Lesson 101: God The Holy Spirit – Part 6

NTRODUCTION: In the previous study, we learnt that since God never changes, if anyone loses the power given him by God, there must be a reason for it. Therefore, a person who wants to regain his lost powers must examine himself to find out why he lost the powers. Then he must restitute his ways and return afresh to the source of all powers for recharging of his battery. In this study, we want to begin to look into the gifts of the Holy Spirit and we pray that as we know more about these gifts they shall become more manifest in our lives and ministries. Amen.

1. GOD REQUIRES PURITY BEFORE POWER
Our God is a holy God. He demands that His children be like Himself. One reason for this is that those who operate the gifts of God arc usually targets of attack from the enemy. Another reason is that the gifts of God arc precious and are meant for the pure and holy. The third reason is so that the operator of the gifts of God may not be a castaway in (he end. Joel. 2:12-30; Matt. 5:48; John 1:5; Jer. 15:19-21; II Tim. 2:20-21; Matt. 7:6; Lev. 10:8-10; Heb. 12:14.

2. BASIC GIFTS MUST BE DEVELOPED BEFORE RECEIVING OTHER GIFTS
Every Christians has basic gifts or talents. These must be used and developed to the outmost before one could be justified in asking for more gifts. These gifts include the gifts of service and the gift of giving. Those who exercise these gifts cheerfully are superior Christians whose lives glorify God.
I Cor. 16:15-16; II Cor. 8:1-5; II Cor. 9:7; 9:11-13.

3. THE GIFTS OF GOD ARE IN THREE CATEGORIES
There are different kinds of Spirits, lying spirits, seducing spirits, spirits of error, etc. But there is only one Holy Spirit. His gifts can be split into three categories; (a) Revelation gifts, which consists of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits, (b) Inspiration gifts, which include prophecy, different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues,(c) The power gifts which are faith, gifts of healings, and the working of miracles.

There are three kinds of wisdom; (i) Satanic, (ii) human and (iii) divine wisdom; Satanic wisdom is corrupted wisdom. Human wisdom is at times called common sense whereas Divine Wisdom is pure and excellent.

Matt. 10:1; I Tim. 4:1-3; Pro. 4:7; James 3:14-16; Eze. 28:12-17; Luke 14:28-32; Ecc. 1:16-18; I Cor. 1:19; James 3:17; Matt. 6:19-21; II Tim. 4:7-8; James 1:5.