Lesson 112: God The Holy Spirit – Part 16

INTRODUCTION: In our last study, we defined what a miracle is. We showed how spiritual laws could be used by God to set aside physical laws thus producing what we call a miracle. Also, since God is the Author of miracles and He is unchangeable, miracles still happen today. Finally, we explained the different between receiving a miracle and working a miracle. We want to continue with our study of the gift of the working of miracles. May God quicken our understanding as we study in Jesus Name. Amen.

1. WHY IS THE GIFT OF THE WORKING OF MIRACLES GIVEN?
There are several reasons why this precious gift may be given. We shall mention seven of them. (i) To deliver God’s people from tight corners (ii) to remove satanic obstructions (iii) to administer Divine discipline (iv) to keep the church pure and undefiled (v) to win souls (vi) to glorify God and bring fear on unbelievers and (vii) to demonstrate the supremacy of God over human impossibilities. We can see illustrations of these in the lives of Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Gehazi, Peter and our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

II Kings 4:1; I Kings 17:17-20; II Kings 6:14, 18; Acts 12:6-12; II Kings 5:25-27; Acts 5:5, 10-11; Acts 5:12-13; 5:14; 9:40-42; Luke 7:11-16; John 6:5-10; John 11:40.

2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GIFT
Since having this gift makes you an archenemy of Satan, apart from being born again, totally sanctified and baptized in the Holy Spirit, you must (i) be fearless (ii) surrender all to God and (iii) be completely dedicated to Him. Illustrative examples include Joshua, Elisha, and Paul.

Jos. 5:13; 1:1, 24:15; II Kings 6; II Kings 5:9-12; II Kings 5:5-7; I Kings 19:19-21; II Kings 2:2, 4, 6; Acts 21:8-13; Phil. 3:7; Rom. 8:35-39.

3. HOW TO USE THE GIFT:
The gift of the working of miracles is not for show business. Therefore, it is preferable that you be alone and undisturbed when this gift is to be used. If need be, bodily contact with the patient is permissible but not more than thrice at most.

Luke 23:8-9; 8:42; 7:14; I Kings 17:19; II Kings 4:32-33; Acts 9:39-40; I Kings 17:20-21; II Kings 4:34-35.