The Holy SpiritHarry “rabbi” Snitkin

Understanding the Holy Spirit Assumption of relationship:

1) The Bible affirms that it is possible to experience a dynamic personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, and there will be something lacking when that relationship does not exist.

2) The Holy Spirit is more than a feeling, more than an experience, more than an emotion.

3) The Holy Spirit is a person, and He brings to every believer an opportunity for an ever-deepening and ever-widening personal relationship with Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

Assumption of responsibility:1) People called to ministry have a responsibility to know more about the Bible, about

the work of God, His truth, His gospel, His Spirit than anything else in this world.2) Responsibility to know and share God’s truth.3) All God’s children are called to ministry of some type and therefore responsible to

know and understand the Holy Spirit and His power.

Interesting statistics:1) Ministries Today magazine, November 1996 states;

30,000 people a day were being saved in China and India. 20,000 people a day were being saved in Latin America.10,000 people a day were being saved in Africa, and100,000 people a day were being saved in other areas of the world.

2) Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, David Barrett church historian;In 1900, there were 500 million Christians – 3 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 150.In 1970, there were 884 million Christians – 72 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 11.In 1980, there were 1 billion Christians – 158 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 6.In 1989, there were 1.1 billion Christians – 358 million Spirit filled for a ration of 1 to 4.In 1992, there were 1.2 billion Christians – 393 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 3.In 1996, there were 1.3 billion Christians – 400 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 3.

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In 2000, there were 1.7 billion Christians – 460 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 3.In 2002, there were 2 billion Christians – 500 million Spirit filled for a ratio of 1 to 4.

3) The incredible thing about what is happening throughout the world is that the Holy Spirit revival transcends denominations. It transcends all those spiritual movements of the past and is going beyond anything humans can do or anything ever seen before. Over half of all the missionaries in the world testify to being Spirit-filled. Beyond that, there are more converts to Christ through Spirit-filled believers than non Spirit-filled. We must recognize and acknowledge that there is an incredible and sovereign work of God’s Holy Spirit taking place in our time and we have a need and a responsibility to be involved.

Four Things Are Happening on Planet Earth Brooding:

1) The Holy Spirit is brooding over this earth (Genesis 1:1-2)It was out of the Holy Spirit brooding that God brought physical life into existence.Today, it is out of the brooding of the Holy Spirit that new spiritual life comes into existence.It is the work of the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s purpose in the Earth.And the Holy Spirit does it through God’s people.

Breathing:1) God breathed into man the breath, (rauch) meaning breath or spirit, of life (Genesis

2:7).Literally, God breathed Holy Spirit-breath into Adam.Today, the Holy Spirit is breathing life over planet Earth again and upon the inhabitants of the Earth, as proven by the statistics we referred to earlier. God is creating new children by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Birthing:1) The Holy Spirit’s primary function on Earth is to birth children for God.

The travail of the Holy Spirit that covering, brooding and breathing, is likened to (Luke 1:31-35) where the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary so that Jesus literally was the only begotten Son of God after the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary.

2) Mary was a virgin; Jesus was Virgin-Born due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.3) Today, the Holy Spirit is active, birthing millions of people into God’s family and

kingdom.

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Battling:1) The Holy Spirit is the warrior and implements of war in the spiritual realm (Eph 6:10-

18)2) Spiritual prayer is part and parcel to the battling and spiritual warfare now taking

place for the souls of people now on this Earth.3) Today, the Holy Spirit is bringing the victory of Christ into reality both in the spiritual

and the fleshly worlds that we live in.

The Results:1) All of the growth of the kingdom of God and of all of the new converts being born;

this is not without difficulty, without battle, without confronting the adversary of God. Satan is doing everything he can to stop and to hinder the Holy Spirit’s work. We as believers constantly battle against Satan powers, and it is the Holy Spirit who grants power for victory and success.

