Commentary on "Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy"

RICHARD TINKER

 

Day 7: Friday, January 16, 2009

The last lesson for this week consists of three quotes from Ellen G. White (EGW), along with the suggestion for the student to read 11 pages from an EGW book, The Acts of the Apostles.

The first EGW quote states that special gifts of the Spirit, as well as all talents, whether original, acquired, natural, or spiritual, are in view in the parable of the talents.

The second deals with Satan’s ability to perform wonders that appear to be genuine miracles.

The last EGW quote speaks of some being deceived by false talking in tongues, as well as other excesses.

 

Problems

The underlying problem with this lesson is the focus on what we do--with our gifts, talents, etc.--instead of who we are in Christ when we are born again. The parable of the talents is told by Jesus in the context of his telling his disciples about the kingdom of God. If we are in the kingdom, born again, adopted as sons, we will not be fearful about whether we are identifying and using each talent correctly. We will instead be joyfully submitting ourselves to our Lord Jesus.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him (Romans 8:11-17 ESV).

Have you submitted yourself to Jesus? Have you trusted everything to Him, including your identity, position, job, and even your beliefs? Is Jesus enough? Pray to Him right now and give up everything to him--trust His death and resurrection alone as your security. Let His Spirit guide you into all truth.

 

Summary

1. The parable of the talents is told in the context of people that are in God’s kingdom (born again).
2. The gifts of the Spirit are given as the Spirit chooses.
3. We must be born again and members of God’s kingdom to use our gifts properly. They are not about getting us ready for the kingdom, but they are for the building up of the body of Christ--those that are saved.

 

Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised January 14, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

Official Adventist Resources

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