Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit
Written By Tommy Smith

Sermon Notes

1 Corinthians 12

I. Introduction

“Perhaps, no area of biblical doctrine has been more misunderstood and abused, even within evangelicalism, than that of spiritual gifts. Yet no area of doctrine is more important to the spiritual health and effectiveness of the church.” – Dr. John MacArthur

The discussion of spiritual gifts raises many questions including: What are spiritual gifts? Who gave them? Who gets them? Do I have one? Which one do I possess? Where’s the list? Is the list exhaustive? Can I change my gift? What am I supposed to do with my gift?

II. Start with the Spirit

All the focus should be on God’s sovereignty through the Holy Spirit.

  • “There are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit.” – I Cor 12:4

  • “…each of us has been given the manifestation of the Spirit.” – I Cor 12:7

  • “…the Holy Spirit is the One distributing to each of us individually, just as He wills.” – I Cor 12:11

  • “As each one has received a special gift…” – I Pet 4:10

  • III. Purposeful with People

I am convinced more than ever that people who will be well known in Heaven embraced their salvation by heeding to the leading of the Spirit and faithfully serving whomever, whenever, wherever.

Gifts Given to Some Commands Given to All

  • Serving (Rom 12:7) Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

  • Exhortation (Rom 12:8) Exhort one another (Heb 10:25)

  • Giving (Rom 12:8) All Give (2 Cor 9:7)

  • Teaching (Rom 12:7) Teaching (Matt 28:19-20)

  • Showing mercy (Rom 12:8) Be Kind (Eph 4:32)

  • Faith (I Cor 12:9) Walk by Faith (2 Cor 5:7)

  • Evangelism (Eph 4:11) All Witness (Acts 1:8)

(adapted from Charles C. Ryrie, The Holy Spirit, p.130)

IV. It’s Both/And

Definitions

i. The signs of the Spirit’s continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ’s body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. - A. R. Faussett

ii. Ministries or abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians for the edification of the Church. – Lexham Bible Dictionary

iii. A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church. – Wayne Grudem

If you’re wanting to discover your spiritual gift, begin by narrowing it down to 2 Categories: Speaking and Serving​ (I Pet 4:10-11)

C. Two Applications When Using Gifts

i. Edify the Church and give Glory to God​

ii. Always serve in Love

a. Love (agape) follows each of the gifts passages (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4)

V. Conclusion

Spiritual Gifts are gifts to the Church and to the World.

“I need to prove God no further than watching someone use their spiritual gift.” - A.R. Faussett

Tommy Smith
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