2) As the Holy Spirit ministers through the believer God is battling the forces of the Enemy. Like Nehemiah we are both building the Kingdom and battling the Enemy at the same time.Believers are called to deepen their relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.(John 8:32) Jesus said, “would know the truth, and the truth would set you free”. The Holy Spirit is the revealer of the Truth.

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Practical Questions Relating to the Holy Spirit and the Spirit-Filled Life Who is the Holy Spirit:

1) The Holy Spirit is not an “it”. a) Have you received it?b) Did it come?The Holy Spirit is a person!The Holy Spirit has personality characteristics.Jesus never referred to the Holy Spirit as just a resource, a helper, or an experience.Jesus always presented the Holy Spirit with a personal noun or pronoun, setting forth His person or personality. In John’s Gospel Jesus used the personal pronoun nine times in three verses as He talked about the Holy Spirit (John 16:15-17). Altogether, in John 14, 15 & 19 there are 19 times that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit in personal terms.

2) New Testament references to the Holy Spirit in personal terms.a) He can be blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32)b) He testifies (John15:26)c) He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4d) He leads (Acts 8:29 and Romans 8:14)e) He speaks (Acts 13:2)f) He commands (Acts 16:6-7)g) He guides (Acts16:13)h) He appoints (Acts 20:28)i) He intercedes (Romans8:26)j) He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30)k) He can be insulted(Hebrews 10:29)

3) The point is that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person. He is God the Holy Spirit!The Holy Spirit is the living person of God’s presence in not only our lives but also in our physical body. We need a personal relationship with a Holy personal Holy Spirit. He is CEO of our mind, our ministry, and the mission of Jesus on the Earth. Everything believers have, every transaction of grace, every authority, every power, and every responsibility is carried out through and by the power, the guidance, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

4) Our ability to walk with Jesus, talk with Jesus, and experience Jesus as the apostles did is contained in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be His Spirit (John 16:7) in our lives.

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How does the Holy Spirit relate to the Holy Trinity:1) The Bible clearly teaches that there is one God.

God eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity.(Matthew 28:19) (2 Corinthians 13:14) (1 John 5:7)

2) Though God is one, He exists and reveals Himself in three personalities, each having a distinctive purpose in the godhead.

3) Without question the scriptures present the Holy Spirit as being coequal, coexistent, and coeternal with God the Father and God the Son. Nevertheless, Jesus is not the Father. The Father is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is not the Son. Yet, they are one and the same because they are God. Faith is required but our faith rests squarely on the revelation of God’s Word (Zechariah 11:4)

4) Realizing that the Holy Spirit is coequal, coexistent, and coeternal with the Father and the Son provides a basic understanding of the relationship that exists within the godhead. Jesus said, (John 14:16-18) I will not leave you as orphans – I will not abandon you.

5) Jesus promised another Comforter. The Greek word used for another is (allos) which means “of the same kind”. Jesus asked the Father to send one identical to Himself.

What are the works of the Holy Spirit in the believers life:1) Initial conviction of sin.

a) “reprove the world of sin” (John 16:7-8b) “no man can come” (John 6:44) (John 12:32)

2) The impartation of saving faith:a) “ for by grace are you saved” (Ephesians 2:8)b) “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20)

3) Regeneration, spiritual birth:a) “born again” (John 3)b) “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)c) He indwells and seals believers (Romans 8:14-17)

(1 Corinthian 6:19) (Galatians 4:6-7) (Ephesians 1:13)d) Access to the Father (Romans 5:2) ( Ephesians 2:18)e) Inner strength (Ephesians 3)

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f) Practical sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2)g) Character (Ephesians 4)h) Inner testimony (John 5:26-27)i) Truth (John 16:12-15)

4) Power for service and ministry:a) Baptism in the Holy Spirit

(Luke 24:29) (Acts 1:8) (Acts 2:1-4)

Was the Day of Pentecost the first appearance of the Holy Spirit on Earth:1) The first scriptural occasion of the Holy Spirit ministering is (Genesis 1:1-2)

There are 81 other Old Testament scriptures where the Holy Spirit is mentioned.

