Sermon 052597

1Co. 12:9-10                        Manifestations of the Holy Spirit - V                                   5/25/97

Series 23.7                                                                                                                         ABCC

I.    Introduction                                                                                                                      575

q         Thru these manifestations in the body of Christ the H. Spirit is revealing something(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) - “But…Spirit works...just as He wills”

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

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.

q         Gifts of healing (v. 9)

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

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

q         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 activity, nature, natural provisions, etc.

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

     F. Prophesy (v. 10)

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit-V, pg. 2

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

           of the congregation (14:3).  According to 14:29-33, it may contain some worthless content  – characteristic of NT

           prophesy (compare Deu. 18:15-22).  This manifestation is not limited to NT prophets; more instructions in chptr. 14.

     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.  Instructions for use of this manifestation 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 the great variety of 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!!!