Series: The Work of the Holy Spirit
Sermon: “The Holy Spirit’s Gifts & Fruits Are Available in a Believer’s Life Today, Part One
Presenter: Rev. Dr. JoAnne P. King
Date: June 11, 2023
Last week, we covered the gifts of the Spirit and learned that we should not expand the gift nor think more highly of ourselves than we ought; that we should bear the infirmities of the weak and minister all of the gifts in love. The gifts given by the Holy Spirit: are the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gift of Healings, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Divers’ Kinds of Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues. Examples were given of the three things we should do in ministering the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit.
Before we start today’s lesson, I want to make sure you understand how each of the Gift of the Spirit works. Why? So, you will be able to recognize the gift when and if, one or more should appear in your life. God’s Word tells us that “One must be zealous for them and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” I Cor. 14:1(ESV).
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The Word of Knowledge—This gift of the Holy Spirit is having knowledge about something that you have no ability or means of knowing based on your human intelligence.
- The Word of Wisdom—This gift works with the word of knowledge. It gives you the ability and understanding of how to apply the word of knowledge and go even deeper. Again, you have no ability or means of knowing based on your human intelligence.
- The Gift of Prophecy—This gift of the Holy Spirit is one that the scripture says, “to especially desire.” This gift is a direct Word from the Lord that is to be given to someone else to edify and build them up.
- The Gift of Faith—This gift of the Holy Spirit grows as we walk with the Lord. You are saved by faith. The gift of faith is knowing full well that you cannot accomplish something on your own, but that the Lord has empowered you to move into new levels to do miracles and wonders in His name.
- The Gifts of Healings—There are actually different kinds of healings that the Spirit will do. Notice that the scripture says “gifts,” plural. These gifts equip you in various ways to access healing to be an anointed vessel that will heal others and sometimes for yourself.
- The Working of Miracles—This gift of the Holy Spirit is depicted throughout the Bible, from Moses parting the Red Sea to Jesus feeding 5,000 people. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, He is still in the business of working miracles. Similar to the word of knowledge, this spiritual gift is manifested not by human efforts, but by the Holy Spirit. The work is unexplainable by nature. It edifies and delivers others.
- The Discerning of Spirits—This gift of the Holy Spirit equips the discerner to see evil spirits that are operating in someone’s life. The Holy Spirit pulls back the curtains, exposing the evil spirits, so that the person can experience a breakthrough from their bondage.
- Different Kinds of Tongues—This gift of the Holy Spirit is simply a supernatural ability to speak and pray in a tongue that you do not naturally know. This can be spoken forth in prayer direct to God, or in an assembly where God anoints another Believer, with the gift of interpretation, to interpret the word spoken in the native tongue of the congregation (1 Cor. 14:2, 13-14). 1 Cor. 14:2, 13-14 which says: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit, in the spirit he speaketh mysteries… Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”
- The Interpretation of Tongues—This gift of the Holy Spirit is to interpret the tongue that was spoken. Again, of a language you do not naturally know. This can either be for yourself (1 Cor. 14:13) or for the Church (1 Cor. 14:27-28). 1 Cor. 14:27-28 which says: “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
Now we are ready to go into today’s teaching. None of the above gifts nor what follows would be possible unless the Holy Spirit performed its foundational work of bringing us to the Lord Jesus.
Thank God you are saved! And once saved, you belong to God. The Spirit takes up residence in our hearts forever. Remember, Jesus said that He would send the Spirit to be our Helper, Comforter, and Guide (John 14:16). Jesus gave the Spirit as “compensation” for His absence, to perform the functions towards us that He would have done, if He had remained personally with us.
At this time, we want to examine some of the role(s) or function(s) that the Holy Spirit is doing and/or has done in our lives today.
- He is the revealer of truth (John 16:13 Amp.). “But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].”
This is why I said to you, in an earlier sermon, to pay attention to your dreams, visions and prophecies. You may even receive verbal instructions spoken orally or instructions coming from the inside. When starting a project for the Lord, be sure to ask for directions and/or if you are moving in the right direction.
He guides in anything that relates to spiritual things--going before, leading the way, removing obstacles and/or obstructions, opening the understanding, and making all things plain and clear. Without His guidance, we are more than likely to fall into error.
