A BRIEF STUDY OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

INTRODUCTION.

It fills us with joy to hear that tens of thousands of God's children from all denominations are receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and are manifesting God's spiritual gifts exactly as the disciples did in the New Testament. God is pouring out His Spirit upon all mankind, just as He promised to do before the great, glorious, awesome and notable day of our Lord's second coming. Joel.2v11,28-32. Acts.2v16-21. The gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to prepare for the great day of His coming; for they play a major part in the comfort and edification in love of the Church, as well as being the Divine means of confirming the truth of the Gospel, and were the cutting edge of New Testament evangelism. 1Cor.14v1-5,39,40. Rom.15v18-21. Heb.2v4. Christian leaders who teach that God has withdrawn His spiritual gifts, and oppose and forbid them in their churches, are doing incalculable harm to their flocks. They are denying Christians the essential spiritual equipment, not only for spiritual growth and witness, but also for survival in the traumatic and evil events that precede our Lord's return. Jesus pronounced a stern "woe" upon teachers who take away "the key of knowledge," and hinder people from going through the gateway of an experience of God and His gifts. Luke.11v52. Severe judgement follows this grave sin. James.3v1.

It is an undeniable fact of Scripture, that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the operation of His spiritual gifts was the norm for Christians in the early Church. Those who resist this New Testament pattern, resist God. See Acts.7v51-53. Those who stubbornly rebel against the gifts of the Holy Spirit, should remember that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry." 1Sam.15v23. These modern critics would have been very unhappy, and quite out of place, in the early Church.

In spite of the massive Scriptural evidence for the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit, there is determined opposition to them in some Christian circles. Indeed, some view Christians who manifest the Holy Spirit's gifts in the same light as the heretical cults and other false religions, and look upon them with suspicion and hostility, and even denounce them as "not of God." However, this charge will not bear examination, for true Pentecostal Christians emphasise every doctrine the Scriptures hold as "fundamental" and "precious." We believe in the inspiration and infallibility of the Scriptures, and their teaching on the virgin birth, true deity, compassionate humanity, sinless life, atoning death, victorious resurrection, high priestly ministry, and glorious return and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. True Pentecostals also practice godly caring love, consecrated sacrificial living, and diligent service for God.

The critics who say that the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased with the apostles, are being wilfully blind to the clear facts of Scripture and Church History. To justify their unbelief in the possibility of a present day experience of the baptism and gifts of the Spirit, some “Christian” writers have written material that is quite unworthy of true Christian scholarship and love, and have compiled records of the failures of Pentecostal Christians in order to justify their unbelieving position. Exposition that depends for its justification on character assassination is manifestly, "Not of God," and will result in severe condemnation on judgement day. James.3v1. 1Cor.3v10-14. In 1Cor.13v5., Paul condemns this carping criticism, and loveless documenting of people's sins, he writes "love does not compile records of evil, (“logizomai,” to take an inventory).” Christians who are filled with God's love do not compile a catalogue of people's sins, to censure fallen Christians. True "agape" love “suffers long and is kind,” and tries in a spirit of meekness, to help, heal, and restore fallen Christians; not seek out, gloat over, and magnify their sins and failures. "Love bears all things," ("panta stegei"), it protects and covers; and exercises all faith ("panta pisteuei"), and all hope ("panta elpizei") for their spiritual recovery. When all efforts fail, "love endures all things" ("panta hupomenei"). This is the triumph of God's forgiving love towards us. Writers who descend to gutter press standards of journalism, with the excuse that they are exposing false prophets, set the standards for their own judgement. Mt.7v1,2., "Do not judge lest you be judged. v2. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” James.2v13. “For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.” Mt.5v7. 6v15. 18v28-35.

