise enter into it any thing that defileth...but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27)
There will be no need for gifts of healing for...
...In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the
tree of life...for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2)
Also remember the purposes and objectives of spiritual gifts given in Ephesians 4:12-15. The
purposes are for:
-Perfecting of the saints.
-Promoting the work of the ministry.
-Edifying Christ and the Church.
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The purposes for which the gifts were given still remain. The saints still need to be perfected, the
ministry still needs to be promoted to the ends of the earth, and Christ and the Church need to be
edified.
The objectives are that we will:
-Be united in the faith.
-Develop our knowledge of Christ.
-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.
-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.
-Mature spiritually in Christ.
God would not give spiritual gifts for these purposes and objectives and then remove them
without these things being accomplished.
-Are all believers united in the faith?
-Has everyone developed fully in the knowledge of Christ?
-Are we all perfected?
-Are our church members stable and not being deceived by false doctrines?
-Are all our church members spiritually mature?
The answer to all these questions is "no.” These objectives have not been accomplished. For
this reason we know all of the spiritual gifts are still for today. God gave spiritual gifts to
accomplish certain purposes in the Church. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without these
purposes being accomplished. The Bible also says that the "gifts and callings of God are without
repentance" (Romans 11:29). This means God will not change His mind and take back a
spiritual gift or calling He has given.
THE KEY TO USING GIFTS
In I Corinthians 13 the Apostle Paul gives the key for using gifts of the Holy Spirit. He
introduced the subject in I Corinthians 12:31. He listed some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and
then said...
...and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (I Corinthians 12:31)
I Corinthians chapter 13 explains that "more excellent way." Read the entire chapter in your
Bible. This chapter gives the key to using spiritual gifts. That key is love. You can prophesy,
have the gifts of healing, faith, giving, etc., but without love in using these gifts, they will not be
effective.
Gifts are unprofitable when used without love. Speaking in tongues becomes like a noisy
clanging. Every gift is worthless, "it profits nothing", unless it is used in love. Love is the "more
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excellent way" in which the gifts are used. The gifts become a channel through which God's
love can flow to those around us. Love is the key to using spiritual gifts effectively.
A WARNING: SATAN'S COUNTERFEIT
Satan counterfeits the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A counterfeit is something that imitates something
real, but it is not genuine. Satan is a deceiver. The Bible says he sometimes even appears as an
angel (II Corinthians 11:14). In the final days of time, there will even be a Satanic counterfeit of
Christ called the antichrist (I John 2:18,22).
Much counterfeiting of the gifts is accomplished through the occult. For example, the word of
knowledge is counterfeited by witches pretending to foretell the future and the unknown. A
witch is a person who seeks to know things and perform acts through supernatural sources other
than God. Their source is Satan. Counterfeiting of the gift of discerning of spirits is done by
mind reading.
Even miracles are counterfeited by Satan (Exodus 7) and will be performed by the antichrist
(Revelation 13:14). The Bible also speaks of false prophets (Acts 13:6-12). The question is,
how do you distinguish the counterfeit from the real?
The counterfeit does not fulfill the Scriptural purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Read
again Ephesians 4:12-15. Any true gift of the Holy Spirit will accomplish these spiritual
purposes and objectives.
Counterfeit gifts do not agree with what the Bible teaches about Jesus. When anyone ministers a
gift, what do they say about Jesus? Does it agree with the written Word of God?
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,
or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel,
which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
(II Corinthians 11:3-4)
You can also recognize counterfeiters by their personal characteristics. These are listed in II
Peter 2 and the book of Jude. Study these chapters in your Bible to help you distinguish the real
from the counterfeit.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?
________________________________________________________________________
3. List the three purposes for spiritual gifts:
________________ __________________ _______________
4. List five objectives for spiritual gifts:
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
___________
5. Does everyone have at least one spiritual gift? Give at least one Scriptural reference to
support your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
6. List four abuses of spiritual gifts:
_________ ___________ ___________ ___________
7. Who is the source of spiritual gifts?______________________________________
8. What is the key to using your spiritual gift?_______________________________
9. How can you distinguish the real gifts of the Holy Spirit from Satan's counterfeit?
________________________________________________________________________
10. What are spiritual gifts?
________________________________________________________________________
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11. Are all the spiritual gifts for today, or were some just for the early Church? Explain your
answer.
________________________________________________________________________
12. What is the difference between spiritual "gifts" and the "gift" of the Holy Spirit?
________________________________________________________________________
13. Read each statement. If the statement is TRUE write T on the blank in front of it. If the
statement is FALSE write F on the blank in front of it.
a._____Human talents are not spiritual gifts.
b._____You are born with spiritual gifts.
c._____God gives spiritual gifts especially for your own pleasure.
d._____Since the church is firmly established, supernatural signs of God's power
are no longer for today.
e._____"That which is perfect" is already here so we no longer need tongues,
interpretation, and prophecy.
f._____No one Christian has all the gifts.
g._____We cannot choose our gifts.
h._____We will have to give an account to God for the way in which we use our
gifts.
i._____Gifts used without love are not effective.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study II Peter 2 and the book of Jude. List the personal characteristics of "false
prophets" and "certain men who crept in unawares.” These are people who are
counterfeits. They are not true believers and use false gifts to deceive God's people.
2. Natural talents can be used by God as well as spiritual gifts. Look up the following
verses. List the names of the individuals and their natural talent:
NATURAL TALENTS
Reference Name Talent
Genesis 4:20 ____________________ ____________________
Genesis 4:2 ____________________ ____________________
Genesis 4:21 ____________________ ____________________
Genesis 4:22 ____________________ ____________________
Genesis 25:27 ____________________ ____________________
3. Study the following references and complete the sentences.
It is important to know about spiritual gifts because:
a. We will be held ____________________ to God for their use.
We are a ______________________.
(I Peter 4:10; I Corinthians 4:1-2; Matthew 25:14-30)
b. We are to be ____________________ of them and _____________ them.
(I Timothy 4:14; I Corinthians 12:1)
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4. I Corinthians 13 lists many qualities of love. Write the verse number which mentions
each quality in the blanks provided. The first one is done as an example for you to
follow:
__5__Patient
_____Kind
_____Not jealous
_____Does not brag
_____Not arrogant
_____Does not act unbecomingly
_____Does not seek its own
_____Not provoked
_____Does not take into account a wrong suffered
_____Does not rejoice in unrighteousness
_____Rejoices with the truth
_____Bears all things
_____Believes all things
_____Hopes all things
_____Endures all things
Write down the name of someone you have difficulty in loving. Look over the qualities
listed above. List the specific qualities of love you will need in order to love this person.
I have difficulty in loving________________.
I will need these following specific qualities in order to love him/her:
_________________________________________________________________
5. Use the following outline to study the proper use of gifts as discussed by Paul in I
Corinthians 12-14.
I. You should have knowledge of spiritual gifts: I Corinthians 12:1
II. There are many gifts but they all come from the same Spirit: The Trinity of God is
at work in all of the gifts. I Corinthians 12:4-11
III. We are to function as a body in using spiritual gifts: Each part should be in
harmony with other parts. I Corinthians 12:12-31
A. There should be no division [schism] in the body. We should all
care for each other: I Corinthians 12:25-26
B. God sets spiritual gifts in order in the church: I Corinthians 12:28
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C. Not everyone has the same gift: I Corinthians 12:28-30
D. We should desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 12:31; 14:1
E. Love is the key to using all gifts: I Corinthians 13
F. Gifts should edify the church: I Corinthians 14:12
IV. If you have the gift of tongues you should also pray for the gift of interpretation: I
Corinthians 14:1-13
A. Praising in the Spirit without understanding and praising with
understanding are both part of worship: I Corinthians 14:14-15
B. Speaking words that others understand is important when there are
unbelievers present: I Corinthians 14:16-19
C. Tongues are a sign to those who do not believe: I Corinthians 14:22-25
D. Prophesying benefits those who believe: I Corinthians 14:22-25
V. All things should be done in an orderly way during worship services. Tongues
should not be used unless there is someone present with the gift of interpretation:
I Corinthians 14:26-31
A. You do not lose control when the Holy Spirit ministers through you. You
have the control to use the gifts properly: I Corinthians 14:32
B. Confusion is not of God: I Corinthians 14:33
VI. You should not forbid to speak in tongues and you should desire to prophesy: I
Corinthians 14:39
VII. Foolish questioning should not be part of the worship service: I Corinthians 14:34-
35,37-38
VIII. The main guideline for proper use of gifts: Let all things be done decently and in
order. I Corinthians 14:40
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CHAPTER SIX
SPECIAL GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Name four divisions of spiritual gifts used in this study.
· Identify the special gifts of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain the difference between the special gift of being a prophet and the gift of
prophecy.
· Explain the difference between the special gift of being a teacher and the gift of teaching.
KEY VERSE:
And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists, and
some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
INTRODUCTION
Before studying this chapter read the Bible passages below. These references list the gifts of the
Holy Spirit:
-Romans 12:1-8
-I Corinthians 12:1-31
-Ephesians 4:1-16
-I Peter 4:7-11
Turn to the Appendix of this manual. Read these same passages as they are translated in the
Amplified version of the Bible. For study purposes we have divided the gifts into four major
categories:
-Special Gifts
-Speaking Gifts
-Serving Gifts
-Sign Gifts
The Bible does not make such a division of the gifts. We have made it to help you remember the
various gifts more easily. This chapter discusses the special gifts. Following chapters explain
speaking, serving, and sign gifts.
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SET IN THE BODY
The previous chapter explained the unity and diversity of spiritual gifts. Although there are
many different gifts, they all come from one source. That source is the Holy Spirit. God has a
specific place in the Church for each believer:
But now hath God set the members, every one of them, in the body, as it hath
pleased Him. (I Corinthians 12:18)
Every member has a place which God has chosen for him. He is equipped to fulfill his special
purpose in the church through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
When each believer is filling the place God has chosen for him and using his spiritual gift, the
church operates smoothly. God compares it to the operation of the human body in which each
member...from the eye to the toe...knows and performs its function (I Corinthians 12:1-31).
Remember as you study these spiritual gifts that each is equally important in the Body of Christ
just as each member of the human body is important:
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the
head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble,
are necessary. (I Corinthians 12:21-22)
As you study spiritual gifts, remember also that they are not natural abilities. They are abilities
from the Holy Spirit to equip believers for Christian service.
(Note: In this and the following three chapters suggestions are given "For Further Study" as each
spiritual gift is discussed. This is done to permit you to complete your study of each gift before
going on to the next one.)
SPECIAL GIFTS
The first group of spiritual gifts are what we will call "special gifts.” We use this title for these
gifts because each one is a special leadership position in the church:
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets, and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
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These leadership positions are sometimes called "offices" in the church. "Office" means a place
of responsibility and duty. The special leadership gifts are:
-Apostles
-Prophets
-Evangelists
-Pastors
-Teachers
APOSTLES
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets...
(I Corinthians 12:28)
And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets... (Ephesians 4:11)
An apostle is one who has a special ability to develop new churches in different places and
cultures and to oversee a number of churches as a supervisor. Apostle means "a delegate, one
sent with full power and authority to act for another.” The apostle has a special authority or
ability to extend the Gospel throughout the world by developing organized bodies of believers.
Modern terms used by the church for an apostle are missionary and church-planter.
