Gifts of the Spirit

The Sovereign God and the Creator God had thousands of years of observational evidence to prove humans are naturally inclined to behave in ways that are in opposition to godliness. When the Creator was sent to earth to live a righteous life as a human and sacrifice his life to pay the penalty for our violation of God's law, his human experiences reinforced what was already known about human nature—humans needed help to overcome their nature and become godly in character. Because of this fact, the Sovereign God made a promise to give humans a portion of his spirit-power to help them accomplish this.

Before his death and resurrection, Christ told his disciples, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Lk.24:49 NIV). This power from the Father is the holy spirit which is his unlimited power and the essence of his being and existence.

On the Day of Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter explained what had just happened to the crowd of people who had witnessed the miracle of languages being manifested by those who were gathered with him and the other apostles:

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ [i.e., through his authority] for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:37-39 KJV).

The English word gift is translated from the Greek word dorea, which means a gratuity i.e., a present. The gift of the holy spirit should not be confused with the individual gifts of the spirit the Father gives to individuals in order for them to have abilities beyond that of normal people. The holy spirit is something entirely different; it is the medium through which the Father bestows various abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power to his earthly children.

"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the holy spirit, whom God has given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:32 KJV).

AFTER BAPTISM

After baptism and during the ritual of laying on of hands, God the Father personally places his holy spirit within a person. Through this process the following things simultaneously happen:

  • The Father merges his holy spirit with the person's human spirit.

  • The person is transformed into a new and different creation having the spirit of man and the spirit of God.

  • The person is adopted into the Father's family as one of his earthly children with the potential to become immortal.

  • The presence of the Father's holy spirit (his spirit-power), his personal spirit, and Christ's personal spirit become an integral part of the new member of the Father's earthly physical and spiritual family.

  • The person's physical body is transformed into one of the Father's earthly temples in which his holy spirit resides.

  • The Father bestows three supernatural abilities to his newly adopted child: power, love, and self-control.

After these things happen, the holy spirit remains within the child of God throughout their physical life and will continue to be an integral part of their being as a member of God the Father's heavenly family.

But, what use is the holy spirit to a person during this physical life after initially receiving it as a gift? The answer throughout the biblical record is that the holy spirit is given to be used for the benefit of the person receiving it, for the benefit of others, and to perform a work for their heavenly Father. Therefore, it is vitally important for each of us to understand what the holy spirit is, how to use it effectively, and how to maintain and increase its power within us in order to be spiritually successful while alive on this earth.

If the power of the holy spirit remains at the same level as when it was first given, the chances of one's spiritual growth is greatly diminished. However, if a person faithfully increases the power of the holy spirit within them and uses this power correctly, spiritual growth and success is guaranteed.

God Is a Spirit

Many people wonder who and what God is. The apostle John answers this question for us: "God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (Jn.4:24 KJV).

God the Father is an immortal spirit-being who has no beginning or end. He is composed of energy, force, and unlimited power, and has as an integral part of his existence all knowledge, wisdom, love, self-control, and the power and ability to create, sustain, and destroy. The spirit of God the Father is in fact what he is in that he is composed of spirit.

Why is this information important to those the Father has adopted as his earthly children? It is important because we are his children and have as an integral part of our existence the same basic qualities of existence he has. These basic qualities are power, love, and self-control.

In order to understand the various functions of the holy spirit, we must first understand the reasons the Father gives the qualities of power, love, and self-control to each individual at the moment he adopts them as one of his children and why later other abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power are given to individuals within his family.

Power, Love, and Self Control

In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul documents the three most important spiritual attributes the Sovereign Father bestows on each individual after baptism as they receive his holy spirit and are adopted as one of his earthly children:

"Therefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2.Tim.1:6-7 KJV).

Through the laying on of his hands, Paul passed a gift of the spirit to Timothy. We are not told what this gift of the spirit was or its purpose; however, this gift was something Timothy either needed in his personal life or in his ministry, otherwise it would not have been given to him.

Notice Paul told Timothy that God has not given us (i.e., each of the elect) the negative emotion of fear but he has given us power, love, and a sound mind. Without understanding these four words which were translated from the Greek language into English, it is impossible to understand the enormity of what has been given to each of the Father's earthly children.

