A casual analysis of the various samples of gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture might seem to show that some are supernatural and others are not. Would it not require beyond-normal human capabilities to perform a miracle, accomplish a non-medical healing, or speak in an unknown tongue?
On the other hand, what special touch from God is needed to teach, contribute, or give aid? To correct the error of this type of thinking, let it be stated emphatically that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural!
From this point on in the discussion, I will not talk about the gifts of the Holy Spirit where it is obvious one needs an extra touch from God in order to accomplish them (such as miracles or healing). Rather, I will center my thoughts on those gifts it would appear we can accomplish on our own without any supernatural aid, such as teaching or doing acts of mercy. The key to the outworking of these human abilities beyond our own natural capabilities is found in the individual’s attitude toward them. An experience from my personal life can illustrate this.
In the early days of my ministry, composing a sermon was only slightly less than traumatic because of my zeal to excel and the natural conflicts this presented. I was aware of an innate talent for public speaking and wanted to use this talent for God. But, I was continually dissatisfied with the effectiveness of my efforts. I longed for a greater sense of the supernatural in my sermon preparation and in my preaching.
As I had more opportunity to preach and was forced to spend more time in Scripture, I unearthed verses that dealt with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and began praying earnestly for the gift of prophecy or of teaching.
Often, while working on a message, I would sense a real need for help. I would again voice my request to God. But, nothing special seemed to happen and I was regularly disappointed. Because assurance of my conversion had come in a dramatic way, I expected the gifts I requested in prayer to arrive similarly. I fully believed that sometime, as I prayed, I would receive a special “sensation” from God that would assure me my prayer was answered.
———————————————
Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about? Or, what will you preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon? David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