The Bible speaks of three different categories of apostles. Jesus Christ was called an apostle:
Wherefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the
Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him... (Hebrews 3:1-2a)
The twelve disciples of Jesus were called apostles:
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these... (Matthew 10:2)
The twelve apostles had a special function. They were part of the founding of the Church. While
they had a function which no other believers will ever have, there is also a general apostolic gift
of the Holy Spirit:
And He gave some apostles... (Ephesians 4:11)
According to this passage, God is the one who selects apostles. Paul again confirms this:
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles...
(I Corinthians 12:28)
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The Bible speaks of special signs which confirm that a person has the gift of being an apostle:
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in
signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (II Corinthians 12:12)
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people... (Acts 5:12)
The special leadership of apostles over the churches is illustrated in the book of Acts:
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be
saved.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of
them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
question. (Acts 15:1-2)
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to
keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number
daily. (Acts 16:4-5)
Apostles extend the Gospel message by raising up churches. They give leadership to these
churches and have special spiritual signs in their ministry. The calling and desire to be an
apostle comes from God:
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God
the Father, who raised him from the dead. (Galatians 1:1)
This special gift is usually recognized by a local church who does the sending of the apostle to
other places:
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch, certain prophets and
teachers...
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me
Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
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And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they
sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3)
An apostle desires to minister in places where others have not worked:
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest
I should build upon another man's foundation;
But as it is written, To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they
that have not heard shall understand. (Romans 15:20-21)
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another
man's line of things made ready to our hand.
(II Corinthians 10:16)
The apostle is willing to adapt to other cultures and lifestyles in order to win people for Christ:
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all,
that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them
that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are
under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God,
but under the law of Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all
things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel's sake... (I Corinthians 9:19-23)
The apostle develops churches with trained leadership that can carry on without him:
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many,
they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the
faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of
God.
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And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
(Acts 14:21-23)
This verse reveals that follow up ministry and the raising up of qualified leadership for new
churches are responsibilities of an apostle.
The seal, or evidence, of the apostolic gift is the spiritual result it brings in the lives of others.
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth which he had organized:
...of the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. (I Corinthians 9:2b)
The ability to raise up communities of believers and organize them into a church body is the seal
of the gift of apostleship.
The Bible warns of false apostles who are deceitful but can be recognized by their works:
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into
the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the
ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according their works.
(II Corinthians 11:13-15)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
The New Testament gives several examples of those who had the apostolic gift. Use these
references for further study:
-Paul: Galatians 1:1
-Andronicus and Junia: Romans 16:7
-Apollos: I Corinthians 4:6,9
-James: Galatians 1:9
-Apostles of Jesus: Gospels; book of Acts
PROPHETS
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets...
(I Corinthians 12:28)
And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets... (Ephesians 4:11)
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There are two prophetic gifts. One is the special gift of being a prophet. The other is the
speaking gift of prophecy. In general, prophecy refers to speaking under the special inspiration
of God. It is the special ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His
people through a divinely-anointed utterance. To this point, the definition applies to the special
leadership gift of a prophet as well as the speaking gift of prophecy.
But a person is not a prophet just because he prophesies. Paul told the whole church to desire the
gift of prophecy:
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy. (I Corinthians 14:1)
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted. (I Corinthians 14:31)
But Paul indicated that not everyone was a prophet. He asked:
Are all prophets? (I Corinthians 12:29)
The difference between a prophet and prophesying is apparent in the following passage:
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto
Caesarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was
one of the seven; and abode with him.
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain
prophet, named Agabus. (Acts 21:8-11)
Philip's daughters had the speaking gift of prophesy. But Agabus was a prophet who not only
gave prophetic messages but held a leadership position in the church. God used him in a
leadership role regarding Paul's ministry. Agabus gave Paul spiritual direction regarding what
would happen in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11).
Those with the special gift of being a prophet do not just speak under the inspiration of God.
They also hold an office of authority and leadership in the church. This is confirmed in Acts
13:1-4 where prophets and teachers were used in a leadership capacity to guide Barnabas and
Saul into the special ministry to which God had called them.
In the Old Testament people went to prophets for guidance. The gift of Holy Spirit infilling was
not yet given. The presence of God was shut up in the Holy of Holies. Because of the death and
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resurrection of Jesus Christ we now have access to the presence of God. The gift of the Holy
Spirit has been given and, as you previously learned, one of His purposes is guidance:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(Romans 8:14)
It is no longer necessary to go to a prophet to receive spiritual guidance. This is one of the
functions of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Each believer should learn how to be led
by God's Spirit. The New Testament gives no record of believers seeking guidance from
prophets after the gift of the Holy Spirit was given.
But God still uses this gift to confirm guidance He has already given to a believer through the
Holy Spirit. This is what happened in the case of Agabus and Paul. Paul already knew he was to
go to Jerusalem. The prophecy of Agabus revealed what would happen to him there. It was not a
prophecy of guidance telling Paul whether or not to go to Jerusalem.
The words spoken by a prophet under divine inspiration are called prophecies. To prophesy
means to declare openly words from God that exhort, edify, and comfort:
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation,
and comfort. (I Corinthians 14:3)
Prophecy ministers not only to believers through edification but also to the unsaved. Prophecy
can convict unbelievers and cause them to turn to the Lord:
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on
his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (I
Corinthians 14:24-25)
One of the purposes of a prophet is to bring people to repentance:
Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they
testified against them; but they would not give ear.
(II Chronicles 24:19)
The Bible refers to prophecy as a great gift and more to be desired than the gift of tongues:
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
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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.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation
and comfort. (I Corinthians 14:1-3)
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. (I Corinthians 14:5)
Wherefore brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
(I Corinthians 14:39)
The Holy Spirit is always in control of true prophecy and directs attention to Jesus Christ:
Now, concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as
ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of
God calleth Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:1-3)
Prophecy is never to replace the written Word of God. The Bible says prophecy will cease, but
the Word of God abides forever:
...but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail... (I Corinthians 13:8)
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by
the gospel is preached unto you. (I Peter 1:25)
The Bible warns of false prophets (Matthew 24:11,24; Mark 13:22). A person called "the false
prophet" will be evident in events at the end of the world (Revelation 13:11-17; 16:13; 19:20;
20:10).
Because there are false prophets, God's word provides several ways to identify true prophecies.
You can recognize them by:
1. DOCTRINAL ERROR:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether
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prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.
(Romans 12:6)
The phrase "in proportion to faith" means in right relation to the faith. The way to recognize true
prophecies is by whether or not they agree with the basic doctrines of the Christian faith revealed
in the Bible. For example, false prophets do not confess the deity of Jesus Christ:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is
not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist... (I John 4:1-3)
False prophets teach sexual immorality and permissiveness:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be
false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of
truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you... (II Peter 2:1-3)
False prophets try to lead people away from obedience to God's Word (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
This type of prophecy is not in right relation to the Christian faith.
2. DECEIVING SIGNS:
False prophets deceive people with miraculous signs:
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
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. (Matthew 24:11,24)
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3. BAD FRUIT:
The evidence of spiritual fruit is the true test of any ministry:
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits... (Matthew 7:15-16)
In Chapter Eleven you will study the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These are spiritual qualities which
a true prophet will have.
4. FALSE CLAIMS:
Any prophet who claims to be divine or the same as Christ is false:
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it
not.
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. (Matthew 24:23-24)
5. UNFULFILLED PROPHECIES:
The final test by which a true prophet can be identified is whether or not what he has prophesied
comes to pass:
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I
have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other
gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord
hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor
come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the
prophet hath spoken it presumptuously; thou shalt not be afraid of him.
(Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Prophecy can come from three different sources:
-The human spirit: Jeremiah 23:16; Ezekiel 13:2,3
-Evil and lying spirits: Isaiah 8:19-20; I Kings 22:22; Matthew 8:29;
Acts 16:17
-The Holy Spirit: II Samuel 23:2; Jeremiah 1:9; Acts 19:6; 21:11
This is why we must judge prophecies to determine whether or not they are from the Holy Spirit.
The Bible gives many examples of Old and New Testament prophets for you to study to increase
your understanding of prophets and the gift of prophecy. As you study these references try to
distinguish between those who had the special gift of being a prophet [leadership] from those
who had just the gift of prophecy.
Old Testament Prophets:
Abraham: Genesis 20:7
Moses: Deuteronomy 34:9
Habakkuk: Habakkuk 1:1
Isaiah: II Kings 19:2
Micah: Matthew 2:5-6
Hosea: Matthew 21:15
Ephriam: Hosea 9:8
Joel: Acts 2:16
Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:5
Gad: I Samuel 22:15
Zechariah: Zechariah: 1:1
Ahijah: I Kings 11:29
Samuel: I Samuel 3:20
Jehu: I Kings 16:7
Nathan: II Samuel 7:2
Michaiah: I Kings 22:7-8
Jonah: II Kings 14:25
Iddo: II Chronicles 13:22
Azzur: Jeremiah 28:1
Ezekiel: Ezekiel 2:1-5
Hananiah: Jeremiah 28:17
Daniel: Matthew 24:15
Balaam: II Peter 2:15-16
Amos: Acts 7:42-43
Shemh: II Chronicles 12:5
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Elisha: I Kings 19:16
Elijah: I Kings 18:22
Haggai: Haggai 1:1
David: Acts 2:29-30
Aaron: Exodus 7:1
Azariah: II Chronicles 15:8
Obed: II Chronicles 15:8
Asaph: Psalms 78:2
Old Testament Prophetessess (female):
Miriam: Exodus 15:20
Deborah: Judges 4:4
Huldah: II Kings 22:14
Noadiah: Nehemiah 6:14
Isaiah's Wife: Isaiah 8:3
New Testament Prophets:
Jesus: Matthew 21:11
John the Baptist: Matthew 11:7-11
Agabus: Acts 11:27-28; 21:10
Judas: Acts 15:32
Silas: Acts 15:32
Antioch Leaders: Acts 13:1
New Testament Prophetesses (female):
Anna: Luke 2:36
Philip's Daughters: Acts 21:8-9
Study the guidelines for using prophecy when the church meets together: I Corinthians 14:29-31
EVANGELISTS
And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists, and
some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
An evangelist has a special ability to share the Gospel with non-believers in a way that men and
women respond and become responsible members of the Body of Christ. The meaning of the
word "evangelist" is "one who brings good news.”
The Word evangelist occurs three times in the New Testament. In Ephesians it is listed as one of
the special gifts:
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And He gave some...evangelists... (Ephesians 4:11)
Timothy is told to do the work of an evangelist:
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry. (II Timothy 4:5)
Although all believers are to "do the work of an evangelist" and share the Gospel with others,
God gives some the special gift of being an evangelist. Philip was one who had the spiritual gift
of being an evangelist:
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto
Caesarea; and we entered in to the house of Philip the evangelist...
(Acts 21:8)
Philip is actually the only person in the New Testament called an evangelist. His tendency
towards this gift was evident from early in his experience with Christ. When Philip met Jesus
the first thing he did was to share the news with Nathanael:
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom
Moses in the law and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of
Joseph.
And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of
Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. (John 1:45-46)
Later Philip directed spiritually hungry Greeks to Jesus:
The same came therefore to Philip...and desired him, saying, Sir, we would
see Jesus.
