The Holy Spirit

In the previous four lessons of this series, we discussed the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. The list of these nine gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Now we are going to talk about how we can be used by the Spirit with these gifts. That is, how we can operate in these gifts.

The key to this is in verse 7. It says, “To each one is given a special manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (NIV) This special manifestation refers to these gifts in verses 8-11. We learn from this verse that every person who loves Christ and is filled with the Spirit can be used with one of these gifts. The other thing we learn is that all these gifts are not for ourselves but for the good of others and the church. Here, I’m going to give you some practical advice if you want to be used by one or more of these gifts.

First, you must walk closely with the Lord. That is, you must be already guided by the Spirit and someone who loves the Lord and is committed to Him and His kingdom. Someone who is abiding in Christ every day by reading the Bible and praying, someone who is faithfully attending church, and someone who serves the Lord every day.

This may seem basic, but if you are not living this way, then you are not ready to be used by the Spirit with these gifts.

Another important thing is in 1 Corinthians 14:1, which says, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” (NIV) The right attitude to be used is where it says to follow the way of love. But what I want to mention is the part that says, “eagerly desire the spiritual gifts.” In your life and in church. We need these gifts because they are a blessing and help. So, if you want to be used in these gifts, you must desire this in your life, but with the idea that it is by love and to serve. If you feel this way and are filled with the Spirit and walking close to Jesus every day, then it is time to ask the Lord to use you with these gifts.

If you have done these things, it is time to look for opportunities to operate in one or some of these gifts. Don’t forget 1 Corinthians 12:11, which is very important. It says, “All these things are done by the same and only Spirit, who distributes to each one as he determines.” This gift is from the Holy Spirit. It is not our gift, but His. It is given to each one as He determines or according to His will. It is He using us and not us using the gift. Perhaps you have been used in some of these gifts. Well, it is not your gift, it is His, and He can use you when He wants to help others. And we only operate in these when God wants us to, not when we want to.

Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking we have this or that gift, if He has used you with a gift, but it is His.

Well, as mentioned, you can look for opportunities. Maybe, in a service or meeting, you may feel a word of wisdom or knowledge within you. Then you can share it with a person or the church. If you feel led by the Spirit to pray for someone who is sick, then the gift of healing or miracles can manifest through your life. Or in a service, you may suddenly feel prompted or led by the Spirit to give a message in tongues or a prophecy, then you can give this message. As we mentioned in another lesson, in a service you must have the pastor’s approval before doing this. Don’t forget that as fellow believers, we can make mistakes with the gifts, but God is patient and will help us grow and use these gifts well.

Like anything else in the kingdom of God, we do this by faith. Sometimes we think, I don’t know if I should do this, and I’m not sure if this is the Spirit prompting me. You might think, well, I’m not worthy to do this. Well, if everything is fine in your spiritual life and you are flowing in the love of God and want to see people blessed and helped and don’t want applause or recognition for this, then by faith you can be used with the gifts, one of these nine according to what the Spirit says. I am confident that God will help and guide you in this. If you have questions, it would be good to study 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, and if your pastor or spiritual leader is filled with the Spirit and has studied these gifts and has been used, you can seek advice and help from them. Again, I believe that God can use you with these gifts, because in our current era, the church needs them more than ever. Thank God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit!