True Spirituality Knows...
1Cor. 12:1-3
3-19-17
If we’ve ever played sports, added numbers, read words, we’ve made mistakes due to
carelessness or ignorance.
Ignorance isn’t bliss when you don’t know the speed limit, touch a hot stove or eat the
wrong mushroom.
God never wants us to be ignorant of His Word or will. While knowledge itself isn’t the
goal, we need understanding in our spiritual lives...
These three verses all have “know” words, and provide the introduction to the next three
chapters of this letter.
I. Know Spiritual v. 1
A. No Ignorance – Not being ignorant dominates Paul’s letters.
B. Spirituals – “Gift” is not in Greek, it’s supplied by translators. While gifts are found
in the next three chapters, they are not the focus. However, all three deal with spiritual matters.
True Spirituality knows spiritual things!
II. Know Past v. 2
A. Past – “you were” – Paul reminded them that they knew their past (idolatry) in
contrast to their present spiritual state in Christ. As we recognize our Christ-less past we
appreciate our Christ-filled present.
Gentiles doesn’t mean they had become Jews, but that they were like the world, whereas
now they were God’s people.
B. Idols – They had been led by voiceless idols, but now were led by the Spirit of God!
This contrast not only signifies the futility of their past, but the reality of their present
communion with Christ!
True Spirituality knows a relationship with God!
III. Know Jesus v. 3
A. Spiritual Speech – Idols were speechless, but the Spirit speaks to and through us!
Rom. 8:14-16.
Paul made known that true spirituality speaks truth – and the truth is in Jesus! Eph. 4:21
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would glorify Jesus, Jn. 16:14.
B. Anathema Jesus – It’s impossible for anyone with the Spirit to curse Jesus. Such
cursing may be as simple as anything less than acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
C. Lord Jesus – The Spirit can say nothing other than Jesus is Lord. It’s more than a
mantra, it’s life is founded on the gospel, 1Cor. 15:1-4. It’s life in communion with the Spirit so
that He speaks and lives through us.
True spirituality knows exclusivity!
Is your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation?
Is the Lord Jesus magnified in your life?
Grace to you!