The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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Because <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> encouragement was clearly evident, <strong>the</strong> apostles gave a disciple named<br />
Joseph a new name, “Son <strong>of</strong> Encouragement” or “Barnabas” (Acts 4:36).<br />
Confirmation is important also in that it builds a system <strong>of</strong> accountability for <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> your<br />
gifts. Though we are ultimately accountable to God, we are also immediately accountable to<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
If you have a certain gift and nobody knows it, it is very easy for you to be lazy about using it<br />
for no one will know <strong>the</strong> difference. However, once your gift is known and confirmed by <strong>the</strong><br />
body, your fellow believers will expect to see that gift used.<br />
<strong>The</strong> existence <strong>of</strong> a gift is a call to exercise it. Eyes are purposeless unless <strong>the</strong>y exercise <strong>the</strong><br />
function <strong>of</strong> sight. Paul advised Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift” (I Tim. 4:14). <strong>The</strong>n he<br />
adds, “Be diligent in <strong>the</strong>se matters; give yourself wholly to <strong>the</strong>m, so that everyone may see<br />
your progress (I Tim. 4:15). Paul also told Timothy, “Discharge all <strong>the</strong> duties <strong>of</strong> your ministry”<br />
(II Tim. 4:5b). When gifts are faithfully used, <strong>the</strong>y become increasingly effective, but when<br />
neglected God’s service is curtailed.<br />
Because <strong>the</strong> disuse <strong>of</strong> a limb results in paralysis or atrophy, doctors order patients up soon<br />
after surgery for exercise. Similarly, exercise is <strong>the</strong> only way to prevent a gift’s lapse or<br />
collapse.<br />
An important principle in <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> spiritual gifts is that <strong>the</strong> exercise <strong>of</strong> one gift may lead to<br />
<strong>the</strong> discovery <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r gifts. Philip was chosen as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first deacons <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early church<br />
(“Jerusalem seven”) to distribute food etc. because <strong>of</strong> his wisdom, faith and being full <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong>. He exercised his gifts <strong>of</strong> administration, helps and mercy in helping those Grecian<br />
widows who were being overlooked by <strong>the</strong> Aramaic-speaking community (Acts 6:1-5). Later<br />
Philip is referred to as an evangelist and miracle-worker (Acts 8:4-8, 28-40). It is probable that<br />
<strong>the</strong> faithful use <strong>of</strong> his gifts <strong>of</strong> wisdom, helps, administration and mercy led to <strong>the</strong> discovery <strong>of</strong><br />
his gifts <strong>of</strong> evangelism and miracles.<br />
Jesus taught this principle when He stated, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have<br />
been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge <strong>of</strong> many things” (Mt. 25:23).<br />
<strong>The</strong> faithful use <strong>of</strong> one gift <strong>of</strong>ten leads to o<strong>the</strong>r gifts. Faithfulness in one area may lead to a<br />
wider ministry.<br />
Due to ignorance, unbelief, and disobedience God’s gifts are not being used to <strong>the</strong>ir fullest.<br />
<strong>The</strong> insufficient number <strong>of</strong> qualified workers in <strong>the</strong> Lord’s ministry cannot be blamed on <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong>, but on those who neglect or resist Him. In each Christian resides <strong>the</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong><br />
who longs to see us discover and develop <strong>the</strong> gifts He has placed within us. Each church is<br />
filled with believers in whom are hidden treasures. Unused gifts squander <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> God.