Lake Region Bible Church | Sermons
USING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH AND UNTO THE GLORY OF GOD (1Cor 12:1-13 Message ● #3/6)
INTRODUCTION. 1. Some Highlights of Spiritual Gifts. 2. Problems with the Church in Corinth: ● in General (1Cor 1:10-17; 5:1ff; 11:17ff): Their problems included spiritual pride, sexual immorality, and selfish/self-centered living. *The church was largely divided between the haves and the have nots. Some were seeking to live faithfully in Christ, but many of those in leadership or influential positions (i.e. hosts of the house churches) were driven more by the selfish-ambition & worldly wisdom of their Corinthian culture, then they were living for Christ and embracing the humility, shame, wisdom and power of God found in the cross. (*1 Corinthians, by David E. Garland, pp.1-21). ● with Spiritual Gifts (1Cor 12:1 – 14:40ff): “Some Corinthian Christians seem to have been creating divisions over spiritual gifts. Paul's use of the body analogy in 12:12–27 implies that they have placed so much emphasis on one gift that those without that gift feel that they are not part of the body (12:16–17). Considering its prominence in the discussion, that one gift is probably speaking in tongues” (*ESV Study Bible; notes on 1Cor 12:1ff). UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 1. Be United in Christ’s Lordship: thru which we have the Holy Spirit (vs1-3; 12-13). 2. Appreciate the Variety of Gifts: which reflect the Triune God (vs4-6). 3. Recognize the Distribution of Gifts: given by the Holy Spirit as He wills (vs7-11). USING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 1. How do I know what my Gifts are? 2. How and why should we use our Gifts? ● 1 Peter 4:10-11 (see also: Ephesians 4:1-16). ● Romans 12:1-8 (see also: 1Cor 12:14 – 14:38).