Praise the Lord
Topic: The Holy spirit and His Gifts Part 3
TEXT: Acts 6:4 (NASB)
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Last week we talked about the unity of purpose in the body of Christ. Keep in mind, the primary role of the gifts of Holy Spirit is to build and edify the body of Christ. Till we all come to the fullness of Jesus Christ.
Today we are looking at the Apostles devotion to prayer and the ministry of the word. Like we do today, they were facing challenges within and without. The enemies of the gospel was attacking from outside and from within the church was fighting over food and social benefits. I believe he remembered the words and promise of Jesus. John 14:26 That the helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach and remind you the words of Jesus. So that you may know what to do when issues arise. Prayer, the ministry of the word of God is the answer even today. If you want the gifts of the Holy Spirit to work as promised, then you must open and keep the line of command and communication with God. That is what prayer, and the ministry of the word is all about. Essentially Peter is saying we must both pray and minister the word continuously.
The ministry of the word, edifies, exhort, reproof to keep us in faith and abiding in Christ. Therefore, we must continuously read, study, remember, and obey the word. All the various gifts of spirit must work together to fulfil the purpose. Jesus said 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7-8 (NASB) Ask whatever you wish, is more attractive to us than to abide in Him and His word abiding us. There is a lot of traffic toward prophetic gifts and ministry because, people think that is how “you get whatever you wish” But, Jesus said, “…I say to you, do not worry about your life…Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing” Luke 12:22-23. 31 Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (NKJV) Only Believe, abide in Me, and let my word dwell in you richly. The prayer and the word can work wonders in the name of Jesus. Far beyond bread and butter, for the kingdom of God and its righteousness. The gift of God works well for the body of Christ when every member abide in Christ and His word abide in us. And especially when you continuously allow prayer and the word to drive the gifts. Jesus prayed even on the cross, the disciples prayed in every situation, many have and are still praying today. The good news is, God still answers prayer.
Prayer and the word is how we exercise and execute the weapons of spiritual warfare: Truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. These weapons represent the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul Said put on the whole weapons like one armor and pray always. Eph.6:15-19 The Holy Spirit and His gifts operates with these weapons only. So, whether you speak in tongues, preach, prophesy, or perform miracles, you must do so by faith, with the word of God, for salvation of souls and with the righteousness of God, in sprit and in truth. This is what devotion to prayer and the ministry of the word is.
Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters let us not be weary in prayer and ministry of the word. God still answers prayer and He still confirms his word with signs and wonders. “O taste and see that the LORD is good. “Ps. 34:8 Next week by the grace of God I will draw some lessons from the life and ministry of the disciples. Meanwhile, stay devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word of God.
The Apostles prioritized these two things, they pray and stock to the word of God as taught by Jesus Christ. Remember these things have been written so that we may believe the truth The Holy Spirit Prophets must operate according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. Remember Jesus said, the Holly Spirit will not speak of his own initiative or authority. Prophecies must promote the kingdom of God and it’s righteousness not popularity and prosperity. When you read and study the word, you must as Paul said, know the things that are freely given to us for the edification of yourself and the body of Christ. It is about knowing and walking in the way, the truth, and the life. The evidence of knowing is in the works which accompanies it. Jesus said, if do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” John 10:38 (NKJV). Even Jesus himself said, “I do nothing of my own will but of the will of the Father who sent me.” The word of God is an authority without respect of person or people. As it was said about Jesus, He spoke and taught with authority. It is written for our admonition, to be believed and obeyed. You cannot and must not fabricate the truth otherwise your gift will be lie or means of money. The word of God is so precious money cannot buy any of it. The gif of the Holy Spirit cannot be bought with money. As men and women who pray let us consider the word of God in the prayers of King David. 1. How sweet are your word. 2. The word of God is my heritage 3. I understand more than my teachers. 5. Your word is a light. 6. It is the truth. 7. I hate vain thoughts, but I love your word. 8. It is my meditation all day long. 9. Your word is my joy more than riches. 10. Your words are my counselor. 11. Teach me your word, I believe it. 12. Your word gives me understanding in all things. The chief of king David’s prayer is that he may know, understand, keep, delight, and love the word of God. Therefore, using the gift of the Holy Spirit for the right reasons, according to the will of God and to His glory, differentiate between those who pray to God and those who use prayer language.
Prayer is not a religious activity. We begin and continue to worship God in prayer. We are not playing religion when we cry for revival. Prayer is how we stay active in relationship with God and His will. Jesus said the comfort will help, teach, remind, and give us power. Prayer is the key, as Peter said we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. We will continue with this next. Stay tuned and remain blessed in Jesus’ name. God bless you