The Holy Spirit Reveals Himself

Yesterday I began a new series based upon 1 Corinthians 12-14. The Charismatic Movement (I am still a part of this) sees this scripture as the "Instruction Book for the Charismatic Movement." Of course those who are not charismatic Christians or, perhaps are "anti-charismatic," see just the opposite. Over the last year I have been preaching through the book of 1 Corinthians, so I want to present what this scripture has to say to us right now. The Series Title is "What are the Spiritual Gifts all About? This week's sermon is titled "The Holy Spirit Reveals Himself." Let's look at 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Spiritual Gifts in verse 1 is an unfortunate translation. The Greek merely says pneumatikon which could be translated "spirituals", "spiritual things" or even "spiritual people." Because the chapter is focused mainly upon Spiritual Gifts, the translators have consistently translated this as spiritual gifts. I would like to suggest that a better translation might be "spiritual people."

There was a problem in Corinth. They really thought that they were spiritual people. Yet their behavior was anything but spiritual. They gauged their spirituality by the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. They liked to see these manifestations, particularly the gift of tongues. These people came from a city where there was a lot of idol worship. Whatever you might think of the spiritual world, it was very real to them. They knew a spiritual reality -- and they understood demonic spirits.

Thus Paul starts this section discussing spirits in general. He also knew that there were counterfeits to each of the gifts. If the gifts were in operation, he wanted the people to make sure that they were gifts of the Holy Spirit. As Paul begins the discuss the Holy Spirit, he says that the Spirit shows Himself in many ways. There are many Charismaton (from which we get charismatic)translated gifts, but there is only one Holy Spirit behind them all. There are many Diaconion (from which we get deacon) translated ministries or service, but there is only one Lord or leader over that ministry or service. There are many energamtown (from which we get energy) translated workings or miracles, but they are all brought about by one God. Therefore God the Father, God the Son (the Lord) and God the Holy Spirit are and should be behind everything that happens in the church.

Finally we must understand that the manifestations of the Spirit are for the common good. They aren't the property of the person manifesting the gift. The gift is for and to the church. Yes, we are to use these gifts to serve the Lord -- in the church.

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Bay View Baptist? Well, in general, the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, He convicts us of sin and He is the one who gives us the power to live Holy lives. This is not all. The Holy Spirit wants to manifest or reveal Himself. He is not to be hidden. Therefore He gifts people and He wants these gifts to be used. While it is possible to serve God in our own strength, He wants to empower our service. God is also still into the miraculous. A church that is moving in the Spirit, will see the Spirit in action.