Lesson 10
Dispensation of the Holy Ghost Part 2

The Gifts of the Spirit to the Dark Ages.

A - The Gifts of the Spirit

1. Word Of Wisdom
   This is a wise utterance spoken through the operation of the Holy Spirit. It applies the revelation of God's Word or the Holy Spirit's wisdom to a specific situation or problem (Acts 6:10; 15:13-22). It is not, however, the same as having the wisdom of God for daily living. The latter is obtained by diligent study and meditation on God's ways and Word, and by prayer (James 1:5-6)
   
   
2. Word of knowledge
   This is an utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit that reveals knowledge about people, circumstances, or Biblical truth. It is often connected closely with prophecy (Acts 5:1-10; I Corinthians 14:24-25)
   
   
3. Gift of faith
   This is not saving faith, but rather a special supernatural faith imparted by the Holy Spirit that enables the Christian to believe God for the extraordinary and miraculous. It is a faith that removes mountains (I Corinthians 13:2) and is often found in combination with other manifestations such as healings and miracles (Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 17:6).
   
   
4. Gifts of healing
   These gifts are given to the church to restore physical health by divinely supernatural means (Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 10:1; Acts 3:6-8; Acts 4:30). The plural (gifts) indicates healing of various illnesses and suggests that every act of healing is a special gift of God. Although gifts of healing are not given to every member of the body in a special way (I Corinthians 12:11,30), all members may pray for the sick. When faith is present, the sick will be healed. Healing may also occur as a result of obedience to the instructions of James 5:14-16.
   
   
5. Miracles
   These are deeds of supernatural power which alter the normal course of nature. They include divine acts in which God's kingdom is manifested against Satan and evil spirits.
   
   
6. Prophecy
   We must distinguish between prophecy listed in I Corinthians 12:10 as a temporary manifestation of the Spirit from prophecy cited as a ministry gift of the church in Ephesians 4:11. As a ministry gift, prophecy is given only to some believers, who must then function as prophets within the church. As a spiritual manifestation, prophecy is potentially available to every Spirit-filled Christian (Acts 2:17-18). Concerning the second of these two forms of prophecy, observe the following:
   
   Prophecy is a special gift that enables a believer to bring a word or revelation directly from God under the impulse of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 14:24-25,29-31). It is not the delivery of a previously prepared sermon.
   
   In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, prophecy is not primarily foretelling the future, but proclaiming the will of God and exhorting God's people to righteousness, faithfulness, endurance, and encouragement (I Corinthians 14:3).
   
   The message may expose the condition of a person's heart (14:25) or offer edification, exhortation, comfort, warning, and judgment (I Corinthians 14:3, 25-26, 31).
   
   The church must not receive such prophecy as an infallible message, for many false prophets will enter the church (I John 4:1). Therefore, all prophecies must be tested as to their genuineness and truth (I Corinthians 14:29,32; I Thessalonians 5:20-21) by whether they conform to the Word of God (I John 4: 1), by whether they promote godly living (1 Timothy 6:3), and by whether they are uttered by one who is sincerely living under the Lordship of Christ (I Corinthians 12:3).
   
   Prophecy operates under the will of God and not man. The N.T. never indicates that the church actively sought revelation or direction from those who claimed they were prophets. Prophecy was given to the church only when God initiated the message (1 Corinthians 12:11; II Peter 1:21).
   
   
7. Discerning of spirits
   This gift is a special ability given by the Spirit to properly discern and judge prophecies and to distinguish whether an utterance is from the Holy Spirit or not (I Corinthians 14:29; I John 4:1). Towards the end of the age when false teachers (Matthew 24:5) and distortion of Biblical Christianity will greatly increase (I Timothy 4:1), this gift will be extremely important for the church.
   
   
8. Divers kinds of tongues
   Concerning "tongues" (Gk. glossa, meaning language) as a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit, the following must be pointed out.
   
