Topic: Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 | NKJV (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up. (John 16:13-14)
• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other. (1 John 5:7)
• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

• The Gifts that Say Something (utterance):

1. 1. The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.
   2. The Gift of Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of that which has been said in an unknown tongue.
   3. The Gift of Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

• The Gifts that Reveal Something (revelation):

1. 1. The Gift of the Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God. (past or present)
   2. The Gift of the Word of Wisdom – a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purposes and plans in the mind and will of God. (future)
   3. The Gift of Discerning of spirits is the supernatural insight into the realm of spirits.

The Gifts that Do Something (Power Gifts):

1. The Gift of Faith – a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit whereby a believer is empowered with special faith and it is beyond simple saving faith.

1 Corinthians 12:9 | AMP (9) To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit…

• • The gift of faith is given to the believer so that he can RECEIVE miracles.

Daniel 6:21-23 | NKJV (21) Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! (22) My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (23) Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

• • When special faith is in operation, the believer will believe God in such a way, that God honors their word as if it is His own and miraculously causes it to come to pass.

Joshua 10:12-14 | NKJV (12) Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” (13) So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. (14) And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.

• • This special faith cannot be increased by hearing and feeding on the Word of God like simple saving faith can.
  • Smith Wigglesworth said, “…If you will take a step of ordinary faith, when you come to the end of that faith, very often this supernatural gift of special faith will take over. One reason more folks don’t see the manifestation of special faith operating in their lives is that they don’t first use what faith they already have.”

2. The Gift of the Working of Miracles – a supernatural intervention by God in the ordinary course of nature, a temporary suspension of the normal order, operated by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• • The Gift of Special Faith receives the miracle, where the Gift of Working of miracles does the miracle.
  • The Greek word for “miracles” in 1 Corinthians 12:10 means: acts of powers, explosions of almightiness, staggering wonders or astonishments.

John 2:5-11 | NKJV (5) His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (6) Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (7) Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. (9) When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. (10) And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (11) This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

• • Jesus fed the multitudes twice with not enough food and it was supernaturally multiplied; He walked on water; calmed the sea, etc.

Acts 6:8 | NKJV (8) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 8:6 | NKJV (6) And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

3. Gifts of healings – supernatural manifestations for the healing of sickness and disease to deliver the sick and destroy the works of the devil in the human body.

The Gifts of Healings have nothing to do with medical science or natural learning.

Acts 19:11-12 | NKJV (11) Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, (12) so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 28:8 | NKJV (8) And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Jesus operated in the Gifts of Healings and Working of Miracles in His ministry.

Jesus did not perform any miracles or heal anybody as the Son of God. He did it as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit and did none of these things until after the Holy Spirit came upon Him and He was anointed.

Jesus was just as much the Son of God when He was 25 as He was when the Holy Ghost came upon Him at 30 but He did not heal anyone when He was 25.

John 14:12 | NKJV (12) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 | NKJV (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up. (John 16:13-14)
• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other. (1 John 5:7)
• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

• Three gifts that say something (utterance):
  • The Gift of Prophecy
  • The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues
  • The Gift of Interpretation of tongues
• Three gifts that reveal something (revelation):
  • The Gift of the Word of Wisdom
  • The Gift of the Word of Knowledge
  • The Gift of the Discerning of spirits
• Three gifts that do something (power):
  • The Gift of Faith (special faith)
  • The Gift of Working of miracles
  • Gifts of Healings

The Gifts that Say Something (utterance):

1. The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.
2. The Gift of Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of that which has been said in an unknown tongue.
3. The Gift of Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

The Gifts that Reveal Something (revelation):

1. The Gift of the Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God.

A word is a fragmentary part of a sentence just as the Word of Knowledge is a fragmentary part of the complete knowledge that God has.

The Word of Knowledge can come through several different means: inward revelation, an angel, dreams, tongues and interpretation, etc.

2 Kings 5:25-26 | NKJV (25) Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” (26) Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?

Acts 9:10-12 | NKJV (10) Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” (11) So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. (12) And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

2. The gift of the Word of Wisdom – a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purposes and plans in the mind and will of God.

The difference between the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom is that the Word of Knowledge is always present tense or concerning something that has happened in the past. The Word of Wisdom is pertaining to things in the future.

Genesis 37:6-7 | NKJV (6) So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: (7) There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

The Holy Spirit will often use the two of them together.

Acts 9:13-16 | NKJV (13) Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (15) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Acts 11:27-29 | NKJV (27) And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28) Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29) Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.

