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Daily Devotions

Filled with the Holy Spirit

Filled with the Holy Spirit 
Day 
Day 60

"Now concerning spiritual gifts..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is a truly profound teaching. Many struggle with possession of a deep comprehension of this doctrine. It would take a lot of work before we could speak of having a good grasp of this teaching. Three broad areas of knowledge need to be given careful consideration.

1. Knowledge of the Old Testament theology of the Holy Spirit.

2. Knowledge of the New Testament theology of the Holy Spirit.

a) The Gospels
b) The Book of Acts
c) The Epistles

3. Personal and spiritual experience of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

a) Personal knowledge of the Holy Spirit begins at conversion.
b) Personal experience would be enhanced through the work of sanctification by the Spirit.
c) Personal application of the power of the Spirit of God is vital to understanding how the Spirit of God empowers a person for ministry.

THE DOCTRINE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The doctrine of spiritual gifts is also important both theologically and on the personal level. The Corinthian Church began so well. It was praised highly for being a greatly gifted Church (1 Corinthians 1:7). But as the Church became adversely affected by false teachings, problems arose in the Church concerning the utility of the gifts!

The spiritual gifts were abused by some. Over time, confusion prevailed. The Apostle Paul had to write to the Corinthian Church to address some of these issues.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren,
I do not want you to be ignorant.”
1 Corinthians 12:1

1. “Now concerning spiritual gifts”

a) The subject matter at hand was “spiritual gifts”.
b) There were problems in comprehending this subject.
c) Secondary problems arose because of a lack of full comprehension.

2. “I do not want you to be ignorant”

a) Ignorance is a dangerous thing.
b) Paul sought to address this lack of knowledge strenuously.
c) Ignorance must not be allowed to prevail.
d) Paul wrote with the purpose of instructing the brethren.

Only with sufficient knowledge can we appreciate what it means to be given “spiritual gift”.