Philip cometh and telleth Andrew, and again, Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
(John 12:21-22)
Philip was chosen as a disciple (Matthew 10:3) and was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit
came (Acts 1:13). Philip was ordained by man as a deacon in the church (Acts 6:1-6) but set by
God as an evangelist (Ephesians 4:11-12).
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FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Further study of the ministry of Philip will expand your knowledge of the special gift of being an
evangelist:
-His message: Acts 8:35
-Deliverance, miracles, healings: Acts 8:5-8
-Baptized: Acts 8:12,36-38
-Preached [the Kingdom of God]: Acts 8:12
-House was set in order: Acts 21:8-9
-Traveled to spread the Gospel: Acts 8:4-5,26,40
-Ability to persuade groups: Acts 8:6
-Stirred entire cities: Acts 8:8
-Ministered to individuals: Acts 8:27-38
-Led by God: Acts 8:26,39
-Knowledge of the Word of God: Acts 8:30-35
-Known by effectiveness of ministry and response of people: Acts 8:5-6,8,12,35-39
PASTORS
And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists, and
some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
This is the only place in the King James version of the New Testament where the word "pastor"
is used. The Greek word "pastor" actually means shepherd. (The New Testament was originally
written in Greek). Pastors are leaders who assume long-term personal responsibility for the
spiritual welfare of a group of believers. Because the word means shepherd, pastors should
follow the example set by Jesus Christ as a "pastor" or "shepherd" of people:
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great shepherd of the sheep... (Hebrews 13:20)
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away. (I Peter 5:4)
Jesus also referred to Himself as the good shepherd and listed some of the functions of a
shepherd in John 10:1-18.
The Bible mentions the office of a bishop (I Timothy 3). Many believe this is the same as a
pastor because of the following verse spoken of Jesus:
For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now returned unto the Shepherd
and Bishop of your souls. (I Peter 2:25)
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The spiritual requirements for bishops, elders, and deacons, which were positions of leadership
in the early church, should certainly also be met by one who would lead these people as a pastor.
Study these in I Timothy 3:1-13.
The responsibilities of a pastor are to spiritually feed and protect those under his ministry. This
is to be done with a proper motive and not just for financial gain:
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He
hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof, not
for filthy lucre, but of a ready minds;
Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away. (I Peter 5:2-4)
The word "pastor" is used in the Old Testament only in the book of Jeremiah. Here, God gives
special warnings to pastors:
...the pastors also transgressed against me. (Jeremiah 2:8)
For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord; therefore
they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. (Jeremiah
10:21)
Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion
under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the
whole land is made desolate because no man layeth it to heart.
(Jeremiah 12:10-11)
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture,
saith the Lord.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my
people; Ye have scattered my flock, and drive them away, and have not
visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the
Lord. (Jeremiah 23:1-2)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study the requirements for being a bishop or deacon in the church in I Timothy 3:1-13. These
also apply for one who serves as a pastor. Study the characteristics of Jesus as the Good
Shepherd given in John 10:1-18.
TEACHERS
And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists, and
some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
Teachers are believers who have the special ability of communicating the Word of God
effectively in such a way that others learn and apply what is taught. Teaching involves training,
not just communicating information. The Bible records:
And He gave some...teachers... (Ephesians 4:11)
And God hath set some in the church....thirdly, teachers...
(I Corinthians 12:28)
...Or he that teacheth on teaching... (Romans 12:7)
Not all believers receive the special gift of teaching. Paul asked:
...are all teachers? (I Corinthians 12:29)
His answer to this question was "no.” God gives some the special gift of teaching.
The special gift of being a teacher differs from the speaking gift of teaching just as being a
prophet differs from the speaking gift of prophecy. You will recall that Acts 13:1-4 showed
teachers in a special leadership position [along with the prophets] in guiding the ministry of Paul
and Barnabas. All believers do not have the special gift of teaching or the speaking gift of
teaching. But all believers are to be involved in teaching the basic Gospel message:
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God...
(Hebrews 5:12)
All mature believers are to be involved in teaching the Gospel whether or not they have the
special gift of teaching. (Because of this, Harvestime International Institute offers a separate
course entitled "Teaching Tactics" to provide further instruction in this area).
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The Bible warns of false teachers. These are people who claim to have the gift of teaching but
do not teach the true Word of God:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be
false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction. (II Peter 2:1)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto
fables. (II Timothy 4:3-4)
...thy teachers have transgressed against me...(Isaiah 43:27)
II Peter chapter 2 and the book of Jude list some of the personal characteristics by which you can
recognize false teachers.
It is possible to have a wrong motive for teaching as well as false doctrine:
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not for filthy lucre's sake. (Titus 1:11)
Those who have been taught God's Word should teach faithful believers who will be able to
teach others:
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all
good things. (Galatians 6:6)
And the same thing that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the
same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
(II Timothy 2:2)
This is the pattern of continuous teaching that, if followed, rapidly multiplies to spread the
Gospel throughout the world.
A person with the spiritual gift of teaching does not teach man's wisdom:
Which things also we speak, not in the word which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
(I Corinthians 2:13)
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A teacher should have Godly understanding and wisdom. Paul warns against those who are...
...desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor
whereof they affirm. (I Timothy 1:7)
He stresses the importance of teaching with wisdom:
...Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all
wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians
1:27-28)
Teachers must live what they teach:
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that
preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
(Romans 2:21-22)
Teachers will be judged on the basis of what they have taught:
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation. (James 3:1)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study the following examples of teachers in the New Testament. Who do you think might have
had the special gift of being a teacher [a leadership position in the church]. Who might have had
only the speaking gift of teaching?
-Appollos: Acts 18:24-25
-Aquilla and Priscilla: Acts 18:26
-Paul: Acts 20:20-21,27; 21:28
-Unnamed: Acts 13:1
-Peter: Acts 5:28-29
Obtain the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Teaching Tactics.” It focuses on
the tactics used by the greatest teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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LEADERSHIP WORKING TOGETHER
The five special gifts of leadership function together in the ministry of the church.
Apostles extend the Gospel message to various regions and raise up organized bodies of
believers. God gives special miraculous signs and wonders to assist in this extension of the
Gospel. The apostle provides special leadership to the churches he raises up.
Prophets also provide leadership in the church. One of their functions is to give special
messages from God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Evangelists communicate the Gospel in such a manner that people respond to it and become
believers. They may minister individually or in large groups, but their ministry always produces
new believers. These believers then come under the care of apostles, prophets, pastors, and
teachers of the church who guide their spiritual development. The example of Philip in Acts
chapter 8 illustrates this. He brought the Samaritans to Christ, then turned them to the apostles
for further teaching.
Pastors exercise long-term leadership and care for those who have believed through the
message of the evangelist. They provide pastoral care to those who have become believers
through the ministry of apostles. Their ministry is a picture of the loving care of a shepherd for
his sheep.
Teachers provide instruction which goes beyond the presentation of the Gospel by the
evangelist. They teach believers to be spiritually mature. They train faithful people who are
capable of teaching others.
The main responsibility of those with special leadership gifts is to train other believers to
discover and use their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:11-16). The following chart illustrates how the
special gifts function together in the church:
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GOD
GIVES
APOSTLES PROPHETS EVANGELISTS PASTORS TEACHERS
FOR
PERFECTING/EQUIPPING OF SAINTS
WHO WILL
________
MINISTER EDIFY
RESULTING IN
UNITY KNOWLEDGE PERFECTNESS
THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY BE
____________
NO MORE CHILDREN GROW UP IN HIM
(false doctrine) (truth)
FINAL RESULT:
EFFECTIVE WORKING OF ALL PARTS OF THE BODY IN LOVE
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List the five special leadership gifts discussed in this chapter:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Why are these called "special gifts"?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Read each statement. If the statement is TRUE write T on the blank in front of it. If the
statement is FALSE write F on the blank in front of it.
a._____Everyone who prophesies does not necessarily have the special gift of
being a prophet.
b._____Everyone who teaches does not necessarily have the special gift of being a
teacher.
c._____Every believer should teach the Gospel to others, but this does not mean
that all believers have the gift of teaching.
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5. Look at the special gifts in list one. Read the definitions in list two. Write the number of
the definition which describes the spiritual gift on the blank provided. The first one is
done as an example for you.
List One List Two
__2__Prophet 1. Sent with authority to act for another to develop new
churches and oversee them.
_____Apostle 2. Speaks under special inspiration to communicate an
immediate message of God to His people; also a leadership
position.
_____Pastor 3. Shares the Gospel with nonbelievers in a way that they
respond and become responsible members of the Body of
Christ; "one who brings the good news.”
_____Evangelist 4. Assumes long-term leadership for the spiritual welfare of
believers; the word means shepherd.
_____Teacher 5. Communicates God's Word in such a way that others will
learn and apply what is taught; also a leadership position.
6. What are the four major divisions of spiritual gifts being used for study purposes in this
and the following chapters:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Suggestions for further study were given as each special gift was discussed in this chapter. This
was done to permit you to complete your study of each gift before going on to study the next
one. Believers with special gifts are leaders God sets in the church. But these are not the only
church leadership positions mentioned in the Bible.
The offices of deacons and elders are mentioned in the New Testament. The position of bishop
is also mentioned. Some churches consider a bishop the same as a pastor. Others consider it a
separate office. These positions of leadership are not the same as the special gifts of leadership
we have just studied. They are special offices established by the early church through the leading
of the Lord.
The record of the early church was preserved by God as an example for us to follow in church
structure. These offices should also function in the church today. The purpose of these offices is
to assist those who have the special gifts of leadership discussed in this chapter, i.e., the apostles,
prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Use the following outline to study these positions of
leadership.
CHURCH OFFICES
Title References Duties
Bishop I Timothy 3:1-7 Many consider a bishop to be the same as a pastor.
Philippians 1:1 these verses do indicate he is to have long term care
Titus 1:5-9 over a group of believers.
I Peter 5:2-3
Deacon I Timothy 3:8-13 These verses indicate deacons have a ministry of
Philippians 1:1 serving and helps.
Acts 6:1-7
Deaconesses I Timothy 3:11 Deaconesses are not mentioned specifically in the
Romans 16:1-2 Bible. Some churches have adopted this term for the
wives of deacons or other women who minister in
serving and helps.
Elders Acts 20:17,28-32 These verses indicate elders provide leadership in
Acts 14:23;15 the church and decisions, minister to the needs of
Acts 16:4; 11:30 believers and assist in the development and care of
I Timothy 5:17 local bodies of believers.
I Peter 5:1-4
Titus 1:5; James 5:14
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Note: The word "elders" is first used in the Bible in Exodus 3:16 in reference to the leaders of
Israel. There are many references to the elders of Israel throughout the Bible. These elders are
different from the position of leadership known as an elder in the early church. All of the verses
we have listed here refer to the elders in the church rather than the elders of Israel.
