SPIRITUAL GIFTS: WRONG MEASURE FOR SPIRITUAL MATURITY The Holy Spirit helps the believers to operate like Christ in the world by distributing or imparting spiritual gifts to the believers as He wills. There are varieties or diversities of supernatural gifts that the Holy Spirit distributes or imparts to the believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit holds the exclusive right to decide or determine the spiritual gifts to give to each believer (1 Cor. 12:11, Heb. 2:4). Spiritual gifts are not the right or suitable spiritual standard, plumbline, or yardstick for measuring and judging your spiritual growth and maturity, or that of others. Unfortunately, in the Church today we hold in high esteem or deem to be highly spiritual and mature anyone who has or exercises some spiritual gifts, especially the gift of healings, the working of miracles, or gift of prophecy. This obviously shows our depth of ignorance of the nature of spiritual gifts. What does the Bible teach about the nature of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Let us explore the Bible to find out! The gifts of the Holy Spirit are irrevocable: The Holy Spirit imparts His gifts to the believer, not based on the believer’s righteousness or good works, but based on God’s grace. Therefore, the believer will always have the gifts the Holy Spirit has given him regardless of his conduct, character, or lifestyle. Why? “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Rom. 11:29 NKJV). Under the New Covenant, God does not withdraw His gifts and callings. This is because they are not given according to our righteousness, but according to God’s grace - the righteousness of Christ which is ever constant. This is why some ministers living a sinful lifestyle can still have the supernatural gifts of God flowing or manifesting in and through their lives and ministries. However, they will begin to lose effectiveness, and eventually make shipwreck of their faith. Beloved, this is why it is wrong for us to use the manifestation of spiritual gifts to determine or measure people’s spiritual condition or maturity. (Curled From Heralds of Revival Today)
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:03:02 +0000
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