GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 12:4-12

 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRITS  

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There is a difference between the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirits

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are God divine character manifested through 

Us. We receive the Fruits of the Holy Spirit by becoming a new creation in Christ, repenting of our sins and confessing our faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit  are God’s divine  power operating through us. We receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit 

Acts 1:5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

Acts 1:8

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

Its takes faith and practice to exercise the power of the Holy Spirit

Before His death Jesus sent the twelve disciples on a mission to 

Get experience in using the power of the Holy Spirit. He sent them out two by two 

Matt 10:1  Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

Not only that He sent out 70 others to do the same thing Luke 10:1,9

AUTHORITY TO ACCESS THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Every believer in Jesus Chirst today has access to the power of the Holy Spirit to use in God’s divine work prepared for us.

Mark 16:17  And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark was not one of the 12 disciples. He became an Apostle after Jesus death 

Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

It was Barnabas and Paul who recruited Mark and changed his life; from the dead to the living.

The Gifts of the spirit are tools to do the job God has assigned to us which is to make disciples  Matthew 28:18-19

THE START OF THE CHURCH

After the resurrection of Jesus, the work of the Gospel got it start 

Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 

20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

What are the spiritual gifts?

1 Cor 12:4-12

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 

6 And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 

8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 

10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 

THE VARIETY SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The world consists of all kinds of people in all kinds of circumstances. God is so complete in His knowledge of us and all our needs that He has divine

Spiritual Gifts to help us in every situation that we face in our lifetime. Every believer has been given Spiritual Gifts according to our individual make up and the task God planned for us. Spiritual Gifts are for the common good of all believers and the building up of the church

1 Corinthians 12:5-6

The diversity of the Divine operations: -- These words suggest practical reflections as to --

THE VAST VARIETY OF CLASSES FOR WHOM CHRISTIAN WORK IS CARRIED ON. Such work is work –   As stated by U.R. Thomas

For all varieties of need.

(1) Bodily. The hospital; the sanitary enterprise of any form is included.

(2) Mental. All true educational work, not least of all when it aims at fixing a ladder that shall rise from the gutter to the university, is included.

(3) Moral. Every crusade for temperance and chastity is included.

(4) Spiritual. The proclamation, in its manifold fulness, of the gospel that converts, comforts, and edifies is included.

(5) National. Right endeavour in the cause of peace, of land reform, etc., is included.

2. For the needs of people of all ages -- the child, the youth, the adult, the aged.

3. For the needs of people of all places. The prediction as to the usefulness of the men of the early Church (Acts 1:8) seems to hint to where we are called.

(1) City missions -- "witnesses for Me in Jerusalem."

(2) Home missions -- "and in all Judaea."

(3) Colonial missions -- "and in Samaria."

(4) Foreign missions -- "and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

SPIRIT GIFTS EXPLAINED

The Spiritual Gifts are all inclusive for all believers. No need is left out and no believer is left out. You were called before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4)

The body of Christ is a unit with many parts. Each one of us (believers) are an important part of  the Temple Of God. Some believers have position and status for the working of the body, Some believers work in the background

Playing important supporting roles. No role is more important than the others. 

WISDOM: Some are given wisdom to guide the church. When Solomon became King of Israel, he asked for wisdom to lead the nation of Israel.

KNOWLEDGE; Some are given special understanding of Spiritual truth.

The Apostle Paul’s understanding of the truth of the Bible far exceeded

All preachers at that, and I believe of this time.

FAITH: Some have been given strong unwavering Faith in the Word of 

God. Nothing can shake their trust in the Lord. No matter how bad their

Circumstances are, they trust God. Like what a heard a preacher say;

YOU CAN’T MAKE ME DOUBT HIM, I KNOW TO MUCH ABOUT HIM

GIFT OF HEALING: Some are given the supernatural gift of healing ability

To heal all diseases  Peter shadow healed people ,Acts 5:15 insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them.

WORKING OF MIRACLES: Some believers are given the ability of demonstrating God’s power through miracles. Peter raised Tabitha from the 

dead Acts 9:36.  All believers have that power if only they believe. When someone accepts Jesus because of our testimony, we have raised one from the dead

PROPHECY;  Proclaiming God’s truth, encouraging others and correcting with love. Some have special insight into future events based their knowledge and faith in the Word of God

DISTINGINGING SPIRIT: Ability to discern truth from error

VARIOUS KINDS OF TONGUES (languages)  The ability to speak languages that they have not been taught

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES (LANGUAGES) Ability to interpret languages that you have not been taught

DIVINE POSITIONS IN THE CHURCH

There are different positions in the church that require the operation of spiritual gifts 

1 Cor 12:28

 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues

No position is more important than others. All are of equal importance. 