The English word fear in verse 7 is translated from the Greek word deilia, which means timidity (i.e., the characteristic of being fearful).

It is important to know that the negative characteristic or emotion of timidity and fearfulness is absent in those whom the Father places his holy spirit into at their adoption into his family; otherwise, one's chance of success would be constantly hampered by this negative emotion.

Christ warns that a person who becomes spiritually fearful and timid will not be in his Father's kingdom. See Rev.21:7-8.

Verse 7 also tells us that each person who receives the indwelling of the holy spirit is given: power, love, and self control.

Power

The English word power in verse 7 is translated from the Greek word dunamis, which means miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself).

Dunamis is the same power the Father exercises to create, sustain, and destroy. This is the same power Christ exercised while on earth and that each of the Father's children is given at the time of their adoption into his family. This power becomes an intrinsic part of their godly nature. The only limitations each of the elect has in their exercise of this power is the degree to which each one is authorized by the Father.

Although there are many reasons the Father gives spirit-power to those he calls to salvation, the following are two primary reasons:

  • To help a person grow in spiritual maturity.

  • To perform the task, function, and/or responsibility for which he has called a person during this age of salvation.

Love

The English word love in verse 7 is translated from the Greek word agape, which means affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast. This is the kind of love expressed by God the Father and Christ that goes beyond social affection or moral concern for another person. Agape is a godly characteristic which becomes an intrinsic part of one's character at the time of one's adoption into the Father's family.

This is the same love Christ exercised while on earth. The Father does not limit his children's expression of godly love, but expects his children to express godly love to him, his firstborn son, their brothers and sisters in his family, as well as to other people in the same way given their knowledge and understanding of this godly characteristic.

Sound Mind

The English phrase sound mind is translated from the Greek word sophronismos, which is derived from a word meaning discipline. Sophronismos basically means self-control.

Sophronismos is not to be confused with our natural ability to control our attitude, behavior, and emotions. This type of self-control is a spiritual attribute; it is the exercise of a godly characteristic.

Sophronismos draws its ability and power to help us control our attitude, behavior, and emotions from the indwelling of the holy spirit, which is a part of our spiritual nature; it tells us what is a correct expression of godly character and what is not.

These three basic qualities of the holy spirit also describe the Sovereign Father's existence as a spirit-being. But, why are the spiritual gifts of power, godly love, and self-control the most important?

  • Spiritual power gives a person the ability to supernaturally produce an effect in the physical and spirit realms.

  • Without godly love, we can neither understand the mind of the Father and Christ nor the attitude and behavior we should have toward other people. Both of these are necessary to be holy as our heavenly Father and Christ are holy.

  • Without self-control we cannot overcome our old nature and behave righteously.

The three most important spiritual attributes the Father gives to each member of his earthly family are power, godly love, and self-control. Without these three spiritual attributes, none of the other spiritual gifts from the Father can be used effectively for their intended purpose. These three foundational gifts of the spirit must be maintained and increased through use during our physical life in order to be spiritually successful and not become spiritually powerless and fearful.

Functions of the Holy Spirit

In order to understand the functions of the holy spirit, we must first understand that our heavenly Father's goal is to increase the number of children in his heavenly family. This is the primary reason he gives supernatural gifts to his earthly children during this gospel age of salvation.

After listing several attitudes and behaviors that are righteous, Jesus said the following which is intended for those who are striving to enter the Kingdom of God, "Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt.5:48 KJV).

In Matthew 5:48, the English word be is translated from the Greek word esomai, which has a future tense i.e., will be or become. The English word perfect is translated from the Greek word teleios, which is derived from a word meaning complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, and etc.. Teleios basically means being complete or perfect in every aspect.

It is the Father's goal for us that, through the process of living a righteous life and overcoming our character flaws, we will grow toward becoming perfect in godly character, attitude, and behavior. Therefore, to become perfect in godly character as the Father is perfect, we must continually exercise the gifts of spiritual power, godly love, and self control given to us the moment we were adopted into his earthly family.

Innocent Ones Made Perfect

The writer to the Hebrews wrote the following about being made perfect:

"To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of innocent ones made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel" (Heb.12:23-24 KJV Para.).

