Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised
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The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament, were extraordinary abilities granted to believers for the edification of the Church and the furtherance of the Gospel. These gifts included speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and other manifestations of divine power. The early Church was instructed to value and utilize these gifts appropriately, recognizing their divine origin and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides significant teaching on the use and appreciation of spiritual gifts. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 (BSB), Paul admonishes the believers, "Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt." This instruction underscores the importance of respecting and valuing the gifts of the Spirit, particularly prophecy, which was a means of receiving direct revelation from God.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul elaborates on the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. He emphasizes that these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7, BSB) and that each gift has its place and purpose within the Church. Paul encourages believers to "eagerly desire the greater gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31, BSB) and to pursue love as the guiding principle in the exercise of these gifts (1 Corinthians 13).

Purpose and Edification

The miraculous gifts were intended to build up the Church, confirm the message of the Gospel, and demonstrate the power of God among His people. In Ephesians 4:11-12 (BSB), Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." The gifts were not for personal glory or gain but for the edification and unity of the Church.

Warnings Against Despising the Gifts

Despising or neglecting the gifts of the Holy Spirit can lead to spiritual stagnation and division within the Church. Paul warns against quenching the Spirit, which can occur when believers dismiss or undervalue the gifts. In 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (BSB), he advises, "So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This instruction highlights the need for balance—valuing the gifts while ensuring their orderly and edifying use.

Historical Context

In the early Church, the miraculous gifts were a vital part of the Christian experience, serving as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Apostolic Fathers and early Church leaders recognized the importance of these gifts and sought to maintain their proper use within the community of believers.

Contemporary Application

While the nature and continuation of miraculous gifts are subjects of theological debate, the principle of valuing and respecting the work of the Holy Spirit remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit's guidance, to be open to His workings, and to use their God-given gifts for the benefit of the Church and the glory of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
... The apostle here supposeth a person possessed of the most eminent miraculous
gifts, yet wholly ... Gifts, under the influence his holy purposes. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiv gifts no certain.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... on the other hand, a growing and more bitter spirit of persecution was ... was wont to
be accompanied by a bestowal of miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost; and ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

The Day of Pentecost.
... his gifts, in his regeneration as well as in his miraculous virtue. ... with signs and
wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ii the day of.htm

Acts xvi. 25, 26
... he is overcome with awe at the miraculous power. ... near with faith, draw near, offering
the gifts that He ... to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, be glory ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvi acts xvi 25.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... with the extraordinary and supernatural gifts bestowed by the ... Barnabas by the special
appointment of the Holy Spirit. ... and to display the miraculous powers with ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

Acts XIX
... first question had reference to the miraculous gift of ... of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit." These points ... arisen in reference to the spiritual gifts among them ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xix.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... in each particular the greatness of the gifts bestowed on ... our Lord Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Ghost, now ... The legend with all its miraculous features is told ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... To designate the Holy Spirit and his gifts by oil is trite and common (Ps.45:8).
But the gift of hearing disappeared with the other miraculous powers which ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... some of the miraculous Gifts of the Holy Ghost, seen ... fallen from a State of such
Gifts, and such ... seen in others, the greatest and most miraculous Proofs that ...
/.../sermon viii hebrews x 26.htm

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
... some of them in the olden times miraculous power, and ... speech, and who have exhibited
very few gifts, who have ... They were not alive unto this holy ministry; they ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/witnessing better than knowing the.htm

Resources
Is cessationism biblical? What is a cessationist? | GotQuestions.org

What was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of healing? | GotQuestions.org

Miraculous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Miraculous

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of

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Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds
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