Gifts of the Spirit

Sunday September 18, 2016

Sermon: The teaching on the gifts of the Spirit is found in 1 Corinthians 12. The gift of tongues is not the same as praying in tongues or praying in the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit benefit others. Praying in tongues or in the Spirit is your spirit praying to God. It spiritually builds up the person who is praying (1 Corinthians 14:2-4, 14; Jude 20). When you pray in the Spirit, you speak mysteries, because it is praying in the spirit realm, which affects the natural realm. Praying in tongues opens the gate to the gifts of the Spirit, and it helps you become more sensitive and built up in the Spirit of God. The gift of tongues is speaking to people and must be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:6). We are to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Ask the Lord to use you in the spiritual gifts. All things are to be done for edification. Do not be afraid to step out in moving in the gifts of the Spirit. The Bible tells us to be eager to prophesy and not forbid speaking with tongues. The gifts have not passed away and neither have the five-fold ministry gifts (1 Corinthians 14:29-33, 39; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31). Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will come to an end, when the “perfect” comes, meaning when we are face to face with Jesus (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). We are to all speak in tongues and prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:5). Offering message: Matthew 6:25-34 tells us to seek God first, and then the other things hinge on that. Ask Him for your needs. Pastor Syd testified about how the Lord provided great increase immediately after he and Jen prayed specifically this week. Rely on God.