How can believers today seek and recognize the Holy Spirit's gifts? Building on a Solid Foundation • Scripture is clear and trustworthy; what God did in the first century, He is free to do today (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • The Holy Spirit’s gifts are not ornamental—they are tools for witness, service, and mutual edification (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:26). Hebrews 2:4 — The Anchor Verse “God also testified to it by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” • “Testified” shows God’s active endorsement of the gospel. • “Distributed according to His will” underscores that gifts are God-initiated, not self-generated. Why the Gifts Still Matter • They confirm the unchanging gospel (Mark 16:20). • They strengthen believers to serve in an increasingly hostile culture (Acts 4:29-31). • They display God’s compassion to the lost (Matthew 9:36-38). Seeking the Spirit’s Gifts • Desire with purity of motive – “Earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). – Guard against craving gifts for personal stature (Acts 8:18-23). • Pray specifically – “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). – Pray for what builds others up, not merely what interests you (1 Corinthians 14:12). • Immerse in Scripture – The Spirit speaks through the Word He authored (2 Peter 1:21). – Gifts operate best where biblical truth saturates mind and heart (Psalm 119:105). • Walk in obedience – “We are witnesses… and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:32). – A surrendered lifestyle keeps channels unclogged. • Stay in fellowship – Gifts often surface through body life, not isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Mentors help discern and fan gifts into flame (2 Timothy 1:6). Recognizing the Spirit’s Gifts • Consistent fruit accompanies true gifts (Galatians 5:22-25). • The church affirms what God initiates – Barnabas recognized Saul’s teaching gift (Acts 11:25-26). • Alignment with Scripture – The Spirit never contradicts the written Word (John 16:13). • Effectiveness for edification and evangelism – When gifts operate, people are built up and Christ is exalted (1 Peter 4:10-11). Safeguards Against Counterfeits • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1-3). • “Do not extinguish the Spirit… but test all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). • Avoid envy; honor diverse giftings (Romans 12:3-8). Growing in Gratitude and Stewardship • Acknowledge the Giver, not just the gift (James 1:17). • Use gifts regularly; they sharpen with exercise (Hebrews 5:14). • Keep an eternal perspective—gifts are for this age, love endures forever (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). |
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