Part 12 of our Holy Spirit series focuses on the bestowing of gifts by the Holy Spirit. We believe this will be an 18-Part Series in which you’ll discover who The Holy Spirit is and what He does. Many attributes are given to The Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. He is not a force. He is a person. He is a member of the Trinity, a part of YHWH. He is referred to as a “he”. In Parts 1-11 of this series, we featured His part in creating, recreating, convicting, teaching, bringing us peace through hope, witnessing Jesus as God in the flesh, creating a clean heart, connecting the church, dwelling inside you, how He grieves, how He gives you spiritual senses, and His part in our spiritual baptism. Now, let’s take a look at how He bestows spiritual gifts.
Before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was already working in the lives of men. We see the gifts He bestowed all throughout the Old Testament. Let’s take a look at what 2 Peter 1 says:
2 Peter 1:19-21
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
In these verses, it is confirmed that prophecy came to holy men in old time from the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Mark 12:35-37, we are told that King David prophesied in the Holy Spirit.
Whose Son Is the Christ?
And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet.”’David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
and in Acts 4:23-27
The Believers Pray for Boldness
When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,
“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
and, again, we read more about King David prophesying in Acts 2:29-37.
“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
In Acts 10, we read the about a few more spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit: quickening to do good, casting out devils, and speaking in tongues.
Acts 10:34-43
Gentiles Hear the Good News
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove at His baptism. These verses in Acts 10 point to Jesus having the power of the Holy Spirit, whereby He went about “doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil”. Jesus gave us many commandments, some of which were to do the work the Holy Spirit quickens us to perform, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those in prison… These commandments are just “doing good”, but are works we perform when the Holy Spirit quickens us to do so. We are NOT to grieve the Holy Spirit. Jesus said for as much as we do these things, we do them to Him AND as much as we do not do these things, we never do them to Him. Those who do not do these things, works of goodness, will be cast into outer darkness. He’s not playing around! If the Holy Spirit quickens you to donate – donate. If the Holy Spirit quickens you to visit a person in prison – visit. We must obey the Holy Spirit.
Also, in Acts 10, we read about the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles. The gift of tongues was bestowed upon the Gentiles, just like it was on Jesus’ disciples during Pentecost in the upper room.
Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44-48
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
It is the Holy Spirit that enables men to speak in tongues, cast out devils, and do good works. There are many more spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. We can read about them in 1 Corinthians 12.
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
In this chapter we are given a list of several different spiritual gifts bestowed upon men by the Holy Spirit. We are also told a couple of interesting things that we need to draw attention to.
“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit”. Wow! This is a sure determining factor to help you discern who is a liar. We might want to take a real hard look at some of our appointed politicians who claim to be “Christian”. Have you ever heard any of them say, “Jesus is Lord”? What about “teachers” and “preachers” you watch on TV?
We read the same thing in 1 John 4:1-6
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Next, we are told that “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”. If you are a believer and claim that “Jesus is Lord”, you have the Holy Spirit with you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t let the devil cast doubt. He is with you! Everyone is given the Spirit for the common good.
And lastly, do you see anyone in this chapter where is says if you don’t have the gift of tongues, then you don’t have the Holy Spirit? No, you don’t. That is a FALSE TEACHING! And, frankly, it’s scaring believers. If your preacher is telling you that, you probably should leave that church. It is absolutely not true. Scripture reads through a list of various spiritual gifts in this chapter: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. Then, Scripture reads, “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” Each person is gifted one or more spiritual gifts. We know this from the Parable of the Talents. Each person is given their spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit according to His Will. Not everyone has the same gifts. It says so right here in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and also in Hebrews 2:1-4.
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Scripture doesn’t lie, but man does, can, and will. If you are a believer who confesses that Jesus is Lord, but cannot speak in tongues, you definitely have the Holy Spirit!! You can read more about tongues in 1 Corinthians 14. The Word states to speak in tongues only in private or to a sign to an unbeliever, unless you have an interpreter in the church because otherwise, you don’t know what is being said and it edifies no one. It only makes people think you all are stark raving mad. Having several people in a church speaking in tongues (more than 3) and having no interpreter is frowned upon for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
Let’s take a quick look at the other spiritual gifts mention in 1 Corinthians 12, again.
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discernment of Spirits
- Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
One of the most wonderful acts of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in Luke 1 when Mary visits Elizabeth. In this chapter, we see wisdom, knowledge, faith, prophecy, discernment of spirits… all in one. It’s such an amazing passage because John the Baptist is still in the womb of Elizabeth, yet he leaps for Joy when Mary enters who is still carrying baby Jesus in her womb! Then, Elizabeth prophesies in the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a look:
Luke 1:39-45
Mary Visits Elizabeth
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Elizabeth even said that the baby leaped for joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit! It seems not only did Elizabeth prophesy, but also John the Baptist, as a baby still inside the womb of his mother! That means John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb.
Another gift often overlooked is craftsmanship! God needed skilled workers to design and build His temple, the Tabernacle, and the Ark of the Covenant. These skilled workers also included those skilled in sewing to make the curtains and priestly garments. We can read about these gifts here:
Exodus 31
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office,
And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
In Exodus 31, we read about these wonderful gifts bestowed upon the men and women:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Knowledge
- All Manner of Workmanship
- Work in Gold
- Work in Silver
- Work in Brass
- Cutting of Stones
- Setting of stones
- Carving of Wood
- Furniture Making
- Sewing of Cloths and Garments
- Incense Making
- Anointing Oil Making
There had to be very skilled workers to produce all the gold, brass, and silver items (the Ark of the Covenant, Candlesticks, Bowls) as well as cutting and setting the jewel stones for the breastplate on the ephod. Also, woodworkers to skillfully make the tables. Plus, much more! God said He filled them with His Spirit to have the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to do these things. His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, bestowed these gifts of craftsmanship, workmanship, and sewing! What wonderful talents and gifts our Father gives us!!
If you have not repented of your sins, asked for forgiveness, and asked to receive the Holy Spirit, do it today. Our Father abundantly pardons, possessing great mercy and loving-kindness.
Luke 11:9-13
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?