Acts 27:10-11 | NKJV (10) saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (11) Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

3. The Gift of Discerning of spirits is the supernatural insight into the realm of spirits.

Discern: to perceive by seeing or hearing

It is somewhat limited because it is only revelation into the realm of the spirit and not as broad as the word of knowledge or the word of wisdom.

• • • It is not the gift of discernment or suspicion.
    • It is not the gift of discerning the faults of others.
    • It is not limited to the discerning of devils.

The gift of discerning of spirits is supernatural insight into the spirit world where there are Divine spirits as well as evil spirits.

Acts 16:16-18 | NKJV (16) Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. (17) This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (18) And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

Paul probably saw into the spirit realm and saw the spirit behind what this girl was doing because he spoke directly to the spirit.

You do not necessarily need the discerning of spirits to know when something is out of order. You can know that simply by the inward witness of your spirit.

Acts 27:23-24 | NKJV (23) For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, (24) saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Any time in the scriptures that someone had an angelic visitation and “saw” the angel, this was through the gift of Discerning of Spirits.

Remember, these manifestations are to operate in the life of believers not just preachers and great ministers.

They are, however, as the Holy Spirit wills and not as we will.

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

Introduction to the Gifts of the Spirit

A wise Minister said that if you want the gifts of the Spirit in manifestation in your church, you should hunger for and pray for them, but you must teach on them. You should always teach on what you desire to see in your church.

Ephesians 4:11-12 | TPT (11) And he has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers.  (12)  And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 | NKJV (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up.

John 16:13-14 | NKJV (13) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (14) He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other.

1 John 5:7 | NKJV (7) For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.
• In the New Testament, the doorway into the Gifts of the Spirit is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 
• Believers who have not received this experience can and should be used by God to minister to others. These manifestations add a different dimension to ministry to others.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

1. Three gifts that say something (vocal):

• • The Gift of Prophecy
  • The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues
  • The Gift of Interpretation of tongues

2. Three gifts that reveal something (revelation):

• • The Gift of the word of wisdom
  • The Gift of the word of knowledge
  • The Gift of discerning of spirits

3. Three gifts that do something or action (power):

• • The gift of faith (special faith)
  • The working of miracles
  • The gifts of healings

The Gifts that Say Something (Vocal):

1. The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.

Divers Kinds of Tongues is supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker, nor understood by the speaker, nor necessarily understood by the hearer.

The Gifts of Tongues is the most prominent as it is often the most manifested gift in our services, it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and it is only found in the Church Age.

Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with linguistic ability; it has nothing to do with the mind or intellect of man. It is a vocal miracle of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Gift of Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of that which has been said in an unknown tongue.

Interpretation of tongues is not a translation of a message in tongues. 

The purpose of this gift is simply to render the gift of tongues understandable to the hearers so the whole church congregation as well as the one who gave the utterance in an unknown tongue, may know what has been said and be edified.

1 Corinthians 14:13 | NKJV (13) Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

There is Interpretation of tongues in your private prayer times and interpretation of tongues in a corporate setting. In your private time, there could be revelation or insight that comes or it could, you could see something, or a thought rise up out of your spirit.

3. The Gift of Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:3 | NKJV (3) But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

In the simple gift of prophecy there is no revelation, only edification, exhortation and comfort. 

The gift of prophecy is greatest of the utterance gifts because it takes the other two, divers kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues to equal this one gift.

1 Corinthians 14:1 | NKJV (1) Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:39 | NKJV (39) Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

• • • God desires for all present in the church to be blessed by this gift.
    • With this gift there is a forthtelling but not a foretelling.
    • The gift of prophecy goes beyond speaking by our own reasoning processes and intellect.
    • It may be involved in preaching as some preaching may be an inspired utterance.
    • It may be involved in witnessing or sharing because one may be inspired to share something with someone else. For instance, one may be led to share a scripture or encouraging word with someone. That can be the Gift of Prophecy in operation.
    • There is a difference between this simple gift of prophesy and the office of the Prophet. Just because you might be used in this gift does not make you a Prophet.
    • Simple gift of prophecy in private prayer along with the word of wisdom is available to every believer.

Ephesians 5:18-19 | NIV (18) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, (19) speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are a form of prophecy as they are an inspired utterance given to us by the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts” was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 | NKJV (8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:1-4 | NKJV (1) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

We want to talk about how to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This will also help us as believers to learn how to effectively minister the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1. This ministry of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience after being Born Again.