Observe that the elders function in leadership along with the special gifts of leadership God has
set in the church. The elders are not to run the church independent of the special leaders of God,
i.e., prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers. God has set the special leaders in the
church. Man chooses the elders.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Bible gives specific qualifications which are to be met by those filling these church offices:
BISHOPS AND ELDERS:
-Above reproach [Should have a good reputation and not be in violation of God's Word]: I
Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6,7
-Husband of one wife [If married, should have only one mate]: I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
-Temperate [Moderate in all things]: Titus 1:8; I Timothy 3:2
-Self-controlled [Demonstrates control in all areas of life and conduct]: Titus 1:8
-Sober, vigilant [Prudent, sensible, wise and practical]: I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
-Hospitable [Home is open to others]: I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
-Able to teach [Has an ability communicate God's Word to others]: I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9
-Not addicted to wine: I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
-Patient [The opposite of being quick tempered]: I Timothy 3:3
-Not self-willed [Not self-centered and always wanting their own way]: Titus 1:7
-Not a new convert [Must have maturity and experience as a believer]: I Timothy 3:6
-Loving what is good [Supporting all that is worthwhile to God and His purposes]: Titus 1:8
-Just [Fair in dealing with people]: Titus 1:8
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-Stable in the Word: Titus 1:9
-Holy [Righteous, sanctified]: Titus 1:8
-Not fond of sordid gain [Not known for greed for financial gain. Free from the love of money]:
Titus 1:7; I Timothy 3:3
-Manages his own household well [Must show leadership ability in his own family]: I Timothy
3:4-5
-Having children who believe [Must have children who have responded to the Lord and are not
rebellious]: Titus 1:6
-Good reputation with those outside [Must have a good testimony among non-believers]: I
Timothy 3:7
DEACONS:
-Dignity [Must be respected and demonstrate a serious mind and character]: I Timothy 3:8
-Not double tongued [Does not give conflicting reports]: I Timothy 3:8
-Not addicted to much wine: I Timothy 3:8
-Not fond of sordid gain [Not greedy for financial gain]: I Timothy 3:8
-Settled in his commitment to the faith: I Timothy 3:9
-Tested [A person who has undergone spiritual trials and temptations and proven faithful]: I
Timothy 3:10
-Beyond reproach [The absence of any charge of violation in conduct]: I Timothy 3:10
-Husband of one wife [If married should have one mate]: I Timothy 3:12
-Good managers of children and household [Must demonstrate leadership in family life]: I
Timothy 3:12
-Proven [Not a new convert, but proven as a believer]: I Timothy 3:10
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DEACONESS:
-Women: I Timothy 3:11
-Dignified [Respected and demonstrate a serious mind and character]: I Timothy 3:11
-Not malicious gossips [Does not talk about others in a slanderous way]: I Timothy 3:11
-Temperate [Moderate in all things]: I Timothy 3:11
-Faithful in all things [Trustworthy and dependable in every area of life]: I Timothy 3:11
-Helper of many [Must minister to others and help meet their needs]: Romans 16:2
CHURCH STRUCTURE
The Biblical structure of the church is shown in the following diagram:
THE CHURCH
Special Leadership Gifts:
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
(Ephesians 2:20-22)
(assisted by special offices of bishops, deacons, elders, and each member of the body
using their spiritual gift in the church in the place God has set them)
The Foundation Laid By Apostles and Prophets
Ephesians 2:20
BUILT UPON THE ROCK-JESUS CHRIST
Matthew 16:18 I Corinthians 3:11 Ephesians 2:20THE CHURCH
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CHAPTER SEVEN
SPEAKING GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Identify the five speaking gifts.
· Define the speaking gifts.
· Distinguish between the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge.
KEY VERSE:
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath
pleased Him. (I Corinthians 12:18)
INTRODUCTION
Five gifts have been given the title of "speaking gifts" because they all involve speaking aloud.
The five speaking gifts are:
-Prophecy -Exhortation -Word of Knowledge
-Teaching -Word of Wisdom
The first two speaking gifts, prophecy and teaching, are similar to two of the special gifts. But
the speaking gifts of prophecy and teaching are not the same as the special leadership gifts of
being a prophet or a teacher.
PROPHECY
For to one is given by the Spirit...prophecy. (I Corinthians 12:10)
A person with the gift of prophecy speaks by the special inspiration of God to communicate an
immediate message to His people. Prophecy was discussed in detail in the section on the special
gift of being a prophet. Everything said there about prophecy given by a prophet also applies to
the gift of prophecy. But the speaking gift of prophecy alone does not mean you have the special
gift of being a prophet. As you previously learned, God has set prophets [who also have the gift
of prophecy] in special leadership positions in the church.
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Although they prophesy like prophets, people with the gift of prophecy do not have the special
leadership position of a prophet. They simply deliver special messages under the inspiration of
the Holy Spirit.
TEACHING
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...let us
wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching...
(Romans 12:6-7)
The subject of teaching was covered in the section on the special gift of teaching. Everything
discussed applies also to the gift of teaching with the exception of the leadership position.
As in the example of prophets and prophecy, the speaking gift of teaching does not mean a
person has the special gift of being a teacher. God sets teachers [who also have the gift of
teaching] in special leadership positions in the church.
EXHORTATION
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...he that
exhorteth on exhortation... (Romans 12:6,8)
The gift of exhortation is the ability to draw close to individuals in time of need, counseling them
correctly with the Word of God. To "exhort" literally means to call a person aside, to advise,
recommend, admonish, encourage, or comfort.
Exhortation is the ability to give wise spiritual counsel. People with this gift minister words of
comfort, consolation, and encouragement in such a way that others are helped. A modern term
for this gift would be "the gift of counseling.”
Exhortation was part of the apostle's follow up plan for the churches:
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many,
they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the
faith.... (Acts 14:21-22)
The Bible teaches how exhortation is to be done:
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AS A FATHER WOULD HIS OWN CHILDREN:
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,
as a father doth his children. (I Thessalonians 2:11)
BY GIVING INSTRUCTION WITH PATIENCE:
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine. (II Timothy 4:2)
ON THE BASIS OF SOUND BIBLICAL DOCTRINE:
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by
sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9)
WITH ALL AUTHORITY:
These thing speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority...
(Titus 2:15)
MORE FREQUENTLY AS THE END OF TIME APPROACHES:
...but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
The Bible gives several examples of people who had the gift of exhortation and counseled others.
Study these for further understanding of this gift:
-Barnabas: Acts 11:22-24
-Judas and Silas: Acts 15:32
-Paul: Acts 14:22, II Corinthians 9:5, I Thessalonians 4:1
-Jude: Jude 3
In what attitude should a person exhort another? See I Thessalonians 2:11 and 5:14.
________________________________________________________________________
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When exhorted, what things were people encouraged to do?
I Peter 5:1-2 _____________________________________
II Timothy 4:1-4 _____________________________________
I Thessalonians 2:11-12 _____________________________________
II Thessalonians 3:12 _____________________________________
Study the following verses and complete the chart:
Who Encouraged Whom
Acts 14:21-22 ____________ ____________
Acts 16:40 ____________ ____________
Acts 20:1 ____________ ____________
II Corinthians 1:3-7 ____________ ____________
WORD OF WISDOM
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom... (I Corinthians 12:8)
The word of wisdom is the ability to receive insight as to how knowledge may be applied to
specific needs. Given the facts in any situation, a person with this gift knows how to apply the
facts to bring a wise solution.
The word of wisdom is a divine insight into people and situations that is not obvious to the
average person. This God-given wisdom is combined with an understanding of what to do and
how to do it. This gift is not called "the gift of wisdom" because it does not give one the total
wisdom of God. It is a word of wisdom, just a portion of God's infinite wisdom.
The gift of the word of wisdom does not come through education. The source of such wisdom is
God:
...to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of
Christ;
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In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
(Colossians 2:2-3)
Jesus Christ was called the "wisdom of God":
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of
God, and the wisdom of God.
But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
(I Corinthians 1:24,30)
Godly wisdom is not the same as the wisdom of the world:
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not
against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and
easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and
without hypocrisy. (James 3:14-17)
If you do not have the gift of the word of wisdom you can still develop spiritual wisdom. You
can receive it by studying the Word of God:
And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(II Timothy 3:15)
You can ask God for wisdom:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Wisdom is given to those who live a godly life:
For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
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He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; He is a buckler to them that
walk uprightly. (Proverbs 2:6-7)
But remember, this spiritual wisdom available to all believers is not the same as the gift of the
word of wisdom. The word of wisdom is a special ability given by God through the Holy Spirit.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study the references made by Paul to wisdom: I Corinthians 2:1-13. What are the differences
between the two wisdoms of which he writes? The word of wisdom was operative in his life.
See II Peter 3:15-16; I Corinthians 2:4-8.
Wisdom was evident in the ministry of Stephen: Acts 6:3,10
King Solomon was the best example of wisdom in the Old Testament: I Kings 3:5-28
Study the book of Proverbs. It was written by King Solomon and is the practical application of
spiritual wisdom.
Study James 3:17. List the characteristics of godly wisdom.
Study these examples of the word of wisdom in operation:
-Luke 2:40-52; 21:15
-Acts 5:26-33
(observe wisdom in the statement "we ought to obey God rather than men").
-Deuteronomy 34:9
-Exodus 36:1-2
WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of
knowledge by the same Spirit...(I Corinthians 12:8)
The word of knowledge is the ability to understand things which others do not know and cannot
comprehend and to share this knowledge with them under the inspiration of the Spirit. Like the
word of wisdom, it is not called "the gift of knowledge.” It is the gift of the "word of
knowledge.” It is not the total knowledge of God, but only a portion of His knowledge.
The source of this spiritual knowledge is God:
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In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
(Colossians 2:3)
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of
God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they
are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are
spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:11-14)
The gift of the word of knowledge is revelatory knowledge. This means it is knowledge revealed
by God. It is not knowledge obtained through education or study.
When Jesus asked Peter a spiritual question and he answered with a word of knowledge, Jesus
said:
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it
unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 16:17)
The gift of the word of knowledge should be used in humility because you are not the source of
the knowledge. God is the source:
...Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as
he ought to know. (I Corinthians 8:1-2)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
New Testament examples of the word of knowledge for further study:
-Jesus: John 1:48; 4:17-18; 11:14
-Simon: Luke 2:25-35
-Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-11
-Paul: Acts 27:13-44
-Peter: Acts 5:1-10; 8:23; 10:19
-Ananias: Acts 9:1-18
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Observe in this passage that Ananias:
-Knew where Paul was: Verse 11
-Knew he was praying: Verse 11
-Knew he had seen a vision: Verse 12
-Knew he was a chosen vessel: Verse 15
-Knew he would suffer: Verse 16
-Knew he would be a witness: Verse 15
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the five speaking gifts?
___________ ___________ ___________ __________ ___________
3. Read the list of speaking gifts in list one. Read the definitions in list two. Write the
number of the definition which describes the gift on the blank provided.
List One List Two
_____Exhortation 1. Speaks by special inspiration of God an immediate
message to His people.
_____Prophecy 2. Words of counsel, comfort.
_____Word of Wisdom 3. Ability to train others in God's Word.
_____Teaching 4. Insight as to how knowledge may be applied to
specific needs.
_____Word of Knowledge 5. Ability to understand things others cannot and to
share under the inspiration of the Spirit.
4. Circle the correct answer to complete this sentence: Believers give a word of wisdom or
knowledge by...
a. Repeating what they have read.
b. Trying to think of something God might want them to say.
c. The Holy Spirit giving them a word to speak.
5. Is this statement True or False? The gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of
knowledge are the same. The statement is_____________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
"For Further Study" for this lesson were given as each speaking gift was discussed in this chapter. This was done to
permit you to complete your study of each gift before going on to the next one.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
SERVING GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Identify the nine serving gifts of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain the difference between the gift of serving and the gift of helps.
