Written by Joel Deacon - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Wollongong

FREEDOM - PART 2

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND FREEDOM

The church is called to make disciples. But as we do this we will face opposition. We will encounter strongholds, deception and spiritual resistance. This is why part of the church’s ministry is to proclaim, pray for and live out the freedom of Christ.

All Christians are called to pray, believe, resist the devil and stand firm in Christ. But the Holy Spirit empowers some believers with unique gifts so they can lead, train and model for the church what freedom in Christ looks like. These include:

• Healing
• Miracles or power
• Discernment
• Faith

Theologians sometimes call these “power gifts” because they demonstrate the reality of God’s kingdom. These gifts are mysterious, and anyone who carries them must use them with care, humility and wisdom. They require discernment, because Scripture warns that the enemy can masquerade as an angel of light.

At the same time, it is a tragedy when fear keeps believers from asking the Holy Spirit to work in power. The devil grins when believers stop praying for healing. He cheers when believers stop praying bold prayers of faith. He rejoices when Christians remain enslaved to old masters instead of walking in the freedom they already have in Christ.

If you have one of these gifts, you have been entrusted with a sacred ministry. For example:

• Someone with the gift of healing helps the church pray for the sick with perseverance and expectation.
• Someone with the gift of discernment helps the church recognise truth from lies.
• Someone with the gift of miracles or deliverance helps the church confront the kingdom of darkness.
• Someone with the gift of faith helps the church trust God boldly.

If you have one of these freedom gifts, steward it well. Persevere even when others do not understand the spiritual battle. Ask the Holy Spirit for more power, more wisdom and more Christlike humility so your ministry helps the church experience the freedom Jesus purchased and will one day complete in the kingdom to come.

QUESTIONS:

1. "Pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts". Which of these gifts do you desire?
2. Who in your church demonstrates these gifts and what can you learn from them?

CHALLANGE:

Ask a stranger, a work colleague, a family member or a neighbour, when they share something difficult, if you can pray for them.