The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 2

 The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

If you have been around the church at all chances are that you have heard of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. You might not understand exactly what this means. This Blog entry will attempt to teach you what that means as well as what the Spiritual gifts are. There are 16 Spiritual gifts listed in the Scripture, these are not to be confused (but they often are) with the Fruits of the Spirit. Today we continue with our study on these gifts. Also we will include some tools that you can use to do a self assessment of what your active gifts are that you are presently working in as well as where you have gifts that you have, but may not be actively working in at present, but have potential strength to work in. It should be noted that unless noted otherwise, all scripture is in the NKJV version.

Shepherding: Looking out for the spiritual welfare of others.

What is Shepherding? Websters describes shepherding as this: a person who tends and rears sheep. What does this look like in a Biblical context? Well, a person who is appointed and anointed to tend and rears people. Tending to them, meeting their needs, Spiritual first and foremost, but someone who is a Shepherd or Pastor is also usually very gifted in the area of Administration as well, and so, they also oversee other ministries that tend to the other needs of the people such as Christian Education, Helps, Hospitality so that the people's physical and other needs are met as well, when a person's basic needs (Food, Housing, Clothing, etc.) are met, in my experience, they tend to be more receptive to the Gospel message, because those are things that are important and they become distractions when they are not being met. What does it mean to "rear" a person? Well, anyone with children can explain that to you quite handily, but I will cover it here as well. Rear means to raise. From birth to adulthood (and even beyond to some extent) as parents, we rear or raise our children. This doesn't stop at age 18. As parents, we teach our children actively and inactively by the things we say and do. The examples we set throughout our lives as they are growing and even into adulthood teach them how to interact with God and others. So be careful with how you live because you are teaching your children through your words and deeds.

So a Pastor, or Shepherd does all of these things in the lives of the congregation. Another duty that falls under the Shepherding gift is that of a Counselor. Proverbs 15:22 states: "Without counsel, plans go awry. But in the multitude of counselors they are established."

Faith: Trusting God to fulfill His plan. People with this gift are encouragers. 

What is Faith? Our buddies at Websters describe it this way: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Strong belief in God or the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. A system of religious belief. A strongly held belief or theory. 

I don't really care for these definitions so much. They seem to view Faith in a purely secular view, yes looking at religion and such, but from a worldview. I, myself, tend to think of my faith as a relationship, I try not to use the word religion because it puts a bad taste in people's mouths. Biblical Faith is best described in my opinion as it is found in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We all have faith, even unbelievers. Faith that we will get in the car and safely get to our destination. Faith that the pilot of the airplane knows how to fly the plan and we won't crash and die in that crash. etc. etc.

In Romans 12:3 Paul teaches this: "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he out to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." So unto EVERYONE is given a measure of faith. What we put that faith into is our choice. To be right with God, we must put that faith into action, firstly, by putting that faith in Jesus and what the scripture teaches about him being the pure and holy Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Then we put that faith in action even further by doing good works, teaching others about Him. As we do this, our measure of faith increases.

Evangelism: The building up of the church so that others will be led to Christ. 

What is Evangelism? Websters says it is this: The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. This definition is right on! Also, it further describes it as Zealous advocacy of a cause.

What does this look like from a Biblical perspective? It looks like what Websters says it looks like. We are to with Zeal spread the Good News! With Zeal share our personal testimonies. Sharing the gospel is one of our main charges. We have the Great commandments: Jesus said to him, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great  commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Got that? The Big 10 as I often refer to them, if you fulfill these two Great commandments, You fulfill all of the 10 commandments. But the good news is that you don't have to fulfill the 10 commandments, because Jesus did! You just have to put your faith in Jesus, and love everyone as He loved you. Then we are commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 this way: And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" Amen.

So after that lengthy diatribe, Evangelism is spreading the gospel through sharing your testimony, sharing what you have learned about Jesus, and also by meeting people's needs which helps them to be more receptive to the message that you are sharing. Evangelism grows the Kingdom!

Apostleship: Motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls. 

What is Apostleship? Websters defines an apostle as the following: Each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ. Any important early Christian teacher, especially St. Paul. 