2) The following scriptures exemplify the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.a) “the Spirit of God moved” (Genesis 1:1-2)b) “My Spirit shall not always strive” (Genesis 6:3)c) “a man in whom the Spirit of God is” (Genesis 41:38)d) “filled him with the Spirit of God” (Exodus 31:2-3)e) “the Lord would put His Spirit upon them” (Numbers 11:29)f) “the Spirit of God came upon Gideon” (Judges 6:34)g) “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him” (Judges 14:6)h) “but holy men of God spoke” (2 Peter 1:21)

3) The powerful story in the book of Numbers is especially noteworthy. God spoke to

Moses, telling him to commission 70 elders, promising to put His Holy Spirit upon them. (Numbers 11:16- )

4) The Holy Spirit came for special and temporary occasions in the Old Testament.But, In the New Testament, The Holy Spirit came to permanently abide and indwell and empower the people of God.

The Holy Spirit working in the life of Jesus.1) “Virgin Mary” (Luke 1:35”)2) “Elizabeth was filled” (Luke 1:41-45)3) “Simeon “ (Luke 2:25-38)4) Holy Spirit at Jesus baptism (all 4 gospels)5) “led Jesus into the wilderness” (Matthew 4:1) (Luke 4:1)6) “returned from the wilderness” (Luke 4:14)7) “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18)8) Jesus taught the new birth (John 3:5-8)9) Jesus has Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34)10) Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit (John 17:37-39)

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11) Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to His disciples (John 20:22)12) Jesus raised from the dead (Romans 8:11)13) Jesus teaches by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2)14) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)15) Holy Spirit prophesied Jesus’ birth ( 2 Peter 1:21)

What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit1) There are 3 general ways to answer this question.

a) The doctrinal answer.The baptism is the fulfillment of Scripture

b) The dimensional answer.Bringing the believer the second of two dimensions of the Spirit-filled life.First, one is saved, receiving the Holy Spirit.Second, the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us for service.

c) The definitive answer.The believer is immersed in the Holy Spirit. (The Bible teaches 7 different kinds of baptisms)

2) The 7 baptisms.a) The baptism of Moses into the cloud and into the sea. ( 1 Corinthians 10:2)b) The baptism of John unto repentance and changed lives.

(Mark 1:4) (Acts 13:24) (Acts 19:3-4)c) The baptism of Christ which He performed personally and also commissioned His

disciples to perform. (John 3:22)d) The baptism of suffering which Jesus would experience. (Luke 12:50)e) Water baptism. (Matthew 28:19)f) Baptism into the body of Christ, a spiritual baptism into His death and

resurrection. (Romans 6) (1 Corinthians 1)g) The baptism in the Holy Spirit. First took place on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4)

then as noted elsewhere in the Book of Acts.

Greater detail to the answer.1) The definitive answer expanded.

a) A good analogy can be made by using three different kinds of baptisms mentioned already. When we talk about being baptized into the baptism of Christ, a spiritual baptism, the Holy Spirit is the one doing the baptizing, Christ is the element into which we are baptized, and the believer is the person being baptized.

b) Water baptism occurs when a believer is baptized into water. The minister is the one doing the baptizing, the water is the element into which we are baptized, and the believer is the one being baptized.

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c) When one is baptized in the Holy Spirit, according to the scriptures, Christ is the one doing the baptism, the Holy Spirit is the element into which we are being baptized, and the believer is the one being baptized.

2) A more descriptive answer.This analogy helps us understand literally, and in a more picturesque manner, that when baptized in the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes literally and baptizes or immerses or covers us from above with the Holy Spirit. This is the work of Christ Himself. Not only did Jesus send us a Comforter Jesus filled us with the Holy Spirit by immersing us in the Holy Spirit until we were saturated with the Holy Spirit.