Here, the English phrase innocent ones is translated from the Greek word dikaios, which in the context of verse 23 means innocent ones or holy ones. The English phrase made perfect is translated from the Greek word teleioo, which means (literally) to accomplish, or (figuratively) to consummate (i.e., perfect in character).

Although a person may fail in their attempt to continually exercise godly attitude and behavior, Christ's sacrifice brings forgiveness from the Father. Therefore, the Father views his earthly children in a future tense, as being totally innocent and perfect in character and having already obtained perfection in every sense of the meaning of the word perfect:

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. So be it" (Heb. 13:20-21 KJV Para.).

Here, the English word perfect is translated from the Greek word katartizo, which in the context of verse 21 means to be thoroughly complete in every detail.

According to Hebrews 13:20-21, we need to be perfect in order to "do his will." But what is the Father's will for his children? The Father's will for us above all else is that we enter his heavenly family as his immortal sons. See Rev.21:5-7.

The apostle Peter wrote the following which gives us more insight into what it means to have the indwelling of the holy spirit and what this spirit-power does for us:

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, be multiplied" (1.Pet. 1:1-2 KJV).

Here, the English word sanctification is translated from the Greek word hagiasmos, which is derived from a word meaning purification. In the context of verse 2, hagiasmos means the state of purity, i.e., holiness.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1.Pet.1:3-5 KJV).

Here, the English word kept is translated from the Greek word phroureo, which means to be a watcher in advance, i.e., to mount a guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in or to protect.

The English word power is translated from the Greek word dunamis,

which means miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself).

It is the power of our Father's holy spirit that guards and protects us. But how does this protection work? It is its presence within us that protects us in the following ways:

  • The holy spirit gives us access to our heavenly Father, which allows us to ask him for help in times of stress and sickness.

  • The holy spirit alerts us to spiritually dangerous situations, attitudes, and behaviors.

  • It allows us to be recognized by the Father's heavenly host, as well as evil spirits.

  • It is the power we can exercise through the authority of Christ to counter an evil influence or an evil spirit's attack.

  • It is the power we can exercise to produce an effect in the physical and spirit realms for our brothers and sisters in our Father's family and to benefit other people.

SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES

In his letters to the elect at Corinth, Rome, and Ephesus, the apostle Paul lists most of the supernatural abilities the Father gives to his earthly children. Other gifts of the spirit are mentioned throughout the biblical record.

In order to understand the reasons supernatural abilities are given, what they are, and how to use them, we need to review sections of the three letters in which Paul mentions these abilities.

The Elect at Corinth

In his opening statement to the elect at Corinth, Paul says he wants them to understand spiritual concepts, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (1.Cor.12:1 KJV Para.).

The word gifts in 1.Cor.12:1 is not in the Textus Receptus and was added by the King James translators. The addition of the word gifts obscures Paul's intent to urge the elect to desire things pertaining to godly spirituality (i.e., godly characteristics).

"You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, even as you were led. Therefore I give you to understand, that no one speaking by the spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and that no one can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy spirit" (1.Cor.12:2-3 KJV Para.).

In verse 3, Paul refers to the Father's holy spirit, which only those who have been adopted into his earthly family truly know and understand. Other people may say and even believe they know Christ, but in reality they do not, and they cannot utter the words Jesus is lord through the inspiration of the holy spirit.

Paul uses both the words God and Lord to describe a god-being in verse 3.

The English word God is translated from the Greek word Theos, which is generic for a supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate, or a god, which in the context of verse 3 means God the Father.

The English word Lord is translated from the Greek word kurios, which means supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title). Therefore, referring to Christ whom the Father has placed in authority over his earthly family.

"Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same spirit" (1.Cor.12:4 KJV Para.).

Here, the English word gifts is translated from the Greek word charisma, which in the context of verse 4 means a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (objectively) a miraculous faculty.

"And there are a variety of administrations, but the same Lord [God the Father]" (1.Cor.12:5 KJV Para.).

Here, the English word administrations is translated from the Greek word diakonia, which means one who serves or a service depending on the context in which it is used.

"And there are a variety of effects, but the same God [God the Father] which work all in all" (1.Cor.12:6 KJV Para.).

