“The role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the mind of the believer as to the meaning of scripture, trusting Him to unveil and reveal even the nuanced meanings of God’s Word.” - (Hilary) p.116
Hilary recognized the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 were clearly ordained by God to benefit the body of Christ. A young man who studied under Hilary witnessed his mission to evangelize to all of those around him. When describing Hilary, it was said that he, “displaying a kind of heavenly, happiness in his countenance…and that his mind always bent upon the things of heaven.”
Sounds like he was driven by eternity! He was credited with many miraculous healings and winning many to Christ. Many of these men recognized that the Holy Spirit has a two-fold purpose. We must recognize that He strengthens us, helps us to obtain faith, teaches us to walk in love, and helps us to maintain hope. All of this is so that we can look outward and realize that these gifts (word of wisdom, knowledge, healings etc.) are to help others.
Martin Luther, a well known theologian may have been brash and bold but I believe he shows that if you are really seeking truth from God, He will illuminate scripture and truth to you. His 5 solas are still true today and continue to influence the church. Unfortunately, he was so careful to not participate in unholy practices that he missed some opportunities to flow in the healing ministry. At times his compassion for the people would cause him to pray for their healing and God would heal them. Page 133 provides us with proof of just one of these instances —
Myconius was in the last stage of consumption, and already speechless. Luther wrote to him that he must not die: “May God not let me hear, so long as I live, that you are dead, but cause you to survive me. I pray this earnestly, and will have it granted, and my will will be done herein. Amen.” “I was so horrified,” said Myconius afterwards, “when I read what the good man had written, that it seemed to me as though I had heard Christ say, “Lazarus, come forth.” And from that time Myconius was, as it were, kept from the grave by the power of Luther’s prayer, and did not die till after Luther’s death. - p.133
There is nothing like receiving the Holy Ghost and to partake of His gifts! If you have a testimony you would like to share of how the gifts have moved and worked in your life, share with us on the group wall this week — facebook group. Thanks for follow along!