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When the Gifts of the Spirit Come to Church

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Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

It all began on the day of Pentecost.  John the Baptist had foretold of someone coming who would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. 3:11).  Jesus had told his disciples that when He had returned to the Father, He would send “another Helper that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).  Then, just before He ascended into heaven, He instructed them to “wait in Jerusalem” until they were filled with power from on high (Luke 24:49).  He told them that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8).

The Early Church was founded and grew by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Throughout the book of Acts we read where the disciples healed, preached and answered their accusers as they were “filled with the Holy Spirit.” 

Peter in Acts 4:8 was “filled with the Holy Spirit” when he answered the rulers of Israel’s accusations after he had healed the lame man.

Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that it was the Holy Spirit they were lying to in Acts 5.

When there was a complaint about the division of daily food between the Hebrews and the Hellenists, the disciples’ answer was to find men “full of the Holy Spirit” to take care of the daily administrative needs of the church (Acts 6).

Stephen was “full of faith and power” when he did great wonders and signs among the people.  Acts 6:10 tells us that the Jewish rulers could not “resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”  When he went to his death he went “full of the Holy Spirit” according to Acts 7:55. 

Another lay person, Philip, went to Samaria and preached Christ and performed miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8).   Later the spirit directed Philip to leave the revival at Samaria and sent him into the desert to share the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch.  After baptizing the eunuch, it was the Spirit that conveyed Philip away. 

The great leader Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit before he began his great ministry to the Gentiles.  We could speak of the Spirit falling upon Cornelius and his household in Acts 10, of the prompting of the Holy Spirit upon a man called Agabus to prophecy of a coming famine that led to the church at Antioch taking up what was probably the first relief offering in the church, about the Holy Spirit speaking to the church at Antioch to set Barnabas and Paul forth as the church’s first missionary team to the Gentiles. 

The Bible even claims for itself that it was written by holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit so our Bible is a book whose writer is the Holy Spirit.  Every time we read the Bible, we are reading the word inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Even our last book of the Bible, Revelation, was given to John as he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10).

So, we see that the Early Church was a church in which the Holy Spirit was recognized as an essential part of the Godhead and an essential part of the believer’s life.  As the church began to become more accepted, believers began to allow the beliefs, ideas and philosophies of the world penetrate the church.  Slowly, over time, the church lost its power with God as it gained power with man. 

Still, the church record is full of times and peoples when the church returned to its desire for God’s power.  In those times, there are records of the Holy Spirit falling again as it did on the day of Pentecost. 

There have been revivals of the Pentecostal experience in our recent history.  In the early 1900’s revival came in our southern states and in California giving birth to the Assembly of God and other Pentecostal denominations.  Again, in the late 1950’s there was a move of the Spirit in the mainline denominations.  This is often referred to as the “Charismatic renewal.” 

The word “Pentecostal” – 50 – came from the feast which occurred 50 days after the Passover.  It was the Feast of Weeks or the Day of First fruits, a celebration of the first buds of harvest.  How appropriate that the Lord was crucified on Passover and the Church was born on Pentecost. Charismatic – from the Greek word charismata is used in 1 Corinthians 12 to describe the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

In recent years there has been a great revival of Pentecost in South America.  Pentecostal churches are growing so fast in what was formerly predominately Catholic countries that the Pope is sitting up and taking notice of this move of God.  We look at the church in America and we think the days of signs and wonders are over.  We think “it was only for a particular time or a particular place.”  Yet, everywhere in the world except for the USA, Canada and most parts of Europe, the church is growing by leaps and bounds and it is exhibiting the marks of the Early Church.  People are being baptized in the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit are operating.

Is it important that the gifts of the Spirit operate in our church today?  Should we be concerned if the gifts are not in operation?  Whose responsibility is it for the gifts to be in operation?

It is important only if the following things are things we desire in our church.

  • For souls to be won to the Lord.  We see by what our Lord Jesus said that it takes the power of the Holy Spirit for us to be witnesses.  (To Know, To Be, To Tell). 

Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit is the Person and the Power by which assistance and ability are given for serving, for sharing the life and power of God with others.      

  • For the church to be strengthened and to grow.

Ephesians 4:12 – The Holy Spirit gives the Church gifts so that we may each find our place of ministry, fill that place and see the church grow (numerical expansion) and edified (internal strengthening). 

1 Corinthians 12:7 – Profit – to bring together, to benefit, to be advantageous. 

Whose responsibility is it? 

  • The leaders – Ephesians 4:11-12 – And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ
  • The individuals – 1 Corinthians 12:31 – But earnestly desire the best gifts. Desire – to burn with desire, to pursue zealously, to desire intensely.

How do we see the gifts of the Spirit come to the church? It has always come about when there has been a real recognition by God’s people of a need for renewal in their own lives and in the lives of their church and community.  When there has been a definite effort on the part of sincere believers to receive this power of the Holy Spirit and to allow the Holy Spirit to have control and move in their lives.