· Explain the difference between the gift of administration and the gift of leadership.
· Distinguish between the gift of faith and the fruit of faith.
KEY VERSE:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
(Mark 10:44)
INTRODUCTION
There are nine spiritual gifts which we will call the "serving gifts.” These gifts are not special
offices such as those of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher. They are not speaking
gifts where one stands before the church body to minister the Word of God. Neither are they
sign gifts (which you will study in the next chapter) which are given to confirm the truth of the
Gospel.
These nine gifts "serve" the church by providing structure, organization, and support in both
spiritual and practical areas. The nine serving gifts are:
-Discerning of spirits -Helps
-Leadership -Serving
-Administration -Mercy
-Faith -Hospitality
-Giving
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DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit...discerning of spirits...
(I Corinthians 12:7-10)
Discerning of spirits is the ability to evaluate people, doctrines, and situations as to whether they
are of God or of Satan. In no way should discerning of spirits be confused with a critical spirit.
The gift is a spiritual gift. Spiritual things are not discerned with the natural mind:
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:15)
This gift is limited to the discerning of spirits. It is not just discerning in general. This gift
serves the church by identifying people who would split the fellowship with wrong motives,
doctrines, and attitudes.
Discerning of spirits is an important gift because the enemies against which we fight are not
visible to the human eye. They are recognized only through spiritual discernment:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
One of the strategies used by Satan is deception. This is why discernment is so important:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the
ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(II Corinthians 11:14-15)
As we near the return of the Lord Jesus, these spirits of deception will increase:
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
(I Timothy 4:1)
The Apostle Peter warned:
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But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be
false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of
truth shall be evil spoken of. (II Peter 2:1-2)
If you do not have the gift of discerning of spirits you are not left defenseless. God has given a
way to test the spirits. This test is valid whether or not you have the gift of discernment:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is of God;
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is
not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it
should come; and even now already is it in the world. (I John 4:1-3)
You can learn to use your spiritual senses to discern between good and evil.
These spiritual senses are developed by study of God's Word:
For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness;
for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
The following references are examples of use of the gift of discerning of spirits:
-Jesus: Matthew 16:21-23; John 1:47; Luke 9:55
-Paul: Acts 13:6-12; 16:16-18
-Peter: Acts 5:1-11; 8:18-24
(In Acts 8:18-24, what is one intended result of the use of the gift of discerning of spirits?)
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LEADERSHIP
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...he that
ruleth, with diligence... (Romans 12:6,8)
The spiritual gift of leadership is the ability to set goals in accord with God's purpose and to
communicate these goals to others. A person with this gift motivates and leads others to
accomplish these goals for the glory of God.
Leadership is mentioned in Romans 12 and the qualification for this gift is that one leads [rules]
with diligence. Diligence means to show constant care and effort to accomplish what is
undertaken. It means to be industrious, attentive, and to persevere.
A person with the gift of leadership should lead his own family well:
For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of
the church of God? (I Timothy 3:5)
This is true for one with the gift of administration as well.
Believers should show respect for those who are leaders in the church:
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake...
(I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
We are told to...
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Three of the greatest leaders were Moses, Joshua, and David. The story of Moses is found in the
books of Exodus through Deuteronomy. Joshua's story is contained in the book of Joshua. You
can read about David in the books of I and II Samuel.
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Other great leaders were:
-Nehemiah: Book of Nehemiah
-Ezra: Ezra and Nehemiah
-Peter: Book of Acts
ADMINISTRATION
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:28)
The gift of administration is actually called "governments" in the Bible. A person with the gift
of administration has the ability to give direction, organize, and make decisions on behalf of
others. The meaning of the word administration is similar to the word used for a pilot steering a
ship. A similar word is used for both in the Bible:
The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were they mariners; thy wise men, O
Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots. (Ezekiel 27:8)
A person with this gift is responsible for direction and decision making. Like the pilot of a ship
he may not be the owner of the ship, but he has been entrusted with the responsibility of
directing it on its voyage.
The gifts of leadership and administration both involve organizational skills which result in the
accomplishing of spiritual goals. Often a believer will have both the gifts of leadership and
administration. If a person has the gift of administration but does not have the gift of leadership,
he will need someone with that gift to work with him.
A person with the gift of administration has the ability to direct, organize, and make decisions.
But without the gift of leadership he does not have the ability to motivate and actually work with
people to achieve goals.
Pastors and teachers often also have the spiritual gift of leadership. They are able to motivate
people to accomplish spiritual goals. But many of them do not have the gift of administration.
Although they motivate, they fail to organize in such a way that the goals can be achieved.
The relationship of Titus and Paul illustrates how the gift of administration functions. Among
other gifts, Paul had the special leadership gift of being an apostle. He raised up a church in
Crete, then Titus organized and directed it:
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To Titus, mine own son...For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every
city, as I had appointed thee. (Titus 1:5)
Paul had appointed Titus as administrator over the churches in Crete. Paul was still the authority
in the churches. Titus was administrator carrying out his instructions. According to this
passage, one of the functions of administration is to train other believers for leadership positions
in the church.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study the problem described in Acts 6:1-7. What was the problem? Who used the gift of
leadership? Who might have had the gift of administration?
Read Luke 14:28-30. Observe the value of planning and organization. This is part of good
administration.
Study the life of Joseph in Genesis 37 through 50. Joseph had a gift of administration. He
organized and directed Egypt for Pharaoh. See also Acts 7:9-10.
FAITH
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit...faith...(I Corinthians 12:7-9)
A person with the gift of faith has a special ability to believe with supernatural confidence and
trust God in difficult circumstances. It is special faith to meet a special need. He knows God is
going to do the impossible. He exercises this faith even when other believers around him do not
believe. The Bible defines faith as:
...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of thing not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)
The Amplified Bible adds to this definition:
Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we
hope for, being proof of things we do not see, and the conviction of their
reality. Faith is the perceiving as real what is not revealed to the senses.
(Hebrews 11:1, The Amplified Bible)
Faith gives assurance that the things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are
real.
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There are different kinds of faith. There is natural faith which is a trust in things that have
proven stable. The Bible speaks of sanctifying faith (Galatians 2:20), defensive faith (Ephesians
6:16), and saving faith (Romans 5:1).
The Bible reveals there are various levels of faith. Jesus spoke of people who did not use their
faith as being faithless (Matthew 17:17). He spoke of those with little faith (Matthew 6:30; 8:26:
14:31; Luke 12:28) and of those with great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28; Luke 7:9).
The Bible teaches that each person has a certain amount of faith given to him as a gift of God
(Romans 12:3b). It also teaches that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the gift of
faith is an unusual ability to believe God in every area of life. This faith knows no
impossibilities. It puts no limits on what God can do.
For those who do not have the gift of faith the Bible tells how to increase
faith:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
(Romans 10:17)
Faith is listed in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of the Holy Spirit as well as a gift. Faith as a spiritual
gift refers to power. As a fruit it refers to character. Faith as a gift is an act. It is the ability to
act in faith in the face of impossibilities. Faith as a fruit is an attitude. It is developed through
spiritual growth just as fruit in the natural world develops through growth processes.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study Hebrews 11. This chapter gives many examples of those who had great faith. Make a list
of the things these people accomplished by their faith.
-Abraham was called a man of faith: Romans 4:16-21; Hebrews 11:18-19 -
-Stephen had the gift of faith: Acts 6:5-8
-Barnabas possibly had it: Acts 11:22-24
-Paul demonstrated great faith: Acts 27.
-Faith emphasizes the impossible: I Corinthians 13:2
GIVING
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...he that
giveth let him do it with simplicity... (Romans 12:6,8)
A person with the gift of giving has a special ability to give material goods and financial
resources to the work of the Lord. He does it with joy and eagerness. The gift of giving also
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includes the giving of time, strength, and talents to the work of the Lord. The one requirement
for a person with the gift of giving is that it is done with simplicity. The word simplicity as used
here means liberally.
All Christians are to give to the work of the Lord:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(II Corinthians 9:7)
All believers are to give tithe from their income. The tithe is 10% of all that is earned. If
believers do not give tithes and offerings, it is the same as robbing God:
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:8)
God has promised special blessings to those who tithe their income:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine
house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open
you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not
be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the
fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in
the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith
the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:10-12)
According to this passage, those who give are promised:
1. Unnamed blessings from God, so great they cannot contain them. Verse 10
2. Blessings on the work which provides their income. Verse 11
3. They will be a blessing to the nations of the world. Verse 12
4. Their own land [nation] will be blessed. Verse 12
God blesses you financially upon the basis of how you give. He provides in order that you will
have funds to give to the work of the Lord:
But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he
which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully...
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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
(II Corinthians 9:6,8)
Jesus also promised:
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with
the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
(Luke 6:38)
The way you are to acquire the money or goods to give is described in Ephesians:
Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his
hands, the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
(Ephesians 4:28)
Paul commented regarding the giving of the Philippian believers:
...the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, well pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)
He indicated because their gifts were a sacrifice they had pleased God. Then he told these giving
believers:
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
This promise was made to those who had given to the work of the Lord. But remember:
Although all believers are to give and are blessed of God for doing so, a person with the gift of
giving has an unusual ability to give joyfully to the Lord; a special spiritual motivation to give.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
The following are Biblical examples of people who had an unusual ability to give to the Lord. It
is possible they had the spiritual gift of giving:
-Widow: Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
-Mary: John 12:3-8
-Galatian church: Galatians 4:15
-Philippian church: Philippians 4:10-18
-Macedonian churches: II Corinthians 8:1-7
From what motivations must giving come? See Matthew 6:3; Ephesians 4:28; I Corinthians 13:3.
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HELPS
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:28)
A person with the gift of helps has the ability to assist others in the work of the Lord enabling
them to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. From custodian to musicians,
anything assisting in the operation of a church or a ministry can be considered a gift of helps.
When Paul sent a woman named Phoebe to Rome, he asked believers there to assist her with the
gift of helps:
I commend unto you Phoebe, our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of
many, and of myself also. (Romans 16:1-2)
Priscilla and Aquila apparently served Paul with the gift of helps, for he wrote:
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus... (Romans 16:3)
The gift of helps is any work which supports or assists someone else. It is like serving as an
assistant.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
-Tabitha [Dorcas] had the gift of helps: Acts 9:36
-Women helped Jesus in His ministry: Mark 15:40-41
-The help given could be in the area of organizational responsibilities:
Exodus 18:22; Numbers 11:17
-The ministry of helps can assist those who are weak: Acts 20:35
SERVING
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering... (Romans 12:6-7)
The word "ministering" in this passage means serving. The gift of serving is an ability to perform
practical tasks related to the work of the Lord. A person who serves helps others accomplish
spiritual goals by freeing them from routine but necessary duties.
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The Amplified Bible translates this passage...
...he whose gift is practical service, let him give himself to serving...
(Romans 12:7)
Serving differs from helps in that it relieves someone of certain duties. One who serves assumes
the responsibility for certain tasks to free another to exercise their spiritual gift.
A person with the gift of helps assists someone in the performing of their ministry. For
example, musicians in the church help the pastor accomplish spiritual goals during a church
service. They do not relieve him of the responsibility of the service, but use their gift to help
him accomplish spiritual objectives.