3) A dynamic answer.Here is the dynamic answer, a saturation of the presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2). It is a continual indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) resulting in the miraculous growth of the believer and the church. (The multiply numbers of believers added daily to the church) Along with this indwelling of the Holy Spirit and power (Luke 24:29) comes the accompanying evidence of speaking with other tongues (Acts 2) (Acts 10) (Acts 19).

4) A diverse answer.There are many different descriptions in Scripture about being baptized in the Holy Spirit. There is only one baptism in the Holy Spirit but there many fillings of the Holy Spirit.a) Baptism references (Acts 1) (Luke 3) (John 1) (Acts 11)b) Holy spirit coming upon or falling upon believers.

(Acts 1) (Acts 2) (Acts 8) (Acts 10) (Acts 11) These referred to the one and the, first time, same experience. Definitely referencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

c) Many fillings of the Holy Spirit.(Acts 4:31) (Acts 9:17) (Ephesians 5:18)

Does a person receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit at conversion:1) The simple and most direct answer is, no one does not receive the baptism in the

Holy Spirit at conversion. Yes, you do receive the Holy Spirit but not the baptism. Salvation is sealed by receiving the Holy Spirit. Spiritual power for service comes when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Spirit baptized believers are under the Spirit’s influence. (Ephesians 5:18)

2) A person cannot be more saved than saved.Receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit does not make you more saved.The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives more of the believer to the Holy Spirit for service.

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How does a believer receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit:Acts 2:38 says “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”1) The Holy Spirit is a gift from God received through God’s grace.

What is God’s Grace? It is God’s Resources At Christ’s Expense.

2) Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast”.Our salvation cannot be earned or purchased by any human deed or work. It is a gift from God. Receiving the Holy Spirit works in the exact manner you cannot earn or purchase it. The only way to get saved, receive the Holy Spirit and the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to receive it by faith and obedience. The Scriptures are very clear on what steps need to be taken to receive salvation and the Holy Spirit.

3) The steps of obedience.a) REPENT.

You must acknowledge your sin and need for salvation and the Holy Spirit.Then ask God to forgive you.

b) Be baptized in water.It is in water baptism that we put on Christ. (Romans 5:6-11) (Romans 6:3-6) (Galatians 3:22-29) (Ephesians 2:5)

c) Have a desire for all God has to give you. (John 7:37-38)God gives the Holy Spirit to willing recipients. God does not force anyone to receive this blessed gift of promise.

d) Ask.You must ask God for His salvation and the Holy Spirit baptism. (Luke 11:13)

e) Receive.Having asked you must now receive by God’s gift of faith these blessings.

f) Yield.Give yourself to the Holy Spirit. This not an act of emotion it is an act of faith.

How does the Bible deal with speaking in other tongues:1) Isaiah 28:10-12 “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon

line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith you may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

2) Mark 16:17 “And these signs will follow those who believe; In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.” Jesus stated that tongues would be one of the characteristics that would follow believers.

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3) Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Everyone who received the Holy Spirit received and spoke with other tongues.

4) Acts 10:46 “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.” Jewish believers heard Romans speak with tongues at their infilling with the Holy Spirit.

5) Acts 19:6 “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” The Ephesians believers spoke with tongues.

6) 1 Corinthians 12:28 “…… varieties of tongues.” Tongues are referred to as a spiritual gift.

7) 1 Corinthians 14:18 “I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than all of you.” Paul spoke with tongues often.

8) 1 Corinthians 14:39 “……. do not forbid speaking with tongues.” Paul’s clear instruction was to continue speaking in tongues.

Did speaking with tongues stop with the apostles:1) The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 14 that Paul spoke with other tongues and

encouraged that the practice continue. This chapter was written about 20 years after the Day of Pentecost. It clearly teaches that believers were being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking with tongues 20 years after the Day of Pentecost.