Acts 8:5-8 | NKJV (5) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. (6) And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (7) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (8) And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8:14-17 | NKJV (14) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, (15) who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (16) For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

2. God has already given the Holy Spirit and we simply receive God’s free gift.

Acts 8:14-17 | NKJV (14) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,  (15)  who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  (16)  For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  (17)  Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Just like salvation, the Holy Spirit is a gift given to men and must be received.

3. The only requirement to being able to receive this experience is to be Born Again.

Acts 2:37-38 | NKJV (37) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that people that are saved can go to heaven. If they are good enough to go to heaven, then they are good enough to have a little bit of heaven in them here on the earth.

Baby Christians, carnal Christians, and all Christians can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit. They can receive power that will help them. (Acts 1:8)

4. You do not need to fear receiving anything other than the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:11-13 | NKJV (11) If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? (12) Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Notice Jesus’ reference to the serpent and scorpion. Remember He had just said in Luke 10:19 that we have authority over serpents and scorpions. When you ask to receive the Holy Spirit that is exactly what you will get – the Holy Spirit.

5. When you receive, you yield to the Holy Spirit and you do the speaking.

The Holy Spirit is a gentleman, and He will never force you to do anything. Jesus said He leads and guides us.

Acts 2:4 | NKJV (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:44-46 | NKJV (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…

Acts 19:6 | NKJV (6) And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 14:18 | NKJV (18) I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

6. When you pray and receive the Holy Spirit, open your mouth and be ready to use your mouth and vocal chords.

• • The Holy Spirit will give you the utterance but you must yield and give voice to that utterance. Anytime you ever speak with other tongues, it will definitely be you doing the talking.
  • He does not take over you or force you to speak.
  • The Holy Ghost does not speak in tongues – YOU DO!
  • Speaking in tongues is entirely you and it is entirely the Holy Spirit.

Try not to speak in your natural language but give voice and speak out whatever utterance is given by the Holy Spirit no matter what it may sound like to you.

Speak the utterance that you hear by faith and the more that you speak it forth, the more fluent it will become.

John 7:37-39 NKJV (37) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

7. Tongues is the initial evidence that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that evidence is mostly for you.

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts” was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

Benefits of Praying In Other Tongues

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4a | AMPC (4) He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself…

• • You cannot edify people unless you have first been edified.
• God has given us a divine means by which we can speak directly to Him supernaturally.
• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will.
• Your weaknesses do not disqualify you from His help, they qualify you for His help.

More Benefits of Praying In Tongues

• Speaking in tongues helps us to stay aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

John 14:16 | TPT (16-17) And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. The world won’t receive him because they can’t see him or know him. But you will know him intimately, because he will make his home in you and will live inside you.

The ability to pray in other tongues proves the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence because one cannot pray in tongues unless the Spirit gives the utterance.

Acts 2:4 | NKJV (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

When we are more aware of His presence, we are less likely to yield to our flesh.

Romans 8:5 | AMPC (5) For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

• Praying in other tongues makes us more aware of and sensitive to spiritual things.
• Praying in tongues will stimulate your faith.

Stimulate – encourage development and increase activity

Jude 1:20 | NKJV (20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Faith does not come by praying in the Spirit. It grows as we feed it on the Word of God and exercise our faith.

How does it stimulate our faith? The very act of praying in other tongues requires faith.

Our faith is activated because we must trust the Holy Spirit for the next utterance that we speak as we pray in other tongues.

• Praying in tongues gives spiritual refreshing.

Isaiah 28:11-12 | NKJV (11) For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, (12) To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing…”

There is a rest and refreshing that is available to us through praying in the Spirit. As we know, sometimes rest is what we need to get well of what is ailing or troubling us.

• Praying in tongues will help you get your tongue under control.

James 3:6-8 | NKJV (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  (7) For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  (8) But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James did not say that the tongue could not be tamed or brought under control. James said that no man can tame the tongue.

Some have trouble controlling the parts of our flesh that get us in trouble sexually, but actually God is more concerned about you taming the tongue because it can cause more damage. If you can control the tongue, you are able to get the other parts under control.

James 3:2 | NKJV (2) For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

• Praying in tongues will aid you in worshipping, praising, and magnifying God.

Acts 10:45-46 NKJV And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…

The Greek word for “magnify” means to make great or enlarge.

By praying in the Spirit, we make God bigger in our thinking of Him. (God does not get bigger but He becomes bigger to us.)

