Spiritual Gifts -1 Cor 12:1-11
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· 8 viewsThe Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
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Main idea: The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
Main idea: The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
What defines you? I’m a Dad, mom, grandmother, grandfather, banker, salesman, CPA, factory worker
What defined you as an unbeliever? What now should define you as a Believer?
Some in the community at Corinth believe that spiritual people are defined by their possession of various spiritual gifts and have become arrogant and come to see themselves as somehow spiritually superior to others.
What is a Spiritual gift:
A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church. - Wayne Grudem
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine A. Questions regarding Spiritual Gifts in General
This broad definition includes both gifts that are related to natural abilities (such as teaching, showing mercy, or administration) and gifts that seem to be more “miraculous” and less related to natural abilities (such as prophecy, healing, or distinguishing between spirits)
Wayne Grudem
Anytime we talk on this subject we all begin to have similar questions
Principles to keep in mind:
What is my gift (s)
What about gifts tongues, healing or prophecy (stuff we see on TV?)
Remember this is an expositional study the the book or Corinthians. Let’s discover what going on their, what was their issues and how did Paul address it.
Then connect is to our questions
6 Key principles in studying spiritual gifts
God’s Word is authoritative, sufficient, and preeminent.
Grace-gifts may have been abused by the elitists, but that does not mean they should be ignored.
The Lordship of Christ is over both the gifts and the recipient of the gift (and its effect)
The essential work of the Holy Spirit.
The focus of spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ not the individual self.
The cannon of Scripture is closed. (No Apostles scribing down holy script but their is a Holy Spirit that tells you to stop and go talk to that person - HS directs us towards the application of Scripture)
All of Scripture encourages unity in the midst of diversity
Most disunity is due to a lack of or misplaced Lordship.
Corporate Worship must be practiced decently and in order.
Spiritual gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ.
Our approach: Chpt 12:1—11- The baseline for looking at Spiritual gifts
Next week see how dependent we are on each other.
Chpt 14 - Define them and talk about how to guard from abuse
Main idea: The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
Main idea: The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
The Holy Spirit Graciously Gives Gifts to Each Individual in the Body of Christ -Vv. 1-3
The Holy Spirit Graciously Gives Gifts to Each Individual in the Body of Christ -Vv. 1-3
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual people or Spirit-filled people?
Spiritual people or Spirit-filled people?
- v.1-2
- v.1-2
Literally: The text says, Now concerning the spiritual (“gifts” added for clarity)
Paul returns to the matter of knowledge and what the Corinthians must “know.”
Gifts to individuals
P
Uninformed = present, ongoing ignorance or unawareness
Paul uses a formula (I do not want you to be uninformed) found elsewhere to indicate that he wants the Corinthians to be informed about spiritual gifts ().
The misuse of the spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues, was the next topic of rebuke. (Chpt 14)
Spiritual people are Spirit-filled people
Spiritual people are Spirit-filled people -v.1-2
Spiritual people are Spirit-filled people -v.1-2
In the body of Christ
Former pagan spirituality -
To worship mute idols, gods who could neither hear nor save, expresses in the strongest terms at once their folly and their misery
They are defined by what leads them not a gift they felt was more spiritual.
But we had an experience! If a religious experience does not honor Christ as Lord, then it is not from the Spirit.
Spirit-filled spirituality - The gifts they are abusing are Spirit given - Spirit empowered
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Acts 2 - Pentecost happens and The spirit comes just as it was promised.
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Paul now wants them to “know” what does define spiritual people and he gives gifts to spiritual people
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They “know” the background they came from.
What distinguished them as pagans was that they were led to “mute idols”
Their pagan “spirituality” (though Paul never uses that word of either Christian or pagan activity) was defined for them by the spiritual powers that led them (astray) to idols and failed to honor Christ as Lord.
This is what gave them their pagan identity.“
Therefore” (v. 3; διό), Paul says, you (also) need to “know” what truly defines a spiritual person.
Points to the baseline: One is under control of Satan or the Lord: The middle road is excluded.
Because they are spirit -filled people led by the Hoy Spirit
Therefore…
Spiritual -filled people submit to the Lordship of Christ
Spiritual -filled people submit to the Lordship of Christ
3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
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2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
Now he continues the theme as he insists that spiritual people will proclaim Christ as “Lord” (12:1–3).
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
First, Honoring Christ as Lord is the baseline for Christian worship.
Accepting the lordship of Christ indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life and so reveals all such people to be “spiritual” people.
Second, The discussion of spiritual gifts begins with the baseline: the lordship of Christ (12:1–3)
Accepting the lordship of Christ indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life and so reveals all such people to be “spiritual” people.
The work of the Spirit is evident when someone confesses the lordship of Jesus Christ
To blaspheme Christ, to say evil of him, was the way in which people renounced Christianity before the Roman tribunals; and saying, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” () was the way people professed allegiance to Christ.
Honoring Christ as Lord is the baseline for Christian worship.
If even an apostle or angel teaches any other gospel, we are to regard him as accursed ().
