Spiritual Gifts Part 1

Here are some of my notes on spiritual gifts.

Common misconceptions about spiritual gifts:
- You only operate in the gifts God has given you based on a spiritual gifts inventory; not on the working of the Holy spirit.

- Gifts are to be compartmentalized. One doesn’t go with the other.

- My gifts are based on my talents.

- I can’t complete an assignment God has given me because I don’t have the gift that fits that assignment.

What does the Word say about spiritual gifts:
- The gift is the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

- The gifts are the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (1 Cor. 12:7)

- The gifts we have and operate in are determined by the Holy Spirit for a specific time with a specific purpose for a specific result. (1 Cor. 12:11)

- The gifts are operated by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:7-11)

What about Jesus and Spiritual Gifts?
From the moment Jesus began his public ministry, the Holy Spirit enabled Him to do everything the Father asked of Him. (Luke 4:1; 14)

Here’s is the pattern Jesus operated in when it came to assignments God gave Him:
- God gives the assignment.
- Jesus accepted the assignment.
- The assignment is fulfilled through the working power of the Spirit.

Jesus fulfilled His assignment as a man, therefore, He showed some limitations. I know what you are thinking – “He’s on the edge of heresy!” – hang on. Consider the following verses: John 5:19, John 7:16-17, John 8:28-29, John 14:10. I hope you read these verses. They speak of Jesus constantly telling us that He does nothing on His own power. Everything He does is by the order of God and by the working of the Holy Spirit.

It’s easy to explain Jesus’ miracles. “He’s God! He can do anything!” True. But, He laid aside that which was rightfully His and lived like a man. (Phil. 2:6-7). Why did He do this? Why did He choose to live with limitations? He could not take our place unless He first took up our position.