Acts 10:46 | TPT (46) for they heard them speaking in supernaturally given languages and passionately praising God.

We need to develop a vocabulary of worship from the Word of God in our known tongue.

Worshipping in the Spirit is a powerful thing that God gives us because sometimes you run out of what to say in your known language.

This will cause us to become intimately aware of the presence of God on an ongoing basis.

Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJV (18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, (19)  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Ephesians 4:9-13 | TPT (9) He “ascended” means that he returned to heaven, after he had first descended from the heights of heaven, even descending as far as the lowest parts of the earth.  (10)  The same one who descended is also the one who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things.  (11)  And he has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers.  (12)  And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.  (13)  These grace ministries will function until we all attain oneness in the faith, until we all experience the fullness of what it means to know the Son of God, and finally we become one perfect man with the full dimensions of spiritual maturity and fully developed in the abundance of Christ.

Part of my responsibilities as a pastor is the equipping of the saints so that they can do their own works of the ministry.

Because of this, it is important for me to begin to teach and equip believers for this purpose and I cannot do this by just covering “surface” truths from the Word. I must go into some deeper things.

2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

1 Corinthians 12:1 | NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts” was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

1 Corinthians 12:1 | BBE (1) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Spirit Within and the Spirit Upon

Jesus told us there are two distinct works of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. One is in the New Birth where He works in us, and the other is in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit when the Spirit comes upon us.

John 4:13-14 NKJV (13) Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  (14)  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

John 7:37-39 | NKJV (37) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  (38)  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  (39)  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Notice Jesus likened the work of the Holy Spirit to water in a well (New Birth) and water flowing like a river (the baptism of the Holy Spirit).

• • The water in the well is for the believer’s benefit.
  • The river flowing out of us is for the benefit of others.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an additional dimension of the work that He does in our lives. But, it is the same Holy Spirit that came in us when we got Born Again.

What About Speaking in Tongues?

• The initial evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is speaking in other tongues.

Acts 2:1-4 | NKJV (1) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:44-46 | NKJV (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (45) And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

Acts 19:6 | NKJV (6) And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Benefits of Praying In Tongues

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4 | NKJV (4) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Jude 1:20 | NKJV (20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

• You can’t edify people unless you have first been edified.
• God has given us this divine means by which we can speak directly to Him supernaturally.

1 Corinthians 14:2 | AMP (2) For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].

• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will.

Romans 8:26-27 NKJV (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Underline or circle “helps” and “intercession”.

Helps – (sunantilambano) – three separate words which mean: The Holy Ghost in conjunction and partnership with us, becomes so enraged against whatever is causing us difficulties, He takes it personally upon Himself.

What – (ti) – the very little thing. It underscores that we don’t even know how to necessarily pray for the small things not to mention the larger issues in life. We are so limited in our view but He can see it ALL.

Ought (dei)– as the new situation requires and dictates, as the new problem demands.

Intercession – (huperentugchano) – this is the only time that this word is used in the entire New Testament.

This word paints the picture of someone who has come upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. It would be as if someone has fallen into a deep cavern and is stuck. There is someone who immediately swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. It conveys the idea of a full scale rescue operation.

The 33 – Chilean mine accident that trapped the miners, three separate drilling teams, every Chilean government ministry, a dozen corporations and even NASA helped with the rescue. 10/13/2010 all 33 brought to the surface with no long-term physical effects and private donations covered 1/3 of the $20 million cost.

When we do not know how we should pray for that situation, the Holy Spirit swings into a full-scale rescue operation. But in order to do this, He falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing that situation alone, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!

The Holy Spirit feels everything that you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of that problem.

Romans 8:26-27 | TPT (26) And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.  (27)  God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.

• Your weaknesses do not disqualify you from His help, they qualify you for His help.

I would like to acknowledge the insight received from Pastor Rick Renner for these lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit found in his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek – Volume 1.

Galatians 5:22-23 | NKJV (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The moment you received Jesus as your Savior by faith, God sowed His Spirit and Word into your heart like a seed.

Just like apples always produce apples and oranges always produce oranges, God’s seed inside you began to immediately produce God-like character on the inside of you.

The kind of seed always determines the outcome of the fruit; therefore, you should expect your life to yield the fruits of the Spirit for that is the seed God has sown in your heart.