What Christian group has no spiritual failures? Even the apostolic band could be looked upon as "not of God" by this carping and loveless method of examination. Christ was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter and forsaken by all, and the Bible tells us of many good men who have failed God. Some of the Christians at Corinth were Pentecostal failures; but though their lives were deplorable, Paul recognises them as God's children, and their spiritual gifts as genuine. 1Cor.1v2,7. 3v1-3. Are we to ignore the great grace and mercy of God to His dear children? Are we to judge the faithful by the failures of the faithless? What kind of justice is that? I do not judge the anti-Pentecostal Christians by their spiritual wrecks. Indeed, the Bible tells me to sorrow over the fall of a brother and commands me to try to help and restore him. Gal.6v1. Mt.5v44-48. Let the tree be judged by its good fruit, not by the fruit that has gone bad. Jesus warns us of the serious consequences of this kind of carping criticism. Mt.5v19,22,44-48. 7v1-5. Is not resistance to the Holy Spirit's gifts, a beam in the eye? Resisting the Spirit is a sin of religious leaders, the ordinary people heard Jesus gladly. Mk.12v37. Acts.2v41. 7v51-53.

Critics who say that the Holy Spirit's gifts are, "Of the Devil," have gone far beyond the sin of carping criticism. Jesus warns that it is the worst kind of blasphemy to ascribe the works of God to Satan. Mk.3v22-30. Lk.19v41-44. Acts.7v51-53. We, like Jesus, ask, "Can Satan be divided against himself? Can a person who is born of the Holy Spirit, and washed in the precious blood of Christ be possessed by Satan?" We emphatically answer, “Never! Never!" Jesus promised that his was impossible. Lk.11v9-13. 1Jn.5v18. An apostate Christian, who treads under foot our Lord Jesus and counts the blood of the covenant whereby he was sanctified an unholy thing, and insults the Holy Spirit, may become demon possessed, but not the Christian who loves and follows their Lord. Jn.10v25-30. Heb.10v26-31.

True Pentecostal Christians do not over-emphasise the gift of tongues and spiritual gifts, we just give them the place that God's Word tells us to. It is the critics who say, and quite wrongly, that this is our only theme, we give the Lord Jesus pre-eminence in all things. Col.1v18. It is the attacks of the critics that drive us to defend the truths that are so precious to us. I pray that these studies will be a blessing to all those who read them, and that through them many Christians will come to experience their heritage, the power and love of the Holy Spirit operating through His spiritual gifts. W. H. Turner. November 20th. 2000.


THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 1Cor.12v7-10.

In considering these "Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit," 1Cor.12v7-10., we in no way forget or neglect the vital "Nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit." Gal.5v22-24. We recognise the correct place given to both fruit and gifts in the Scripture. Love, and the other fruit of the Spirit, have need of God's power to fulfil His beautiful desires; and we need the fruit of the Spirit to correctly use His gifts. The Holy Spirit comes to give us both fruits and gifts, they are both part of His full ministry to us and through us, each perfectly complements the other. The life and ministry of Jesus show the perfect manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Those who love the Lord Jesus and desire to follow Him, will desire both the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Jn.10v27. Jesus is the Head of the Church, and we should accept the spiritual gifts that He gives to His Church. The nine spiritual gifts are the combined and co-ordinated abilities and acts of God the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in the Church. Their manifestations can be divided up in the following three ways.

THE THREE MAIN DIVISIONS OF THE NINE SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

A. The Gifts of Revelation and Information. Manifesting God's omniscience.

The Trinity give us their guidance, wisdom and knowledge through the gifts of revelation.

1. The gift of a word of wisdom. 2. The gift of a word of knowledge. 3. The gift of discernings of spirits.


B. The Gifts of Action and Power. Manifesting God's omnipotence.

The Trinity give us power to work miracles through the power gifts.

4. The gift of faith. 5. The gift of workings of miracles. 6. The gift of gifts of healings.


C. The Gifts of Inspiration and Encouragement. Manifesting God's omnipresent love.

The Trinity encourage us through devotional gifts that inspire, edify and comfort.

7. The gift of prophecy. 8. The gift of various kinds of tongues. 9. The gift of interpretation of tongues.

The apostle Paul divides the manifestations of the Holy Spirit into nine separate divisions, nine gifts that can operate quite separately from each other. These nine gifts are really the various aspects of the love, power, wisdom and knowledge of God imparted to us by the Holy Spirit as we need them. They are the interventions of God in our lives and ministries. Sometimes we may need only one gift, but at other times we may need several gifts to meet our needs, and we can receive them in one outpouring of the love and power, and wisdom and knowledge of God. e.g. Acts.9v10-19. 12v5-11. The gifts of the Holy Spirit reveal the great and loving heart of God to the Church and the world, and manifest and bring the beauty, love and healing power of God's kingdom to those in need. Lk.10v9. Jn.14v12. Acts.10v8.

