Online Bible Study - Foundations of Faith

The Holy Spirit

First, it must be pointed out that these special gifts (v. 7), sometimes call "charismatic gifts," are "given for the common good" by the Spirit. They are not primarily gifts for the benefit of the one who has them, rather for the benefit of everyone- the "common good." Second, not everyone has, or is supposed to have, these special gifts. This point is made very clear when we read that the Spirit "gives them to each man, just as He determines" (1 Cor.12:11b). We cannot choose to have these special gifts. The Holy Spirit chooses certain people for this task.

Finally, by studying the history of the use of "charismatic gifts," it has been found that sometimes the presence of these gifts becomes divisive in a Christian community or congregation. This must not happen. Those who have been given the gifts should accept them with the greatest of humility. Personal pride must not interfere with the use of these gifts. A person should not be seen as, nor considered by ones-self to be, more blessed or a better Christian because of such gifts. God must be praised for these blessings and they must be used in His service "for the common good."

Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Being empowered to witness!)
It is also important to clearly understand the term "baptism of the Holy Spirit." Let us first read about John the Baptist's ministry in St. Matthew 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." John's baptism was a "baptism for repentance." It was done with water and it had saving power. Near the end of Jesus' ministry on earth, Jesus spoke the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This command requires that all nations should be baptized in this manner, that is, with water and God's word. The Holy Spirit, working in and through the water and the Word of God, gives baptism its power to save.

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