Building Blocks Bible Study Week 10

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are God’s righteousness through His grace to do two things:

1. To supply believers with the necessary tools needed to execute the work of God’s kingdom.

2. To strengthen and encourage the family of Jesus Christ.

The gifts that are given have a specific purpose for why they are given. In that purpose the gifts come with all the power of who God is. Apart from that specific purpose the gifts can be some of the most divisive things to God’s kingdom.

Satan was given gifts, talents, and an office from God and yet when you chose to utilize those for the edification of his self he was cast out of his position of authority in the heavens.

Remember the Taboo series. When we operate in the proper virtues and behavioral patterns God’s Spirit and all that comes with that (power, majesty, glory) manifest themselves to build up the family and kingdom of God on this earth. When we choose to use them for our own greed, pride, lust, envious, or any other method we are in theft of what God gave us, and now God is made our opposition.

Cessationism is the theological belief that the sign gifts of the New Testament period have ceased to function. While Cessationists believe God still performs miracles today, they teach that God does not specifically equip individual Christians to perform miraculous signs.

Continuationsim is the theological belief that the sign gifts of the New Testament period are still given and actively given to equip individual Christians today. They teach that the sign gifts never ceased when the canon of Scripture closed.

Brent mentioned a couple of weeks ago a Sensationist. This would be a person who was on the far extreme of Continuationsim.

Some well-known Cessationists throughout history-

- Luther

- Calvin

- Charles Spurgeon

- John Piper

Some well-known Continuationists throughout history-

- Justin Martyr

- Irenaeus (a student of Polycarp, Polycarp was a disciple of John)

- Augustine

- Dr. Sam Storms

- Jack Deere

Historically, Pentecostals, Methodists, and the Catholic denominations of Christianity would fall under the Continuationsim side of theology. While Baptists, Presbyterian’s, and most reformed denominations of Christianity would be considered Cessationists. Lutherans in general hold a middle ground where they are open to the gifts but guarded. Most non-denominational churches are more charismatic in nature which would put them under the Continuationsim side. There are always exceptions, but this should help get a broader idea of the denominational lines.

Speaking and Serving-

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

- 1 Peter 4:10-11

Peter tells us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are divided into two categories:

1- Gifts of Speaking

2- Gifts of Service

A lot of times we want the gift of speaking or a platform to be heard, but Peter tells us that in order for God to be glorified they need to work together.

It also points out above THROUGH Jesus Christ and His giving of the gifts God may be glorified.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers,I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

- 1 Corinthians 12: 1-3

Paul tells us the gifts of the Holy Spirit operate under the power and authority of Jesus.

The Goal/Mission-

The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

- 1 Corinthians 14:4

Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

- 1 Corinthians 14:5

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

- 1 Corinthians 14:12

If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

- 1 Corinthians 14: 23-25

Let all things be done for building up.

- 1 Corinthians 14:26b

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

- 1 Corinthians 14:33

But all things should be done decently and in order.

- 1 Corinthians 14:40

The gifts are given to stabilize and grow a healthy community of Jesus followers. It is to be done in with a spirit of excellence, without confusion and chaos, to build up the group as a whole while doing so in peace. It isn’t about self-edification, or your self-esteem, the gifts were given with a corporate plan in mind and are not to be used for individualistic motives or edification.

The moment you think more highly of your gift than another with a different gift you have stepped out of the calling for the gift. (See Romans 12:3 and 1 Corinthians 12, Book of Acts)

Gifts/Offices/Fruit of the Holy Spirit-

Gifts: (Speaking)

- Words of Wisdom

- Words of Knowledge

- Faith

- Healing

- Miracles

- Prophecy

- Discerning of Spirits

- Speaking in Tongues

- Interpretation of Tongues

- Exhortation

- Giving

- Mercy

- Administration

Offices: (Service)

- Apostle

- Prophet

- Pastor

- Teacher

- Evangelist

Fruit: (Evidence)

- Love

- Joy

- Peace

- Patience

- Kindness

- Generosity

- Faithfulness

- Gentleness

- Self-Control

As we spend the next couple of months diving into the Holy Spirit, the gifts, manifestations, poured out by a Triune God, let us reframe our thinking, and reengage our heart to how, and why God gave us these gifts. That we would walk in the gifts given, with the power they were given in, to build up the church, push back the plans of the adversary, and continue to do our mission of bringing the Kingdom of God and His will to this earth.

Reading of John Chapter 17.