Paul states in 1Cor.12v4-31., that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended to operate in the Church through its leading ministries and various members; as the various parts of the human body operate together in perfect co-operation and co-ordination. When Christians work together in love, and the Holy Spirit's gifts operate in perfect co-operation and co-ordination through the various ministries and members of the body of Christ,; as they did in the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jerusalem; then God can perform all the beautiful and wonderful things that He desires to do; and His kingdom will be greatly extended.


THE GIFTS OF REVELATION AND INFORMATION.

1. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF WISDOM. "Logos sophias."

Some have tried to give a human explanation of a word of wisdom. However, a word of wisdom is not natural wisdom sanctified to the service of God; or the ability to rightly interpret or preach the Scriptures. Nor is it a good administrative ability, or the ability to guide and counsel people wisely with mature Christian guidance. Usually the guidance for everyday affairs needs common-sense and Christian wisdom. Ps.32v8-10. However, if we need a word of God's wisdom, He can break into our lives and routines, as He has done so often with His children in the past, and give His divine direction and guidance. A word of wisdom is a fragment of God's divine wisdom imparted to us; it is a supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit of the mind, will, plans and purposes of God, for the following purposes.

1. To reveal the eternal purposes, sovereign counsels, and oracles of God.

Through this gift God has revealed vital spiritual truths and general commands and principles for holy living, as well as His eternal purposes and sovereign counsels. This divine truth has been received as "the oracles of God," and as "God-breathed, Holy Scripture," and Jesus said that they could not be broken. Jn.10v35. Acts.7v38. Rom.3v2. Heb.5v12. 2Tim.3v14-17.

Some of God's secret purposes, or "mysteries," as they are called, have been kept hidden from the foundation of the world, but now God's wonderful "plan of the ages," has been revealed to His children. Eph.1v21. 2v7. 3v10,11. Mt.13v11,17-35. Lk.10v21-24. Rom.16v25,26. Col.1v26. 1Cor.15v51-53. Though the revelation of new truth ceased after the start of this age, God can still reveal His plans and purposes for individuals, communities, churches and nations, through the word of wisdom.

2. To warn and direct God's people in difficult and disastrous times.

In time of divine judgement, as in, Noah and flood. Gen.6v18-22. Abraham and Sodom. Gen.18v17-33. 19v12,13. Israel's captivity. 2Chron.36v15-21. Ezek.9v1-11. Is.10v5-27.

In natural catastrophe or national disaster. Pharaoh's dreams. Gen.41v1-44. The great woman of Shunem was preserved in famine. 2King.4v8-17. 8v1-8. Agabus warns of famine. Acts.11v27-30. Paul warns of a great storm. Acts.27v9-25,30-34,44.

3. To give divine direction and deliverance in time of persecution and danger.

David was protected from Saul. 1Sam.25v5,6. The three kings fighting Moab. 2Kings3v4-27. The wise men, Joseph, Mary were warned of Herod's intentions. Mt.2v12,13,19,20. Our Lord Jesus delayed His visit to Jerusalem to escape arrest. John.7v1-10,44-53. Paul was warned to flee from Jerusalem. Acts.22v17-21. Jeremiah's guidance from God was rejected, the result was death for all. Jer.42 and 43.

4. To give divine defence in trial or persecution for Christ's sake.

In persecution, we must not premeditate, but trust God to give His divine wisdom. Lk.12v11,12. and 21v12-15. Sometimes God will inspire us to answer with Scripture truth, as our Lord Jesus did in Mt.22v23-33,41-46.; and Stephen did in Acts.6v10. and 7v1-60.; and Paul did in Acts.24v24-27.. See Col.4v6. 1Pet.3v13-18. God may inspire us to give our testimony, just as Paul did in Acts.22v1-24. and 26v1-32., or inspire us to take advantage of a division among our persecutors. Acts.23v6-10. Christ said we must not rely on clever answers, but rather on divine illumination, as He did when His foes asked Him the source of His authority in Mt.21v23-27., and when they tried to trap Him over the lawfulness of offering tribute to Caesar in Mt.22v15-22.. The divine wisdom and authority imparted to Peter and John gave them a boldness and assurance that amazed the Sanhedrin, they could only threaten them, they could not answer them. Acts.4v8-22. 5v17-42. The writer has had the experience of saying things that were not in his mind and outside of his knowledge. This divine defence gives us a tremendous assurance in facing the unknown future, we know that we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. God can deliver us, but if He does not, He is still with us, and if our foes kill us, they only send us home to heaven, to our Father, and our Saviour. In Phil.1v21-24., Paul states that death for a Christian is gain, and that life with Jesus in heaven is far, far, far better than life here.