Depending on which function of the holy spirit is exercised, it will result in a specific effect becoming a reality in the physical or spirit realm. Regardless of the specific supernatural ability, attribute, or authorization a person is given, the resulting effect of its use is caused by the inherent power of the Father's holy spirit.

"But the manifestation of the spirit is given to everyone [i.e., men and women] to profit" (1.Cor.12:7 KJV Para.).

Here, the English word profit is translated from the Greek word sumphero, which in the context of verse 7 means to contribute. Later in this chapter, Paul explains what the exercise of the power of the holy spirit is to contribute.

"For to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit; To another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; to another the interpretation of languages" (1.Cor.12:8-10 KJV Para.).

Not all members of the Father's family have the same supernatural abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power to exercise. Each person is given what they need to perform their particular function and responsibility as a family member.

"All these are the work of the one and the same spirit, and he gives them to each person, as he wills, For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are bond or free; and have all been made to drink of one spirit" (1.Cor.12:11-13 KJV Para.).

Each person with the indwelling of the holy spirit is an integral part of the body of Christ which is God the Father's earthly family of believers.

"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear says, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where is the hearing? If the whole is hearing, where is the smelling? But God has arranged each part of the body, just where he wants them to be" (1.Cor.12:14-18 KJV Para.).

Paul explains that every member of the Father's earthly family is necessary in order to carry out the collective work of the church and that it is the Father who has placed each member exactly where he wants them to be in his family.

"And if they were all one member, where is the body? But now they are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much more those members of the body, which seem to be weak, are necessary. And those of the body, which we think to be less honorable, on these we place greater value; and our less elegant parts are treated with special modesty. For our elegant parts have no need, but God has tempered the body together, having given greater value to the ones thought to be inferior. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another" (1.Cor.12:19-25 KJV Para.).

Each member of the Father's family is important and each gift of the spirit given to the elect is necessary for the Father's earthly family to function efficiently and effectively. However, what we see today (2017) is that the body is dysfunctional, because many of these abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power either do not yet exist among the elect, are not recognized, are not being used, or are being misused.

"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (1.Cor.12:26-27 KJV Para.).

Paul speaks of the mutual love, respect, and concern that each member of the Father's earthly family should have for each other and again reminds them that, although they are individuals, they are of the body of Christ.

Some seem to think that one supernatural ability is more important than others; however, each gift of the spirit has an important place in the Father's family and each is meant to complement all the others and work in concert to fulfill the Father's purpose for the existence of his earthly family.

"And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gift of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of languages. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gift of healing? do all speak with various languages? do all interpret? But desire in a greater degree miraculous faculties, and yet I show to you a more excellent way" (1.Cor.12:28-31 KJV Para.).

Among the gifts of the spirit there is one that is more important than any other to a person in the development of godly character and in the performance of one's functions and responsibilities in the collective work of the church. This one attribute is to be desired, cultivated, and increased above all other gifts of the spirit.

Paul explains this more excellent way (i.e., the better road to travel) in chapters 13 and 14, which will be addressed in the next section of this study.

The Elect at Rome

In Romans, chapter 12, Paul begins to address an improper attitude some had regarding gifts of the spirit by urging all the elect to dedicate themselves to the life they had been called to practice and to think seriously about the opportunity they were being offered by their heavenly Father:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your logical service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom.12:1-2 KJV Para.).

In order to become a living sacrifice, we must truly dedicate ourselves to a holy lifestyle. When we totally give ourselves to practicing a sinless life and to the work we have been called to do, we are doing what the Father expects of us as a living sacrifice.

In verse 2, Paul urges the elect to repair their mind, which indicates that some of the elect were not thinking correctly in a spiritual sense and needed to return to correct thinking in a godly sense.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Rom.12:3 KJV Para.).

Some of the elect at Rome seemed to have suffered from the same problem as some of the elect at Corinth, in thinking that they were more important than other members of the Father's family because of the abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power given to them.

"For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another" (Rom.12:4-5 KJV Para.).

Each member of the Father's family is important, none should think more highly of themselves than they should; because, each individual has been called to perform certain functions and responsibilities within the Father's family in order to accomplish the work of the church and to assist their brothers and sisters to succeed in their calling.

