Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Gifts of the spirit 

The Hillsong Statement of Beliefs contains the phrase, “The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.”  Many of the gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12 but others are found elsewhere such as craftsmanship (Exod.31:3) and encouragement (Rom.12:4-8). These are not merely a human with superior abilities but a human supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit. Samson owed his great strength not to a gym regime but to the Holy Spirit (Jud.16:17-22). The gifts are supernatural both in origin and operation. However, the Holy Spirit does not take us over but works in partnership with us; for example a teacher should first learn the word of God and a musician should learn an instrument!  All of us should be prayed for to speak in a supernatural language inspired by the Holy Spirit because this “edifies” us and builds us up spiritually (1 Cor.14:1-5)

Although the gifts are given and not earned, they should be desired (1 Cor.12:31, 14:1) and prayed for (Luke 11:13).  They may be given directly by God but often it would be as someone else prays for you.  Even then we have a responsibility to fan that gift into flame (1 Tim.4:4, 2 Tim.1:6).

Prayer: Lord I desire spiritual gifts that I might be used by You and build Your church