5. To give divine direction in the work of God.

It can reveal and confirm a call from God to work for Him. Moses. Ex.3v1-13. Gideon. Judges.7v1-11. Isaiah. Is.6v8. Jeremiah. Jer.1v1-9. Paul. Acts.9v10-17. 13v1,2. It can reveal God's strategic plans. Elijah. 1Kings.17v1. 18v46. Joshua. Jos.5v13 to 6v5. Philip. Acts.8v26-29. Peter. Acts.10v1-48. Paul. Acts.13v2. 16v6-10. 3,000 missionaries. Acts.2v5,41. Acts.4v4. Christ's ministry was directed by revelation. Jn.5v19,20. It can reveal God-appointed leaders. Saul. 1Sam.9v16. David. 1Sam.16v6-13. The apostles. Lk.6v12-19. Paul. Acts.9v15,16. It can reveal or confirm the solution to Church problems, Acts.15v13-29.; and show the necessity of divine judgement on sin in the Church, or the correction of wrong attitudes so that God's work can prosper. Acts.5v1-11. 10v9-48. Rev.1 and 2. It can reveal blessings to come. Abraham. Gen.12v1-7. 17v1-8. Jacob. Gen.25v23. 28v15. Acts.2v16-21. with Joel.2v28-32. It can comfort and reassure troubled saints. Ex.33v12-17. Josh.1v1-9. Jer.1v4-10. Acts.23v11. 27v22-24. Rev.1v9-18. And give directions to meet our material needs. God loves to guide us in home, work and business life. 1Kings.17v2-16. 2Kings.4v1-7. Lk.5v1-11. Mt.17v24-27.

SOME STRONG WORDS OF WARNING, AND SPECIAL POINTS TO WATCH.

1. Directive revelations should be carefully examined, and often rejected.

Paul says we must test all prophecies in the fire, and reject the false. 1Thes.5v20,21. Don't accept revelations that claim to add to New Testament truth; we already have the foundation of Christian doctrine for this age. Eph.2v20. 3v5. Rev.22v19. 2Cor.11v3,4,13-15.

a. Don't let others direct you by supposed prophetic revelation.

This warning is absolutely necessary; for arrogant and pretentious false prophets, have given false revelations that have harmed, and even ruined, the lives of many people, and directed them out of God's will. It is true that Old Testament prophets enquired of God for people, and directed them; however, under the New Covenant this aspect of prophetic ministry has changed, we can all be personally led by the Holy Spirit, and are personally responsible to seek guidance for ourselves. We read in Rom.8v14., that New Testament Sons of God are personally led by the Spirit of God; and Heb.8v8-13.; states that under the New Covenant, "they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest." See Heb.10v19-22.

b. God-given guidance through others will confirm, not direct.

We should NEVER submit to guidance from others about which God has not already given us definite and well-confirmed guidance personally. Jn.14v16-26. 16v7-15. 21v20-22. Heb.4v12-16. Beware of strong personalities who would interpret revelation in the light of their opinion, and counsel you into their decisions. A word of wisdom can show us personally how to serve God, but this gift is not given to us to direct another person's walk with God, as Peter found out, when Christ corrected him for trying to get guidance for John. Jn.21v20-22. Confirmation of guidance can occur through others; in Acts.13v2. a word of wisdom confirmed what God had already told Paul and Barnabus, they received specific guidance direct from God, others confirmed it in a general way. Take time to consider prophecies, and NEVER make instant decisions on them. Put them in the fire and thoroughly test them; note well 1Thes.5v20,21., where the verb "dokimazo," means, "to approve after testing," and can be used of testing metals in the fire. In the Septuagint of Prov.27v21., "dokimion," is used to speak of a crucible or furnace for smelting; and in 1Pet.1v7. of a process similar to that of metal refining, which produces in our characters something more precious than precious metals. True prophecies will stand a fiery test.

c. Warnings in emergencies through well-proven ministries should be heeded.

