Sermon 041397

1Co. 12:4-6                          Diversity is Essential for Unity                                            4/13/97

Series 23.2                                                                                                                         ABCC

I.    Introduction                                                                                                                     569

·        Many problems resulted from immaturity (3:1) & wrong eschatology (4:8; 15:1ff)

·        Arrogance & boasting was a major problem at Corinth (4:6-7,10,18; 5:6; 8:1)

·        Many of the problems surfaced when the church was together for worship (ch. 11-14, 16)

·        The problems were significant enough to seek help (1:11; 7:1) - personally & by letter

·        Christians can be ignorant (uninformed) about what is spiritual (of the Holy Spirit) – 12:1

·        Christians should remember our past ignorance about what is spiritual – 12:2

·        Christians must exercise discernment regarding what & who is spiritual – 12:3

- Spiritually inspired speaking is no guarantee of being led by the Holy Spirit (Ac. 16:16f; Rom. 8:9b)

II.  Diversity in the Body of Christ is from God Himself (v. 4-6)

     A. The Godhead is the perfect model of diversity within unity (Spirit, Lord, God)

·        Each person distinct in His role; yet no competition, no confusion – perfect peace & harmony!

·        Perfect unity without that rigid uniformity that lacks distinction & uniqueness!

     B. The Godhead is the source of diversity in the body of Christ – “but the same”

     C. The Godhead ensures the diversity in the body of Christ – “works all things”

III.  Diversity in the Body of Christ is a Fact & is Essential (v. 4-6)

     A. There are varieties of gifts (v. 4)

“charismata” – gifts of grace; not given to us on the basis of merit, so there is not basis for arrogance

Diversity is Essential for Unity, pg. 2

     B. There are varieties of ministries (v. 5)

            There are varieties of ways that the Lord calls a believer to serve Him & the body of Christ.  Some ways of service are

            very practical, but no service is more important than another & certainly not a cause for arrogance.

     C. There are varieties of effects (v. 6)

            There are varieties of supernatural effects that God causes in the lives of believers.  Because it is God who actually

            causes the supernatural effects or effectiveness, then there is not basis for arrogance.

We can summarize verses 4-6 this way:  The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts of grace as He desires.  The Lord calls believers to serve Him in ministries and God causes the supernatural results.  Therefore, when we use of spiritual gifts in ways that the Lord has provided & experience supernatural results, we have no basis for arrogance & must give all the glory to God!  My brother & sister, Jesus Christ has saved you & uniquely equipped you with gifts to serve in the body of Christ.  The Lord has provided a variety of ways for you to serve Him.  Are you using your gifts for the Lord’s service?  Are you serving in the way or in the ministry that the Lord intends?  Maybe that’s the reason you feel unfulfilled or unappreciated.  Maybe that’s the reason you are not effective in what you are doing.  Maybe your perspective of ministry is too narrow.  The Lord’s plan for His Church is that we would be unified as we function in this great variety from Him.