Lecture on the Gifts of the Spirit

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 12

• "Covet earnestly the best gifts."
  • Emphasis on the importance of desiring the gifts passionately.

Nine Gifts of the Spirit

• Divided into three groups of three gifts each.

Group 1: To Say Something

• Gifts:
  • Prophecy
  • Tongues
  • Interpretation of Tongues
• Nature:
  • Supernatural gifts, not natural talents.
  • Received through baptism in the Spirit.
  • Term "gifts" translates to "charisma," meaning grace gifts.
• Purpose:
  • Fulfill the priestly role of ministering to God through worship and praise.

Group 2: To Know Something

• Gifts:
  • Word of Wisdom
  • Word of Knowledge
  • Discerning of Spirits
• Nature:
  • Revelation gifts.
• Purpose:
  • Prophetic role.
• Descriptions:
  • Word of Wisdom: Relates to future events.
  • Word of Knowledge: Pertains to present or past circumstances.
  • Discerning of Spirits: Ability to discern spiritual realities, including angels and the intentions of people.

Group 3: To Do Something

• Gifts:
  • Faith
  • Gifts of Healings
  • Working of Miracles
• Nature:
  • Power gifts, involves action.
• Purpose:
  • Kingly role, includes praying for the sick and performing miracles.
• Descriptions:
  • Gifts of Healings: Plural, indicating various types of healings.
  • Gift of Faith: Provides certainty and confidence in God's power.

Importance of Coveting the Gifts

• Encouraged to have a "red hot desire" for these gifts.
• Gifts should be coveted earnestly, especially ones relevant to the occasion.
• Example: Use appropriate tools for appropriate tasks.

Receiving the Gifts

• Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
  • Ask God for the baptism and believe by faith.
  • Speak in the heavenly language by faith.
• Faith:
  • Independent of emotions, based on God's word integrity.
• Prayer:
  • Can be conducted remotely using technology (Zoom/Skype).
• Divine Language:
  • Encouraged to speak in tongues despite doubts, as it is a powerful spiritual language.

Conclusion

• Desire and exercise the gifts of the Spirit with faith and fervor.
• God's promise: He gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask sincerely.