Category Archives: Bible Study

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Understanding Spiritual Gifts Part 2

This week we will continue our study on “Understanding Spiritual Gifts.” We will move on with the 9 Charismatic Gifts.

 

9 Valuable Gifts in helping to accomplish the work of the ministry. These gifts aren’t to be used for you personally, but to be used to profit the entire body of Christ. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

 

  1. Word of Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 12:8 “ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom…”  Wisdom is defined as the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. The Word of Wisdom is in the Word of God. Some people have this knowledge given to them via the Spirit. There was a man named Johnny James, who was working on a ladder, slipped and fell, and had an impact on his head. When he came too, he was able to recite verbatim the scriptures with just the mention of a chapter and verse. He is called “the walking Bible.” His story can be found on youtube.
  2. Word of Knowledge – 1 Corinthians 12:8 “to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit…” This gift is one which gives the recipient a supernaturally inspired utterance of facts.
  3. Faith – 1 Corinthians 12:9 “…To another faith by the same Spirit…” Faith is complete trust in God. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:1 further describes what faith is: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The recipient of this gift is given a supernatural impartation of assurance in God.
  4. Gift of Healing – 1 Corinthians 12:9 “…to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit…” This gift is definitely needed for the ministry. The laying on of hands is an awesome thing to have in your life and people recover from their sickness. We don’t see this gift very often in the Church. God has given this gift to people who can handle it;  who will operate to glorify God and not themselves. Its for the edification of the body. The recipient of this gift supernaturally ministers health to the sick.
  5. Working of Miracles – 1 Corinthians 12:10 “…To another the working of miracles…” The Greek describes it as “works of power” and implies instantaneous results. Raising people from the dead, bringing peace into a violent situation; these are the workings of miracles. The word miracle is defined as an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. God has given you divine intervention to do things for people by the Word of God. To allow God to step in to heal, deliver, or speak into a life and things happen, it is awesome. Again it is not for your personal fame or edification, but for the Body of Christ. Its all about doing His will, to bring others to Christ.
  6. Prophecy – 1 Corinthians 12:10 “… to another prophecy…” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 says despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Prophecy is defined as the foretelling or prediction of what is to come. Many will “proph-e-lie,” but there aren’t many who prophecy. When a person does prophecy, they are spiritually prononucing or imparting something from God. A true prophecy is known by its coming to pass.
  7. Discerning of Spirits – 1 Corinthians 12:10 “…to another discerning of spirits…” Discerning is defined as revealing insight and understanding. When you deserning something, it is very important. You can tell what will happen to someone, or what spirit is on a person or when a spirit comes into the house that is of God or not, or further whether someone teaches the Word of God or not.
  8. Different Kinds of Tongues – 1 Corinthians 12:10 “…to another divers kinds of tongues…” The utterance in an unknown language which is interpreted as a prophecy to the body for their edification. This is distinguished from praying in tongues which is to edify ones self 1 Cor 14:14. The message of tongues to the Body of Christ is always to be interpreted by another gift. It is limited to three within a gathering 1 Cor 14:27.
  9. Interpretation of Tongues – 1 Corinthians 12:10 “..to another the interpretation of tongues…” This is the supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues into the understandable language of the hearers. It is not a “translation” but an interpretation.

Next week, we will talk about the applications of these 9 valuable gifts.

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Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Their Origin and Purpose

Notes from Dr. Dale A. Robbins & Pastor Tony Catron

Quotations are directly from Dr. Robbins

 

“The ministry of Spiritual Gifts originates in the New Testament…the Holy Spirit [was sent] to equip His [Jesus] church with power and spiritual gifts (Greek— charismata)…” Ephesians 4:11 lists gifts of the 5 fold ministry, which every ministry should have to show the fruit of their calling the Jesus. Anyone can set up a ministry, or call themselves a Pastor or Bishop, yet what are their fruit presenting?

Ephesians 4:11 states the following: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Moving on to Romans 12:3-7 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-12;28, we find more gifts.

Romans 12:3-7

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

1 Corinthians 12:1-12; 28

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

People rush out and try to operate in a gift that they don’t have. Jumping out ahead will cause you to have a shipwreck, bringing discouragement in ministry. People go out without no foundation and no support. Be careful. The gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:3-7 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-12;28, are “generally assigned to one of three categories , as listed below”:

  • Ministry (office) gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher.
  • Motivational (practical) gifts: Service, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Helps and Administration.
  • Charismatic (spiritual) gifts: Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation, Faith, Healing and Miracles.
Are Charismatic Gifts for Today?

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 is as follows:

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

This passage is often cited to say that spiritual gifts are done away with. However, history says otherwise. “Church History clearly refutes any notion that charismatic gifts faded away after the apostolic era. Other than diminishing somewhat during the middle ages (probably due to the inaccessibility to scripture by the common people), it is obvious that spiritual gifts were never completely absent from the church. Scores of statements to this effect were recorded by church leaders such as Irenaeus, who wrote around A.D. 150 ‘…we hear many of the brethren in the church who have prophetic gifts, and who speak in tongues through the spirit, and who alos bring to light the secret things of men for the benefit…'”

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 does not describe gifts coming to an end, it means that prophecies can fail die to people not being moved by the Holy Ghost, and that tongues and knowledge will fail for the same reason.

Next week will will continue with the 9 Charismatic Gifts.

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How to Make Godly Decisions Part One

How to Make Godly Decisions Part One

Check Yourself

 

As a Child of God, we always want to ask the Father for something. “Father bless me with this,” or “Lord bless me with that.” The book of James says in chapter four verse three, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”  So we need to know how to ask the Father for something in the right way. Here are 8 of 15 points to consider when asking God for something. The other 7 points will be covered in next weeks bible study.

