Sermon 072097

1Co. 12:31a                         Earnestly Desire The Greater Gifts - III                              7/20/97

Series 23.12                                                                                                                       ABCC

I.     Introduction                                                                                                                      581

A.     Paul is addressing spiritual issues that lead to disunity in the body of Christ (v. 1)

B.      He addresses disunity with accurate teaching & instruction – unaware, know, known (v. 1,2,3)

C.      Wrong thinking about God or ourselves creates disunity in the body of Christ

q      “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Pr. 23:7)  “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord…    (Pr. 16:9)  “And you shall love the Lord with all your heart, …and with all your mind…(Mk. 12:30)

II.    Right or Biblical Thinking About God

A.      The trinity is actively involved in the body of Christ (v. 4-6) – the same Spirit, Lord, God

B.      God saves whomever He desires & places them in the body of Christ (v. 13, 18)

C.     God is in control of the gifts, ministries & manifestations or results (v. 4-7,11,28)

Ø    GOD IS SOVEREIGN IN THE CHURCH – HE RULES; HE’S IN CONTROL!

III.   Right or Biblical Thinking About ourselves

A.     Each individual believer is given a special spiritual ability (v. 7,11)

B.      Each individual believer must not think too highly or lowly of himself or herself (v. 14-24a)

C.      Each individual believer is a member of Christ’s body (v. 27)

D.     Each individual believer is responsible for the care of others in Christ’s body (v. 24b-26)

E.      Each individual believer is responsible for using your special spiritual ability in Christ’s body (v. 28-30; Rom. 12:6-8; 2Co. 5:10)

Earnestly Desire the Greater Gifts-III, pg. 2

F.      Each individual believer is responsible for earnestly desiring the greater gifts (v. 31a)

1.      Earnestly desire – zeloo = to burn with zeal; to strive after & exert oneself.  What do you have a burning desire for my brother or sister?  What do you find yourself thinking about regularly?  What is it that you can always find time for?  What do you stay up late doing or what do you get up early to do?  Are you fulfilling your God-given responsibility to earnestly desire, to burn with zeal, strive after & exert yourself for the greater gifts?  Are you prepared to stand before Christ & say “yes Lord I obey this command”?

2.      Greater gifts – those that edify or build up the church (14:4, 5, 12)

Ø      We are not to “name & claim” the gifts you want or fast & pray for the gifts that please you, but rather earnestly desire gifts that build up the church.  If you are faithfully desiring to edify the church, God will show you the way = ministry.

Well then, how can we summarize right or biblical thinking in this matter: God rules everything, yet I have been given responsibilities from Him for which I will give an account on the day of judgement.  The sovereignty of God & Human responsibility – this is correct & biblical thinking for every member of the body.  The Lord gives the gifts, ministries & manifestations to whomever & whenever He desires.  We have a responsibility to be faithful stewards over what the Lord has given to us individually.  If you are not caring for other believers, using your special spiritual ability (gifts) in the body, or earnestly desiring the greater gifts, then you are creating DISUNITY in the body.  You personally are contributing to it – in your indifference, procrastination, excuses, etc…  If you are using your special spiritual ability in activities that do not edify the church & exhausting yourself, then your are also creating DISUNITY.  Will you be honest before God today?  What evidence will testify of your love for Christ & His church?  Proof, fruit of your love?