Second Quarter 2006
“The Holy Spirit”
(Produced by the Editorial Board of the 1888 Message Study Committee)
“Gifts of the Holy Spirit”
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:1, 4).
Our memory text presents an important juxtaposition: diversity and unity. The Bible speaks of many gifts from the same Spirit. God gave these gifts of the Holy Spirit to perfect the saints and come to the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:12, 13). Yet history has shown that many see these two elements differently. The harsh reality is that diversity is too often exploited by the sinful heart to isolate and hurt, whereas unity is seen as another word for manipulation and the desire for power. God’s love and care for His church is misinterpreted as the character of the enemy.
The Bible promise is that in these last days during the work of the third angel, we are expecting the Holy Spirit to burst upon the scene in Latter Rain power and restore that which has been broken and distorted by sin. What is the method the Holy Spirit will use? The answer is simple: the gifts of the Holy Spirit! When they are appreciated for what they are, God’s blessings will truly accomplish the work He intended them to do.
Let’s review the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Romans 12:4-11:
Prophesying, ministering, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, leadership, mercy.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11:
Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues.
Ephesians 4:7-13:
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers.
Notice that these gifts, taken as a whole, describe Christ’s work with Israel as a nation throughout the Old Testament, as well as His personal ministry while on earth. Also described is the work of the Holy Spirit as promised in John chapters 14-16. The purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to:
“... prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12, 13, NIV).
So that we might learn to cherish these gifts, it’s important to explore what they are, how they function, and what the results might be if a gift were missing from the body of Christ (the church). So you might wish to try the following:
1. Take out your commentary and find the meaning of the each gift (i.e., “mercy”).
a. “Mercy” to help one who is afflicted; to have compassion.
2. Are there examples of Christ illustrating such action? What did He say about being merciful?
a. See John 5, the cripple; John 8, the woman caught in adultery.
b. Jesus spoke of “mercy” (Matt 9:13; 12:7).
3. Describe how a person would think and act if they were shown mercy.
a. They might be surprised that someone would step out and notice their need, they’d be grateful, thankful.
4. What would be the effects if the body of Christ did not have this gift?
a. People would be defensive, suspicious, and fearful that others would not respect their vulnerabilities, and as a result would only able to develop shallow, unfruitful relationships.
You might add other considerations for your study. In using this type of exercise, especially #3 and #4, we begin to comprehend the power that the Holy Spirit will bring to those who share their gifts with others. When we fully appreciate these gifts we become caught up in the work of God in these closing days of earth’s history.
Perhaps Ellen White had this in mind when she wrote:
“The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world..... Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He might dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 91, 92, emphasis added).
The 1888 message was the beginning of the loud cry and latter rain. It came at a time when the church was in need of a fresh view of Jesus Christ and His character. Such a message is needed today. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are simply Heaven’s way of writing God’s law in the hearts of men.
—Robert Van Ornam
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