Meekness

The word “gentleness” in the NKJV can also be translated “meekness.” Few people think of “meekness” as a desirable attribute. Most assume that if a person is “meek,” he must be “weak”. To these people, a meek person is one who is timid, shy, bashful, or perhaps introverted.

But this is a grossly incorrect view of the New Testament word for “meekness.” In fact, “meekness” is one of the strongest attributes a person can possess, with a unique strength that has a dramatic impact on all it touches.

So, what is “meekness?” The word “meekness” comes from a Greek word which depicts the attitude or demeanor of a person who is forbearing, patient, and slow to respond in anger; one who remains in control of himself in the face of insults or injuries. Although an injurious situation may normally produce a rash or angry outburst, a meek person is controlled by kindness, gentleness, mildness, or even friendliness.

The word “meekness” pictures a strong-willed person who has learned to submit his will to a higher authority.

Meekness is not weakness! One who displays meekness isn’t weak; he is controlled.

He may in fact possess a strong will and a powerful character; he may be a person who has his own opinion. But this person has learned the secret of submitting to those who are over him. Thus, he is one who knows how to bring his will under control.

In rare instances, this word for “meekness” was used to describe wild animals that had become tame because it correctly conveyed the idea of a wild, fierce will under control.

This means when the Spirit is producing meekness in your life, you are controlled even in difficult circumstances.

Rather than fly into a rage and throw a temper tantrum, you are able to remain silent and keep your emotions and temper under control.

If you find yourself in a situation that you fiercely believe is wrong, you are still able to stay silent until the appropriate moment to speak or until you have been asked for your opinion. You know how to control yourself and your emotions.

There is a fear that if we act in meekness, then someone will be able to gain the upper hand over us.

The Lord Jesus is the greatest example of meekness we can see in the Scripture. He withstood the insults and mockery of the religious leaders of His day without responding out of anger. In other words, He was controlled. He did not let His emotions get the best of Him and lose control. Instead, He would wait until the exact right time to respond.

Matthew 27:11-14 | NKJV (11) Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” (12) And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. (13) Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” (14) But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Jesus acted in meekness and no one got the upper hand over Him.

Matthew 5:5 | NKJV (5) Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 | GNB (5) “…Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!

In addition to these meanings, the word “meekness” was also used in a medical sense to denote soothing medication to calm the angry mind. A meek person doesn’t project the countenance of one who is offended, upset, angry, or reactive to insults or injuries. Instead, he is so gentle and mild in his response that he becomes soothing medicine for the angry or upset soul, or for a troublesome or unsettling situation.

Proverbs 15:1 | NKJV (1) A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 | TPT (1) Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?

Your very presence will become God’s soothing medication for angry, upset people, and you will impart peace to situations that hitherto were unsettling and unstable.

So, take a moment to examine the way you respond to insults, injuries, or volatile situations. Do you find that you are often a contributor to a heated and potentially explosive atmosphere? Or does your presence bring peace into the midst of the conflict? When others say or do something that could offend you, do you quickly retort with a harsh answer, or are you able to control your emotions and temper, remaining silent until a more appropriate time to speak?

The flesh loves to rage out of control, but when meekness is being produced in you by the Holy Spirit, it will make you careful and controlled.

Temperance

Paul goes on to mention “temperance” next in his list of the fruit of the Spirit. But doesn’t “temperance” have almost exactly the same meaning as the word “meekness”? What is the difference between these two fruits of the Spirit?

As noted above, the word “meekness” has to do with the attitude or demeanor of a person who can control his temper or emotions. But the word “temperance” comes from the Greek words which mean in and power or control. These two Greek words which literally means in control and denotes power over oneself; hence, it is often translated as the word “self-control.” It suggests the control or restraint of one’s passions, appetites, and desires.

Just as a meek individual can control his attitude, a person with temperance has power over his appetites, physical urges, passions, and desires. Because the Holy Spirit has produced temperance in his life, he is able to say no to overeating, no to overindulging in fleshly activities, no to any excesses in the physical realm. A person with temperance maintains a life of moderation and control. This word could be thus translated as restraint, moderation, discipline, balance, temperance, or self-control.

You can see how opposite temperance is to the works of the flesh. If the flesh is allowed to have its way, it will over-worry, overwork, overeat, overindulge, and literally run itself to death. But when a person is controlled by the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit produces in him a discipline over the physical realm that helps him sustain his physical condition, stay in good health, remain free from sin, and live a life that is moderate and balanced.

