Geoff Thomas: The Holy Spirit – Chapter 15: “The gifts of the Holy Spirit”
Opening verses – 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, 7
“Judging by the amount of space Paul devoted to the use of spiritual gifts, it seems to have been a critical issue in the church at Corinth.” pg. 165
What has been your experience with the topic of spiritual gifts in the local church? Is this still a critical issue? What are some of the critical questions around spiritual gifts? (See the list on Pg. 165) Definition by Thomas “So a spiritual gift is divine empowering from our heavenly Father to enable us to work sacrificially, lovingly, patiently, and to keep going, no matter what the challenge” Pg. 169
THE TRULY SPIRITUAL PERSON FOCUSES ON CHRIST (pages 165-167)
The true mark of the presence and operation of the Holy Spirt is the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. The essential proof of the Spirit’s presence in someone is his confession that Jesus is Lord “Rather, true spirituality is shown by talking about Jesus Christ and confessing that He is your Lord and your God, then changing how you live in response to this truth.” Pg. 167
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN TO SERVE OTHERS (pg. 167 - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
“The Corinthians were trying to bring the legacy of their previous spiritualism—the numinous, the exotic, the spooky, and the ecstatic—into the church of Jesus Christ. But Paul asked for something different. He stressed the gifts of charismata, meaning “graces,” or “a present of grace,” or “grace things.” The Spirit creates new dimension and power in our lives through God’s grace” Pg. 167
“We see how different those services are by considering passages that tell us to love one another, be devoted to one another, give preference to one another, be like-minded with one another, refrain from judging one another, build up one another, accept one another, greet one another, wait for one another, care for one another, refrain from challenging one another or from envying one another, bear the burdens of one another, bear with one another, speak to one another, be subject to one another, highly regard one another, be truthful with one another, forgive one another, comfort one another, encourage one another, live in peace with one another, seek good for one another, exhort one another, stimulate one another, refrain from speaking against one another or complaining to one another, confess your sins to one another, pray for one another, be hospitable to one
another, and serve one another.” pg. 168
We will continue thinking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit utilizing the book by Geoff Thomas simply entitled, The Holy Spirit. Conference speaker and theme September 27-28 @ Living Hope Bible Church; register and information at reformationboise.com
Two talks:
“The Holy Spirit: His Divinity and Personhood”
“Asking for the Holy Spirit”
Quote from Geoff Thomas’ book: “Many people today are ignorant about the person and work of the Holy Spirit,
both theologically and experientially”
For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com.
Every weekday at 8:00am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on 94.1 The Voice in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, USA.
If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.
Phone: (208) 991-3526
E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.com
Podcast website: https://941thevoice.com/podcasts/gospel-for-life/