I cannot stress how important it is when reading the scriptures, to ask the Holy Spirit to open up your eyes of understanding that you can see and grasp the fullness of the scriptures and what they are saying to you. Don’t just read the scriptures to say that you have read so many each day.
Reading the scriptures properly so far, the Holy Spirit has convinced us that:
- Jesus is who He said He is.
- Of Christ’s deity and incarnation.
- His being the Messiah.
- His suffering and death.
- His resurrection and ascension.
- His exaltation at the right hand of God.
- His role as the judge of all.
- He gives glory to Christ in all things.
We discussed last week, one of the Holy Spirit’s roles is that of gift-giver in 1 Corinthians 12 to believers in order that we may function as the body of Christ on earth. All of these gifts both great and small are given by the Spirit so that we may be His ambassadors to the world, showing forth His grace and glorifying Him.
The Holy Spirit also functions as fruit-producer in our lives. When He indwells us, He begins and continues the work of harvesting His fruit in our lives— which are:
- love [unselfish love for others]
- joy [inner peace]
- peace
- patience
- kindness
- goodness
- faith
- gentleness, and
- self-control Against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
Let’s examine the nine fruits of the Spirit with the understanding that the Holy Spirit is developing each of them in us today. After the completion of the study of these nine fruits, it is hoped that you can determine which one or more, the Holy Spirit is fully developing in you.
On love, Gr. (agape), divine love. A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of someone.
Here are nine ingredients of divine love: (1Cor. 13)
- Patience – love passive; no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes and endures all things.
- Kindness – love in action; never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud.
- Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous.
- Humility- love in hiding; no parade; no airs; works then retires.
- Courtesy – love in society; does not behave unseemly: always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous.
- Unselfishness – love in essence; never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge.
- Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful.
- Righteousness – love in conduct; hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful; always enduring.
- Sincerity – love in profession; never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.
An example of love would be, if a friend called and asked you to come to her house and pray for her because she is in a lot of pain. She says that she knows that she will be healed, if you come. You ask for her address and find out she lives quite a distance from you. To reach your destination, it would require taking the highways to get to her. You don’t usually drive highways and evening is fast approaching. You promised her that you would come.
So, you pick up your Bible, anointing oil and put on your coat. You get in your car praising God and singing as you go, fully knowing that God is not going to let you or your friend down because you are going in obedience to His command. Her pain will leave when you pray. Why? God will honor you for going, as a labor of love, for God and your friend, and her faith that God would heal her.
On Joy, Gr. chara, the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for self and for others.
In Luke 10:17: “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying; Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.”
Using the above example, after God removes the pain from your friend after you pray, can you imagine the joy and thankfulness you will feel? You will probably cry tears of joy. And, the joy and thankfulness your friend will feel, all because you were obedient to the call of God on your life. God wants us to experience His joy and thankfulness in all of our endeavors for Him. This joy and thankfulness will propel you to do more and greater things for Him knowing that He will not fail you.
On peace, Gr. (eirene), - the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security in the midst of turmoil, strife, and temptations.
In Isaiah 45:7, God says: I make peace. Freedom from war or civil disorder; it is harmony in human and divine relations; quietness; tranquility. God is the author of peace and Christ is called The Prince of Peace. All real and lasting peace does come from God; and it originated with Him.
In John 14:27 Amp.: “Peace I leave with you. My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let my perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
In this scripture, Jesus is saying: I leave you My last, My best, My dying legacy—peace. Not the kind the world gives. Men have peace societies, temples, and plans, but arm for war all the while. They killed the Prince of Peace (Acts 4:27) and ignore Him still. So, they will have no peace until He comes to reign (1 Thess. 5:3).
Your enemy, Satan, will always come and bombard your mind with fear and doubt about some situation you find yourself in. You must always fill your mind with the scriptures and what God says to combat the enemy. In Isaiah 26:3, it says: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” This is a promise for all men of all ages who meet the condition of keeping the mind stayed on God and who trust Him at all times, in all things, and in all places.
As you can see, the battlefield is your mind that’s why it is of the utmost importance that you keep your mind on God. When Satan is talking to you or giving you thoughts of fear or doubt, don’t entertain him or his thoughts. Pull out your Bible and start reading out loud. He doesn’t want to hear the Word of God and you can’t hear him or have any other thoughts than what you are reading. Read scriptures that empower and encourage you in whatever task the Lord has assigned to you.