Equipping Ministry Gifts – Ephesians 4:11 – And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers

  • Apostle
  • Prophet
  • Evangelist
  • Pastor
  • Teacher

Body Ministry Gifts – Romans 12:3-8 – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

  • Exhortation
  • Teaching
  • Service
  • Administration
  • Benevolence
  • Giving
  • Hospitality

Manifestation Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

  • Word of Wisdom
  • Word of Knowledge
  • Discerning of Spirits
  • Faith
  • Healings
  • Miracles
  • Prophecy
  • Tongues
  • Interpretation of Tongues

Spiritual Gifts

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Ephesians 4:7-16

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

GOD LOVES TO GIVE

  • Gave his Son

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son what whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

  • Gives us faith to be saved

Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

  • Gives us the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

  • Gives us “all things”

Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

  • The Greek word used in the above scriptures for “gift” is dorea which means a “present or a free gift stressing its voluntary character.”  It is always used in the New Testament of a spiritual or supernatural gift.  With no strings attached, God gives us these gifts.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF GIFTS OF GOD

  • Ministry Gifts
  • Leaders – “Equippers” – Ephesians 4:11 – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.”
  • Apostle – “A person with the special ability to provide leadership for a cluster of churches.  This often involves the founding of the churches, but may also include giving new direction to the church.”
  • Prophet – “A person with the supernatural ability to interpret the Scriptures in the light of the present situation in the Church giving encouragement, correction, warning and edification.” 
  • Evangelist – “A person who is gifted to present the gospel in such a way that people will respond to the claims of Christ through repentance, conversion and discipleship.  He also has the ability to equip the church to evangelize.”
  • Pastor – Teacher – “A person with the special ability to take responsibility for the nourishment, health protection, and development of a congregation on a

                                          relatively long-term basis.”

  • These “gifts of God” are actually people God has given the church to perfect, prepare and equip the members of the church for their individual ministries. 
  • The Greek word used here for “gift” is domatawhich stresses the concrete character of the gift.  This is the only place in the New Testament where this word is found and it refers to those leadership ministry gifts found in Ephesians 4:11. 
  • Body Ministry Gifts – Romans 12:6-8 – “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
  • Prophecy – “A person who can spontaneously utter words from the Lord given to the Body for encouragement, edification or exhortation. 
  • Serving – “A person who serves the body of Christ in a supporting role, thus releasing those in leadership roles to carry on their ministries.”  Biblical example:  deacons in Acts 6:1-6.
  • Teaching – “A person who can communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body in such a way others will learn.”  Biblical example:  Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:26.
  • Encouraging – “A person who can minister encouragement and hope to other members of the Body.  Biblical example:  Barnabas in Acts 4:36.
  • Giving – “A person who can provide material resources to the Body with liberality and cheerfulness.  Biblical example:  Barnabas in Acts 4:36.
  • Leadership – “A person who is able to organize and direct toward a specific goal in projects that promote the work of God and the growth of those involved.”  Biblical example:  James in Acts 15:3-21.
  • Mercy – “A person who can feel genuine empathy and compassion for those who are suffering and can translate that compassion into deeds that reflect Christ’s

                                    love and alleviate suffering.”  Biblical example:  Epaphroditus in Phil. 2:25-30.

  • Romans 12:5-6 tells us that each member of Christ receives a gift of this nature. 
  • 1 Peter 4:10 tells us each one has a gift and we are to use these gifts to serve others.
  • The Greek word used here for “gift” is charismata and means a gift of grace, a special endowment.
  • Manifestation Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
  • Wisdom – “God-given supernatural utterance of a specific word, given at a specific time, giving God’s wisdom for a specific situation.”  Biblical example:  Acts 15:28
  • Knowledge – “God-given information which only God may know given to help the Church or members of the Body in a time of need.”  Biblical example:  Acts 5:3-5
  • Faith – “God-given ability to believe in God for a specific need when it seems impossible.”  Biblical example:  Throughout the Gospels and Acts
  • Healing – “God-given healing of physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual needs of persons at a specific time.” Biblical example:  Throughout the Gospels and Acts
  • Miracles – “God-given ability to perform the impossible.” Biblical example:  Acts 28:3-5
  • Prophecy – “God-given spontaneously-uttered word from the Lord giving directions, instruction, encouragement to the Body.  Bible example:  Acts 11:28
  • Discernment – “God-given ability to know what spirit is motivating a person or a situation.”  Biblical example:  Acts 16:16-18
  • Tongues – “God-given ability to speak to the Church in a language which a person does not understand.”  Biblical example:  Acts 2
  • Interpretation of tongues – “God-given ability to give the meaning of what has been uttered in tongues.”  Instructions for this given in 1 Corinthians.
  • The Greek word used here for “manifestations” is phanerosis and means “to lay bare, to unveil.”  It means “to shine forth, to reveal.” 
  • Spiritual manifestations are the supernatural “surprises of the Spirit,” a bursting forth of the energy and power of God whenever there is a need. 

DIFFERENCE IN MINISTRY AND MANIFESTATION GIFTS

  • Ministry Gifts
  • They are permanent – Romans 11:29 – “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
  • They are related to natural gifts and will be in harmony with natural ability and gifts.
  • They determine the position of an individual in the body of Christ.
  • Ministry gifts are “gifted persons” given to the church.  To receive the gift, we must receive the person – Romans 15:7 – “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”
  • Each believer is to identify and develop their ministry gift.
  • Manifestation Gifts
  • They are temporary.
  • They have no relation to natural ability.
  • There is little relationship to the position in the body of Christ and the manifestation.
  • The body of Christ is to receive and rejoice in these “surprises” of the Spirit.

PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP MINISTRY GIFTS

  • Unity in the Body
  • Body to grow in their knowledge of Christ
  • Body to become complete – “grow up”
  • Each person in the body “each joint” to find their proper place in the body and to work to build up the Church.