What does this look like in a Biblical context? Apostles are actually any follower of Christ. Yes it is the first 12 that followed Him, but it doesn't end there. Every follower of Christ is an Apostle. Apostles GO, they make disciples (often interchanged with the word apostle) They don't just sit behind the walls of their respective churches hoping and praying that God will drop people into their laps, sometimes He does do this, but we are commanded to GO! All of us!

Service/Helps: Heling those in need of practical assistance. This is found in Romans 12:7 

This one is pretty self explanatory I think. Serving others, Helping them, meeting their needs physically, maybe financially. Again, there is often overlap with other spiritual gifts here, it is not uncommon for people to operate in more than one spiritual gift at a time.

Mercy: The person with this gift shows acts of compassion. 

I heard a phrase once that I now use to help when I am teaching the gospel to others. It goes like this: God's grace toward us is getting things that we don't deserve. God's mercy is not getting things that we do deserve. 

Websters says Mercy is this: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Biblically Mercy looks like this: Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Got that? While we were God's enemies, because God cannot tolerate sin, that make us His enemies because we are sinners. God showed us His love and mercy by sending His son Jesus to take away the penalty for our sin. But again, we have to put our faith in Him and His sacrifice. 

Giving: People with this gift will freely give and with joy to further His kingdom.

This is pretty self explanatory too. Matthew 9:36 Says that God loves a cheerful giver. Every one of us should be doing this. This is a gift we should all practice. There are many, many examples of this, the Widow's mite is probably the first that comes to mind, but it is sprinkled all throughout the Old and New Testaments. 

Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted. 1 Peter 4:9 teaches us about this: Bet hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Websters says it this way: The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

So Biblically this may look like this: Looking out for new people in church. Going out of your way to welcome them, learn their name, invite them to fellowship luncheons and such. But it doesn't only extend to them, greeting one another in God's love. Learning people's names, giving them a hug. Listening to their story. Asking them how their week went, and really listening. I went through an out patient program several years ago for some health issues, and one of the techniques that I learned about was called Active Listening. Part of this was listening to someone as they say something, and then echoing it back to them without elaborating on it, just repeating back what you heard. This shows them that you are listening to what they are saying and gives them a chance to elaborate on it, you might say something like this, so I heard you say this, how did that make you feel? Or I understand that you experienced this, is that what you are saying?

I promised some tools to assess your spiritual gifts. Here is one. If you are interested in others you can email me at: spiffwiggler@gmail.com and I can direct you towards others. This is a good preliminary test that you can do online.

https://giftstest.com/

As always, you can reach out to me here via the comments or email me at the above email address. I hope that you found this study clear and concise. 

Judge not, lest ye be judged...

 Judge not, lest ye be judged? We've all heard it, we've probably even used it on others before... But what does the Bible really mean when it says that? Let's look at the verse in context with the whole text.

All scriptures are in NKJV unless otherwise noted.

Matthew 7:1-5

Do Not Judge

7 “Judge[a] not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what [b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

So, what does it mean? Does it say don't judge? Nope. Look closely... Judge not, that you be not judged. At first glance, it does look as though it says that, but if taken in context, it goes on to say, that you will be judged with the judgement with which you judge others. Many people, followers of Christ included stop after that first phrase. But as you can see, it goes on to say that you will be judged by the measure that you use to judge. What measure should we use if we judge? God's measure, after all, only His measure could be used since we are all sinful. In and of ourselves, we are not qualified to judge. But God is holy! So if we use God's measure of right and wrong, how can judging be wrong?  But it still goes further yet. 

Verse 3-5 says that we look to our BROTHER's eye and see the speck... but don't consider the plank in OUR own eye, notice two things here, firstly, it says our brother, This applies to our fellow believers in Christ. Again though, it does not say don't judge your brother, it says not to do so without considering the plank in your own eye first. The verses say to remove our plank FIRST, then we can see clearly to remove the speck. 

Secondly, this does NOT apply to unbelievers. In other words, we are NOT to judge unbelievers... they don't know God's laws... So although they are NOT exempt from God's laws, we can only point out to them what sin is. The scripture says in Romans 7:7 what the purpose of the Law is: What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." The law, or 10 commandments served a few purposes:

1) Reveal God's standard of absolute righteousness. (There is no relative morality in scripture, in other words, I'm bad, but I'm not as bad as... Sin is Sin in God's eyes, no comparative shopping in the kingdom).