2) There are other historical books that speak about tongues.a) The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible states:

“Through the centuries glossolalia has frequently appeared among Christian groups”

b) The Encyclopedia Britannica asserts: “That miraculous utterances reoccur in Christian revivals in every age.”

c) The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge says: “The phenomenon of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, has appeared in all ages of the church.”

d) Dr. Phillip Schaff, in his History of the Apostolic Church, wrote: “ The speaking with tongues, however, was not confined to the Day of Pentecost… this gift perpetuated itself. We find traces of it still in the second and third centuries.”

e) Souer’s History of the Christian Church, Vol 2, page 405, cites: “Dr. Martin Luther was a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues and interpreter, in one person, endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

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f) In 1896, in North Carolina, the 20th –century Awakening began which almost simultaneously occurred in Topeka, Kansas; Azuza Street in Los Angeles; Corpus Christi, Texas; Korea; Sweden; Chile; and South Africa.

3) Tongues have never ceased. An according to history, they have been part of the church throughout the ages.

What are the primary usage for tongues:1) Believers pray in tongues for private devotion. (Acts 2:4) (Acts 10:44) (Acts 19:6) 2) Praying the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:14-15) 3) Singing in the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

4) Praising in the spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:16)

5) Personal edification. (1 Corinthians 14:4)

6) Tongues and interpretation in public worship. (1 Corinthians 12:10)

How do tongues manifest in a believer:1 Corinthians 14:32 “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”The words flow from the Holy Spirit and He uses the vocal cords to speak. But, the believer must be willing for the Holy Spirit to use their vocal cords. As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:32 the believer is the one who makes the decision to speak or not to speak.

What are the purposes of different kinds of tongues: a) Preaching in different languages. (Acts 2:6-14) b) Personal edification. (1 Corinthians 14:4) (Jude 20)

c) The edification of the church. (1 Corinthians 14:5) d) Intercessory prayer. (Romans 8:26) ( 1 Corinthians 14:15) e) Confirmation of the Word. (Mark 16:17-20) f) Intimacy with God. (1 Corinthians 14:2) g) A means of experiencing rest. (Isaiah 28:10-12) h) Evidence of an experience. (Acts 2:4) i) Communication between God and the church. (1 Corinthians 12:10) j) A fulfillment of prophecy. ( Isaiah 28:10-12) k) A sign to the unbeliever. (1 Corinthians 14:22)

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Scriptural direction for corporate worship:1) 1 Corinthians 14 provides clear instruction as to corporate worship.

a) There are 15 principles given concerning corporate worship.b) Decently and in order sums up these principles.c) Love is the motivator for the use of all spiritual gifts

Fifteen principles regarding order in the church:1) Tongues, when interpreted, equal prophesy.

a) Three reasons for prophesy are.1) Edification – to build up.2) Exhortation – to stir up.3) Comfort – lifting up.

b) Tongues when interpreted and applying to edification, exhortation, and comfort produce the same results as prophesy during the worship.

2) Tongues edify the body of Christ publicly only when interpreted.a) Believers are to pray for the interpretation of tongues.b) If no interpretation is given then the speaker must interpret.

3) In public worship tongues are not to be spoken unless someone can interpret.

4) Believers should be aware that their behavior influences unbelievers.a) Bad spiritual behavior can drive people from Christ.

5) All things are to be done decently and in order.a) Order means “in proper sequence”.b) Decently means “with a fundamental charm or grace”.c) No confusion, No attention drawing.

6) Confusion must be avoided and unity must prevail.a) Confusion results from breaking the flow.b) Confusion results from drawing attention to yourself.c) Unity is destroyed when order is disrupted.

7) Believers are not free to do what they feel like doing… only what the Scripture teaches.a) Decently and in order.b) Being led by the Holy Spirit.

8) The foundation of the gift is love.a) The basis for all gifts.b) 1 Corinthians 13 is in between chapters 12 and 14.

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9) Corporate tongues and the interpretation of tongues reside in the church.a) The individual does not own the use of tongues or the interpretation.b) They reside in the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 12)c) Body gifts are in the Holy Spirit and only He should indicate them.

