SERMON NOTES
Believe Chapter 17
“Spiritual Gifts”
I Corinthians 12:1-11
February 21, 2016
Today as we journey into chapter 17 of Believe we have the topic of
“spiritual gifts.” I think there has been some confusion over the concept
of spiritual gifts and how they relate to the body. For me the key to
understanding spiritual gifts is to realize that the purpose of them is to
enable one to serve, not to be served. Does that sound familiar? This
idea of serving is really the foundation of the practice of singlemindedness, total surrender, and Biblical community. Each of the last
three spiritual practices have a service component. God has gifted every
follower of Jesus with a spiritual gift to be used in maintaining and
growing the body of Christ here on earth. Too often we have become a
Christ follower for what we can get, eternal life, joy, peace, etc. As we
mature in the faith, our eyes move inwardly from ourselves to outwardly
serving others. It is in the serving where spiritual gifting comes in.
The first step is to realize that the Holy Spirit has gifted us. Most often
we are gifted in a way that is different from everyone else yet it is to
complement others unique gifts. That is why Paul’s illustration of the
body is a great one. All of us together to make up the body of Christ
here on earth. Secondly, we need to discover our spiritual gift which is
different than our natural abilities. Thirdly we need to be intentional in
using our gifts. A gift doesn’t help the body unless it is used! As I look
out on our congregations on a Sunday morning I am moved by the
giftedness that I see, and I am somewhat saddened by gifts that are not
being used. May the Lord move in our hearts to recognize and use the
gifts he has given us.
REVIEW
INTRODUCION
-- Giftedness
-- Receiving gifts are exciting
-- The Tabernacle in the Old Testament is a picture of the church
I.
What are spiritual gifts?
A. Distinct categories (1 Peter 4:8-11)
II. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
A. They are not for my benefit, but for others
B. They produce maturity and stability in the church family
(Ephesians 4:11-13)
III. How to discover your gifts
A. Seek the Giver of the gifts first
B. Open the gift
C. Give it away
IV. Some cautions about spiritual gifts
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Don’t confuse gifts with natural talent
Don’t confuse gifts with the fruit of the Spirit
Don’t mix gifts with Christian roles
Be aware of gift projection tendencies
Gifts do not give you a spirit of superiority or inferiority
Spiritual gifts are unmerited blessings from God
Realize that using our gifts without love is worthless
Recognize that we have both primary and secondary ministries
within the church
CONCLUSION
What difference does it make in the way we live?
-- We seek to serve, using our gifts to glorify God and help
others.
-- We value and respect the gifts of others, as together we serve
God’s purpose.
-- We come to see that using our gifts for God gives us a
purpose bigger than ourselves.