On patience or long-suffering, Gr. (makrothumia), - patient endurance; to bear long with the frailties, offences, injuries, and provocations of others, without murmuring, repining or resentment.
Patience or long suffering is one fruit that has many Saints stymied because many want a favorable outcome almost immediately—they don’t want to wait.
When we are given an assignment concerning the injuries or offences of others against us, it’s tempting to lose heart when God doesn’t seem to be moving in your life. Doors appear to remain closed. Nothing seems to change.
Yet, as such, Bible verses about God’s perfect timing show, our Father never actually stops working!
It’s just that we are the ones limited by our finite view on things. Thus, we wrongly assume God isn’t moving when He actually is, often discreetly beyond our immediate wisdom or understanding.
So, take heart! No matter your situation, you can trust in God’s perfect timing for your life. He will surely give you the answer to the situation you are facing in due time. Regardless of the situation you’re facing.
Above all, wait and have faith and know that our Lord always keeps His promises!
On kindness or gentleness, Gr. (chrestotes), - a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct
In Psalms 31:21 which says: “Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvelous kindness in a strong city.” My concordance says that because of God’s kindness, He has done the following things:
- Redeemed me.
- Considered my trouble.
- Known me in time of adversity.
- Not given me over to enemies.
- Set my feet in a large room.
- Laid up goodness for His own.
- Prepared goodness for men who trust in Him.
- Showed me His marvelous kindness.
Because God has shown us through the above 8 items, His kindness toward us, He expects us to show that same kind of kindness to those that we come in contact with or minister to. God says in His Word--“do unto others as you would have done unto you.” This is always the best rule of thumb—to treat others as you would like to be treated and you won’t go wrong.
On goodness, Gr. (agathosune) – the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct.
This definition brings to mind, a few years ago, people use to wear this bracelet that was inscribed with the words: “What Would Jesus Do?” It would help us tremendously in ministering to people; if we asked ourselves, What Would Jesus Do? After answering the question, then we should do it. In this way, the light and love of Jesus will shine through you. Apply this principle in all of the gifts of the Spirit, as well as, the fruit of the Spirit.
On Faith, Gr. (pistis) – the living, divinely implanted, acquired, and created principle of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says.
Ten signs of faith:
- To be persuaded of.
- Place confidence in.
- The substance or conviction of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen.
- Absolute dependence upon and reliance in the Word of God and of Christ.
- Full surrender, yielding, and obedience to all known truth.
- Trust wholly and unreservedly to the faithfulness of God.
- Give one’s self over to a new way of life.
- The attribute of God and restored faculty of man whereby both can bring into existence things that are unseen.
- The whole body of revealed truth.
- Joyful faith in, and acceptance of Christ as the substitute for sin and our Savior whereby one receives salvation.
As God is faithful, He is looking for faithfulness from you no matter what the circumstances are? Relying on the above ten signs of faith, a believer should not have any difficulty completing any assignment given.
On gentleness or meekness, Gr. (praotes) – the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge.
Ten blessings of the meek:
- Satisfaction.
- Guidance in judgment.
- Knowledge of God.
- Earth as an inheritance.
- Salvation.
- Help from God.
- Increased joy.
- Holy Spirit.
- A blessing to others.
- Patience
The Bible says, words to the effect “that kind words turn away wrath.”
On temperance, Gr. (enkrateia) - self-control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
This scripture is telling us that we are running this race to win. Not to win a corruptible crown of this world that withers as soon as you put it on your head.
We are fighting this fight as well, to win and looking for a knock-out blow!
The enemy is looking for a weak spot to attack but we must keep our bodies under by self-denial, abstinence and mortification.
We are running this race to win an incorruptible crown and any sacrifice we have to make is worth it.
As Philippians 1:6 says: “Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
God never leaves a person to himself to finish His good works. God Himself, through the Holy Spirit, perfects that which He has begun!
Your place of peace is always found in the perfect will of God.
Saints, this is something we should do, seek the Spirit’s direction for our lives! Give the Lord a praise offering for His teaching on the “Holy Spirit’s Gifts and Fruits Are Available in a Believer’s Life Today, Part One.”