Searching The Scriptures
This summer, we’re pausing our Echoes of Faith series on Sunday evenings to dive into a new study about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Why? In our town, many churches—often called Pentecostal or charismatic—emphasize miraculous gifts like tongues or healing. This raises questions: What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts? After talking with our elders, who’ve heard your interest in these topics, we believe a Bible-class-style study on Sunday nights will let us explore them together openly and scripturally.
Tonight, my goal isn’t to teach detailed doctrine about these topics, but to spark your curiosity and prepare you for this study. We will go into the depts of how we can think of the Holy Spirit or spiritual gifts. But tonight, I want to prepare you for this study by looking at the what, why, and how of our upcoming study.
What Is Our Goal and Plan?
Goal
Our aim is simple: to discover what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts in both the Old and New Testaments. We’re not here to recite traditions or creeds, even those of the churches of Christ. We pride ourselves in speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where it is silent. So, like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we’ll search the Scriptures to see what’s true, even if it challenges what we’ve heard before.
We want to:
Understand the Bible’s clear teaching to grow our faith in God.
Interpret fairly, weighing all the evidence—not just what’s comfortable or historical. Some believe miraculous gifts continue until Christ returns; others say they stopped with the apostles. We’ll explore both views biblically.
Apply what we learn to speak accurately about the Spirit, use our gifts (miraculous or not, like teaching or serving), and strengthen the church. Even if we disagree on some points, discussing respectfully will sharpen our faith.
We do not want to assume we know the truth and scoff at those who disagree. Because remember what we have learned in Proverbs recently.
Proverbs 14:6 (CSB) — 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.
Nor do we want to isolate ourselves in our belief, and refuse to heed wise counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 (CSB) — 22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 18:1 (CSB) — 1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound wisdom.
Plan
Here’s how we’ll do it:
Start Now: You have two weeks to prepare. Read every Bible passage you can find about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Think about the Old and New Testaments. Talk to friends or coworkers, especially those from other churches, about their beliefs. Invite them to join us. Submit questions ahead of time (drop them in the box at the back or email me) so we can address what’s on your mind.
Sunday Nights: Each Sunday evening in June and July, we’ll meet for a 45-minute discussion. I’ll open with a prayer and a key Scripture to spark conversation, then we’ll share insights and questions. Afterward, we’ll worship with songs, the Lord’s Supper, and an invitation.
This format lets us study collaboratively, like a Bible class, and grow together.Keep Open Minded: When we discuss these things, don't jump to conclusions or assume the worst in someone who disagrees. Instead, consider their perspective and seek gentleness in addressing your concerns.
Why Are We Studying This?
Some might wonder, “Why bother? I don't need to know this to be saved. The Holy Spirit is mysterious, and spiritual gifts could lead to speculation.” But the Bible doesn’t shy away from these topics—they’re vital to God’s plan. Ignoring them could be like skipping His commands, which would have to do with our salvation. Let’s see why they matter.
The Holy Spirit’s Importance
In 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Paul writes:
“Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God… We have received… the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.” (CSB)
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s wisdom, sharing His thoughts through the apostles’ writings (Ephesians 3:3-5). If He’s key to understanding God’s will, shouldn’t we study who He is, what He has done, and what he might be doing? Exploring this can deepen our awe of God’s presence in our lives.
Whatever our conclusion about these things, we must understand the enormous value of what the Holy Spirit has given us in the Old and New Testaments. The inspired letters to the early church are foundational for our faith and the truth found therein will always be unchanging (Galatians 1:6-9, Jude 3).
Spiritual Gifts’ Importance
In 1 Corinthians 12:1, Paul says:
“Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware.” (CSB)
Why? He continues in verses 2-3:
“You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
Paul warns that ignorance about gifts can lead to false teaching, as it did with idol worship. In our community, where many emphasize miraculous gifts, we need to know what Scripture says to avoid error and share truth confidently. Even non-miraculous spiritual gifts need to be understood. Gifts—whether prophecy or serving—equip us to build the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).
How Should We Study?
As we prepare to explore the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, we want our study to reflect the balance and truth of Scripture. In the past, churches of Christ have reacted strongly to false teachings—perhaps emphasizing baptism so much that the heart transformation was overlooked, or shying away from musical instruments so much that we banned recreational listening to hymns. Those efforts came from a desire to honor God, but they remind us to seek Scripture’s full perspective, not just a defensive stance. Let’s approach the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts with open hearts and sharp minds, guided by God’s Word. Here are three principles, drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:3 and other passages, to shape our study.
1. Test Teachings with Discernment and Stay Anchored
In 1 Corinthians 12:2-3, Paul warns the Corinthians not to be misled, as they once were by “mute idols”:
You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit. (CSB)
False claims about spiritual gifts can deceive, even today. The apostle John echoes this in 1 John 4:1:
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (CSB)
Jesus adds in Matthew 7:15-16, “Be on your guard against false prophets… You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” Even sincere teachers can err, as some did with idols. We find it hard to believe that they worshipped statues, but they were simply believing what they were told.
How do we stay on track? Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so,” we must weigh every idea against God’s Word. Whether it’s a sermon, a book, or a conversation with a friend from another church, let’s ask: Does this align with Scripture?
At the same time, let’s stay open to what Scripture might reveal. Our forefathers in faith sought truth, and we honor them by studying afresh, not just echoing their views. Proverbs 14:15 says, “The sensible one watches his steps,” balancing caution with curiosity. Picture a sailor navigating new seas, going slowly and mapping it out as they go—that’s how we’ll study. Be humble, ready to grow, but firmly rooted in the Bible’s clear teachings, ensuring we’re not swayed by every new idea or stuck in tradition alone.
2. Exalt Christ, Not Ourselves
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:3 point to a deeper truth: the Holy Spirit’s work always lifts up Jesus. He says the Spirit enables us to confess, “Jesus is Lord.” Jesus Himself taught this in John 16:13-14:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (CSB)
The Spirit doesn’t seek His own spotlight; He points to Christ. This means our study cannot lift up the Holy Spirit above Christ, even though He is a member of the godhead.
This also means we must not use this study as an opportunity to exalt ourselves. Later, in 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul says spiritual gifts are for “building up the church,” not personal glory. As we study, let’s keep this focus: How do the Holy Spirit and His gifts reveal Jesus’ lordship? Whether we’re exploring miraculous gifts like prophecy or everyday ones like serving, our goal is to see Christ exalted. This guards us from chasing experiences or status, keeping our study centered on God’s glory. Imagine the joy of discovering how the Spirit draws us closer to Jesus—let’s pursue that together.
Conclusion
Paul didn’t want the Corinthians to be unaware of spiritual gifts, and God doesn’t want us to be either. The Holy Spirit and His gifts are woven throughout Scripture, revealing God’s power and plan. Our summer study isn’t about settling debates but seeking truth together. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching… so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (CSB)
Let’s dive in with open Bibles and eager hearts. Over the next two weeks, read, talk, and pray about these topics. Bring your questions, invite others, and come ready to explore what God’s Word reveals. Together, we’ll grow in faith and understanding, equipped to live for Christ.