1 Cor 12:25-26 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it

All spiritual gifts are given so that every believer profits, 

No matter what position you are in, what age you are, or what you do in the

Background that no one notices, you are important to God and  every church member. You must see yourself as God’s workers. 

Rom 12:4-10

4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:

5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.

6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, (let us prophesy) according to the proportion of our faith;

7 or ministry, (let us give ourselves) to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;

8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, (let him do it) with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

SUMMARY

1. EVERY BELIEVER HAS BEEN ASSIGNED SPIRITUAL GIFTS

2. EVERY BELIEVER HAS BEEN CHARGED TO EXERCISE OUR GIFTS IN EVERYDAY LIVING TO BENEFIT OTHERS

3. THE BIBLE IS OUR EDUCATION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

4. GOD HAS PLANNED TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS TO TRAIN US TO TRUST HIM

5. GOD WILL BRING PEOPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES TO US TO EXERCISE OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS 

6. YOU ARE ALIVE TODAY BECAUSE GOD HAS MORE WORK FOR YOU TO EXERCISE YOUR GIFTS BY FAITH

CLASS QUESTION:  WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING THAT EXERCISE 

                                   ONE OF YOUR GIFTS?

RESTORATION GOD'S PLAN FOR YOU John 21:1-22

 

RESTORATION, GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU

JOHN 21:1-22

John 21:1-18

 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

3 Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing."

"We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. 5 He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" 

"No," they replied.

6 Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

10 "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn.

12 "Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" 

"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" 

"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."

"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" 

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. 

This would be the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. Each time was to encourage them of His power and authority over life and to prepare them for the mission that they were about to start.

The disciples were clinging together and not hiding out. Peter taking the leadership role decided to go fishing. Five other disciples decided to go with him. Man ought always be busy doing productive work.                            “Prov 16:27 Idle hands are the devil's workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. TLB” When Jesus comes back He ought to find believers busy serving others. 

POWER IN THE WORD

Jesus' first order is to remind us that there is power in His Word. He stood at the shore and asked if they had caught any fish? The answer was no. They fished all night came back empty handed, Jesus commanded Peter cast out net to the right side of the boat  and you will catch fish, Peter did so

And 157 fish was in the net. So many that the other disciples in another boat had to come and help get the fish to shore.

This is proof that we are just ordinary people without Jesus. But in Jesus hands we are extraordinary. There is power in the name of Jesus. There

Is hope and assured success in the name of Jesus. We should start our day in prayer and never start everything in the name of Jesus

HOSPITALITY AND SERVING IS REWARDING

The next order was to prepare breakfast and serve the disciples

Notice HE called them CHILDRENS.  We may be grown and we may be old, but we are still God’s children in need of his provisions. God loves us and cares for us as little children. Therefore we must at all times humble ourselves before the Lord.

When Jesus called out to them, they did not know it was Him. The command was given to Peter not the others. After the net was full of

Fish, It was John who recognized it was Jesus standing at the shore.  Love knows the voice and actions of Jesus. Peter immediately humbled himself by putting on his outer garment. 

SERVING IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF LOVE

John 21:12  "Now come and have some breakfast!"

When they got to shore with the fish, Jesus had a fire going with fish and bread ready to serve. He did not overlook their efforts. Jesus told them to

Bring some of the fish they caught to put on the fire. Jesus showed us the example of love by serving us first.

It was early in the morning. The men were tired and hungry. Jesus hospitality got them in the mood for listening. This is an example for us; Feed the body first and you have an attentive audience. 

This is the same message of service as the last passover meal with the

Disciples. Jesus stooped low to wash the disciples feet. 

LOVE THE MOTIVATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP

John 21:15

 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

The “these” in the verse are the disciples that fished with Peter. Jesus used the the Greek word agape for love. It is the sacrificial love for us that showed on the cross for all believers. Peter use the Greek word Phileo which means brotherly love or love of a friend. Jesus responded, tend my lambs. A lamb is a baby sheep less than a year old. We start as believers as babes in Christ. Babes in Christ need training in the Word. Babes need 

Constant training to survive the change in lifestyle.

