The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 40 — Spiritual Gifts IV: Motivation and Abilities—From Man or God?
Some Definitions
– 1 Peter 4:8-11
11 Some authors define the gifts of the Holy Spirit like they are a prime motivational drive for why
we do things the way we do. It is more than just a personality trait, though there may be some
overlap.
a. Man is made in the image of God and has capacity to do amazing things, but apart from the Spirit of God, Jesus said we can do nothing.
b. If those apart from the Holy Spirit can perceive, lead, give, have mercy, teach, serve and encourage, then spiritual gifts must be something beyond just human abilities and strengths. They must be more than natural ability and have different
purposes to glorify God and elevate the Church.
c. The gifting of the Church by the Holy Spirit is for the building up of the body, the maturing of believers and to glorify God.
1. The natural man does not understand the things of God because they are
spiritually appraised 1 Corinthians 2:14
2. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” 1. Corinthians 2:12,13
12 Defining the main gifts spoken of in Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11,12
a. Prophet—one who readily perceives, prays about, proclaims & promotes the will of God.
b. Server—doing practical things in order to be of service to others
c. Teacher—a researcher who gives instruction to others
d. Exhorter—calling to one’s side to aid. Encourage
e. Giver—may not know he has the gift as his left hand doesn’t keep track of the right.
Simplicity, sincerity and liberality in giving.
f. Leading—Administrative, facilitator, organizer, ruler, presiding
g. Mercy—Compassion. Urged to be joyful because they take on rough cases
h. Evangelist—focus on presenting gospel to anyone for hope of rebirth
i. Apostle—Church planting in new areas. Original 12 were with Jesus. Now have
Holy Spirit and Jesus inside.
Questions:
1. Jesus was the only one Who had the gift of Savior. Can you think of times when He exhibited
the gifts a.-i. above? Do you think one person can have 2 gifts? Do you think a servant can
ever preach a sermon? (Think Stephen)
2. Do you have a desire to search out your gifts more?
The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 41 Spiritual Gifts V: Owners Manual 1 Corinthians 14
Reflection, Notes and Prayer