The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Scripture - Lesson III

Miscellaneous Gifts

Suggested answers.
Be sure to answer the questions yourself first!
Then compare your answers to those listed here.

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Redemptive suffering (martyrdom)

1. What good came of Stephen's martyrdom?
A good example for Christians of forgiveness & the recognition of Jesus.
The spread of the gospel as the disciples were scattered.

2. (a) How and where do Christians face persecution now?
We tend to think of places like China or the Sudan where it is official – except for the puppet Church, Christians can’t meet openly in China for example. It may be from other people, e.g. in India, or even, for some of us, in our workplace or school. In many Islamic countries it may be either or a combination of both.

Martyrdom?
Sudan, Pakistan, some other Islamic countries

(b) How can we prepare for persecution?
Prayer, absorbing God’s Word, knowing the faith; recognizing that it is possible and expecting the help of the Holy Spirit.

Martyrdom?
Perhaps we can’t explicitly, but we can stay close to Jesus. Example from Corrie Ten Boom’s father – God will give us the ticket when it’s time.

3. What benefits can come from suffering?
Identification with Jesus and His suffering, intercession for and ability to give comfort to others, draw closer to God, receive grace

Celibacy

4. (a) What is celibacy?
Refraining from sexual activity, especially for consecration to the Lord.

(b) What is the difference, if any, between celibacy and chastity?
Celibacy is a special form of chastity, which is the proper use of sexuality which brings about an inner unity of a person’s body and spirit.

5. Who is called to celibacy?
Priests, religious, unmarried lay people

to chastity?
Everyone

6. What are the benefits of celibacy or chastity?
Both: closeness to God, avoidance of problems
Celibacy: ability to serve God with single-mindedness

Poverty

7. Are we all called to sell all our possessions? Why or why not?
No – in the ideal case of everyone being a Christian, who would we sell to?
See the words of Peter to Ananias in Ac 5:4. In Lk 19:8-10 Zacchaeus pledged to give only half of his possessions to the poor and was still commended by Jesus.

8. How can it be a blessing to be poor?
If we are poor, we can’t put our trust in material possessions, but must trust in Jesus more.

9. What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
Treating possessions as not our own; depending on God rather than possessions; being humble in spirit so as to hear God.

Intercession

10. What is intercession?
Prayer on behalf of another

11. For whom do you feel called to intercede?
In general we’re called to intercede for family, colleagues & friends, leaders, and unborn babies. Each of us may have a specific call to pray for particular people or institutions.

Hospitality

12. What is hospitality?
"the supernatural gift to provide an open home and warm welcome"

13. How can you offer hospitality?
By inviting others to share meals and other activities with you

"Hospitality provides the context for developing Christiancommunity"(SG)
14. What is meant by "Christian community"?
It is sometimes used as synonymous with a parish – in fact, some parishes call themselves "the community of …." Fr. Al says "…simply our baptismal brotherhood and sisterhood lived out practically with a few people. We share God’s word, the Eucharist, prayer, our possessions, our gifts, time, and meals. We share daily life." It seems that true Christian community requires a conscious commitment to each other.

15. How can you help develop Christian community?
Through hospitality, by being on the lookout for others who might be interested In community, by sharing materials on Christian community

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