God can use trustworthy prophets, like Agabus, or spiritual Christians, like those at Tyre, to give warnings of danger by words of wisdom. Acts.20v22,23. 21v4,10-14. God gave Paul the same warnings through many Christians, in locations separated by hundreds of miles, so there was no possibility of contact or collusion between them. Through these Christians God gave Paul repeated strong warnings not to go to Jerusalem, which unfortunately he ignored; and so his ministry was permanently hindered, and the Church was badly damaged by the Judaizers as a result. The prophet Agabus warned of a famine in Acts.11v27-30.; this occurred about A.D. 44 to 48, during which many people died of starvation in Judea; the church had about three years warning of the famine and prepared accordingly.

2. Don't expect even genuine words of wisdom to always happen immediately.

a. Don't forget the time factor in prediction.

Remember the experience of the prophets in 1Pet.1v10-12.. You may think a prediction or promise from God may happen quickly, when it may take years to come to pass, and be fulfilled, and this can be a great trial to our faith. Satan tries to take advantage of the delay between a revelation and its fulfilment; He even cast doubt on our Lord's future ministry, and taunted Him to prove His ministry by doing the miraculous. Lk.4v1-13. N.B. v3,9,10. Eph.6v10-20. Heb.6v12. 10v32-39. Even great prophets have been tried by delays in the understanding and fulfilment of prophecies that they have given. Ps.105.v17-19. Dan.7v15,16,28. 8v15,16,26,27.

b. Don't let circumstances overwhelm you, hold fast in faith.

Sometimes there are great discrepancies between circumstances as they appear and God's word of wisdom; hold on in faith. Lk.4v1-13. Eph.6v10-20. Heb.6v12. 10v32-39. Remember how the Word of the Lord tried Joseph's faith in God, and love for God, until His promises to Joseph came to pass over 20 years later. Ps.105v17-22. N.B. v19.

c. Don't try to force prophecies to come to pass, wait for God to fulfil His Word.

Don't try to bring a word of wisdom to pass unless God tells you to do so; wait until God fulfils His promises and purposes. Ps.37v7-9,34. 40v1-4. 42v1-11. 62v1-8.

3. Don't forget that God's purposes can be altered by repentance or rebellion.

A prophesy of judgement may not come to pass because people repent and put things right with God or man, or both. Jonah.3v9,10. Likewise a person may not die who God has said will die, like Hezekiah; because of a new consecration and prevailing prayer by themselves, or others. Is.38v1-22. Promised blessing may be withheld by God because of sin and sloth; and repentance and a new consecration can change circumstances, or stop God's judgement. Ps.95v8-11. Numb.14v354,35. Ezek.18v20-32. 2Cor.6v16 to 7v1.

4. Don't forget that abiding in Christ is the key to obtaining prophetic revelation.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to a profitable manifestation of the revelation and predictive prophetic gifts of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes to reveal things to come, He comes to glorify Jesus. Jn.16v12-14. God never intended us to divorce the manifestation of spiritual gifts from abiding in Christ, obeying God's Word, and prayerful communion with God, and this applies particularly to the word of wisdom. We have to walk close with God to have His important ways, will, and purposes revealed to you before they happen. Jn.15v1-17. N.B. v7,12,17. Acts.4v33. "God made His ways known unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel." Ps.103v7.


2. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE. “Logos gnoseos.”

A word of knowledge is totally miraculous. It is a small part of God's awesome omniscience. It is not any kind of natural ability or knowledge, or even a good knowledge of the Scriptures. It is a fact that is supernaturally given by God, of which the recipient has no previous knowledge, or it will confirm as a fact something that we have been told, felt, or feared, as when David asked God if the men of Keilah would deliver him up to Saul, God told David that they would. 1Sam.23v1-12. This gift covers all areas of knowledge except that covered by the word of wisdom and discerning of spirits. It can tell us of events and things in the past, present and future.

