Prayer 3 - David Lim

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

A subject for elucidation long awaited for.
Charisma, (pl= charismata) a scriptural word for gift/s and grace often reminds christians of Charismatic Movement, and spiritual contention.
Surprisingly, all the sighting of such words are from the writings of Paul.
Ro 1v11:
11. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Paul claimed that he has spiritual gifts, apart from having the revelation of God. No apostle ever mentioned the absolute sufficiency of scriptures apart from spiritual power/witnesses.
Paul exhibited very few recorded miracles in scriptures. He did not back his words up with spiritual powers often. He spoke humbly when he was with the brethren.
This verse tells us that the spiritual gift is for establishing the church. Not just by words alone; but with assurance and much power.
Any church that has the words alone, are weak and has problems in its establishment as it lacks assurance and much power.
Not just some power; but much power.
Weakness results.
Ro 5v15:
15. But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many.
It is the free gift of Christ, the redemption of God.
This is not only available in the past. It is as promised, available to all who are willing to receive.
Redemption is also regarded as a spiritual gift. Got it? Pray that you do and you did.

Romans 5v16:
16. And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification.
This is the imputation of sin and imputation of righteousness. One leading to many.
This free gift is available to justify those who are willing to receive it.

Ro 6v23:
23. For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This free gift of God is with much power. It is eternal life in Christ Jesus.
The gift of life may also be regarded as a sign-gift, as a born again Christian ought to live out a life of power, peace and joy and love in Christ. Nothing can hide this completely.
Christians are children of light; Salt of the world.
1 Co 1v7:
7. so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Have them. Exercise them. They are good for you.
They are to aid the receiving of revelation from our Lord.

1 Co 7v7:
7. Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that. -asv
7. |2309| I desire |1063| For |3956| all |0444| men |1511| to be |5613| as |2532| also |1683| myself. |0235| But |1538| each one |9999| {the} |2398| own |5486| gift |2192| has |1537| from |2316| God, |3739| one |3303| - |3779| thus, |3739| one |1161| and |3779| thus. -lit
God is a great giver. Everyone should receive something.

1 Co 16v3:
3. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:
The gifts are not superseding letters for recommendation, instruction, greeting and edification.

1 Tim 4v14:
14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
This is not the same as saying neglect not the scriptures. It is something else in him.
Timothy received this gift by prophecy, that is the speaking of the words/revelation of God.
Timothy got this gift as the hands of the presbytery were laid on him. Not just the hands of a pastor, but the hands of the representing eldership, a group of elder brothers.
This is given by prophecy, as from God, and not passed through the hands that were laid on him.

2 Tim 1v6:
6. For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.
One gift. Perhaps a collective term referring to all gifts granted by God.
This gift is in Timothy. It has not gone away. Timothy is in possession of this gift that is in him. He gained/received this through the laying on of the hands of Paul. Not one hand only; but two together.
Timothy contracted this gift. Paul might have it. And he might not, as it could be viewed as coming from above.
This gift is not scripture, as Timothy did not show himself as having all instruction and revelation through this laying on of hands or through having this gift.
This gift is spiritual as it is in him. And it is not scriptures.
Paul instructed Timothy to stir up this gift of God. It is like a tool that is to be activated and used.

Here ends all quotations in the gift as charisma.
The gifts (pl)charismata are mentioned in the following verses:
Ro 11v29:
28. As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake.
29. For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. -asv
29. |0278| without a change of heart |1063| For |3588| the |5486| free gifts |2532| and |3588| the |2921| calling |3588| of |2316| God. -lit
There is no change of heart. There is no cessation.
The free gifts work with the calling of God.
Ro 12v6:
6. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

1 Co 12v4:
4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
The Spirit, who is God, is the origin of all gifts.
Test the Spirit for aproval of God. His sheep know His voice, and He calls them by name.
Many gifts, not just tongue gift.

1 Co 12v9:
9. to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;
Faith gift, healing gift .. all are expressive. All are sign gifts for edification of the church, strengthening believers.
Healings and faith are not at any time to be substituted by the scriptures.
Action via belief.
Belief through action. Unto Faith.

1 Co 12v28:
28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
Miracles and gifts are set in the church by God.
Tongues ranked the latest, and possibly the least in governing the church.
This list of mingling gifts with positions, tells us that positions are also caused by spiritual gifts. None are to be made redundant.

1 Co 12v30:
28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
29. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30. have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31. But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
Not all should exhibit the same gifts. Each has his position in the commonwealth of the assemblies.
These gifts Paul instucted that Christians should desire are not scripture. No hint that the scriptures are to substitute their use completely.
Having the bible cannot substitute having faith in Christ.

1 Co 12v31:
31. But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
Have the desire. Do not just desire having scriptures alone.
Direct yourselves to the giver, who is the Most High. Look up.
Keep getting better in the Spirit. Make progress.
Paul's instruction is about edification. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Get back to the source.
This is no substitution.
The term baptism, or baptism of the Holy Spirit, is not found mentioned in any of these verses/references.

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