10) Believers are to use wisdom in the timing of using corporate gifts.

11) Believers are not to speak in tongues unless there is an interpretation.a) Only two or three should speak during a meeting.b) Then only one at a time. (1 Cor 14:27-28)c) Someone must interpret or the use of the gift is out of order.

12) Every message must be judged as Scriptural in delivery and content.a) 1 Cor. 14:29 requires judgment.b) Edifying, exhortation or comfort.c) Leadership has the responsibility of judgment.d) In love with measure.

13) The gifts are spiritual gifts, not shocking gifts. Peace should prevail. (1 Cor. 14:33)

14) The entire church should not be speaking in tongues at the same time. (1Cor. 14:23)

15) The teaching on the use of tongues in public worship are explicit.a) 1 Cor. 14:37 the Lord’s command.

Some of the tests for judging truth:1) Is it biblical? (Gal.1:8-12)2) Does it acknowledge the deity of Christ and exalt Him? (1 Cor. 12:3)3) Does it edify, comfort or exhort? (1 Cor. 14:5)4) Does it cause strife or enmity among believers? (Rom. 16:17)5) Is it being used as a public forum for a private problem? (Gal. 6:1-2)6) Does it show or produce spiritual fruit? (1 Cor. 13:2)

Some principles for the gift of interpretation of tongues:1) The gift is initiated by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:11)2) Interpreted by the speaker or someone else. (1 Cor. 14:3)3) Interpretation is not a translation of the statement in tongues. (1 Cor. 14:5)4) The gift reside in the church, not the individual, and it operates by the will of the

Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:11)

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Other corporate spiritual gifts There are two Greek words used to talk about spiritual gifts.

1) Pneumatikosa) Means spiritual things and spiritual enablements. (1 Cor. 12:1 & 12)

2) Charismataa) Means enablements of grace or gifts of grace. (Rom. 11:29, 12:6 & 1 Cor. 12:4-8)

3) Spiritual gifts are spiritual enablements. They are gifts of grace that extend the influence of the Holy Spirit through the lives and ministries of God’s people.

Three different categories of spiritual gifts.1) Ministry Gifts. (Eph.4:11-13)

a) Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, and Teachers.2) Motivation Gifts. (Rom. 12:6-8)3) Manifestation Gifts. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)

Ministry Gifts.1) Ministry gifts are given by the will of the Holy Spirit and believes, in return, commit their

lives to the ministry.2) There are two streams of thought about ministry gifts. Some believe that the individual

owns the office of Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist, or Teacher. That it is a lifetime appointment. Others believe the office is functional only while the Holy Spirit uses you for that purpose and that an individual may be used in different offices at different times.

3) Whichever position one holds to, one thing is certain. The purpose of ministry gifts is to provide leadership for directing the body of Christ, to develop leaders, to build the church, to perfect the church and to bring the church into unity.

Motivation Gifts.1) Motivation gifts are natural qualities that people are born with and which can be

developed to benefit the corporate body of Christ.2) They include gifts like administration, helps, serving, exhortation, hospitality, giving,

mercy and martyrdom.3) These gifts are used for building the kingdom of God.4) They are not necessarily leadership gifts, but gifts used to motivate one another

profiting the body of Christ.

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Manifestation Gifts.1) Manifestation gifts are supernatural and sovereignly reside in the Holy Spirit.

(1 Cor. 12:10-13)2) They provide spontaneous, spiritual resources for the body of Christ.3) Nobody owns any of the manifestation gifts.4) No one person owns the gift of wisdom. Wisdom (the gift not the fruit) operates

spontaneously as the Holy Spirit wills it and it can operate in the life of any believer as the Holy Spirit sees the need for the gift.

5) There are three categories of manifestation gifts.a) Mind gifts.