- No Lordship no salvation; No Lordship one is still being led by the devil.
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
The truth of Jesus’ lordship is foundational and pivotal for the entire discussion of spiritual gifts, for those who exult in their own gifts are subtly—or perhaps not so subtly—thinking that they are sovereign.
Spirit filled people are United in their diversity - v.4-6
Spirit filled people are United in their diversity - v.4-6
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Spirit filled people are United in their diversity - v.4-6
Spirit filled people are United in their diversity - v.4-6
Varieties of Gifts - Service - activities
Spiritual gifts = God’s work of grace in giving to his people - grace-gifts
Identifying the gifts as ‘spiritual’ and as ‘gifts’ are two complementary ways of describing God’s work in the congregation.
Varieties: differences
Varieties: differences in distribution
Ex: Valentines: Little Debbie Cakes: Box of assorted little Debbie cakes - handing them out (around 80 different varieties)
V.8-11 - no meant to be exhaustive but representative of their diversity
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
- Varieties of service (diakoniōn) or ‘ministries’
5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
Believers serve one another in a wonderful variety of ways with the gifts they have been given
The gift of generosity= financial, time, talent , any abilities, resources any and all
If generosity was a person would it always be a banker? No sometimes a coach, mom, teacher, counselor, carpenter simply being generous with what you have been given)
The very act of service expresses our worship, our submission and our devotion to Jesus as Lord
The serving itself is a gift!
God empowers or energizes and activates the work of believers when they use their gifts.
- Variety of Activities - working - NASB -Effect - The Holy Spirit is produces the effect of our spiritual gift in the lives of each other.
Variety of Activities - working - NASB -Effect - The Holy Spirit is produces the effect of our spiritual gift in the lives of each other.
6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
Example: The Gift - The service of the gift - The effect of that gift
- healing and victory over the demonic
The Gift - Mercy
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
The service of the gift - volunteer at hospice
The effect of that gift - Brings comfort for those suffering and their families
The point: The same holy Spirit is working through God’s people as his instruments!
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Unity in diversity is rooted in the Trinity: One Lord - One God - One Spirit
The Trinity at work: The work of God among the Corinthians is a triune work and is not limited to one person of the Trinity.
Both Diversity and unity coexist in the Trinity, in marriage and in Christ’s church.
- The holy Spirit is coming; a new baptism
The Old Testament prophet Joel predicted this democratization of the Spirit’s blessings (), and Peter saw this Old Testament hope fulfilled in the church ().
The Old Testament prophet Joel predicted this democratization of the Spirit’s blessings (), and Peter saw this Old Testament hope fulfilled in the church ().
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
Pause: am I ignorant of the devils devices?
Surrounding our gifts: He often divides the church by either ignorance or abuse.
He divides families because we are not all the same when that’s the point!
Bickering like toddlers over non essential issues
The temptation to elevate one gift and demean others.
Self-centered expressions of God’s gifts
The danger in a room with many intravert:
The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to each individual in the body of Christ for the common good.
In the body for the bodies common good
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Unity in diversity - v.4-6
Unity in diversity - v.4-6
Triad
Varieties of Gifts - Service - works
Identifying the gifts as ‘spiritual’ and as ‘gifts’ are two complementary ways of describing God’s work in the congregation.
Varieties: V.8-11 - no exhaustive but representative of their diverse forms
get into their distinction in Chpt 14
We will get into their distinction in Chpt 14
V.5 - In verse 5 the various gifts are now described in terms of service (diakoniōn) or ‘ministries’ (csb )
Believers serve one another in a wonderful variety of ways with the gifts they have been given
The service and ministry to one another is not self-generated but expresses submission and devotion to Jesus as Lord.
God energizes and activates the work of believers when they use their gifts.
Working (energema) is an uncommon noun in the New Testament. Thus, it may be better to translate the noun as “results” or “effects” rather than as “working.”
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
- healing and victory over the demonic
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Unity: One Lord - God - spirit
The Trinity at work: The work of God among the Corinthians is a triune work and is not limited to one person of the Trinity.
The work of God among the Corinthians is a triune work and is not limited to one person of the Trinity.
Diversity and unity coexist in the trinity, in marriage and in Christ’s church.
- The holy Spirit is coming; a new baptism
The Old Testament prophet Joel predicted this democratization of the Spirit’s blessings (), and Peter saw this Old Testament hope fulfilled in the church ().
Pause: am I ignorant of the devils devices?
He divides the church in racial, ethnic, & even denominational lines.
He divides families because we are not all the same when that’s the point!
We’re not supposed to be the same.
The common goal - v.7
The common goal - v.7
- the linchpin to his whole argument
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Individually and uniquely given: To each one
The passive verb is given (didotai) stresses that the gifts are gifts!
The passive verb is given (didotai) stresses that the gifts are gifts!
26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
Gifts are described as the manifestation of the Spirit.
Manifestation = to make plain - to disclose -Revelation
The gifts are not the manifestation of the self, but The Holy Spirit working to put the Lord on display in us and through us.
Spiritual Gifts do not show off the human beings, nor are they produced by human beings.