   Tongues may be an existing spoken langnage (Acts 2:4-6) or a language unknown on earth, e.g., "tongues ... of angels" (I Corinthians 13:1). Such speech has not been learned and is often unintelligible both to the speaker (I Corinthians 14:14) and to the hearers (I Corinthians 14:16).
   
   Speaking in tongues involves the spirit of man and the Spirit of God intermingling so that the believer communicates directly to God (i.e., in prayer, praise, blessing, or thanksgiving), giving expression or utterance at the level of one's spirit rather than the mind (I Corinthians 14:2,14) and praying for oneself or others under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit apart from the activity of the mind (I Corinthians 14:2,4,15,28; Jude 20). Speaking in tongues with interpretation may at times contain a revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching for the assembly of believers (I Corinthians 14:6).
   
   Tongues in the congregation must be accompanied by a Spirit-given interpretation that communicates the content and meaning of the utterance to the community of believers (I Corinthians 14:3,27-28). When interpreted to the congregation, they function either as a form and directive to worship and prayer or as prophecy. The entire body of believers can then participate in this Spirit-inspired revelation. Interpreted tongues can thus be a means of edification as the whole congregation responds to the utterance (I Corinthians 14:6,13).
   
   Speaking in tongues within the congregation must be regulated. The speaker may never be in "ecstasy" or "out of control" (I Corinthians 14:27-28
   
   
9. Interpretation of tongues
   This is the ability given by the Holy Spirit to understand and make known the meaning of an utterance given in tongues. The gift may be given to the one who speaks in tongues or to someone else. Those who speak in tongues should pray also for the gift of interpretation (I Corinthians 14:13).
   
   

B - Different gifts, but the same Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:4-7)

(I Corinthians chapter 14) Paul explains the operation of the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Here is a link to my complete study on the Gifts of the Spirit

C - The difference between gifts of the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit.

1. Gifts of the Spirit are divine enablements to strengthen and encourage the Church. When a person gives themself totally to God they are given one or more of these gifts so that they can be used more effectively by God.
   
   
2. Fruit of the Spirit is spiritual grace in the character of the believer. Every believer is to possess all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit for use at all times.
   
   

D - The three enemies of humanity

1. The Devil (Hebrews 2:14)
   
   
2. The world with its ungodly lusts (John 16:33)(I John 2:16)
   
   
3. The flesh (Hebrews 4:15)
   
   

E - Become a new person in Christ

1. Ephesians 4:22-24 Put off the old man and become a new man.
   
   
2. Romans 8:6-11 To be carnally minded is death; to be spiritually minded is life.
   
   

F - Works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit.

1. Works of the flesh.(Galations 5:19-21)

   "Flesh" (Gk. sarx) is the sinful element in human nature with its corrupt desires. It remains within the Christian after his conversion and is a deadly enemy to him (Rom. 8:6-8,13; Gal. 5:17,21). Those who practice the deeds of the flesh cannot inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). Hence, they must be resisted and put to death in a continual warfare that the believer wages through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:4-14; Gal. 5:17)

   1. Adultery Sexual relations of a married person with someone other than his or her spouse. (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:31-32)
      
      
   2. Fornication Immoral sexual conduct and intercourse; it includes taking pleasure in pornographic pictures, films, or writing (Mat. 5:32; 19:9; Acts 15:20,29; 21:25; 1 Cor. 5:1)
      
      
   3. Uncleanness Sexual sins, evil deeds, and vices, including thoughts and desires of the heart (Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5)
      
      
   4. Lasciviousness Sensuality, following one's passions and desires to the point of having no shame or public decency (2 Cor. 12:21)
      
      
   5. Idolatry Worship of spirits, persons, or graven images, also trust in any person, institution, or thing as having equal or greater authority than God and His Word (Col. 3:5)
      
      
   6. Witchcraft Sorcery, spiritism, black magic, worship of demons, and use of drugs to produce "spiritual" experiences (Ex. 7:11,22; 8:18; Rev. 9:21; 18:23)
      
