Sermon 051197

1Co. 12:9-10                        Manifestations of the Holy Spirit - III                                  5/11/97

Series 23.5                                                                                                                         ABCC

I.    Introduction                                                                                                                      573

q         Each individual believer is equipped by the H Spirit to serve in the body of Christ (v. 7)

- “manifestation” = to make known, reveal.  The Holy Spirit is revealing God, His ways & His works

q       God deserves all the glory for these manifestations (v. 11) - “just as He wills”

q         These manifestations are unplanned & unrehearsed (v. 11) – “just as He wills”

q         God has made this tremendous variety in the body of Christ (v. 4-11)–“varieties”, “For to one”

q         WORD OF WISDOM (v. 8)

          An unplanned utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit & the content is full of Godly wisdom (1:18-2:14)

q         WORD OF KNOWLEDGE (v. 8)

           An unplanned utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit & the content is full of Godly knowledge. (2:12-13, 15-16)

q         FAITH (v. 9)

           An unplanned, supernatural conviction that God will reveal His great power & glory in a specific way & situation.

           This is different from saving faith or the prayer of faith (James 5).

II.  Manifestations of the Holy Spirit (cont’d)

     D. Gifts of healing (v. 9)

            The unplanned, supernatural ability given to a believer who is used by God in the physical healing of another individual. 

            The word “gifts” implies a variety of manifestations & believers for a variety of sicknesses; every healing is special!

     E. Effecting of miracles (v. 10)

           Unplanned demonstrations of God power in various ways for various reasons & needs in the body of Christ.  Miracles

           = “dunamis” - mighty power & strength.  Mighty power against demonic oppression, natural provisions, etc.

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit-III, pg. 2

     F. Prophesy (v. 10)

           An unplanned, spontaneous & intelligible utterance or message inspired by the Holy Spirit to be spoken in the gathered

           assembly of believers for edification and encouragement of the congregation (14:3, 29-33 = it may contain error!)

     G. Distinguishing of spirits (v. 10)

            The unplanned, supernatural ability to discern what is & is not of the Holy Spirit and whether or not it contains error

            (1Jn. 4:1; 1Co. 14:29).

     H. Tongues (v. 10)

            An unplanned, spontaneous & unlearned utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit to be spoken in the gathered assembly

            of believers or privately in prayer.  This was & is the most controversial & will be addressed in detail in chapter 14.

     I.   Interpretation of tongues (v. 10)

            An unplanned, spontaneous ability given to a believer by the Holy Spirit to interpret the manifestation of a tongue

            spoken in the gathered assembly of believers (14:27)

These specific manifestations have been documented for the church to see this great variety ways that God reveals Himself & His activity in the body of Christ.  This is all intended not to draw attention to the gifts or manifestations or to individual believers, but rather to edify the body of Christ so that we might glorify our God!  He is the God of wisdom, knowledge, healing, etc.  See how glorious our God is and how He cares for His church by giving us wisdom, knowledge, healing, mighty miracles, power in prayer, discernment, insight and revelation.  All the mighty expressions of God’s activity among His people demonstrate His great love & concern for us & this is for our encouragement so that we might not grow weary & loose heart but rather stay faithful to our God.  TO GOD ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY!!!