Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 1

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts and The Holy Spirit: Part 1

At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer.  Along with indwelling believers, the Spirit equips them with spiritual gifts.  In 1 Corinthians 12:1, Paul introduces the subject of spiritual gifts (tó pneumatikós).   

• Now concerning spiritual gifts (pneumatikós), brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. - 1 Corinthians 12:1

​The phrase spiritual gifts (tó pneumatikós), in 1 Corinthians 12:1, can be rendered as the things of the Spirit, which directs the interpreter to the source of these gifts — the Holy Spirit.  William McRay states, that a spiritual gift is, “A divine endowment of a spiritual ability for service upon a member of the body of Christ.”

Paul specifically refers to the things of the Spirit as gifts in 1 Corinthian 12:4.   The term gifts (chárisma), in 1 Corinthians 12:4, refers to gifts of grace.  

• Now there are varieties of gifts (chárisma), but the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:4

Regarding the term chárisma, J. H. Thayer states, “[It] denote extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain christians and enabling them to serve the church of christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit.” 

The term given (dídōmi), in 1 Corinthians 12:7, emphasizes that the gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit.   

• But to each one is given (dídōmi) the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. - 1 Corinthians 12:7

1 Corinthians 12:11 reveals that spiritual gifts sovereignly given by the Holy Spirit according to His will.   

• But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. - 1 Corinthians 12:11

The phrase each one, in 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 11, underscores the fact that every believer has been gifted or equipped with a spiritual gift.