      
   7. Hatred Intense, hostile intentions and acts, extreme dislike or enmity
      
      
   8. Variance Quarreling, antagonism, a struggle for superiority (Rom.1:29; 1 Cor. 1:11; 3:3)
      
      
   9. Emulations Resentfulness, envy of another's success (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3)
      
      
   10. Wrath Explosive anger or rage which flares into violent words and deeds (Col. 3:8)
       
       
   11. Strife Selfish ambition and seeking of power (2 Cor. 12:20; Phil. 1:16-17)
       
       
   12. Seditions Introducing divisive teachings not supported by the Word of God (Rom. 16:17)
       
       
   13. Heresies Division within the congregation into selfish groups or cliques, which destroy the unity of the church (1 Cor. 11:19)
       
       
   14. Envyings Resentful dislike of another person who has something that one desires
       
       
   15. Murders Killing a person unlawfully and with malice
       
       
   16. Drunkenness Impairing one's mental or physical control by alcoholic drink
       
       
   17. Revellings excessive feasting, revelry, a party spirit involving alcohol, drugs, sex, or the like
       
       
2. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

   Contrasted to the works of the flesh is a single-minded lifestyle called "the fruit of the Spirit." This is produced in God's children as they allow the Spirit to so direct and influence their lives that they destroy the power of sin, especially the works of the flesh, and walk in fellowship with God (Rom. 8:5-14; 8:14; 2 Cor. 6:6; Eph. 4:2-3; 5:9; Col. 3:12-15; 2 Pet. 1:4-9).

   1. Love A caring and seeking for the highest good of another person without motive for personal gain (Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 13; Eph. 5:2; Col. 3:14)
      
      
   2. JoyThe feeling of gladness based on the love, grace, blessings, promises, and nearness of God that belong to those who believe in Christ (Ps. 119:16; 2 Cor. 6:10; 12:9; 1 Pet. 1:8; Phil. 1:14)
      
      
   3. Peace The quietness of heart and mind based on the knowledge that all is well between the believer and his or her heavenly Father (Rom.15:33; Phil. 4:7; 1 Thes. 5:23; Heb. 13:20)
      
      
   4. Longsuffering Endurance, patience, being slow to anger or despair (Eph. 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:10; Heb. 12:1)
      
      
   5. Gentleness Not wanting to hurt someone or give him or her pain (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12)
      
      
   6. Goodness Zeal for truth and righteousness and a hatred for evil; it can be expressed in acts of kindness (Luke 7:37-50) or in rebuking and correcting evil (Mat. 21:12-13)
      
      
   7. Faith Firm and unswerving loyalty and adherence to a person to whom one is united by promise, commitment, trustworthiness, and honesty (Mat. 23:23; Rom. 3:3; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:2; 4:7; Tit. 2:10)
      
      
   8. Meekness Restraint coupled with strength and courage; it describes a person who can be angry when anger is needed and humbly submissive when submission is needed (2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Pet. 3:15; for meekness in Jesus, compare Mat. 11:29 with Mat. 23; Mark 3:5; in Paul, compare 2 Cor. 10:1 with 10:4-6; Gal. 1:9; in Moses, compare Num. 12:3 with Ex. 32:19-20)
      
      
   9. Temperance Having control or mastery over one's own desires and passions, including faithfulness to one's marriage vows; also purity, chastity (1 Cor. 9:25; Tit. 1:8; 2:5).
      
      

Paul's final comment on the fruit of the Spirit indicates that there are no restrictions to the lifestyle indicated here. Christians can (in fact, ought to) practice these virtues over and over again; they will never discover a law prohibiting them from living according to these principles.

