B 2 B lesson 11 (Part 2)

It is fascinating also to note the teaching of the Apostle Paul concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit within the life of the Christian believer. Among other things :

• It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to make Jesus central in our life (1 Cor 12:3).
• It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to become more like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18).
• It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us with spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:4, 11).
• It is the Holy Spirit who produces spiritual fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22,23)
• It is the Holy Spirit who instigates a missionary zeal into our lives (Acts 20:22-24)

Many times in his writings Paul urges us to be filled with the Spirit -- literally to keep on being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Four Basic steps are needed :

1. We need to hunger and thirst after such a filling (Matthew 5:6).
2. We need to empty out of our lives all other things which would clutter up and distract (Galatians 5:16-21)
3. We need to present our lives as empty containers waiting to be filled (Romans 12:1-2).
4. We need to appropriate by faith the filling that He desires to impart (Luke 11:13 - here Jesus is talking not so much about the person of the Holy Spirit but the fullness of the Holy Spirit).

Note : the promise of Jesus in John 7:37-39.

Concerning Spiritual gifts the Bible teaches that everyone has at least one gift, therefore everyone should be encouraged. No-one has all the gifts, therefore everyone should be humble. All gifts are from God, therefore everyone should be content. All gifts are for the church, therefore everyone should be united.

The way to discover your spiritual gift is by following five basic steps:

1. It is initiated by prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
2. It is enlightened by study. Study the various gifts which are outlined ( 1 Cor 12:8-10), 1 Cor 12:28-30, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:7-12, 1 Peter 10:11)
3. It is aroused by desire (Psalm 37:4).
4. It is confirmed by ability. You often discover what your spiritual gift is by your ability to do something well.
5. It is accompanied by blessing. There will always be spiritual fruit (John 15:8).

VERSES TO MEMORIsE
John 16:7
Ephesians 5:18