A word of knowledge can warn of dangers ahead. 2Kings.6v8-12. Mt.2v12,13. Acts.21v10-12. Failure to heed these warnings brings great trouble and defeat. Mt.16v21-24. 17v22,23. 20v17-19. with 26v55,56. Mk.16v9-14. Jn.13v36-38. 18v25-27. Lk.22v31-34,54-62. Jn.21v18,19. with 1Pet.1v13,14. and Acts.12v5-7,13-17. 2Kings.4v27. God can hide future trials from us if He thinks it best.

This gift can reveal a persons character and thoughts and intentions towards us when necessary, and warn us of deceitful people. 1Sam.16v6,7. 1Kings.14v5,6. Jn.6v70,71. Lk.7v36-40. 14v1-6. 5v22. It can expose the sinners heart and bring them to repentance, 2Sam.12v1-9. Jn.4v16-19,29. 1Cor.14v24,25., or show the reason for divine judgement. 2Kings.5v20-27. Josh.7v1-26. N.B. v5,13,25. Acts.5v1-11. Rev.3v20-23. 1Chron.18v1-34. This gift can also reveal beautiful and trustworthy persons, Jn.1v37,40-42,46-51. Lk.6v12-16. Acts.9v17-25.; or seeking, or wounded hearts, and so meet their need. Acts.9v10-19. 10v1-48. Jn.4v16-19,29. Is.61v1-3. Lk.4v18,19.

Words of knowledge can greatly encourage people and stimulate faith and action. 1Kings.19v14-18. Mt.28v6. Acts.18v6-11. 1Kings.13v2. 2Kings.21v25. Is.45v1-4. Jn.1v48,49. Many Christians have had prayer burdens laid on their hearts by the Holy Spirit, and have later found that those who they were praying for were in great need. Words of knowledge can reveal many different kinds of needs for prayer. Col.2v5. Mk.14v27-31,37,38,50. Rev.2 and 3., and how material needs in God's work and our daily lives can be met. Mk.14v12-16. 11v1-7. with Zech.9v9. Mt.17v24,25. 1Sam.10v1-8. 30v1-8,18,19. In the Scriptures words of knowledge were often manifested in conjunction with words of wisdom and the discerning of spirits. Words of knowledge were an important part of the armoury of prophets, and confirmed their message, and they still have an important place as a sign and wonder. Dan.2v21-26. Jn.4v28-42.



3. THE GIFT OF DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS. "Diakriseis pneumaton."

This is the seventh in the list in 1Cor.12v8-10.. It is not a critical spirit, Mt.7v1.; or Christian discernment. Mt.7v5-23. 10v16. 1Thes.5v21. 1Jn.2v26,27.. It is certainly not evil occult manifestations as in Spiritualism, witchcraft, black magic, etc.; which the Bible condemns. Lev.19v31. 20v6. 2Kings.21v2,6. Exod.22v18. with 1Sam.28v6,7. and 1Chron.10v13,14. Is.8v19,20. 19v3. 47v13. Mal.3v5. Acts.13v1-11. 16v16-18. 19v19. 1Cor.10v20,21. Gal.5v19-21. 1Jn.4v1-5. Rev.21v8. 22v15.

The gift of discernings of spirits does not take the place of Scriptural tests of character and inspiration; Christians are to test people by the fruit of their lives, their love for people and God, their doctrine, particularly about Christ, and by their love of prayer and God's Word. Mt.7v15-23. 1Cor.12v3. Is.8v19,20. 1Jn.4v1-5. Jn.13v34,35. Ps.24v6. 1v1-6. Lk.24v53.

The gift of discernings of spirits is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to temporarily see into the spirit world. It can reveal a fragment, or a wide range of activity in the spirit world, either in the past, present, or future; it reveals the activities of either good or evil spirits. It is a plural gift, "diakriseis," "discernings." The gift of discerning of spirits can safeguard the spiritual life of a Christian or a church, for it can reveal Satan's attacks upon Christians and churches, by oppression, infiltration, seduction, and persecution, and so protect them from evil. Acts8v9-23. 5v3,4. 1Cor.1v10-17. 3v1-7. 2Cor.11v3,4,13-15. Eph.6v11. 1Tim.4v1-7. 2Pet.2v1-4. Jn.8v44. with Mk.3v22-30. 2Cor.10v4,5. Sometimes we need to know the spirit moving a person before we can know their lives or doctrine, and sometimes false prophets are so crafty that they hide their true doctrine and character under a sheep's clothing; through this gift the Holy Spirit can protect us from them. Acts.13v6-12. 16v16-18. This gift can reveal angelic ministries and the workings of the Holy Spirit, and this can save us from resisting the Holy Spirit, or from failing to discern a genuine move of the Holy Spirit.