2) Convict us of our true guilt before Him. It is not my job to convict you of your sin, merely to tell you what sin is. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict you of sin. John 16:8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement:" This is Jesus speaking to the 11 remaining apostles in this verse. He is telling them, and us by extension, one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit that will come once He (Jesus) has ascended into heaven. He also states that the Holy Spirit cannot come while He remains on the Earth. (vv 7-8)

3) Provide an OBJECTIVE standard for measuring violations. NOT SUBJECTIVE! God's righteousness is righteousness, ours is as filthy rags. See Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:19-23. We cannot measure up to God's standard, if we could we wouldn't need Jesus' sacrifice. When we repent and take Him as our Lord, we put on His righteousness, that is ALL God sees after that. Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:15, 23:6, 33:16 

4) Set Israel apart from other nations. Deuteronomy 4:1-14 illustrates this. 

5) Provides guidelines for worship and daily living.  Exodus 20:1-2, Matthew 5:17, Romans 7:12, Psalm 19:7 are but a few places that this is demonstrated.

6) Points to human sinfulness and the need for a Savior. Romans 7:7-25 demonstrates this principle.

7) Foreshadows the coming of Christ. Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1 are two places where this is demonstrated. 

(Notice that the number of ways it does these things is 7? The number of completion look at what the 7th way is)

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 States: For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? (Outside of the brotherhood of Christ) Do you note judge those who are inside?(Inside the brotherhood of Christ) But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."

Clearly these verses speak of not judging those who are outside of God's law, meaning they don't know it, the way the believer knows it. But it does say to judge those who are believers. Again, let me be clear, Judging a person's fruits against the word of God (also called discernment) is totally different than convicting a person. We cannot say whether someone knows Christ truly as their Lord and Savior, but We can say that based on their words and deeds, if they match up to what scripture says or not. If not, we are to use the gift of Exhortation, which all believers have and are called to, some have a higher calling of this gift of the spirit in their lives, but all believers are to correct each other within the set standards in the word. The bible is clear on how this is to be done, First examine yourself and your heart, confess any sin that is unconfessed, this includes asking for forgiveness and maybe restitution with anyone that you have sinned against. Then go to that person and share your observations in light of God's word, if they will not listen, bring two others that your every word can be witnessed, these should be trusted believers, perhaps Elders, Deacons, Bishops, Pastors. Then, if they still will not listen and repent, you should dust your feet. This does not mean to stop praying for that person, however, walking away does not mean that the person is irredeemable. It simply means that you need to refocus on God's word and let the Holy Spirit do His job. 

Should that person later come back into the fold and repent and ask forgiveness to anyone that they have wronged, they can be welcomed back. However, this doesn't mean that they just resume where they had left off. You show them grace and mercy, but trust comes in different levels, and once broken, must be earned back over time and by them showing that they are truly repentant. 

The key as always, this must always be done through the lens of scripture, by the example that God set for us with Jesus's sacrifice. Forgive, for much has been forgiven you...

-Rev. Michael E. Washburn

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 1

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

If you have been around the church at all chances are that you have heard of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. You might not understand exactly what this means. This Blog entry will attempt to teach you what that means as well as what the Spiritual gifts are. There are 16 Spiritual gifts listed in the Scripture, these are not to be confused (but they often are) with the Fruits of the Spirit. It should be noted that unless noted otherwise, all scripture is in the NKJV version.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are as follows:

Leadership: encouraging and helping others to build the kingdom of God. This gift is found in Romans 12:8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (NKJV) 

What is leadership? Webster's defines it as the capacity to guide the actions of a person or group. It involves providing direction, alignment, and commitment, and is a social process where individuals work together to produce results that they could not achieve alone.

What might this look like in Biblical terms Today? Someone who is tasked with the charge of shepherding others. The role might be different, a pastor/teacher, an elder, a deacon, maybe your church calls them by another term. But this is a person whose calling it is to guide others in a reaching a common goal. In the church this is primarily leading others to Christ's saving grace.

