The Holy Spirit- Part Nine
This series has been based on the assumption that we cannot fully comprehend the depths of God (Rom. 11:33) and that His ways are super-natural because He is a super-natural God. There are dimensions of the Holy Spirit, deep things, that only spiritual people can understand. How do I know that?
1 Cor. 2:9-12 tells us God has prepared ‘things’ for those He loves, things unimaginable yet He reveals them through the Spirit; only the Spirit fully searches those deep places. Paul wants us to look at ourselves as spiritual people, pneumatics, driven by the Spirit, in order to understand more of these ‘things’ that are freely given to us.
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13 ESV
So … my premise is that God wants us to seek Him through the Holy Spirit personally, expecting revelation, but also understand that these ‘spiritual things’ are for the whole Body of Christ. Let’s delve into 1 Cor. 12 again.
What do we know? Paul cautions us not to misunderstand or be unaware of the spiritual realm and gifts (which can also be translated spiritual things) and then he lists the charismata, grace-gifts. Paul desires us to see the variety, the wonderful differences that God has chosen to freely give His Body so they can reach out to others as His extended Hand. Every gift is valuable because it comes from the same supernatural source: God, the Holy Spirit.
Look at the amazing variety of gifts, services, and activities available to those will receive His empowerment (1 Cor. 12:4-11), like an electrical current energizing you, giving hope and encouragement to His people. When the Spirit shows up it’s manifested or brought out into the open for all to view. The Spirit’s empowerment, given to each one individually as He wills, gives us the opportunity to help each other. Words of wisdom or knowledge spoken at the right time, building up of faith when faith may be faltering, gifts of healing for those suffering, working of miracles to give evidence of God’s power, prophecy (God’s perceived words), the ability to recognize spirits other than the Spirit and know what to do. He lists various kinds of tongues and their interpretation: get over it, it’s super-natural. All of these spiritual things were needed when they were written and they’re vital to the Body today.
Can you understand them all? No. Should you deny their existence due to your lack of experience or understanding, I think Paul would agree: no.
It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT
It seems to me that if we’re not aware of the realm of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to be Who He is then we’re missing a dimension of His character and nature.
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