Dynamic # 6

The gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit  Are normal and essential expressions of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence  Are like tools that a team of carpenters need All the tools are useful for their particular tasks They tell us nothing about the personal character of the carpenters  Help us in the practice of cooperating with the Spirit and accomplishing the task given to us

The dangers of quenching the Spirit “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21  Congregations deprived of God’s power  Ignorance about how to respond when the Spirit moves in someone’s life  Division, fearfulness, and resistance to the sovereignty of God

THE GIFTS AND MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT

Having a Biblical attitude Love is a fundamental requirement, advocated in the context of all Biblical lists of gifts  Rom 12; 1 Cor 13; Eph 4 Also need to be:  Informed about gifts – 1 Cor 12:1  Inclusive of all gifts – 1 Thess 5:19-20; 1 Cor 14:39  Hungry for gifts – 1 Cor 12:31, 14:1, 14:39

What gifts does the Holy Spirit provide? Functional gifts – Romans 12:6-8  Prophecy  Serving  Teaching  Encouragement  Giving  Leadership  Mercy

What gifts does the Holy Spirit provide? Leadership gifts – Ephesians 4:11-13  Apostle  Prophet  Evangelist  Pastor  Teacher

What gifts does the Holy Spirit provide? Manifestational gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:7-20  Wisdom  Word of knowledge  Faith  Healing  Miraculous powers  Prophecy  Discernment  Tongues & interpretation

What gifts does the Holy Spirit provide? A miscellany of gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31  A diverse intermingling from the other three lists …plus  Administration (‘helmsman’)

What is the purpose of these gifts and manifestations? “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” Hebrews 2:3-4 They enable the church to bear witness to Jesus:  Proclaim his message  Demonstrate his mercy

Learning to welcome what the Holy Spirit is doing Testimony / example

CULTIVATING A CONGREGATION THAT WELCOMES THE GIFTS AND MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT

The need for leaders who are ready to cooperate with the Spirit Leaders need:  An attitude of readiness – willing to welcome and cooperate with the Holy Spirit  A practical readiness – equipped to act in response to the Spirit’s activity

The need for practical teaching  ‘Normalize’ the persons and work of the whole Trinity  Create specific teaching opportunities dealing with a wide range of spiritual gifts  Equip people with a first-hand understanding of how to welcome and encourage the expression of spiritual gifts in the congregation

The need to create opportunities to express the gifts  Prayer meetings  Corporate and personal prayer after sermons  Healing services  Intercession during services & meetings  Mission trips

Recognizing the time to act When the ‘power tools’ are available, and people are equipped to use them, then we must ask…  When should we act ?