Sermon 062997
1Co. 12:27-31 Earnestly Desire The Greater Gifts 6/29/97
Series 23.10 ABCC
I. Review 578
q Paul is addressing division, jealousy, strife & confusion in this church (1:10-11; 3:1-3)
q Arrogance & ignorance are often causes of division & confusion (4:6-7,18; 12:1)
q The body of Christ has many characteristics similar to the human body (v. 12-26)
One complete unit with many members, no one body part constitutes the whole body, every body part is designed for a specific purpose, some parts are essential to maintain life, all body parts must be cared for. God Himself has composed the body of Christ (v. 18), therefore we have no basis for feelings of inferiority or superiority!
II. The Body of Christ (v. 27)
A. Collectively, we compose the body of Christ – “Now you …” ABCC represents Christ
B. Individually, we are components of it – “and individually …” Personal responsibility to Christ
Ø No single body part has any significance apart from the rest of the body (apostle, pastors, teachers, faith, mercy)
Ø No single body part can survive apart from the rest of the body (apostles, teachers, helps, administration)
III. The Church is the Body of Christ (v. 28a)
A. God Himself has set everything in place in the Christ (v. 28a, 18) - SOVEREIGNTY
B. God has done this orderly & with purpose – first, second, third, then (v. 28)
Ø The first three ministries or functions have been ranked in their historical order & role in edifying the church
1. Apostles – certain requirements: 1Co. 1:1; 9:1; 12:12 = the twelve, Paul, others(1Co. 15:5,7-8). They proclaimed, taught & recorded direct revelation from God = NT (Ac. 2:42; 2Tim 3:16; 2Pe. 1:20-21).
2. Prophets – men that verbally revealed the will & purposes of God in specific situations (Ac. 11:27-28)
Ø The apostles & prophets laid the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20); established the doctrine & will of God
Earnestly Desire the Greater Gifts, pg. 2
3. Teachers – men called & gifted by God to teach the apostles’ doctrine (Ac. 13:1; Eph. 4:11-12)
4. Miracles, Gifts of healings – to address physical illness, demonic activity, etc.
5. Helps – the unplanned & unrehearsed ability given by God to help others (only place word in NT)
6. Administrations = to steer, guide; the ability given by God to steer or guide the church (only place in NT)
7. Kinds of tongues – an unplanned, spontaneous & unlearned utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit
Ø Tongues, which had been exalted at Corinth, has been humbled & mentioned last in Paul’s list!
C. Everyone in the church does not have the same function nor gift (v. 29-30)
Therefore, no spiritual gift, ministry or manifestation in the body of Christ is to be exalted in arrogance against any other & neither can any gift, ministry or manifestation be required as a sign of genuine conversion by everyone – because everyone does not have the same function or gift!
So then, what is a believer to do about all this? I want to be humble; to use my spiritual gift in the body of Christ for His glory – to be faithful steward. How do I avoid the error of the Corinthians?
D. Earnestly desire the greater gifts (v. 31a)
1. Earnestly desire – zeloo = to burn with zeal; to strive after & exert oneself. Desire implies that your heart, emotions, feeling must be engaged (Ps. 37:4); you will pursue the desires of your heart
2. Greater gifts – those that edify or build up the church (14:4, 5, 12
My brother do not exhaust yourself in things that only build yourself & your family up – remember the body of Christ in which God had placed you. Do not exhaust yourself with employment, parenting, housework & repairs, etc. such that you have no time or energy for the people of God!
Remember Christ’s suffering for you, His example, His love for His church – will you demonstrate your love for Him & His church (1Jn. 3:1-3, 13-23).