On the other hand, a person with the gift of serving might totally relieve a pastor from
involvement in the distribution of food to those in need within the church body. An example of
this is found in the early church where certain believers "served" tables to free the apostles for
more important spiritual tasks:
And in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there
arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their
widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It
is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full
of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the
word. (Acts 6:1-4)
Observe the qualifications for those who were to serve. They were to be honest and full of the
Holy Ghost and wisdom. Paul spoke of those who ministered or served him:
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus for he oft refreshed me,
and was not ashamed of my chain:
But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest
very well. (II Timothy 1:16-18)
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The gift of serving involves bearing the burden of others:
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)
The attitude of one who serves was described by Jesus:
And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over
them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the
younger, and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he
that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth.
(Luke 22:25-27)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Examples of serving:
-Angels: Hebrews 1:14; 4:11; Mark 1:13
-Serving or waiting at meals: John 2:5,9; Luke 10:40
MERCY
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...he that
showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6,8)
"Mercy" means compassion. This means you are able to feel with and for another. A person
with the gift of mercy has special compassion on those suffering and an ability to help them.
The gift of mercy involves an attitude as well as an action. This is shown in the story of the
Good Samaritan recorded in Luke 10:30-37. The Samaritan not only had compassion on the
victim of the robbers, but also took action to help him.
A requirement is that this gift should be ministered with cheerfulness. The word "cheerfulness"
refers to a joyful readiness to do anything possible immediately to relieve suffering.
Compare the compassion of the disciples with that of Jesus as illustrated in the following
events:
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Reference Jesus Disciples
Matthew 15:23-28 Healed daughter Send away
Syrophoenician woman
Mark 8:1-9 Fed them Send away
Multitudes
Matthew 20:31-34 Healed them Tried to make them be
Blind men quiet
Mark 10:48-49 Healed him Tried to make him be quiet
Blind Bartemaus
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Study these illustrations of the gift of mercy:
-Jesus, in connection with healing: Matthew 9:27-30; 15:21-28; 17:14-18; 20:30-34;
Mark 10:46-52; Luke 17:1-14
-The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:30-37
-Dorcus: Acts 9:36-42
HOSPITALITY
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:9-10)
The gift of hospitality is a special ability God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to
provide food and lodging for those in need. A requirement for the use of this spiritual gift is that
it is done without grudging. Grudging means resenting having to do it.
Hospitality is an evidence of unhypocritical love:
Let love be without dissimulation... given to hospitality... (Romans 12:9,13)
Hospitality is one of the qualifications of a bishop:
A bishop then must be...given to hospitality...(I Timothy 3:2)
For a bishop must be blameless...a lover of hospitality... (Titus 1:7-8)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Lydia is an example of one with the gift of hospitality: Acts 16:14-15
Gaius hosted Paul in Rome: Romans 16:23
There is an exciting possibility in showing hospitality. Discover what it is in Hebrews 13:1-2.
This happened to Abraham and Sarah: Genesis 18.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List the nine serving gifts:
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
___________________________
3. Why are these gifts called serving gifts?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the difference between the gifts of leadership and administration?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the difference between the gifts of helps and serving?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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6. Read the list of serving gifts in list one. Read the definitions in list two. Write the
number of the definition which describes the gift on the blank in front of it.
List One List Two
_____Serving 1. Ability to evaluate people, doctrines, and situations
as to whether they are of God.
_____Helps 2. Ability to motivate others to accomplish specific
goals.
_____Leadership 3. Directs on behalf of others.
_____Administration 4. Special ability to believe.
_____Giving 5. Special ability to give.
_____Showing mercy 6. Assists others in their ministry.
_____Discerning of spirits 7. Special compassion.
_____Faith 8. Provides food and lodging.
_____Hospitality 9. Relieves others of responsibility to perform practical
tasks.
7. Is this statement true or false: Only those with the gift of giving are required to give
money to the work the Lord. The statement is:______________.
8. Define faith.
________________________________________________________________________
9. What is the difference between the gift of faith and the fruit of faith?
________________________________________________________________________
10. How can we increase our faith?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Suggestions for further study for each of the nine serving gifts were given as each gift was
discussed. This was done to permit you to complete your study of each serving gift before going
on to study the next one.
The Bible lists additional gifts which are given to believers which were not covered in this
lesson. These gifts are not specifically called gifts of the Holy Spirit. For this reason they are not
included in the study of spiritual gifts.
CELIBACY:
The gift of celibacy is the ability God gives to certain believers to remain single for the purpose
of Christian service. In I Corinthians 7:7-8 the Apostle Paul refers to his gift of celibacy.
Celibacy should not be required however (see I Timothy 4:1-5). It is a gift of God, not a
requirement to be imposed by the church or a denomination. The church is edified by those who
have the gift of celibacy (see I Corinthians 7:32-35).
INTERCESSION:
The gift of intercession is a special ability God gives to pray with great intensity for extended
periods of time on a regular basis. To intercede means to plead on behalf of another.
Intercessors pray for the needs of people, leaders, ministries, and nations.
Although intercession is not specifically identified as a spiritual gift, there is evidence that the
Holy Spirit has provided for it to function as a gift (see Romans 8:26-27). Study the following
passages to identify some of the purposes for intercessory prayer:
-James 5:14-16 -Numbers 14:17-19
-I Timothy 2:1-2 -Acts 7:60
-Ephesians 6:19
CRAFTSMANSHIP:
There is another gift which we will call "craftsmanship.” It is the ability to craft things of beauty
and/or function for the work of the Lord. Examples are seen in those given special skills by God
to prepare items for the house of the Lord and garments for the priests (Exodus 28:3; Exodus
31:3-6).
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CHAPTER NINE
SIGN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Identify the four sign gifts of the Holy Spirit.
· Explain the purposes of miracles.
· Name five causes for physical illness.
· Distinguish between the gift of tongues and speaking in tongues as a physical sign of
baptism in the Holy Spirit.
· Discuss Biblical guidelines governing use of the gift of tongues.
KEY VERSES:
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard
Him;
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?
(Hebrews 2:3-4)
INTRODUCTION
There are four gifts which we will call "sign gifts" because they are supernatural signs of God's
power working through believers to confirm His Word:
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)
The sign gifts minister to and through believers in healing, miracles, and special messages from
God through tongues and interpretation. These supernatural gifts are also a "sign" to unbelievers
that God exists.
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The four sign gifts are:
-Miracles
-Healing
-Tongues
-Interpretation of tongues
MIRACLES
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit...the working of miracles.
(I Corinthians 12:7-10)
Through a person with the gift of miracles God performs powerful acts which are beyond the
possibility of occurring naturally. These supernatural acts are a sign that God's power is greater
than that of Satan.
Miracles accomplish specific spiritual purposes. God uses miracles to confirm the Gospel
message:
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard
Him;
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will.
(Hebrews 2:3-4)
Miracles cause people to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life:
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which
are not written in this book:
But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
(John 20:30-31)
Miracles are also used by God to show approval of the person ministering. The ministry of Jesus
was confirmed by miracles:
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The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that
thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:2)
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of
God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him
in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know. (Acts 2:22)
God confirmed the ministry of the apostles by miracles:
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in
signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (II Corinthians 12:12)
There are different types of miracles. Jesus demonstrated miraculous control over physical
elements:
And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
Physical healing and the casting out of demons are miracles:
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons
and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
(Acts 19:11-12)
The miracles by the hands of Paul were called "special miracles.” The fact that they are called
"special" to distinguish them from "ordinary" shows how common miracles were in the early
church. The early church was birthed in a demonstration of great power. So common was the
powerful manifestation of signs and wonders that this distinction was apparently necessary.
Signs and wonders do not necessarily mean a man or ministry is of God, however. Satan
deceives through miracles:
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles... (Revelation 16:14)
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and
signs and lying wonders.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because
they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
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And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should
believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness. (II Thessalonians 2:9-12)
These verses indicate that people are deceived through miracles of Satan because they are not
grounded in the truth of the Word of God.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
1. Old Testament Miracles:
-Read the books of Exodus through Deuteronomy. See if you can identify the 26 miracles which
occurred during the time of Moses.
-Read the books of I and II Kings. List the 21 miracles which occurred during the time of Elijah
and Elisha.
2. New Testament Miracles:
-Study Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. List the miracles performed by Jesus Christ.
-Study the book of Acts. List the miracles God performed through the apostles and others
ministering in the early church.
-Read Acts 9:36-41. What miracle is recorded here? What are the results of this miracle (Acts
9:42)?
-According to Romans 15:18-19, what was evident in Paul's ministry which caused the Gentiles
to become obedient to God?
-Read II Corinthians 12:12. With what other spiritual gift is the gift of miracles associated?
-What are two manifestations of miracles in Acts 19:11-12?
HEALING
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given...the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.
(I Corinthians 12:7-9)
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A believer with the gifts of healing has the ability to let God's power flow through him to restore
health apart from the use of natural methods. "Healing" means to make well.
This type of healing is called "divine healing" because it is done by the divine power of God
rather than through natural means.
The healings recorded in the Bible were all immediate and complete recoveries of normal bodily
functions. Physical healing is one of the spiritual signs that is to follow the ministry of all
believers:
And these signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover... (Mark 16:17-18)
The elders of the church are also used of God to bring physical healing:
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.
(James 5:14-15)
All believers can pray for the sick. Elders in the church can also pray for the sick. But a
believer with a gift of healing is used specifically and consistently by God in this area of
ministry.
The name of this gift is plural. It is the "gifts" of healing. This is because there are various
healing gifts, different ways healing comes, and various methods of using the gift of healing.
God uses some believers in the healing of specific illnesses. For example, the Bible records that
Paul was used in special miracles of healing (Acts 19:11-12). Some believers may have a special
anointing to pray for the blind or deaf. Others are used in a more general healing ministry to
pray for all types of sickness.
In addition to curing physical affliction, healing can also include the casting out of unclean
spirits [demons]:
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem,
bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and
they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
Faith in God is a key to receiving healing. Divine healing can come through the faith of the one
ministering with this gift. Jesus raised a girl from the dead and healed her:
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But when the people were put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand,
and the maid arose. (Matthew 9:25)
Since the girl was dead, she could not have faith for healing. Healing came through the ministry
and faith of Jesus.
Healing can also come because of the faith of the person who is sick:
But Jesus turned Him about and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of
good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made
whole from that hour. (Matthew 9:22)
Healing also comes through the combined faith of the one who is sick and the one who is
ministering:
And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and
Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto
Him Yea, Lord.
Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(Matthew 9:28-29)
Jesus had the ability to perform this healing. He knew He was able to heal. This was combined
with the faith of the blind men to bring healing.
The plural "gifts" of healing is also used because healing comes through various Biblical
methods. For example, healing can come through the spoken word:
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest
come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be
healed. (Matthew 8:8)
He sent His word, and healed them... (Psalms 107:20)
Healing comes by the laying on of hands:
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases
brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and
healed them. (Luke 4:40)
...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover... (Mark 16:18)
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. (Acts 19:11)
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Healing comes through the anointing of oil in the name of the Lord:
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. (James 5:14-15)
Healing has even come through the shadow of one with this gift:
Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on
beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might
overshadow some of them.
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem,
bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and
they were healed every one. (Acts 5:15-16)
We can have divine healing because Jesus suffered and took upon Himself our infirmities:
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes
we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Jesus suffered at Calvary not only to free us from sin, but also to free us from sickness. He was
beaten and received stripes on His back for the healing of sickness. He suffered so we can be
healed as well as saved.