John 21:16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. 

Again Jesus said agape for love. Peter used Philio. friendship. Jesus you know you are my friend.

John 21:17  A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. 

Again Peter responded with friendship or brotherly love

If my wife ask me if I love her and I responded you know you are my friend, I would have a new address.  

Jesus' questions was preparing Peter for the Leadership role  in the Church that was established in His name. Upon our confession of faith the Church grows. 

There are a number of reasons we can suggest that Jesus had in mind

For His questions to Peter, 

I believe there is importance in the number three.

Peter denied knowing Jesus before men three times the night before the crucifixion, Peter even cursed the the accuser on the third denial

Peter dishonored the Father, the Son and grieved the Holy Spirit with his denials. 

Jesus questions to Peter were to emphasize 

that he had been forgiven. His  confession before men and God was important to remove any doubt or guilt he had in his position as a leader of the new Way to salvation, not based on the Law, but grace and mercy.  

The questions emphasized that agape the sacrificial love of God is the foundation of Faith and the the motivation to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ 

The questions were a call to service, Loving Jesus requires active service and care of followers of Jesus,  Peter was called to the  job of fisher of men

And be full time throwing out the net of Word of God to catch men and

Draw them to Christ.

The meeting on shore line signified that abundant life is in obedience to Jesus and the commands of God. 

The meeting on the shore of the sea of Galilee was the second time

Peter and his group had gone fishing and caught nothing. At the command of Jesus an abundance of fish was caught. 

At the third question of his love for Jesus, Peter was hurt. He needed to understand the hurt he caused with his denial. He needed to understand 

More than friendship or brotherly love was required of him. Agape, the sacrificial love for Jesus was required to endure the trials of discipleship.

DEATH TO SELF TO BE ALIVE IN CHRIST

John 21:18 "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." 

Like Christ, Peter's ministry would be productive but end in the rejection of men and crucifixion. While it is not included in the Bible, the apocryphal text Acts of Peter( 200 AD) records Peter request to crucified upside down

Because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did. 

The proof of Peter’s ministry glorifying God and it productivity

Is recorded in Acts written by Luke and 1st and 2nd Peter. 

WE ARE ALL GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS

John 21:20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who will betray you?" 21 Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" 

22 Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you

No matter how long we have been in church and how long we have served God, we all have more growing to do. We still have issues God is dealing with concerning our faith, actions and knowledge of Him.

Peter’s question about the Apostle John was an indication of that. He focused on John’s question at the passover table a splinter, rather than

The log in his eye, his denial of Jesus the night before the crucifixion.

None of us has the right to criticize the the actions of others. Rather our job is to encourage and uplift one another.  Notice Peter was still dealing with an agape love issue.

Again Jesus commanded Peter to follow Him, that is to imitate His life. We can’t see our faults if we continue focus on what we think is failure in others. 

WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 1:4-5  Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

It was 50 days after Jesus crucifixion that Holy Spirit was given to 120 disciples, men and women who were in an upper room in prayer.

The church got its official lunch on the day of Pentecost when the 120

Received the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit was

Evidence in them by their being enable to speak different languages that

They had not learned.

The example here is that we must learn to be patient until the Holy Spirit 

Gives us guidance and directions and power to act on Jesus behalf.

All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and access to its power if we summit ourselves to its guidance and direction. 

Why did Jesus wait 50 days after His crucifixion to give the disciple the Holy Spirit?

Let me suggest a few reasons

1. The disciples had to get their heads set for the new role they would play in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Jesus appeared to the disciples from time to time to prove that He was alive. 

3. They needed to understand that Jesus had the power to raise people from the dead. They needed to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ raised dead men and women to life in Christ. 

4. They needed to know that He was now in Spirit form without a body.

The evidence of this was that he could suddenly appear and disappear. He could walk through closed doors

5. He met with 500 other disciples ( 1 Corinthians 15:6)

6. The disciples needed to learn the important of unity in prayer

7. They had to organize themselves as one body in Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY

• LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP 

• THE EVENTS IN OUR LIVES ARE GOD’S DESIGN FOR PREPARATION

• THERE IS POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD    IT CALLS INTO PLACE WHAT WE NEED

• SERVING IS AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

• WAIT PATIENTLY AS GOD PREPARES US 

• WE ARE GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS

• GOD WANTS AN ABUNDANT LIFE FOR YOU