|
Gifts with a Purpose
THE POINT: The “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” are given to strengthen the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
When it comes to learning about Spiritual Gifts, the “WHY” is more important than the “HOW”.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
|
|
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV)
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 14:1-4 (NLT)
Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.
For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.
But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
USE YOUR GIFTS WISELY
Make a list of what you would consider your gifts and talents, both “spiritual” and (however you define) “un-spiritual”. Consider how much you are using them inside and outside your church family to…
· Strengthen, Encourage & Comfort
· Promote Unity
· Bring Maturity
· Be Loving
|