When ministering with the gifts of healing it is important to understand that everyone to whom
we minister may not be healed. Paul spoke of fellow workers who were sick and apparently had
not received healing through his ministry:
...Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (II Timothy 4:20)
Paul had the gifts of healing and special miracles, yet for some reason Trophimus was not healed
through his ministry. Paul wrote to Timothy regarding a chronic illness:
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine
often infirmities. (I Timothy 5:23)
Paul did not stop using his gift of healing just because everyone to whom he ministered did not
get healed. This would be like an evangelist ceasing to minister because everyone to whom he
preached did not respond to the Gospel. Everyone Paul preached to did not respond positively to
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the Gospel message. Everyone he prayed for was not healed. But he kept on doing what God
had called him to do. He preached the Gospel and prayed for the sick and left the results in the
hands of God.
There are reasons why healing does not come to everyone for whom we pray. These are
discussed in the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Leaven-Like Evangelism,"
which deals with healing in detail and its purpose in extending the Gospel.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
-For a detailed study of healing, obtain the Harvestime International Institute course entitled
"Battle For The Body.”
-Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to study the healing ministry of Jesus. Make a list of all
the healings He performed. By each healing, record the different methods used.
-Read the book of Acts to study the gifts of healing in action in the early church. Note the types
of sickness healed and the methods used.
Observe in the book of Acts the different people God used in the gifts of healing:
-Acts 3:1-11: Peter and John [apostles]
-Acts 5:15; 9:32-34: Peter [apostle]
-Acts 8:5-7: Philip [evangelist and deacon]
-Acts 9:17-18: Ananias [unknown believer]
-Acts 14:8-10; 28:7-9: Paul [apostle]
-Study the following verses. Make a list of some of the reasons God performs healings: John
9:1-3; Acts 3:1-10; 4:4; Philippians 2:25-27
TONGUES
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit...divers kinds of tongues...
(I Corinthians 12:7-10)
The gift of tongues is the ability to receive and communicate a message of God to His people
through a language never learned. "Tongues" means languages. The reason we have called this a
"sign" gift rather than a "speaking" gift is that the Bible indicates clearly that this gift is given for
a sign.
When one speaks in tongues it can be in a language known and recognized by the listeners:
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Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language...
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold are
not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born.
(Acts 2:6-8)
It can also be in a language not known to man. This is called speaking in unknown tongues:
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. (I Corinthians 14:2)
As you previously learned, speaking in tongues is the physical sign of having been baptized in
the Holy Spirit. But this experience of speaking in tongues is different from the gift of tongues.
The gift of tongues is the special ability to deliver messages from God to the church in a
language not known by the speaker.
The purposes of speaking in tongues, both as a sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gift of
tongues are for:
Prayer to God: I Corinthians 14:2
Self edification: I Corinthians 14:4. Edification is not exalting self, but means encouragement,
improvement, and development. Isaiah 28:11-12 also calls it spiritual refreshing.
Intercession: The Holy Spirit speaks through the believer in an unknown tongue to intercede in
prayer. The word "intercede" means to pray on behalf of another. The Holy Spirit knows just
how and for what to pray. I Corinthians 14:14. See also Romans 8:26,27
Praise: Acts 10:46; I Corinthians 14:15
Fulfillment of prophecy: I Corinthians 14:21; Isaiah 28:11-12
The gift of tongues has two additional purposes. When a person with the gift of tongues gives a
message to the church assembly and this message is interpreted it is for...
Edification of the church: I Corinthians 14:12-13
A sign to unbelievers: I Corinthians 14:22. This is why the gift of tongues and the
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interpretation which should accompany use of this gift are called "sign gifts.”
There are specific guidelines given for using the gift of tongues in the church:
l. Not everyone is to speak at one time: I Corinthians 12:30
2. To edify the church, the gift of tongues must be accompanied by interpretation so the
listeners will understand what is said: I Corinthians 14:1-5
3. Because of this, a believer with the gift of tongues should keep quiet if there is no
interpreter: I Corinthians 14:28
4. He should also pray for the gift of interpretation himself: I Corinthians 12:13
5. In the church it is more important to speak in language understood than tongues if no
interpreter is present: I Corinthians 14:18-19
6. Only one person should interpret at a time: I Corinthians 14:27
7. A person with the gift of tongues can control it: I Corinthians 14:32-33
8. Speaking in tongues is not to be forbidden: I Corinthians 14:39-40
9. The most important thing is order in the church services. There should be no confusion
caused by this or any other gift: I Corinthians 14:40
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
-Study I Corinthians 12-14. These chapters discuss the use of spiritual gifts with emphasis on
the gifts of tongues and interpretation in chapter 14.
-Read I Corinthians 14:5. With what gift is tongues, when interpreted, compared?
-What are the purposes of this gift? See I Corinthians 14:4,5,22.
-What guidelines are placed on the use of this gift in the assembled church? See I Corinthians
14:26-28.
-The gift of tongues is a sign to unbelievers. For each passage listed discover who the
unbelievers were and where they were from:
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Who Where From
Acts 2:2-13 _______________ _____________________
Acts 10:24-28 _______________ _____________________
Acts 19:1-7 _______________ _____________________
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the...interpretation of tongues.
(I Corinthians 12:7-10)
The gift of interpretation is a special ability to make known in a language understood the
message of one who speaks in tongues. The interpretation of a message in tongues is given by
the Holy Spirit to one with this spiritual gift. It is not interpreted by knowing the language in
which the message was given. It is given by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Interpretation is a
summary of the message, not a word by word translation. Because of this, interpretation may
vary from the message in tongues in length or structure.
The purpose of this gift is to provide interpretation of the message given by one with the gift of
tongues:
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by
three, and that by course; and let one interpret. (I Corinthians 14:27)
The gift of interpretation is to accompany use of the gift of tongues. It is only when a message in
tongues is interpreted that the church is blessed by it:
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. (I Corinthians 14:5)
A person with the gift of tongues is to keep silent in the church if there is no one present with the
gift of interpretation:
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him
speak to himself, and to God. (I Corinthians 14:28)
A person with the gift of tongues should pray for the gift of interpretation:
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Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may
interpret. (I Corinthians 14:13)
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
-Study I Corinthians 14 for further guidelines on using the gift of interpretation of
tongues.
-What should be the results when tongues are interpreted? See I Corinthians 14:5
-What is to happen if no interpreter is present? See I Corinthians 14:28.
-Who interprets the tongues? See I Corinthians 14:13 and 27.
-On what occasions does the gift of tongues not require interpretation? See Acts 2:4-8;
10:44-48;19:6.
THE PATTERN OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY
This chapter concludes the study of the various spiritual gifts. The divisions made for purposes
of study were:
-Special gifts -Speaking gifts
-Serving gifts -Sign gifts
The following chart shows how each of these divisions fit together in the church to form a
pattern of effective ministry:
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SPECIAL GIFTS
Apostles
Prophets TO EQUIP GOD'S PEOPLE
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
SPEAKING GIFTS
Prophecy
Teaching
TO EXPLAIN GOD'S TRUTHS Exhortation
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
SERVING GIFTS
Serving
Helps
Leadership
Administration
Giving TO ENABLE GOD'S WORK
Showing Mercy
Discerning of Spirits
Faith
Hospitality
SIGN GIFTS
Tongues
Interpretation
TO ESTABLISH GOD'S AUTHORITY Miracles
Healings
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the four sign gifts?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. According to John 20:30-31, what are two purposes of the gift of miracles?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Look at the sign gift in list one. Read the definitions in list two. Write the number of the
definition that describes the gift in the blank provided.
List One List Two
_____Healing 1. Powerful acts beyond the possibility of occurring naturally.
_____Tongues 2. God's power restoring health apart from the use of natural
methods.
_____Interpretation 3. Speaking in a language not known by the speaker.
_____Miracles 4. Making known in a language understood the message of
one who speaks in tongues.
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5. Read the statements below. If the statement is TRUE, write a T on the blank in front of
it. If the statement is FALSE, write an F on the blank in front of it.
a._____Speaking in tongues upon baptism in the Holy Spirit is the same thing as
the gift of tongues.
b._____A person with the gift of tongues should keep quiet in the church if there
is no interpreter present.
c._____A person with the gift of tongues should not interpret his own message.
d._____A person with the gift of tongues can not really control this gift.
e._____It is more important to speak in a language understood by listeners in the
church than to speak with the gift of tongues with no interpretation.
f._____Several people can interpret the same message at the same time.
g._____If a person has the gifts of healing, everyone to whom he ministers will be
healed.
h._____Only a person with the gifts of healing should pray for the sick.
((Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Suggestions for further study for each of the four sign gifts were given as each gift was
discussed. This was done to permit you to complete your study of each sign gift before going on
to the next one. A final suggestion is that you learn how all the gifts of the Holy Spirit were
evident in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The following outline will assist you in this as it lists
references confirming spiritual gifts evident in His ministry.
After you conclude this study read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Expand this
outline by listing other references which confirm the operation of the gifts in the ministry of
Jesus Christ.
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF JESUS
-Miracles: Acts 2:22
-Healing: Acts 10:38
-Word Of Wisdom: I Corinthians 1:24,30
-Word Of Knowledge: John 1:45-50; 4:18; 11:14
-Discerning of Spirits: John 1:45-50 6:61
-Prophecy/Prophet: Matthew 24
-Teaching/Teacher: Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 26:55; Mark 6:6; 14:49;
Luke 5:17; 13:10,22; 21:37
-Exhortation: Luke 3:18
-Mercy [compassion]: Matthew 20:30-34
-Apostle: Hebrews 3:1
-Evangelist: John 10:16
-Pastor: John 10:11
-Leadership: John 13:15-16; Mark 10:42-45
-Administration: Luke 10:1-17
-Faith: Luke 8:49-56
-Giving: John 10:11
-Helps: John 17:6-10
-Serving: John 13:4-16; Mark 10:42-45
-Hospitality: John 21:9-13 [Had no home yet had hospitality].
-Tongues and Interpretation: These were the only two spiritual gifts not evident in the life of
Jesus. These were not necessary because He was the Word of God Himself. There was no need
for the gifts of tongues and interpretation to bring a message from God through Him to man.
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CHAPTER TEN
DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
· Explain why it is important for a believer to discover his spiritual gift.
· Explain how a believer can discover his spiritual gift.
· Discover your own spiritual gift.
KEY VERSE:
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which
is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)
INTRODUCTION
In previous chapters you learned that each believer has at least one spiritual gift. This chapter
explains how to discover and begin to use your spiritual gift.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCOVERY
It is important to discover your spiritual gift in order to:
ACCOMPLISH SPIRITUAL PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES:
You will recall the purposes and objectives of gifts of the Holy Spirit given in Ephesians 4:12-
15:
Purposes:
-Perfect the saints.
-Promote the work of the ministry.
-Edify Christ and the church.
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Objectives:
-We will become united in the faith.
-We will develop our knowledge of Christ.
-We will develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.
-We will become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.
-We will mature spiritually in Christ.
If these purposes and objectives are to be accomplished in the church then it is necessary that
each believer discover and use his spiritual gift.
CONDUCT SPIRITUAL WARFARE:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are also given to the church as weapons of spiritual warfare to fight
the spiritual forces of Satan:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
It is important to discover and use your spiritual gift in order to effectively fight your spiritual
enemy, Satan.
