Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Part 6: Operations of the Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series continued its examination of "The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit" with its sixth installment, focusing on the operations of the Spirit and spiritual gifts. The session began by reiterating the anchor text of 1 Timothy 4:16, emphasizing the minister's responsibility to take heed to their life and doctrine to save themselves and their hearers. The study also reaffirmed the three articles of faith regarding the Holy Spirit: His role in convicting the world, regenerating/sanctifying/empowering believers for ministry, His indwelling as a helper/teacher/guide, and the belief in His present ministry and the exercise of all biblical gifts. Spiritual gifts, or charismata (the Greek term), are special endowments given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of carrying out the will of the Father and the Son. Pastor Beede presented various biblical lists of gifts (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11), clarifying that these are not exhaustive but representative samples, and cautioned against developing rigid doctrines around gifts not explicitly defined in scripture. It was highlighted that the term charismata encompasses many things not typically considered "spectacular," such as celibacy, administration, helps, and hospitality. Key principles for understanding spiritual gifts were emphasized: • Purpose: Gifts are given for the profit of the whole body and the edification of the church, serving as tools for ministry rather than indicators of spiritual maturity, rank, or personal enjoyment. • Distribution: No one person has all gifts, nor is any single gift given to every person; the Spirit distributes them as He wills and as needed. Many gifts are present in some measure in every believer, and can operate in varying degrees. • Cessationism Rejected: The teaching maintained that the gifts have not ceased and will remain until "that which is perfect has come," referring to the return of Jesus Christ, not the closing of the biblical canon. • Testing Gifts: Gifts must be evaluated by their accuracy, the fruit they produce, what they point to (always God), and their submission to the Word of God. Specific gifts were discussed: • Word of Wisdom/Knowledge: These terms appear only once in 1 Corinthians 12:8, without explicit definitions or examples, making extensive doctrinal development about them difficult. God can impart wisdom or knowledge for specific tasks (e.g., tabernacle craftsmen, judges) or moments (e.g., Joseph to Pharaoh, Peter with Ananias/Sapphira), or continuously (e.g., David's counselor Ahithophel, Paul's insights). These gifts do not make one a "spiritual superman" and can coexist with other areas of weakness. • Prophecy: All believers are encouraged to seek and prefer prophecy. Its purpose is primarily for edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church, but can also lead to the conviction and judgment of unbelievers by revealing the secrets of their hearts. New Testament prophecy is controllable, as "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets," meaning believers can choose when and how to speak, with Paul limiting public utterances to two or three speakers and requiring others to judge. It is not merely teaching. • Discernment of Spirits: Although not explicitly defined, an example is Paul discerning a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16-18, where a seemingly good statement was made by an evil spirit. • Tongues and Interpretation: Speaking in tongues is described as speaking mysteries to God, edifying oneself. However, uninterpreted tongues in the assembly are presented as a sign of judgment for unbelievers, not blessing, indicating God's unwillingness to communicate plainly when His counsel is rejected (citing Isaiah 28:11-12 and Matthew 13:13-14). Continued https://ccmilwaukee.com/podcasts/media/2009-07-29-the-doctrine-of-the-holy-spirit