At salvation, we who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, receive the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we receive the Holy Spirit we receive His gifts. He comes into our lives with His gifts.

The gifts of the Spirit is the demonstration of the power of God in and through us.

Paul tells the Corinthian Church not to be ignorant about the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1). Paul also tells Timothy not to neglect the gift of the Holy Spirit that was given to him and reminded him to stir up the gift of God (1 Timothy 4:14).

That word “stir” in the Greek means to rekindle, to stir up, to fan into flames the gift you have received.

Jesus ascended on high He gave gifts to men. He gave many different gifts so that the people will be equipped for ministry and the church will be built up (Ephesians 4:8, 11-12).

Peter highlights that the gifts of the Spirit should be demonstrated with the power of God so that Jesus may be glorified (1 Peter 4:10-11).

We must make sure that whenever God demonstrates His power through us, we give Him the glory and not take it for ourselves.

God has given each one gifts for all to benefit (1 Corinthians 12:7). God gives gifts to His children without repentance (Romans 11:29). God does not take the gifts He gives at salvation away, but they can be dormant.

There are nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

How can we identify the gifts we have?:

1. Eagerly desire the gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1): We should be so hungry and attracted to the gift we so desire, to demonstrate for the glory of God.
2. Claim the gifts: God has given His gifts to us freely so that He may be glorified. We must claim them without fear and shame. Take possession of what God has given you.
3. Walk in the gifts: allow the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His power through you. Step out in faith and walk in the gift of God and you will see the manifestation of God’s power in you.

Desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that the church will be built up and Jesus will be glorified.