1) Which include the word of wisdom.2) The word of knowledge.3) Discerning of spirits.

b) Might gifts. (power gifts)1) Gift of faith.2) Gift of healings.3) Gift of miracles.

c) Mouth gifts.1) Gift of prophecy.2) Gift of tongues.3) Gift of interpretation of tongues.

6) Which of the nine manifestation gifts is most important.a) Of the mind gifts wisdom is considered most important, because if believers do

not have wisdom they will not know how to use the word of knowledge or what to do with discerning of spirits.

b) Of the might gifts (power gifts), faith is more important than healings or miracles, because if believers do not have faith, they cannot have the other two.

c) Of the mouth gifts prophecy is more important. Prophecy is understandable. Tongues and interpretation combined equal prophecy.

Spiritual gifts are part of the Spirit-filled life and demonstration of the Holy Spirit.1) Believers are to desire spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 14:1)2) Believes are to discern, develop, and deploy spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12:1)3) Spiritual gifts are not to be viewed as signs of maturity or super spirituality.4) Sensational gifts are not necessarily the most important or most needed gifts.5) The Holy Spirit is God’s agent for the distribution of the gifts. Believers are only the

mirror which reflect these graces to the world.

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Practical questions relating to the Holy Spirit. What are the seven important guidelines for discerning spiritual gifts:

1) Every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10). These are not manifestation gifts, but ministry gifts and motivational gifts. All of the manifestation gifts are available to every believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit.

2) Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Believers need to pray that God will give them wisdom to discern what their gifts are.

3) Be available for use by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). The Holy Spirit is looking for believers who are willing to be used for his purposes. Remember it is not our strength and ability it is the Holy Spirit who manifests.

4) Examine your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4, Phil. 2:13).5) Take notice of the things you take notice of. Most likely the things you notice that

need attention are things you are gifted to do.6) Seek wisdom and advice of mature believers, especially your leaders. (Hebrews 13:7)

What are the wrong responses to spiritual gifts.1) It is wrong to neglect your gift. (1 Tim. 4:14)2) It is wrong to wait for inspiration before using a gift. (1 Cor. 12:14-31)3) It is wrong to judge a gift as being superior or inferior. (1 Cor. 12:18-25)4) It is wrong to refuse involvement in areas other than your own gift. (2 Tim. 4:5)5) It is wrong to stop exercising a gift because of relational conflicts or lack of

appreciation by others. (1 Tim. 4:9-16, 2 Tim. 4:6-18) These issues will need to be worked out.

6) It is wrong to assume or believe that you do not need to develop your spiritual gifts. (1 Tim. 4:13) Exercise develops muscles and exercising your spiritual gifts develop proficiency.

7) It is wrong to assume or believe that you have to be gifted in all areas, rather than developing just one. (1 Tim. 4:14-15) (Matt.25)

How should believers view the Holy Spirit in their lives.1) As an experience.

a) Salvationb) Baptismsc) Gifts

2) As a relationship.a) Zechariah 4:6 “ not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of

Hosts”.b) Nurturing, gratifying, life changing, and a friendship relationship through

eternity.c) Equal with the Father and the Son.d) Given by Jesus to replace His not being with us.e) Comforter and teacher.

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Pentecost

What is Pentecost?Greek meaning - Fiftieth.Hebrew meaning – (Shavu’ot) The Sabbath after a week of weeks from Passover. The harvest blessing and the feast of the first fruits.

New Testament times: Acts 1:1-5 Jesus spends forty days with the apostles and other believers. Jesus orders them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the

Father. “you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”

The Waiting: 12, 40, 70, 120, 500, 1,000s Upper room about 120 people. In unity devoting themselves to prayer Mans choice electing Matthias to replace Judas. Casting lots for God’s direction.

The coming of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1-13 when the day arrived… Suddenly (caught by surprise) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. All speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. Lots of noise attracting others. Some understood in their own language and others only heard noise.

Peter speaks: Acts 2:14-41 Peter filled with the Holy Spirit speaks. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit recalls scripture. Peter the fisherman becomes Peter the fisher of men.

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