Now that you better understand the meanings of the words “meekness” and “temperance,” consider how well you’re doing in allowing the Holy Spirit to produce these two spiritual fruits in your life. Do you demonstrate that you can control both your temper and your physical appetites and urges? Are you able to restrain your emotions and keep your flesh under control? Or would you have to honestly say that you have a hard time controlling your emotions and that your flesh is running the show? Take a good look at yourself today to see if meekness and temperance are being produced in you. And if the answer is no, take some time today to ask the Holy Spirit to start producing these two powerful fruits in your life!

I would like to acknowledge the insight received from Pastor Rick Renner for these lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit found in his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek – Volume 1.

Galatians 5:22-23 | NKJV (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The moment you received Jesus as your Savior by faith, God sowed His Spirit and Word into your heart like a seed.

Just like apples always produce apples and oranges always produce oranges, God’s seed inside you began to immediately produce God-like character on the inside of you.

The kind of seed always determines the outcome of the fruit; therefore, you should expect your life to yield the fruits of the Spirit for that is the seed God has sown in your heart.

Goodness

The word “goodness” means goodness in the sense of being good to someone. This word was used to portray a person who is generous, big-hearted, liberal, and charitable with his finances. We would call this person a giver.

Acts 10:38 | NKJV (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Most people who preach from this verse focus primarily on the healing portion of this verse, but today I want to draw your attention to the phrase “doing good,” because it is so crucial to this discussion.

The words “doing good” is from an old Greek word that denoted a benefactor, a philanthropist, or one who financially supported charitable works. This word would only be used to describe a person who possessed great financial substance and who used it to assist those who were less fortunate.

The implication of this word is that Jesus possessed a great amount of financial resources in His ministry.

Luke 8:3b | TPT (3) …Many other women who supported Jesus’ ministry from their own personal finances also traveled with him.

Also, we can infer from Judas’ words in John 12:5 that Jesus’ ministry had a significant philanthropic outreach to the poor and needy over which Judas had been placed in charge.

John 12:5 | TPT (5) “What a waste! We could have sold this perfume for a fortune and given the money to the poor!”

We can find this very significant, for it tells us that Jesus didn’t only perform supernatural works; He also used His resources to do good works in the natural realm. Jesus cared for the poor; He helped feed the needy; and He utilized the vast resources of money made available to His ministry to meet the basic needs of human beings. Thus, He set an example for us to be concerned for and involved in the meeting of basic human needs as we are able to do so.

This tells us that acting in “goodness” is a character feature of the nature of God. Luke mentioned this aspect of Jesus’ nature in Acts 10:38 right along with His supernatural healing power, sounding the signal that God is just as interested in helping the poor and needy with financial assistance as He is in supernaturally healing their bodies. The truth is, helping to meet the physical needs of other people is an act of “goodness” that Jesus did and still longs to do through His people.

So, when the Bible tells us that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “goodness,” God is letting us know that He wants us to be selfless, using our resources to help change people’s living conditions for the better.

This is absolutely contrary to the flesh, which would consume every spare dollar on itself.

But when the Spirit is working mightily in us, He shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs of those who are around us.

Thus, the fruit of the Spirit called “goodness” is that supernatural urge in a person to reach beyond himself to meet the natural needs of those around him. 

When a believer is walking in the Spirit, his eyes are supernaturally opened to see the needs of humanity, and his heart is moved to meet those needs. Therefore, there is no greater benefactor or philanthropist than a person who is filled with the Spirit and who is producing the fruit of the Spirit in his or her life!

Faithfulness

The word “faith” is the common New Testament word for faith. However, in this verse it conveys the idea of a person who is faithful, reliable, loyal, and steadfast. It pictures a person who is devoted, trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, constant, and unwavering. This, of course, is contrary to the flesh, which seeks to be lazy, uncommitted, undependable, and completely unreliable.

When Paul wrote to Timothy and told him how to choose leaders, he urged Timothy to choose “faithful” men.

2 Timothy 2:2 | TPT (2) And all that you’ve learned from me, confirmed by the integrity of my life, pass on to faithful leaders who are competent to teach the congregations the same revelation.

This is also the word pistis, which tells us that it is mandatory for this fruit of the Spirit to be found in leaders.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 | NKJV (1) Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (2) Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

That last phrase could be translated, “…It is required…that a man be found devoted, trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, constant, and unwavering.”

Psalms 15:1,4 | CEV (1) (A psalm by David.) Who may stay in God’s temple or live on the holy mountain of the LORD? …they keep their promises, no matter what the cost.