"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; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness" (Rom.12:6-8 KJV Para.).

The Elect at Ephesus

In his letter to the elect at Ephesus, Paul mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Four of these individuals directly impact the spiritual growth of the elect. It is important to understand that each of these five individuals mentioned must have specific supernatural abilities, attributes and authorizations of power given to them in order for them to perform their function and responsibility adequately:

"But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph. 4:7 KJV Para.).

The English word grace is translated from the Greek word charis, which in the context of verse 7 means the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in one's life.

"Therefore he said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave a gift to humans, [i.e., both men and women]. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth [i.e., the grave]? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fulfill all things.)" (Eph.4:8-10 KJV Para.).

In verse 8, Paul speaks of Christ presenting humanity with the gift of his sacrifice, which makes it possible for our sins to be forgiven. Although God the Father is the one who bestows abilities, attributes, and authorizations of power to individuals in his earthly family, it is through Christ's sacrifice that these individuals are made worthy to receive them.

In verses 11 and 12 Paul mentions specific functions and responsibilities within the Father's family and the reasons for them:

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph.4:11-12 KJV Para.).

In verses 13-16, Paul sums up the reasons that the gifts of the spirit are important to each person the Father calls to salvation during the gospel age and to the performance of the collective work of the church:

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we are no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the deceitful scheming and trickery of people, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up to him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in godly love" (Eph.4:13-16 KJV Para.).

Foundational and Specialized Gifts

It is clear from the scriptures that the Father gives each of the elect three foundational gifts when they receive his holy spirit: spiritual power, godly love, and self-control. Some of the elect are given specialized gifts and authorizations for the purpose of performing certain functions, responsibilities, and tasks for the benefit of their brothers and sisters in the faith, or to perform the work of the church in proclaiming the Father's good news message. Moreover, if a person has a specialized authorization, such as that of a prophet, evangelist, or elder, or the discernment of spirits, the ability to heal the sick, cast out evil spirits, or perform other supernatural acts, that person is expected to use these authorizations for their intended purpose. Therefore, if a person has an authorization, they must know that they have it in order to use it. But, how does a person know if they have a specialized gift or authorization from the Father and Jesus Christ?

Although the scriptures do not give detailed instructions about how a person knows if they have been given supernatural authority and power in specific situations (e.g., the authority to end an evil spirit's influence or control of an individual or the ability to perform supernatural works in the physical and spirit realms), it is very clear that those who are given this authority and power know they have it.

Authorizations to enable individuals to perform certain functions, responsibilities, and tasks are communicated to individuals through many different means. For example:

  • Moses was told by the Creator God himself (Ex.3:15-22, 4:1-9)

  • Elisha the prophet was told by Elijah the prophet (2 Kgs. 2:9-10)

  • Christ told his disciples (Mk.3:14-15; Matt.28:19-20: Acts 1:6-8)

  • Christ told Ananias in a vision to tell Paul (Acts 9:10-18)

  • Paul told the evangelist Timothy (1.Tim.4:14; 2.Tim.1:6-7)

Regardless of the method through which a person becomes aware that they have been given an authorization to use spiritual power or a supernaturally enhanced ability. (e.g., the gift of prophecy, the ability to perform miracles, or the ability to cast out evil spirits), that person will know what authorization and/or power that has been given, what it is to be used for, and how to use it; otherwise, the authorization would not be given.

Detailed Instructions

Other than the examples of the use of the holy spirit with prayer and study, there are only a few detailed instructions given about how to use spiritual gifts, authorizations, and powers. But spiritual power is useless without knowing how to use it. Because there are few detailed instructions regarding how to use specialized gifts and authorizations recorded in the Bible, it seems logical that Jesus Christ will make sure that any person who needs knowledge about these specialized gifts or authorizations will receive it in order for them to perform their specific function or task.

Much information about spiritual gifts, authorizations and powers, and how to use them can be gleaned from the many examples of their use in the biblical record. Therefore, it behooves each person with the indwelling of the holy spirit to diligently study the scriptures in order to gain the knowledge and understanding regarding how to more effectively use the abilities, attributes, and authorizations the Father has given them to perform the work he has called them to do during their life on earth and to successfully become one of his immortal children.

By B.L. Cocherell b14w2