The Encounter of Empowerment

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, he empowers us and gives us gifts under the Lordship of Jesus. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are found in three places in the Bible: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.

The Holy Spirit fills us with power

Power to BE witnesses – not to DO witnessing. Just as in Acts 1:8, when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, he empowers us to be witnesses. Did you notice that the empowering of the Holy Spirit is not just for gifts to be used inside the church walls? The Holy Spirit empowers us to use our gifts in our workplaces, schools and universities - to the ends of the earth.

The Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual gifts

The gifts are the sovereign work of the Spirit and do not indicate a person's superiority. All are given gifts, we are one body with many parts, and each part has a different role: unity and diversity all at once. Gifts are meant to be operated in love, to build each other up. 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and Romans 12 all speak of gifts. The gift, like the fruit list, is probably not exhaustive, but we know that these were gifts operating in the New Testament church. Gifts indicate the heart of the Father, Son, and Spirit to give us a purpose.

1. The Spirit of the Lord is upon the church – as he was upon Jesus for purpose – Luke 4:16-21. Gifts are for others – to bind up the broken hearted, to set people free.
2. He gives Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12: 3-8 and Ephesians 4: 1-16. We do not own the gifts; they are given to us by the Spirit to be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. Gifts should be operated in Love. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 is not a digression from the point. It outlines the heart from which gifts should operate.
3. Paul tells us to eagerly desire Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:1. Have you ever discovered what gifts the Holy Spirit might have given you? There is a test that you can take online to find out! Visit https://giftstest.com and see what yours might be.

We are empowered so that we can be a witness

In John 4:1-19 The Samaritan Woman at the Well; Jesus demonstrates how to use the gifts well. What do we notice about this conversation? He uses the gift of discernment and wisdom to bring the lady to salvation, not to condemn her but to reveal the truth. How can we use our gifts for God’s glory?

Prayer Point: Thank you Holy Spirit for giving me spiritual gifts. I pray that you would guide me in using the gifts for your Kingdom. Thank you that I would use them as a witness of Christ Jesus and for his glory alone.