FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

the same way, the Spirit distributes gifts in the body of Christ so we can all contribute in different ways. These gifts should be diligently desired. As Scripture says, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1). We should not compare ourselves to others and covet what God has given them. Rather, we must mine deeply into our own soul and spirit to discover and relish what the Spirit has bestowed upon us. Finally, these gifts must be carefully maintained. These directives from Paul provide further insight: “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you. Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you . . .” (1Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6). Though the Holy Spirit gave them to us, He’s not going to develop and maintain them for us. He does His part and we must do ours, experimenting with and implementing them at every opportunity. In chapter two we discussed that the Son reveals , whereas the Holy Spirit executes. Nowhere is this more evident than in His role as a guide. Jesus said, on the night before His crucifixion, “When He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Note these specific ways the Spirit guides. He convicts— Perhaps you’ve heard about the man who felt guilty because He cheated on his taxes. After months of sleepless nights, He sent a check for $1,000 to the IRS with a short note enclosed. “If, after sending you this $1,000, I still feel guilty, I’ll mail in the rest of what I owe.” Chances are the Holy Spirit was working in that man’s life. As the Bible says, the Spirit convicts “the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). In order for a person to be saved, they must first realize they are lost. It is the Spirit’s job to expose their sin and convince them of their need for a Savior. Conscience alone can’t accomplish that. Once saved, we have Him living in us to continue the conviction process and direct us toward confession. He teaches— Jesus is the greatest teacher in the history of the world, but He is no longer here. Upon ascending, He passed that job

44