1. Would you be Able to Ask God’s Blessings for it? Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it”

Whatever you ask Him for, do you think He will approve of it? Are your supplications for “fleshly” things? Do you think the Lord will give you that desire if it will satisfy your flesh? Will what you ask for bring sorrow or pain in your life?  If anything you ask for will cause you problems, then that desire He will not grant. He will now bless you with anything that will cause hardship, or try your salvation.

2. Can You Genuinely Thank God for It? Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.”

Can you with a good conscience say “Lord, I thank you for this,” or would there be doubts, concerns, or problems as a result? Sometimes things may look good, but what looks good will turn out to be to your detriment.

3. Would God get the Glory Out of It? 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Would the decision you made or the supplication you asked for honor or glorify God? Would it serve the purpose of God’s plan or will for your life?

4. Would it Be Something that the Word would Give You Glory For? 1 John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

If you ask God for something, would it be of the world? Would it be like the world? Would the world give you praise concerning it? Would the world benefit from it, would it cater to their carnal mentalify? Would the world praise you more than they would God for?

5. Would it Cause a Stumbling Block for Belivers? 1 Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”

Is what you asked for an offence to other brothers and sisters in Christ? Would it hinder your growth in Christ Jesus? Would your decision or lifestyle cause weak believers to fall?

6. Would it Weaken Your Faith? Hebrews 3:12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there by in any of you and evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Also see Hebrews 12:1

Would your asking for cause you to be indecisive about your faith or life? Would it add burden to your life? Will you heart desire it more than God? Will it lead you astray, or bring doubt in your heart?

7. How Would Satan React to Your Decision? 1 Peter 5:8-10 “Be sober, be vigilant; becuase your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Who resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Would your loved ones, friends, or family who don’t know the Lord turn against you? Would they plot for you to change your decision? Would they attack you, belittling you? Would those that dislike you, give you a pat on the back for this decision? Would the demons in hell rejoice at this decision? Would evil spirits draw closer to you?

8. What Would the Consequences Be? Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived, God is not macked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

When the dust has settled about your decision, what would the conlcusion be of the matter? Will there be peace from God for you, will there be growth? Will the decision leave behind a generational curse? Will it leave a stain on your soul?

 

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Breaking Spiritual Strongholds Part 3

How To Break Strongholds and Keep Them Broken

Sometimes, we don’t know we have a spiritual stronghold. Here are 6 ways to combat these strongholds to press on.

1) Authority

Mark 3:27: No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
The Name of the Savior Jesus has authority. His very name will expel the Devil’s influence.
2) Intercession
Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
In this chapter of Matthew, the disciples could not cast out a demon that caused a certain man’s son to harm himself, by falling into fire, and falling into water. Jesus said that they were a “faithless and perverse generation…” (Matthew 17:17). Jesus then rebuked the devil and it left the child. The disciples asked why they could not cast the demon out, and Jesus said that prayer and fasting were required for such situations.
We too, need to be fasting and praying to intercede on behalf of others and to break down spiritual strongholds.
3) Displacement
2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Separate yourself from anything that is not like God. Establish the presence of God, where Satan has been commanded to leave. Anoint the doorpost of your home, sanctifying your space in the workplace. It is as though you are establishing a base or stronghold, to keep Satan away. If you resist the devil he will flee. Fill it up with Gods presence, singing songs in the Spirit, praying in the spirit, quoting scripture. Where the presence of the Lord is, the devil can’t stay. The presence of the Lord displaces the Devil.
4) Resistance
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Submit yourself and draw closer to God. If you resist the devil he will flee. He is repelled by the Word of the Father being spoken in the atmosphere. The devil runs from submitted, yielding Christians. Submit to God, and the devil will flee. The more your trials get heavy, the more you should draw toward the Father.
5) Occupation
Ephesians 4:27:Neither give place to the devil.
Give no place or vacancy to the devil. We have to give ourselves over to God, and allow not the devil to get into any aspect of our lives. How do we do that? “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27). We may have old habits that we may not have put under subjection and it’s easy to fall back into the habits of the old man. This way Satan can not break through your spiritual armor.
6) Fortification
Galatians 5:19-21 describes the things that are places of refuge which Satan to lodge himself in our lives. There are degrees of intensities in all of these wicked things. So we should put on the whole armor of God. Take up our daily prayer or reading. Take upon ourselves the full array of spiritual gifts to be armed against spiritual wickedness. Ephesians 6:11-17

If we stay mindful of the Word of God we’ve been given, we will overcome Spiritual strongholds. Jesus has made you the head and not the tail. Satan does not care about your attitude, you emotional well being, or whether or not you love the father, he will still attack you. Be on guard, in Jesus name.

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Breaking Spiritual Strongholds Part 2

2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Spiritual warfare is more apparent these days. The Father has equipped everyone with the ability to fight against evil. If we don’t know that we have the equipment, will we be able to fight against evil? No, not effectively.

Many of us don’t know the power we have against the roaring lion that seeks whom he may devour.

If you don’t know what spiritual warfare is, then it can easily overtake you.

What is a strong hold? It is a binding influence. If your constantly doing everything against what is right? What is that in your life? A stumbling block.

Luke 10:17-20
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

The 70 disciples operated in Jesus name. That Name is the authority in breaking down strongholds, and expelling evil forces.

In addition, the very life you live can determine if you’ll be successful in dealing with spiritual warfare. If you are living the life of a  true Child of God, set a part from mingling with the world, being in it but not of it, knowing the power that you have within you through the Holy Ghost, your very presence will make demons cower. However, if you are lukewarm in your walk with Messiah, you will be weak in spiritual warfare.
Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Next week, we will go into how to break strongholds and keep them broken, with several steps to help us succeed.