Spiritual Gifts: POWER - Week 9

Speaker: Jon Thompson

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7, 15:42; Revelation 21:4; John 5:19, 11:41-49; James 5:13-15

Sermon Description: 

This week we will be continuing in our journey of understanding the Spiritual Gifts in "Power" category, focusing entirely on the gifts of Healing, Words of Knowledge & Words of Wisdom.

Healing: Those who have the gift of Healing experience a deep desire to see God alleviate physical problems in people and the willingness to be used by God to do so, an unusual ability to sense the power of God when it is present for healing, and the ability to trust God and believe that He wants to heal. You have the willingness to take risks for God… The principle of contagion probably applies here. Those who are around people operating in this type of healing ministry are likely to be drawn into it and be open to God releasing this gift in them so that they can release the healing to others. It is not about a show, it’s not about a big, dramatic display; it is about God healing people to either bring the person or others to Jesus in whose name the healing took place, or it is to heal followers of Jesus.

 

Words of Knowledge: The key idea in understanding this gift is that it functions like the gift of prophecy but not in a communal setting; it’s one on one. It is God giving a very direct word. But notice it is situational and prompting based, it’s a Power Gift. The word of knowledge functions when God gives you information about someone you have no direct access to any other way. The right exercise of this gift and the information God gives you always humbles, always helps, and never humiliates. It can bring healing to others, but never hurts them. So words of knowledge are similar to prophecy, but are directed to individuals.

Words of Wisdom: This gift is in action when God gives a situational word or a message acutely applicable in a moment that provides insight for people into the next steps of their spiritual journey. These are practical instructions like “go to this place” or “read this book.” Wisdom is knowledge applied, and in this case, every time the supernatural, situational word is given, you recognize it came from Jesus’ lips to you.

Series: Spiritual Gifts

Series Description:

Since we believe with all our hearts that Spiritual gifts are the only ongoing guaranteed place of power to serve from, we need to once again build the common script and understanding among all that make up C4 in this season.

As we step out together, we all need to discover, rediscover, rededicate and walk in a power that is not our own, to do the impossible in this context we find ourselves. When we start using and growing in our gifts we will experience the joy that comes from honouring God, serving others and knowing part of our purpose in this life, that will ripple into eternity!