Administration: helping with long term goals and remaining on task. This gift is found in 1 Cor. 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (NKJV)

What is Administration? Webster's defines it this way: Administration refers to the performance of executive duties. It involves the management of any office, business, or organization.

What might this look like in Biblical terms Today? Someone who is tasked with the charge of development of church programs and ministries, things like community outreach, maybe budget planning, development of Christian Education programs. 

The next three all kind of go hand in hand. It is unusual, perhaps not possible to find someone working actively in one of these gifts without having the others active at the same time. 

Teaching: instructing in truths and doctrines of God's Word.

Knowledge: teaching and discipleship. The ability to learn, know and explain God's Word.

Wisdom: the ability to discern works of the Holy Spirit and apply teaching and actions.

What is Teaching? Webster's defines it this way: Teaching is the process of conveying knowledge, skills, and information to individuals or groups by an instructor, often with the intention of helping them understand, learn and apply new concepts or principles. We must remember that ultimately the Holy Spirit is our primary teacher since Christ Ascended into heaven. John 14:26 states: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." Also in John 16:13 we see: "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 tell you things to come."

What is Knowledge? Our buddies at Webster's define it this way: Knowledge is the acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, acquired through study, investigation, observation, or experience. It involves clear perception of fact, truth or duty.

What is Wisdom? According to Webster's: Wisdom is the quality of being wise, having knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it. It involves discernment, judgement, and sagacity. (quickness, or acuteness of sense perceptions, keenness of discernment or penetration with soundness of judgment and shrewdness).

What might this look like in Biblical terms Today? Someone who is tasked with the charge of teaching/preaching. Perhaps leading Bible studies. 

Do you see why these three go hand in hand? They all involve knowledge, wisdom and teaching of principles learned through study or practical experience.

Prophecy: proclaiming the Word of God with boldness. We look at Rom. 12:6 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; (NKJV) also consider: John 16:13 here we see: "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 tell you things to come."

What is Prophecy? According to Webster's it includes: An inspired utterance of a prophet. The function  or vocation of a prophet, specifically the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose. A prediction of something to come.

What might this look like in Biblical terms today? Prophecy is a unique gift because if a prophecy is truly from God, it will come true. Deuteronomy 18:22 states this: when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. Prophecy can have what is known as Progressive fulfillment, meaning, it can be fulfilled multiple times over time. This is also sometimes known as dual fulfillment. An example of this would be in Joel 2:28-32 about the outpouring of the Spirit, which had an initial fulfillment at Pentecost (Acts 2) and anticipates a future fulfillment as well. Prophecy doesn't change over time, it is the same in the OT as it is in the NT, the topic of the prophecy can change though. 

Discernment: being able to recognize the truth about a situation. 

What is Discernment? Webster's defines it in the following way: The ability to judge well; (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgement with a veiw to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.

Discernment is spoken of in several verses, in Matthew 7:1-2 Jesus urges us to be discerning and discriminating while remaining non-judgemental. In 1 Thess. 5:21-22 Paul urges us that we should examine everything carefully, holding fast to that which is good, and abstaining from every form of evil. Proverbs 17:24 tells us that the discerning sets his face toward wisdom. This is another gift that can and is often linked to other gifts, many times we see people operating in several gifts at once. 

Exhortation: people with this gift are enthusiastic about the Lord and they can motivate others. This gift is found in Romans 12:8 as well (See reference above)

Websters defines Exhortation as an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.

In Biblical terms Today, this might look like strongly advising someone that they should change the way that they do something, perhaps how they speak to others, perhaps they are caught up in some pattern of sin that someone who may be more mature in the Lord has noticed. Exhortation would come into play, it might be the first step in church discipline. The scripture tells us to follow the following process in dealing with a sinning brother or sister in Matthew 18:15-17: Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established'. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Some key points to discuss during this procedure are: 

1. Confront the person in their sin and look for conviction of sin.
2. Discuss repentance and the cross.
3. Discuss redemption.
4. Discuss restoration and seeking forgiveness.
5. Discuss habits and how to change.

Ephesians 4:25-32 says the following about grieving the Spirit: Therefor, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

We will discuss the remaining 8 gifts next week in part 2 of this series as well as ways to Identify and Nurture Your Spiritual Gifts.

Blessings,

Rev. Michael E. Washburn