The Giver of Gifts

Luk 11:10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Luk 11:11  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Luk 11:12  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

Luk 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Mat 7:11  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

We can easily understand from these parallel passages of scripture that Jesus is teaching on asking God for what you need. He also qualifies the asker as a child of God, a believer, a Christian.

He clearly states that there are different ways of asking for different things. All these requests seem to be for provision or food, but not restricted to food. They are all alike in that they are gifts (not earned), while in Luke, the children are asking for “good things” in Matthew they’re asking for “the Holy Spirit”.

This agrees with what John recalled Jesus saying,

Joh 7:39  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Go Ask Your Father

There are many times Jesus relates asking and receiving between God and His trusting children.

Has this relationship between God and man ever been changed or canceled at anyplace in scripture?

Does God possibly enjoy giving gifts to His children? Do His children get whatever they ask for, or is there some kind of purpose  for this “demand and supply” arrangement that Jesus talks about here?

We do know why He does it, from God’s word.

Joh 16:23b Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Joh 16:24  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

That our joy would be made full! AND

Luk 12:31  But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luk 12:32  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

God wants to give us His Kingdom!

Car Sense

Let’s say your human father wants you to have a new automobile and He wants to give it to you. Congratulations, what happens next?

Oh, you say you don’t know how to drive?

What? You had a car before and you wrecked it?

Did you say the car you drove around for years, that you never serviced, fell apart?

You might need a car, because you got a new job, so you’re hoping your father will just forget the past and just buy you a new one?

What are the chances of that happening to you?

Our Supplier

Many people look at the word of God as a way to get stuff. A mail order catalog. God is like a credit card Who will pay for what they want, because Jesus paid the bills. How to get a job, a spouse, a home, good health or win the lottery. Just talk yourself into believing, start confessing it’s so, or plant a seed and it’s on the way…

God wants your joy to be full, but if your joy comes from getting a new house, you won’t ever be happy with Him.

A Personal Relationship

God wants your joy to come from your relationship with Him. Doing things together with Him. Blessing, loving, and restoring other people. Trusting your future to Him. Allowing Him to speak through you and minister to others through you.

At that point, you will enter into the zoe, the supernatural life of God. Eternal life. Abundant life.

Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Joh 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joh 10:10b I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

zōē – dzo-ay’

From G2198; life (literally or figuratively): – life (-time).

Kingdom Living

Just like whether or not you’re getting that new car you’re praying for, if you can’t handle the responsibility of owning it, you’re probably not getting it. God would like to be able to entrust you with more, but He’s not going to give you His kingdom, if you’re going to keep it for yourself. The more you give it away and freely allow Jesus to be Lord, the more of His power will flow through you. Miracles happen where Jesus has the freedom to move supernaturally. Remember His words about asking. Remember that joy comes in Jesus’ presence. Jesus has to be first place in your heart.

Psa 16:11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence isfulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Gifts in Church

Let’s apply these truths to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church regarding Spiritual Gifts being active in there church meetings

1Co 12:1  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1Co 12:4  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

From these scriptures we see God is still in the “ask and you shall receive” relationship with the church, the betrothed of Christ.

It’s worthy of noting that the visible manifestations of these spiritual gifts are given to those present for everyone there’s benefit.

Who’s in Charge Here?

A church leader’s roll when coming together is to direct the service, as they’re guided by the Spirit. The service is not about them, but to guide their group into unity in spirit and purpose. This might include a message, a teaching, testimony or an exhortation, but those are not required, though helpful.

The only parts necessary in every church service is worship and prayer. That doesn’t necessitate singing (a form of worship), but rather the group acknowledging God as their reason for assembling and their need for His involvement in their lives.

It’s Your Show

God’s involvement is is revealed as the gifts of the Spirit are manifested. God’s response to worship and prayer reveal His presence and agreement in the proceedings of a service. This can take various forms, but has the same conclusion to all who attend, which is a revelation of Jesus Christ. This should be the function of every service. Not to explain, teach, or train people, but to allow the Spirit to reveal His will in many different ways to many different people at the same time.

Wherever people gather in His name, He is there. Why wouldn’t He want to communicate with them and help them with their problems? That’s the Holy Spirit’s current ministry on earth, revealing the will of God to those who are listening. The gifts of the Spirit are given for the sole purpose of God revealing His will to people.

Instead of defining the gifts and how they are used, church services should be demonstrations of all the gifts and how God decides to use them.

Religious Folk

Doctrinaires try to force their interpretation of scripture on all who will listen and obey, as they define God’s will to us. It turns a relationship into a process or series of laws or rules. This kills an individual’s faith in God. This literally stops God’s Spirit from moving as it desires to.

2Co 3:15  But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

2Co 3:16  Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

There is no liberty in the doctrines of men. What good is the doctrine of baptism or communion to those who need salvation? The Holy Spirit reveals what individual people need to do when they need to take action.

God Speaks Up

Luk 5:17  And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was presentto heal them.

Someone steeped in various doctrines, might tell you that, “The Lord is always present to heal.” Which is true, because it’s part of His nature and character, but  doesn’t explain the previous scripture.

At that time of Jesus’ teaching, God, the Father, was confirming the teaching by manifestations of healing. Scripture does not disprove that others were being healed during the same time, when they brought a crippled man to Jesus. I personally believe it was happening all around these religious leaders to reveal to them that God shows up when He is glorified.

Jesus wasn’t urging people to come forward to have Him lay His hands on Him. This wasn’t a healing meeting. Jesus was simply teaching the people and God was doing the works.

Joh 14:10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Joh 14:11  Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Mar 16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Let’s Do This

Prayer as part of a church service is vital. God reveals Himself to others as he answers our prayers, by His great mercy. Prayer is asking of God. The gifts of the Spirit reveal what God wants to do and what we need to do. Sometimes, it’s to believe in faith, forgive, repent, humble ourselves or to pray. Different things for different people, but it’s through one same Spirit, Who guides us individually by a revelation of God’s will into unity. Unity in the Spirit, in faith, unity in love and compassion embodied in Jesus Christ. The body (His church) is supplied by all it’s parts and gifts to represent the Kingdom of God and glorify the King.

When we come together in His name, we should ask God to use us, and desire the best spiritual gift for what is needed, so people will see God for who He is. A prayer answering God and the Giver of good gifts.