Gifts That Speak

1 Corinthians 12:7–11 “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.”

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.”

Big Idea

The speaking gifts of the Holy Spirit are God's supernatural means of communicating His presence, His heart, and His purposes to His people.

I. GOD IS STILL A SPEAKING GOD

John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.”

Truth: The speaking gifts exist because God desires to communicate with His people.

A. God spoke in creation.

(Genesis 1)

Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

Genesis 1:6 “Then God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, separating water from water.”

Genesis 1:9 “Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.”

Genesis 1:11 “Then God said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” And it was so.”

Genesis 1:14 “Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years.”

Genesis 1:20 “Then God said, “Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.”

In thre garden Man had fellowship with God and spoke to man everyday.

When man sinned God continued to speak to man but only those who were consecrated to be in his presence.

So…

B. God spoke through prophets.

Prophets are men and women Set apart to speak the words of God.

Hebrews 1:1 “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways.”

C. God now speaks through the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.”

D. The gifts that speak are evidence that God is active among His people.

Application: Many believers believe God spoke in the Bible but struggle to believe He still speaks today.

Power Statement: The issue is not whether God is speaking. The issue is whether we are listening.

II. GOD SPEAKS TO EDIFY, NOT TO ENTERTAIN

1 Corinthians 14:3 “On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.”

Truth: The purpose of the speaking gifts is the strengthening of God's people.

A. Prophecy builds up.

Explain old testament Prophecy and new testament prophecy

Old - Spoke for God

New - Confirms what God has said, exhorts, encourages and edifies.

Three levels of office:

Gift to speak to and edify the congregation (local)

Gift to edify a region (Regional)

Gift to speak to Nations (National and International)

B. Tongues build up.

Personal prayer language

Personal edification

Does not need an interpreter unless speaking to the congregation.

C. Interpretation builds up.

A message from God to the body

Speaks mysteries of God

Requires interpretation.

If no interpreter then its out of order.

2-3 message in tongues and one interpretation. WHY?

Confusion

D. Every gift should leave people stronger in Christ.

Paul never measured gifts by excitement.

Paul measured gifts by edification.

Ask:

Did it strengthen people?

Did it encourage people?

Did it point people to Jesus?

Power Statement: If it draws attention to the speaker more than the Savior, something is wrong.

III. GOD SPEAKS THROUGH PEOPLE WHO ARE AVAILABLE

Acts 13:2 “As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Truth: The Holy Spirit works through yielded vessels.

A. The Spirit fills people.

B. The Spirit speaks through people.

C. The Spirit uses ordinary believers.

D. Availability matters more than ability.

The disciples were not scholars or theologians.

The Corinthian believers were imperfect.

Yet God still used them.

Application: Many believers disqualify themselves before God ever does.

Power Statement: God is not looking for perfect vessels. He is looking for available vessels.

IV. GOD'S VOICE SHOULD ALWAYS POINT TO JESUS

Revelation 19:10 “Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold firmly to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Truth: The ultimate purpose of every speaking gift is to exalt Christ.

A. Gifts are not the goal.

The gifts are not the end destination of the Christian life. The goal is Jesus Christ, spiritual maturity, and building His church.

The Corinthians were fascinated with spiritual manifestations, but Paul wanted them to understand something deeper:

A church can be gifted and still be immature.

B. Jesus is the goal.

C. Gifts should draw people toward Christ.

D. Spiritual maturity is more important than spiritual activity.

The greatest danger is becoming fascinated with gifts while neglecting the Giver.

Application: The healthiest churches are not those that merely practice spiritual gifts, but those that use spiritual gifts to glorify Jesus.

Power Statement: The Holy Spirit never speaks to magnify Himself. He speaks to magnify Christ.

Closing Challenge

Ask three questions:

Am I listening for God's voice?

Am I available for God to use?

Is my life pointing people to Jesus?

Then invite the congregation to pray:

"Holy Spirit, help me hear Your voice, strengthen Your church through my life, and glorify Jesus in everything I do."