sf222 - Spiritual Gifts - The Serving Gifts (1 Corinthians 12 4-7)

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

INTRODUCTION

Three Works of the Holy Spirit

For us: Salvation

In us: Sanctification

Through us: Service

A Spiritual Gift is a God-given ability to serve God in and through the body!

Principles taught here (1 Peter 4:10-11)

To build the Church (4:10)

To bring glory to God (4:11)

Three Categories:

Ø Speaking Gifts

Ø Serving Gifts,

Ø Sign Gifts

Gifts Found in Four Books

Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4

None of the lists are the same - because they are suggestive (as to type) not exhaustive!

Gifts are tailored to the needs of the church in that day and time!

The serving gifts are active gifts

1A. the Gift of Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)

The God given ability to believe God for extra-ordinary things

1B. This is not saving faith

Romans 12:3 …God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2B. It is not sanctifying faith

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

3B. This is mountain moving faith

Those with this gift are the visionaries: they are willing to attempt the impossible for God!

Hebrews 11:33-34 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Ø David had this kind of faith when he faced Goliath!

People who view life from God’s perspective!

This kind of faith unleashes God’s miracle working power!

2A. The Gift Of Discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10)

The God given ability to distinguish between truth and error the divine and demonic

1B. Satan is a deceiver who offers counterfeits

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2B. Believers with this gift have spiritual radar!

1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things

Ø Have you ever heard someone preach and have a sense of uneasiness about it?

Ø Danger is to become prideful and over critical

3A. The Gift of Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28)

The God-given ability of serving in any supportive role!

Believers who work in the background!

Biblical examples would include Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphroditus (Philippians 4:7), Luke, and John Mark (2 Timothy 4:11).

Contemporary examples include: Ushers, greeters, deacons, childcare workers, choir members, secretaries, media, etc....

4A. The Gift of Leading (1Corinthians 12:28b)

The God given ability to lead God’s people.

1B. Two words used to describe this gift

Administration (kubernesis): to steer a ship

Leads (Romans 12:8; proistemi): to preside over others

2B. Pastors/elders should have this gift.

Ø We do not determine leaders by popular vote, but by Spiritual leadership and gifting!

Ø Beware of those who seek and desire to lead!

5A. The Gift of Giving (Romans 12:8)

The God-given ability to make money and give money with a cheerful heart!

With liberality, without an ulterior motive

Barnabas had this gift!

Danger: be careful not to be a soft touch

6A. The Gift of Mercy (Romans 12:8c)

The God-given ability to show love and care and to give compassion to hurting people

Examples include: Medical professionals

Tasks include: visiting hospitals, rest homes, prisons, shut-ins, do enjoy helping heal hurting folks

APPLICATION

What to do...Romans 12:1

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

1A. the Gift of ____________ (1 Corinthians 12:9)

The God given ability to believe God for extra-ordinary things

1B. This is not ____________ faith (Romans 12:3; 10:17)

2B. It is not sanctifying faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

3B. This is mountain moving faith

Those with this gift are the visionaries: they are willing to attempt the impossible for God! (Hebrews 11:33-34)

2A. The Gift Of _____________________________ (1 Corinthians 12:10)

The God given ability to distinguish between truth and error the divine and demonic

1B. Satan is a deceiver who offers counterfeits (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

2B. Believers with this gift have spiritual radar! (1 John 2:20)

3A. The Gift of __________ (1 Corinthians 12:28)