This is what an unfaithful person is like:

Proverbs 25:19 | TPT (19) You can’t depend on an unreliable person when you really need help. It can be compared to biting down on an abscessed tooth or walking with a sprained ankle.

The Bible stresses that God is faithful and utterly dependable.

1 Corinthians 1:9 | NKJV (9) God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Numbers 23:19 | NLT (19) God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Hebrews 13:8 | NKJV (8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If this unchanging, constant, stable, unwavering behavior is the nature of God Himself, it should not surprise us that when His Spirit is allowed to freely work in our lives, He makes us faithful and steadfast, just like God.

God is faithful; therefore, we should expect faithfulness to grow in our lives as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

• Does the Holy Spirit have enough freedom to produce “goodness” and “faithfulness” in your life today?
• Are you selfish and self-seeking, consuming every spare dollar on yourself and never showing concern for the needs of those around you?
• Do others know you as someone who is unstable, undependable, and unreliable?

When the Holy Spirit has the freedom to operate in your life, the fruits of “goodness” and “faithfulness” will be evident in you.

I would like to acknowledge the insight received from Pastor Rick Renner for these lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit found in his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek – Volume 1.

Galatians 5:22-23 | NKJV (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The moment you received Jesus as your Savior by faith, God sowed His Spirit and Word into your heart like a seed, and you were spiritually Born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)

Just like apples always produce apples and oranges always produce oranges, God’s seed inside you began to immediately produce God (God-like character) on the inside of you.

The kind of seed always determines the outcome of the fruit; therefore, you should expect your life to yield the fruits of the Spirit for that is the seed God has sown in your heart.

At times, we all get frustrated with someone else, and sometimes our level of frustration can rise to the boiling point. It’s so easy to be Christ-like with people who appreciate us or who show us kindness. But are we going to act just as Christ-like when people don’t appreciate us? Will we demonstrate the life of Jesus Christ equally to those who irritate us as much as to those who make us feel good or who treat us with respect?

Whenever people fail to appreciate what you do for them, fail to listen to your counsel, or fail to value what you have contributed, your flesh likes to rant and rave about how little you’re valued, respected, esteemed, and appreciated. That is often the time when our flesh rises up and says, “I’m done…”

Parents have felt this way toward their children; teachers have felt this way toward their students; husbands and wives have felt this way toward their spouses; friends have felt this way toward their friends; and pastors have felt this way toward their congregations. The bottom line is this: Regardless of your status in life — who you’re married to, where you work, or what you do — like everyone else, you need a healthy dose of “longsuffering” if you are going to successfully get along with other people in this world!

Longsuffering

In Galatians 5:22, the apostle Paul lists “longsuffering” as another fruit that the Holy Spirit wants to produce in our lives. He writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering….”

The word “longsuffering” is from the Greek word makrothumia, which is a compound of the words makros and thumos. The word makros means long. It is where we get the word macaroni, which of course is a long noodle. The word makros indicates something that is long, distant, far, remote, or of long duration. The word thumos means anger, but it also embodies the idea of swelling emotions or a strong and growing passion about something. When compounded into one word, it forms the word makrothumia, which pictures the patient restraint of anger and therefore denotes longsuffering. It can also be translated as the words forbearance and patience.

The word makrothumia (“longsuffering”) is like a candle that has an exceptionally long wick and is therefore prepared to burn a long time. It is ready to forbear and patiently wait until someone finally comes around, makes progress, changes, or hears what you are trying to communicate or teach him or her.

Colossians 3:12 | NKJV (12) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

This word “longsuffering” is the word makrothumia. But notice Paul begins this verse by telling us, “Put on.…” This phrase is from the Greek word enduo, which was used in New Testament times to denote the putting on of a garment or a piece of clothing.

If you are going to properly dress for the day, you have to make the choice to look into the clothes closet and choose the clothes you wish to wear. Then once that selection is made, you still have to reach into the closet, take those clothes off the hanger, and slip them onto your body! Your clothes won’t jump out of the closet and onto your body without your help. If you are going to wear them, you have to put them on!

Paul now tells you that if you’re going to be forbearing, patient, long-burning, and compassionate toward other people, you must make a choice to act in this fashion! Walking in makrothumia (“longsuffering”) is just as much a choice as it is for you to walk in your clothes. If you don’t choose to put on this fruit of the Spirit and walk in it, you won’t do it!

