Gifts Of The Holy Spirit--Clear Biblical Teaching

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 exhoration;

he who gives, with liberality;

he who leads, with diligence;

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:6-8 

     The world, those who deny Christianity, are confused over the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and especially the gifts of the Spirit. The world is not alone in their confusion, Christians are not only confused over this Doctrine but often become inflamed when anyone opposes what they believe how the gifts of the Spirit are to be demonstrated today. If by chance you want to see Christian hackles raised, necks become bowed in anger, just oppose a Pentecostal, Charismatics will often cavil at any objection but with much liberality they will acquiesce that you can hold to you own theological position, just leave them alone so they can worship how they interpret this Doctrine. Then there are those who oppose any demonstration of the gifts of the Spirit but will allow certain ones to be used in the Church. These contradictions among "Christians" is confusing and even to the point where a person just does not want to address this issue. Who is right? Many books and articles have been written on this subject defending a particular position theologically. Google search admits to more than 11,000 sites on this subject. This blog is not to be considered as an in depth, systematic study on this Doctrine, only to aid in your search for the truth. With so much confusion, and even anger, this Doctrine must be approached by prayer and meditation, that is, to examine the Scriptures using the tools that I have outlined; the context, the grammar, etc. Always apply that which is generally taught early in school: What, when, where, why, and how. Do your best to lay aside your presuppositions, and your predeterminations and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you by means of His word: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tellyou things to come" (John 16:13).
     At this time of the year with Christmas looming, calling, so to speak, that gifts must be purchased so as to bring joy and happiness to the receiver which they do, it is apropos to speak of gifts. There is a difference between the gifts given at Christmas, or other times, for those gifts can either bring joy, or resentment. These emotions are not true of spiritual gifts. Still, with immaturity, a lack of understanding regarding these gifts, there can be more than just confusion, there can be other emotions such as a person being smug, and there is a possibility that another person who does not have those so-called gifts of the Spirit to become jealous, or feel left out. The Giver of spiritual gifts cannot be blamed for another's emotional confusion and attitudes as He gives these gifts with full explanation. The gifts of the Spirit are to be used by the Church to disciple people, and to bring Christians to maturity in Christ. What then does the Bible teach on this subject? There are four accounts of the gifts of the Spirit: Romans 12:6-8; 1Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11; and 1Peter 4:10-11. Read those verses, slowly, and read the context, and see how these gifts harmonize with the whole teaching of the Bible. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthian Church had this to say about spiritual gifts: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not what you to be ignorant....there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1Corinthians 12: 1; 4-7). It is clear, Christians receive at spiritual gifts and that for the profit of all. This being true, then it is of the utmost importance that we understand this Doctrine and use our gift(s) of the Spirit according to the truth of Scripture. 
     This blog is just and introduction to this Doctrine and the following blogs will address this topic and I pray that you will be led to examine this teaching and if need be to make any changes that the Holy Spirit reveals to you by means of His indwelling in you and teaching from His word.


For now we see
    in a mirror, dimly,
but then face to face.
     Now I know in part,
but then I shall know
     just as I also am known.
                    1Corinthians 13:12


Pursue Love, The Hallmark Of A Christian


Richard L. Crumb