AVOID ABUSES:
In previous chapters you learned there are three ways spiritual gifts can be abused:
1. Not using those gifts given to you.
2. Attempting to use gifts not given to you.
3. Not using the gifts properly.
It is important to discover your spiritual gift in order to avoid these abuses.
AVOID FRUSTRATION:
Many new believers often plunge into ministry without knowing their spiritual gifts,
experiencing frustration and defeat as they try to work for the Lord. You, too, will be frustrated
if you do not discover your own spiritual gift. You will be ineffective if you try to serve in
positions for which God has not given you a gift to minister.
You may be busy in ministry, but you will not be accomplishing anything for the Kingdom of
God. For example, one person tried to imitate the gift of a great evangelist named Billy Graham.
He preached just like Rev. Graham but no one responded to his messages. He was very
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frustrated in the ministry until he discovered that his spiritual gift was not the gift of evangelism.
His gift was teaching. When he began to use his own gift of teaching he saw great results in his
ministry.
Discovering your spiritual gift will not only keep you from being frustrated with yourself, it will
also keep you from being frustrated with other Christians. For example, you will understand if
your pastor is a good teacher but a poor administrator. You will recognize that he has the gift of
teaching but does not have the gift of administration. Instead of criticism, he needs the help of
someone who does have this gift in order for the church to operate more efficiently.
ASSUME YOUR RESPONSIBILITY:
It is important to discover your spiritual gift because you have a responsibility to "stir up" and
use it. The Apostle Paul wrote Timothy:
Neglect not the gift that is in thee...(I Timothy 4:14)
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which
is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)
You must discover your spiritual gift in order to fulfill your responsibility to develop it. You
must know your gift in order to set priorities which permit you to use it productively.
DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT
The following guidelines will help you discover your spiritual gift or gifts:
STEP ONE - Be Born Again:
You must be born again. Spiritual gifts come through the new birth just as natural talents come
through natural physical birth. If you are never born in the natural world you will not have
natural talents. If you are not born again in the spiritual world you cannot be given spiritual gifts:
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
STEP TWO - Receive The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit:
Guidelines for how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit were given in Chapter Four of this
manual.
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STEP THREE - Know The Spiritual Gifts:
If you do not know what spiritual gifts exist, you will not be able to recognize the one(s) God
has given you. The lessons you studied in this course have equipped you to identify the various
gifts available to believers.
STEP FOUR - Observe Models Of The Gifts:
As you are considering what gifts you might have, it is helpful to observe mature models of the
various gifts. A "mature model" of a spiritual gift is a believer who has been effectively using a
gift for an extended period of time.
For example, talk with someone who has the gift of teaching. Question them as to how they
knew they had the gift, how they began to use it, and ways they are continuing to develop their
gift. Do the same for the other gifts. Learning how others discovered their gifts and observing
mature models of the gifts in action will help you identify your own gift.
STEP FIVE - Seek A Spiritual Gift:
Desire a gift and fast and pray for it. The Bible tells us to seek spiritual gifts:
But covet [desire, seek] earnestly the best gifts... (I Corinthians 12:31)
We each have at least one gift, but this verse implies we can also seek a gift which we do not
now possess.
STEP SIX - Laying On Of Hands:
Have your spiritual leader lay hands on you and pray for God to reveal your spiritual gift:
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with
the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14)
Note: As a result of Steps One through Six God may reveal your spiritual gift. If this does not
happen, proceed with the following steps.
STEP SEVEN - Analyze Your Spiritual Interests:
The areas in which you find great joy in serving God are often those for which He has gifted you.
Just as a gift you receive in the natural world brings joy, so do spiritual gifts. You must have a
"passion" or "burden" [great interest or desire] for a certain ministry in order to serve God
effectively.
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For example, a person with the gift of administration can use it to organize and direct anything.
He could administer a church, a Christian school, a drug rehabilitation center, etc. But he must
have a burden or passion for the ministry where he uses his gift. If he has no interest in a
Christian school, he will not last long even though he has the gift of administration.
Answer the following questions to help determine your spiritual interest or burden:
1. What kind or group of people do you feel most attracted to?
________________________________________________________________________
(If you are called to a particular group of people, your spiritual gift will relate to their need. For
example, if you feel a call to children and want to see them learn about God, you may have the
gift of teaching).
2. What areas of need cause a strong emotional stirring in you?
________________________________________________________________________
(When God calls you to meet a specific need, you will often feel a strong emotional stirring
within).
3. If you could not fail, what would you desire to do for the Lord?
________________________________________________________________________
(God honors personal desires).
4. Complete this sentence: "I have a growing restless conviction from within that I should
get involved in..."
________________________________________________________________________
(Such convictions are often God speaking to your spirit about an area in which He wants you to
serve).
5. I am certain God has definitely called me to a specific area of ministry. It is...
________________________________________________________________________
(If you know the specific area of ministry to which God has called you, it will be easy to
determine your spiritual gift. God always provides the necessary gifts to enable you to fulfill the
call. The "For Further Study" section of this lesson will assist you in recognizing your spiritual
calling).
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6. What gifts bring you the most joy in thinking about them or using them? (For example,
do you enjoy teaching? Do you enjoy being hospitable and having people into your
home? Are you often moved to give large sums of money to God's work?)
________________________________________________________________________
STEP EIGHT - Analysis By A Christian Leader:
Have a Christian leader analyze your spiritual abilities. Ask the following questions and record
the answers:
1. In what areas of Christian service have you observed me to be effective?
________________________________________________________________________
2. Based upon this observation of my effectiveness, what spiritual gifts do you believe I
might have?
________________________________________________________________________
STEP NINE - Analyze Your Past Christian Service:
Analyze your past ministry. Answer these questions:
1. In what areas of Christian service have you ministered in the past?
________________________________________________________________________
2. In which of these were you effective?
________________________________________________________________________
3. In which of these did you experience great joy in serving?
________________________________________________________________________
4. In which of these did your spiritual leader and/or others note your effectiveness?
________________________________________________________________________
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STEP TEN - Complete The Spiritual Gift Questionnaires:
The final part of this lesson contains two spiritual gift questionnaires. Your answers to these
questions will help you identify spiritual gifts which you may have.
STEP ELEVEN - Identify Gifts You Think You Might Have:
Identify the gifts you think you might have based on:
1. The knowledge of gifts you have obtained through study.
2. What God has revealed to you through prayer.
3. hat you have analyzed in yourself.
4. What a key Christian leader has observed in your life.
5. Analysis of your effectiveness in areas of ministry in which you have previously served.
6. Completion of the Spiritual Gifts Questionnaires.
A list of the gifts is provided in "Step Thirteen" which follows. Put an x by the gift(s) you
believe you might have.
STEP TWELVE - Identify Spiritual Needs:
Analyze the spiritual needs of your neighborhood, community, and church. Review this list of
needs:
Visitation: Sick, newcomers to church, members of church, hospital, widows, prisons,
bereaved, home for aged.
Evangelism: House-to-house, evangelistic services, crusades, open air services.
Follow Up Ministry: To new converts.
Counseling: General counseling or to specific groups; telephone counseling.
Office/administrative Support: Typing, drawing [art], filing, assembling, reproducing
materials, mailings, telephones, records.
Hospitality: Cooking meals and lodging for those in need or for visiting ministers, evangelists,
Christians.
Ministry To Poor: Providing food, clothing, shelter.
Maintenance Of Church Buildings: Landscaping, painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing,
cleaning.
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Music: Choir, instruments, song leader, special music groups, soloist, writing music.
Religious Dramatic Productions. Writing or producing Christian dramas.
Financial: Fund raising, accounting, financial planning for ministries.
Writing: Christian books, newsletters, tracts, news and magazine articles, poetry.
Multi-media: Audio and video tapes, radio, television, satellite.
Ministry To Special Groups: Deaf, blind, mentally ill, narcotic addicts, alcoholics, migrant
workers, gangs, unwed mothers, homosexuals, Jews, minority groups, women, men, families,
married couples, abused children, runaways, school dropouts, illiterate, prisoners, military,
children, youth, aged.
Church Offices: Elder, deacon/deaconness, Sunday school teacher, usher, committees such as
building, finance, etc.
Translation: Bible and Christian literature.
Christian Education: Sunday school, vacation Bible school, Christian preschool, elementary,
high school, college; training for laymen using Harvestime International Institute courses, home
Bible studies.
Missionary/Church Planting: To unreached peoples in your region/nation.
Literature: Christian library, bookstore, Bible and Christian literature distribution.
Camps And Retreats.
Now, answer these questions:
1. What needs are not being met in your neighborhood?
________________________________________________________________________
2. What needs are not being met in your community?
________________________________________________________________________
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3. What needs are not being met in your church?
________________________________________________________________________
STEP THIRTEEN - Fill A Spiritual Need:
The analysis you have completed will be of no benefit unless you apply it to your life and
ministry. To "apply" something means to use it effectively, to actually do something with it.
Compare the list of spiritual needs you made in "Step Twelve" to the list of gifts you believe
God has given you. Identify a spiritual need that corresponds with the gift you believe you have,
then make a commitment to fill this need. For example, if there is a need for teachers in your
church and you believe you have the gift of teaching, volunteer to meet this need. Use the form
provided on the following page:
Matching Spiritual Gifts With Needs
I believe I have the Needs This Gift Can Meet In My
spiritual gift(s)
marked below: Neighborhood Community Church
___Apostle __________________________________________________
___Prophet __________________________________________________
___Evangelist __________________________________________________
___Pastor __________________________________________________
___Teacher __________________________________________________
___Prophecy __________________________________________________
___Teaching __________________________________________________
___Exhortation __________________________________________________
___Word of Wisdom __________________________________________________
___Word of Knowledge __________________________________________________
___Serving __________________________________________________
I believe I have the Needs This Gift Can Meet In My
spiritual gift(s) Neighborhood Community Church
marked below
___Helps __________________________________________________
___Leadership __________________________________________________
___Administration __________________________________________________
___Giving __________________________________________________
___Showing Mercy __________________________________________________
___Discerning of Spirits __________________________________________________
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___Faith __________________________________________________
___Hospitality __________________________________________________
___Tongues __________________________________________________
___Interpretation __________________________________________________
___Miracles __________________________________________________
___Healings __________________________________________________
STEP FOURTEEN - Evaluate Your Ministry:
After serving awhile in this area with your gift, evaluate your ministry. You have discovered and
are showing proper stewardship of your spiritual gift...
-When you are fruitful in the area in which you are serving. This means you will
see positive results of your ministry.
-When you are fulfilled...you are enjoying your ministry. If you are frustrated,
you may not be serving in an area for which you are gifted.
-When the feedback [comments you receive from your spiritual leaders] indicate
you are effective in the position in which you are serving.
If the ministry you are filling does not fit your spiritual capabilities and you are ineffective,
review your list of possible gifts and ask God to show you another area in which to minister.
Do not be discouraged...Remember the man who thought he was an evangelist but later
discovered he was a teacher! It is just as important to know what gifts you do not have as to
discover the gift you do have. This prevents you from wasting your life in ministry where you
will not be effective. By combining prayer and these practical steps you will soon discover that
special place of ministry God has for you. As you begin to serve, you will quickly discover your
giftedness.
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