Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | 1 Corinthians 12 (2)

Introduction:

· A Church that valued the ability to speak in tongues (but what about those who can’t?)

· In Corinth: Speaking in tongues was the high mark of spirituality.

1 COR 12 IS PAUL’S RESPONSE – AND HE SPEAKS TO US ABOUT THE TRUE WORK THAT THE HOLYS PIRIT IS DOING IN EACH OF OUR LIVES – FIRST, TO GIVE GIFTS, AND SECOND, TO WORK IN HIS BODY TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE.

I) God Gives Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good

A. The Holy Spirit Authenticates our Faith (vv. 1-3)

i. How do we tell that the Holy Spirit is working? (vv. 2)

1. The underlying issue in Corinth: What is the measure of the HS’ work?

2. EXAMPLE: Today, it’s either “emotional” or “personal experience”

ii. No: Professing Faith in Jesus is the sign of the Spirit (vs. 3)

1. BUT: non-believers claim this – so this can’t be the mark of the Spirit

2. The true mark – then & now – of faith: Profession of Jesus as Lord!

3. APPLY: College student in a chapel…BUT: if you can say Jesus is Lord?

B. The Holy Spirit Gifts us (vv. 4-11)

i. The One Spirit Gives Many Gifts (vv. 4-6, 11)

1. The same Spirit who creates faith, gives gifts to the believer!

2. ALL spiritual gifts are the spoils of the resurrection!

ii. The Variety of Gifts the Spirit Gives (vv. 8-11)

1. Paul lists 9 gifts (plus, 7 more in Romans)

2. Gifts and talents overlap, but are different as gifts mark new life in Christ

iii. The One Spirit Calls us to Serve for the Common Good of God’s people (vs. 7)

1. The purpose of gifts isn’t private, but common, for the good of the church

2. The use of gifts isn’t optional, but essential part of obedience to Jesus

3. APPLY: How are you using your gift for the common good (Hospitality?)

iv. How do you identify your gifts?

1. The Church Bulletin Test: What needs are you drawn to?

2. The Christian Community Test: Ask others what gifts they see in you

ALL OF THIS SOUNDS SIMPLE ENOUGH – BUT PAUL IS WORKING HIS WAY TO SOMETHING DEEPER.

II) God Arranges the Members of His Body as He Sees Fit (VV. 12-26)

A. To The Feet Who Feel “kicked out”: (VV. 14-20)

i. Like a body, the Church is many (vs. 13)

1. EXAMPLE: 12 systems, comprised of 78 organs interact as one body

2. The Church (& Sunnyslope): range of different people and individuals

ii. The First problem: Some believers felt excluded (vv. 15-16, 18)

1. Some felt inferior about their gifts. May question the gifts God has given

2. As silly as a foot that isn’t a hand is a person who doesn’t participate

3. Why? Our sovereign, wise God arranged EVERY member EXACTLY as he knew best

4. APPLY: Some of us feel “shame” over our gifts…but it matters!

B. To the Eye Who Doesn’t “See” the Hand (vv. 21-26)

i. A different issue: Other believers felt prideful(vs. 21)

1. In Corinth, tongues were valued over other gifts

2. Today: Some can be critical of those who seem less-involved

ii. God exults the humble & insignificant (vv. 22-25)

1. With God “insignificant” gifts = honor (& vice-versa) (vv. 28, 29)

2. APPLY:

Transition:

Conclusion

The mystery of the polished communion set