Lesson Highlights Dec 5th

The Gifts of the Spirit

Chapter 22 by Suzanne Borquist

What are Spiritual gifts?

Spiritual gifts do not come visibly, automatically and immediately to all who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The prophet Joseph Smith Taught that such gifts are “not visible to ones natural vision, or understanding of man and that it requires time and circumstances to call these gifts into operation:

Who is entitled to these gifts?

At baptism we each receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If we are faithful we can have his influence continually with us and we can be blessed with certain spiritual powers called gifts of the spirit.

The scriptures tell us that we should desire and seek spiritual gifts. Some will receive one gift and some will receive another. In every case, the receipt of spiritual gifts is dependent upon our faith, obedience and personal righteousness.

How Can we seek the best gifts? (D & C 46:8) Read D & C 46:11-12. To develop our gifts, we must find out which gifts we have. We do this by praying and fasting. Sometimes patriarchal blessing will help us to know which gifts we have been given. We should use these gifts to do the work of the Lord. They are not given to satisfy our curiosity or to prove anything to us because we lack faith. Of spiritual gifts, the Lord said, “they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do.” (D & C 46:9)

Why are these gifts important?

Read D & C 46:26

These gifts help us know and teach the truths of the gospel

They help bless others

Guide us back to our Heavenly Father.

So What Spiritual gifts does the Lord give Us?

· The Gift of Tongues (D & C 46:24)

Many Missionaries have received this gift.

(Example Alonzo A Hinckley pg 125 Dutch Holland)

• The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues (D & C 46:25)

President David O Mackey in New Zealand

· The Gift of Translation (D & C 5:4)

Joseph Smith- only when intune with the spirit

· The Gift of Wisdom (D & C 46:17)

Read James 1: 5-7

· The Gift of Knowledge (D & C 46:18)

Some people study but, never arrive at the truth

See 2 Timothy 3:7

· The Gift of Teaching Wisdom and Knowledge (Moroni 10:9-10)

· Gift of knowing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

(D & C 46:13)

President David O. McKay taught: “It is given unto some, says the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, to know by the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was crucified for the sins of the World. It is to these I refer who stand firm upon the rock of revelation in the testimony that they bear to the world”

· The Gift of Believing the Testimony of others (D & C 46:14)

Example of Nephi and his Father’s dream

· The Gift of Prophecy (D & C 46:22)

Example Sermon Peter preach on Day of Pentecost Joel 2:28-29. How Can woman have the gift of prophecy and not hold the priesthood?

• The Gift of Healing (D & C 46:19-20)
• The Gift of Faith to Be Healed
• The Gift of Working Miracles (D & C 46:21)

Seagulls-locusts

James

Maxson

· The Gift of Faith ( Moroni 10:11)

Brother of Jared

· The Difference of Administration (D & C 46:15)

· The beholding of angels and ministering spirits (Moroni 10:14)

Examples Mary and the Baby Jesus, Joseph Smith, Nephi

· Discerning of Spirits (D & C 46:23)

Bishops

· Hope

· Charity

Satan Imitates the Gifts of the Spirit (Page 131)

How can we discern between the true gifts of the spirit and Satan’s imitations?

We should avoid all associations with the powers of Satan, astrologers, fortune tells, sorcerers etc.

How can we respect the sacredness of spiritual gifts?

The Lord Said, “ A commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.”

We must remember spiritual gifts are sacred ( see D & C 6:10)

Ending quote:

(Amazing that a Quote given over a Century ago is still so valid today)

President George Q. Cannon “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect, no man ought to say “
Oh, I cannot help this, it is my nature, “He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. If a man lacks wisdom, it is his duty to ask God for wisdom. The same with everything else. That is the design of God concerning his Church. He wants his Saints to be perfected in the truth. For this purpose he gives these gifts, and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth.” (Millennial Star April 1894 pg 260)