SOME WORDS OF WARNING.

N.B. 1. Don't ascribe all sickness to the Devil.

This gift can reveal if demon power is causing sickness; the Bible tells us that some sickness is caused by demons. Mt.4v23,24. 8v28-34. 9v32-34. 12v22-24. 15v21-28. 17v14-21. with Mk.9v23. However, most sickness should not be attributed to Satan, for the Scriptures clearly distinguish sickness and lunacy due to natural causes, from sickness and lunacy due to demon possession. Mt.4v23,24. 17v15-18. Godly people, like Job, have sometimes suffered sickness as a result of Satan's power, but this cannot happen without the permission of God. Job.1v9-11. 2v1-10.

N.B. 2. Concentrate on God, not on demons.

Whatever you do, don't suffer from "demonitis." That is, don't be always talking about demons, or go looking for demons, or blame everything on demons. Be positive, and concentrate your minds and talk on our lovely Father and Saviour. Heb.3v1.4v14-16. 12v1-3. Also remember that it is quite wicked to pretend that you have this gift, and to go around pretending to cast demons from every body, including good Christians. To hurt people by saying that they have a demon in them, when it is not true, is very wrong, and those who do this kind of thing will very definitely have to answer to God. The New Testament emphasis is upon good angels and God, not evil spirits, we should follow the New Testament example and emphasise the Lord not demons.

N.B. 3. Christ promised that Christians cannot be demon possessed.

Those who teach that Christians can be possessed by demons, do not realise that they are denying and attacking Christ's atonement, and the cleansing and protecting presence of the Holy Spirit. Titus.3v5. Jn.14v16. 1Jn.4v4. Christians cannot get a serpent, scorpion, or stone, because we are continuously guarded by God. Lk.11v9-13. Job.1v10. 1Pet.1v3-5. Demons cannot possess or grasp a child of God, we trample on them. 1Jn.5v18. Lk.10v17-20. The blood of Jesus gives us victory, and has translated us out of Satan's power and kingdom, into God's kingdom. Col.1v12-14. 1Pet.1v18,19. 2v9. Rev.12v11.

Christians may fail God because of temptation by Satan, but this is quite different from being demon possessed. Mt.16v13-27. 26v69-75. It is the apostate Christian, who has thrown all faith in Christ away, that gets possessed; but apostasy must not be confused with even severe backsliding. Mt.12v22-32,43-45. Mk.3v22-30. Christ came to deliver mankind from Satan's power and malice, and came to destroy his evil works. Acts.10v38. Jn.8v36. 1Jn.3v8. Lk.4v17-21. 13v10-17. Heb.13v8.

The discernings of spirits can be the most powerful way that God can speak to man to bring about their conversion; Paul was converted by a vision of Christ, this accomplished what even miracles could not do. Acts.10v1-8. compare Rev.19v11-21. This gift can also be the ultimate in encouragement to the Christian, visions of angels, Christ, and the Father, give the ultimate in encouragement and the most transforming spiritual experience. This kind of revelation of God is indispensable for those with a difficult task to do for God, indeed, it was the revelation of God that made great men of God. Exod.3v1-6. 24v9-18. 2Kings.6v17. Is.6v1-13. Ezek.1v1-28. Lk.1v10-38. 2Pet.1v16-21. Rev.1v20. etc. Paul had many wonderful "heavenly visions," of our Lord and angels; and these gave him the inner strength to perform his missions. Acts.9v3-6. 18v9-11. 22v17-21. 2Cor.12v1-4. Acts.27v23-25. Our dear Lord Jesus experienced a most wonderful revelation of the Father on the "Holy Mount" of transfiguration; this was necessary to give him the spiritual strength to face the events connected with his suffering and death at Jerusalem. Lk.9v28-36. 22v23-26. Jn.3v13. Heb.2v9. The discerning of spirits can vary a great deal in its scope, from a simple and brief revelation of a demon, to the ultimate beatific vision of God.


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