Spirit given to make much of Christ in practical and sometime even supernatural ways.
One purpose: common good - communal in purpose
Our spiritual gifts are not for our benefit but for the good of the local and global church
Ex: The Eye. Just as the power of vision is not for the benefit of the eye, but for the whole person.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all by the Same Spirit - v.8-11
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all by the Same Spirit - v.8-11
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
The point to be illustrated is the diversity of forms in which the same Spirit manifests himself in different individuals.
He mentioned the Spirit four times in these verses to remind the Corinthians that all of these gifts come from one divine source: the Holy Spirit.
The list is not exhaustive but representative of both their variety and purpose
The list is not exhaustive but representative
Wisdom and knowledge
Wisdom and knowledge
May refer to the gift of teaching or gifts need to teach
big emphasis for Paul in all his letter but especially in Corinth -
Faith
The gift of faith cannot be identical with saving faith, since all believers possess the latter and the gift of faith is reserved for only some Christians.
The gift of faith must refer to extraordinary faith—faith that ‘can move mountains’ ()
Ex: George Mueller
Healing & miracles
Alternatively, perhaps we are not intended to distinguish sharply between the gifts of healing and miracles.
Prophecy & discernment
The gift of prophecy is typically more occasional and spontaneous, and the English word ‘preaching’ suggests a prepared message of some sort.
The words of Agabus (; ) and Caiaphas (), for instance, were prophetic, but they did not constitute preaching.
Discernment : This gift is especially valuable in detecting false teaching (cf. ).
Tongues(language) & their meaning
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
We will define these in Chapter 14 as well as see how Paul addressed abuse of gifts within the church.
The point The same Spirit gives different give as He Will.
Question can impact service. so lets frame some categories or camps that often bring confusion.
Have you ever been in a small group and experienced some heated conversation around these gifts?
The gift of interpretation is not difficult to understand: someone who has the gift is able to translate the unintelligible language so that others are able to understand what is being said by the one speaking in tongues.
Three main “camps” or categories of thinking - Think of the orthodox faith as a circle and inside the circle people often disagree with certain things inside christianity.
Pentecostalism:
“A twentieth-century Christian movement emphasizing a post-conversion experience of Spirit baptism evidenced by speaking in tongues” - Dictionary of Christianity in America
Pentecostal fellowship of NA statement of faith
“We believe that the full gospel includes holiness of heart and life, healing for the body and the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.”
How the Holy Spirit worked in Pentecost is how he must work today
The Baptism of the holy Spirit must be evidenced through speaking in tongues.
God is still giving people special revelation or A “Word from God”
There can be almost a fixation on having some almost out of body experience
God is still giving people special revelation or A “Word from God”
Extreme offshoots: Word of faith - faith healers -prosperity gospel - commanding Jesus - Holy Spirit making people laugh or roll around in the floor.
The non-negotiables: Cannon is closed - All those who are born again are indwelled by Holy Spirit
Warning much of pentecostalism walks on the peripheral of orthodoxy and some step out completely.
To say one can be saved and not indwelled by the Spirit steps outside of orthodox Christianity.
Red flag -
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well inside the circle
Cessationist: God no longer gives to people the gift of prophecy, healing, miracles or tongues
These were “sign gifts” and “revelatory gifts” used to establish the church but once Scripture was formed they ceased
God still does miracle & healing through the holy Spirit and the preached Word and the prayers of the Saints
Continuationist: All gifts are still active and given to people who are his instruments but all gifts must be practiced under the authority of God Word, for the building up of God’s people and practiced decently and in order.
Back to the front of your notes - both groups seek to obey the essential principles
“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity”. - Rupertus Meldenius, German Lutheran theologian, circa 1627
Rupertus Meldenius, German Lutheran theologian, circa 1627
The point! V. 11
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
- The non negotiable - Equip the saints -do the work of ministry
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
So What?
So What?
Am I using my gift(s) to build up God’s church?
Under the Lordship of Christ how are you using your god-given gifts?
Gifts: Serving & teaching
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The temptation of an extrovert: I am a teacher or elder or worship leader for sure. Careful - if you can do it in your own strength more reason to make sure you are submitted to the lordship of Christ.
Plead with the Lord he keep you humbly so you don’t hurt his people with your gift.
The temptation of an introvert - to say God would never call me to teach, preach, or evangelize?
Personal testimony:
9 For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Pleading for the ability to teach.
When is the lat time your pleaded for a gift so you might use it for the good of God’s people?
Start serving and as the Holy Spirit shows you something you do not want to do ask him for the ability and step into it by faith.
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What defines you as a Believer? something about you individually or something about you communally - something that you can lose or something that is unchanging.
ill: Sim card in a phone or parts of the body
Ex: two brothers most don’t even know that for years one would come clean the building and the other would set up the curtains. no recognition just served the body to God’s glory.
But I don’t know my gift. Can you serve? love on kids, help in production, serve in security, can you sing, can you play an instrument, are you a good writer, can you mentor kids
Put on an apron and wash the feet of God’s people, it is what you were made for!