03 Gifts of the Spirit

Summary

The sermon focuses on the gifts of the Spirit, especially the three “revelation gifts” named in 1 Corinthians 12: the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and discerning of spirits. The preacher presents these gifts as ways the Holy Spirit can disclose information unavailable through ordinary senses, for the benefit of others.

Main Ideas

• The gifts are meant to benefit people. The preacher emphasizes that spiritual manifestations are given “to profit” or help people, not to frighten, expose, or harm them.
• The revelation gifts are distinguished as follows:
  • Word of knowledge: Supernatural information about something in the present or past.
  • Word of wisdom: Insight concerning what is to come.
  • Discerning of spirits: Perception of activity or influences in the spiritual realm.
• Spiritual impressions should not automatically be treated as coming from God. A voice, dream, vision, or sense of knowing may have another source. The preacher urges listeners to “test the spirits,” judge impressions by Scripture and sound doctrine, and avoid confusing supernatural activity with divine guidance.
• Natural knowledge differs from spiritual revelation. The preacher contrasts information acquired through the five senses with knowledge he describes as imparted by the Holy Spirit. He compares receiving revelation to tuning a radio: a person must become attentive to the right “frequency.”
• Spiritual sensitivity requires a disciplined life. The preacher argues that ongoing indulgence in what he calls the works of the flesh can undermine spiritual discernment. He urges listeners to resist temptation, live according to the Spirit and Scripture, and avoid letting bodily desires or mental distractions dominate.
• The gifts are not a substitute for ordinary judgment. People need not seek supernatural direction for every everyday choice, such as what to eat or wear. The preacher presents the gifts as especially useful when spiritual insight or forewarning is needed.
• The purpose is practical service. Revelation may help believers anticipate difficulties and assist people in their homes, relationships, finances, workplaces, and ministry.

Practices the Preacher Recommends

• Ground impressions in Scripture and sound doctrine; do not accept a claim merely because it sounds supernatural or is presented as a message from God.
• Pause and seek confirmation rather than acting immediately on a first thought.
• Reduce distractions and make time for quiet so a person can listen attentively.
• Pray in the Holy Spirit as a way to pray through an unclear inward prompting.
• Practice self-discipline by putting bodily desires and distracting thoughts under spiritual discipline. The preacher discusses fasting while cautioning against extreme or prolonged fasts without being led to undertake them.
• Check impressions with trusted, spiritually mature people by comparing what one believes one has heard with others who are also seeking God.
• Use revelation to help, not intimidate. The gifts should serve people rather than become a means of showing off or exposing them.

The sermon also includes warnings about sin and spiritual vulnerability, along with personal stories about receiving impressions concerning people. It briefly digresses into the preacher’s past radio hobby, ministry experiences, and comments about social problems and church involvement.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Unnamed preacher/lecturer — The sole identifiable speaker in the subtitles.
• The Bible — Cited or referenced, including 1 Corinthians 12; John 14–16; Galatians 5; Psalm 45:1; the account of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9; Esau’s birthright in Genesis 25; and the statement about overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” in Revelation 12:11.
• Kenneth Copeland — Mentioned by the preacher in an account of a phone conversation; he is not identifiable as an audible speaker in the subtitles.