G - Persecution of the Church

1. Stephen
   
   Seven men are chosen to do relief work so the apostles could devote their time to teaching and preaching the Word of God. (Acts 6:1-7)
   
   One of these men, Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8)
   
   The people of the synagogue who disputed with Stephen could not resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. They stirred up the people, elders, and scribes, and caught him and brought him before the council where he was accused by false witnesses. (Acts 6:9-15)
   
   The stoning of Stephen. (Acts 7:54-60)
   
   
2. Saul
   
   Saul the persecuter. (Acts 8:1-3)
   
   Saul on the Damascus road. (Acts 9:1-9)
   
   God sends Ananias to Saul. (Acts 9:10-16)
   
   Saul is filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized. (Acts 9:17-19)
   
   Saul is also called Paul. (Acts 13:9)
   
   
3. Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem spreads the disciples.
   
   Throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria. (Acts 8:1)
   
   To Caesarea. (Acts 10:24)
   
   To Antioch (Acts 11:19-22)
   
   Went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)
   
   

H - Destruction of Jerusalem

1. Jesus foretells destruction of Jerusalem.
   
   Mark 11:9-10 This Scripture tells us that the crowd believed that the Messiah would restore Israel nationally and rule the nations politically. They failed to understand the purpose that Jesus expressed regarding His coming into the world. Later (in Mark 15:13) the same crowd shouted "Crucify him," when they saw He was not the Messiah they desired.
   
   Luke 19:41-44 Jesus, knowing that the people and their leaders expect a political Messiah and will ultimately reject Him as God's promised Messiah, weeps in pity for the people.
   
   Luke 21:20-24 Jesus warns the people of the terrible judgment that they will suffer for their rejection of the Messiah and refusal to turn from their sins.
   
   
2. Roman General Titus fulfills it in A.D.70
   
   About forty years after Jesus warned the people the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and hundreds of thousands of Jews were killed.
   
   

I - Dark Ages

1. Persecutiion turns to compromise.
   
   Colossians 2:8 Paul warns us to be on guard against all philosophies, religions, and traditions that emphasize man functioning independently from God and His written revelation. Today one of the greatest philosophical threats to Biblically based Christianity is "secular humanism." This has become the underlying philosophy and accepted religion in most of secular education, government, and society in general, and is the established viewpoint of most of the news and entertainment media throughout the world.
   
   What does the philosophy of humanism teach?
   
   
   1. It teaches that man, the universe, and all that exists consist only of matter and energy that have been shaped into their present form by impersonal chance.
      
      
   2. It teaches that man has not been created by a personal God, but has resulted from a chance process of evolution.
      
      
   3. It rejects belief in a personal, infinite God and denies that the Bible is God's inspired revelation to the human race.
      
      
   4. It asserts that knowledge does not exist apart from man's discovery and that man's reason determines the appropriate ethics of society, thus making human beings the ultimate authority.
      
      
   5. It seeks to modify or improve human behavior through education, economic redistribution, modern psychology, or human wisdom.
      
      
   6. It believes that moral standards are not absolute but relative, determined by what makes people happy, brings them pleasure, or seems good for society according to the goals set by its leaders; Biblical values and morality are rejected.
      
      
   7. It considers man's self-fulfillment, satisfaction, and pleasure to be the highest good of life.
      
      
   8. It maintains that people should learn to cope with death and the difficulties in life without belief in or dependence upon God.
      
      
   9. The philosophy of humanism began with Satan and is an expression of the lie of Satan that man can be as God (Gen. 3:5). Scripture identifies humanists as those who have "changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator..." (Rom. 1: 25).
      
      
   10. All Christian leaders, pastors, and parents must do their utmost to protect their sons and daughters from humanistic indoctrination by exposing its error and instilling in their minds a Godly contempt for its destructive influence (Rom. 1:20-32; II Cor. 10:4-5; II Tim. 3:1-10; Jude 4-20; 1 Cor. 1:20; II Pet. 2:19).
       
       
2. Warnings of a falling away.
   
   
   • I Timothy 4:1-2
   • II Timothy 4:4
   • I John 2:18-19
   • Galations 1:8
     
     
3. Constatine introduces doctrine of trinity at Council of Nicea, 325 A.D., baptism changed.
   
   
   • Church and state unite and form catholic, or universal church.
   • At this point the Church has entered into the dark ages of Christianity.