1 Thessalonians 5:14 | NKJV (14) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

The word “patient” is also the word makrothumia. In this case, Paul is telling us that it is just as much our responsibility to be longsuffering with people as it is our responsibility to warn the unruly, comfort the feebleminded, and support the weak. Walking in makrothumia (“longsuffering”) is a part of our Christian responsibility. We have an obligation before God not to be short-tempered or quickly angered with people who struggle or fail; instead, we are to forbear with them and help them!

In First Corinthians 13:4, Paul uses the word makrothumia when he writes his famous chapter about love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 | NKJV (4) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Longsuffering is so different from the flesh, which gets easily angered, blows up, lose its temper, says things it later regrets, and doesn’t want to give the same mercy that it demands others give to it. Yet we are commanded to let makrothumia (“longsuffering”) have a key role in our lives!

Other possible interpretive translations of the word makrothumia in First Corinthians 13:4 could include:

• “Love is not short-tempered or easily angered.…”
• “Love does not quickly blow its top, but it is patient as it waits for others.…”
• “Love is not irritable and impatient but is willing to wait a long time for someone to change.…”
• “Love is determined to wait until the other person finally comes around….”
• “Love passionately burns for others and is willing to wait as long as is necessary.…”

Parents need to be longsuffering toward their children; teachers need to be longsuffering toward their students; spouses need to be longsuffering toward their spouses; friends need to be longsuffering toward their friends; and pastors need to be longsuffering toward their congregations. And each of us need to be longsuffering with ourselves!

If you don’t allow “longsuffering” to work in you, you will end up frustrated with everyone all the time — including yourself. So, decide to let the Holy Spirit supernaturally produce “longsuffering” in you today. You’ll be more tolerant of others, more peaceful within yourself, and a lot more loving and patient toward those whom you love and need so much!

Gentleness or Kindness

However, “longsuffering” isn’t all you need! You also need “gentleness”! This is another supernatural attribute that Paul lists as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22, where he says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness.…”

The word “gentleness” comes from the Greek word chrestotes, which meant to show kindness or to be friendly to others and often depicted rulers, governors, or people who were kind, mild, and benevolent to their subjects. Anyone who demonstrated this quality of chrestotes was considered to be compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind, or gentle. The apostle Paul uses this word to depict God’s incomprehensible kindness for people who are unsaved (see Romans 11:22; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4).

One scholar has noted that when the word chrestotes is applied to inter-human relationships, it conveys the idea of being adaptable to others. Rather than harshly require everyone else to adapt to his own needs and desires, when chrestotes is working in a believer, he seeks to become adaptable to the needs of those who are around him.

Paul was so driven to compassion about reaching the lost that he told the Corinthian church:

• “and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews …” (1 Corinthians 9:20).
• “to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law” (1 Corinthians 9:20).
• “to those who are without law, as without … that I might win those who are without law…” (1 Corinthians 9:21).
• “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
• “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

You see, Paul was so interested in reaching others and meeting their needs that he was willing to become whatever he needed to be in order to reach them. In fact, he was well-known for being adaptable to people and to their needs.

Paul made it one of the aims of his life to walk in chrestotes, or in gentleness and kindness, becoming adaptable to others around him so that he might minister to them and meet their needs.

This is so contrary to the flesh! Flesh says, “Excuse me, but if you don’t like me the way I am, you can tough it out! This is the way I am, and if you don’t like it, you can just get out of here. I’m not changing for anyone!”

But when the Holy Spirit is producing His fruit of gentleness in you, you’ll hear yourself thinking and saying, “How can I be different for you? Is there any way I can change that will help you? Is there anything I can do better for you? How can I serve you and meet your needs more effectively?”

It is a supernatural work of God when we become adaptable to meet the needs of others around us. When we attain this fruit of the Spirit in our lives, we are making great progress in our walk with God. This is exactly what Jesus did for us when He laid aside His glory and took upon Himself the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men When Jesus came to earth, He denied His own comfort and adapted to human flesh that He might reach us and bring us to God!

Do you find yourself thinking about how you can reach others? Do you think of ways you can change to be a bigger blessing to people in your life? The flesh never thinks this way. It just likes to demand that everyone else change to please it! So if you are starting to consider how you can be more for those who are around you, that is a strong indication that the fruit of the Spirit called “gentleness” is starting to work in you. And if it hasn’t started to work in you yet, today would be a great day for you to ask the Holy Spirit to start producing this Christ-like attribute in your life!