Gifted With Purpose (part 1) - 12:1-11

I usually would respond by saying, yes, I could do it with what I have but the project would be easier and better if I had a saw made with the purpose of doing a certain job.

There are things you just can’t do with a table saw, skill saw, and jig saw.

I NEEDED a chop saw.

More than that, I needed a slide miter chop saw.

Why?

Because it was made with the purpose of chopping through boards in a way the other saws weren’t.

Spiritual gifts are like this.

Every single believer has a Spiritual gift.

Those gifts are not exactly the same.

Our gifts have been given to us with a specific purpose.

We will function best, when we function in the role and with the gift that God has given.

Now concerning = new section.

Spiritual things. Chs. 12-15.

Principle:

Spiritual gifts can be understood and used.

Guidance:

Our passage presents three keys to understanding spiritual gifts.

Outcome:

When we understand the purpose of spiritual gifts we can use them for the glory of God.

3 keys to understanding Spiritual gifts.

Key #1…

1. Spiritual Gifts Are Conditional vv. 1-3

With advertisements there is often a lot of really fast words at the end.

Usually included in this is the phrase “terms and conditions apply.”

You can also find this in the small print sections of sweepstakes and giveaways.

Spiritual gifts are free. However, there are some terms and conditions that apply.

When we say that something is conditional, we understand that there is a set of criteria attached to acquiring the object in question.

There are conditions to Spiritual gifts.

Paul gives us 2 here in these verses.

Condition #1. Spiritual gifts are…

a. Conditioned on information vv. 1-2

1 Corinthians 12:1–2 NKJV

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

v. 1

Important points to note in verse 1.

Gifts is added.

Doesn’t appear till v. 4

Literally - concerning spiritual.

This section goes from 12-15.

These are spiritual things.

Paul is writing to inform them on a variety of Spiritual topics, one of which is Spiritual gifts.

brethren - writing to believers.

ignorant = 2 implications.

1 - it is possible to be ignorant about Spiritual gifts.

2 - ignorance is a negative.

Paul doesn’t want them to be ignorant.

He has information to give them.

When we function in ignorance, error is inevitable.

Paul is writing to solve the problem of their ignorance.

He starts with what they know.

v. 2

they just followed how they were led. no knowledge, no information.

We are not blind!

Tying back to Psalm 115 and the eyes that cannot see etc.

Go with me to Psalm 115:3-8.

Psalm 115:3-8 (p. 702)

The idols they used to follow could not lead them!

They were deaf, mute, and blind.

There is an interesting construction here in the Greek.

They willingly followed these idols, yet they were led astray by those who taught them.

Paul is not going to lead them astray.

Here is the implication.

There are some who teach things about Spiritual gifts that will actually result in you being led astray.

When it comes to spiritual gifts, there are truths we need to know.

We cannot hope to exercise our gifts if we are operating in ignorance.

Spiritual gifts are conditioned on accurate information about those gifts.

Our God is not a silent idol!

He has revealed truth through His Word and we must trust in what He has revealed.

Don’t be led astray, hold to the Word of God.

This means that we must be able to identify and stand against false teachers.

That is where Paul goes next.

But first, here is our lesson.

To use spiritual gifts we must know what they are.

repeat - read aloud

What the Corinthian Church lacked was accurate and proper information.

The result was that they were using Spiritual gifts incorrectly and actually causing damage to the body of Christ and the reputation of the church.

Paul is writing to correct that.

Spiritual gifts are condition on information.

Secondly, spiritual gifts are…

b. Conditioned on transformation v. 3

1 Corinthians 12:3 NKJV

3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

Paul is addressing what seems to be the presence of false teachers in Corinth.

The church had let in people who were leading them astray!

Here is Paul’s test to reveal if someone should be trusted for Spiritual leadership.

This is actually a pretty simple test.

If you call Jesus accursed, you are not speaking at the direction of the Holy Spirit.

If you call Jesus Lord, you must be speaking as one who has surrendered to the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:9 tells us that if someone does not have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, that person is not a believer. They are not saved. They are not a Christian. They are not a follower of Christ.

With this thought in mind, we could reword verse 3 like this.

No believer can call Jesus accursed. No unbeliever can call Jesus Lord.

This is the test.

Again, there is an implication.

If someone cannot pass this test, don’t listen to what they say about Spiritual gifts.

Someone who is speaking by the Holy Spirit is going to lead you into truth!

This means that when someone speaks from the Lord, when the Holy Spirit is speaking through them, it will not be meaningless gibberish, it will not contradict Scripture.

It will be a clear, understandable, language that will exalt Christ and conform to what has been revealed in Scripture.

Here is our lesson.

Only believers will receive and exercise spiritual gifts.

repeat - read aloud

Anyone who speaks through the Holy Spirit will exalt Christ and speak the truth about Him.

This is going to be a person who has been transformed by saving faith in Christ.

It is a person who has been saved.

3 keys to understanding Spiritual gifts.

Key #1: Spiritual Gifts Are Conditional.

Key #2…

2. Spiritual Gifts Are Diverse vv. 4-6

I want to go back to our opening illustration of saws for a minute.

Why are there so many different kinds?

Because they have different functions.

For example.

I should never use a hack saw to cut down a tree.

Why?

Because it was made to cut through metal and it would not be as effective against wood.

The same is true for a bow saw, it is made to cut through wood, trying to cut metal with it would damage the saw, possibly damage the user, and ultimately either fail at accomplishing the task, or require expending more energy than absolutely necessary.

There is a diversity of saws because there are a diversity of functions.

There is a reason for the diversity.

Similarly. There is a reason for the diversity in Spiritual gifts.

We will explore three reasons right now.

Spiritual gifts are diverse #1…

a. Because of their source v. 4

1 Corinthians 12:4 NKJV

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

This word “diversities” is key to understanding spiritual gifts and how they have been abused.

Diversities – διαίρεσις (diairesis) variety; difference; division. distributing n. — the act of distributing, spreading, or apportioning. Noun (subject), nominative, plural, feminine.

Diversities – διαίρεσις (diairesis)

There are a variety of gifts that have been distributed.

The gifts have been deliberately apportioned to various believers.

This has been done by the Holy Spirit.

Gifts – χάρισμα (charisma) gift. present ⇔ grace n. — a present given as a sign of beneficent favor. Noun, genitive of content, plural, neuter.

Gifts – χάρισμα (charisma)

A gift of God’s grace.

I want to note something that will be important later on.

Who determines what gift is given, the giver or the recipient?

The giver. Keep that in mind.

Paul writes here “by the same Spirit.”

Why “same?”

The same Holy Spirit that leads men proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord has given these gifts.

The Holy Spirit is God. As such He recognizes that human beings are diverse. Because we are diverse, our gifts are diverse.

Here is our lesson.

The source of our gifts is the Holy Spirit.

repeat - read aloud

He has given out a diversity of gifts.

Spiritual gifts are diverse because the source of our gifts has determined to make them so.

3 reasons spiritual gifts are diverse.

Spiritual gifts are diverse because of their source.

Spiritual gifts are diverse #2…

b. Because of their focus v. 5

1 Corinthians 12:5 NKJV

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

“Differences” here is the same as “diversities” in v. 4.

Just as there are various gifts, there are various ministries.

There is a progression in these verses.

The variety of gifts are given to by used in a variety of ministries.

Ministries – διακονία (diakonia) service; ministry. role ⇔ ministry n. — a role especially done in service to others. Noun, genitive of content, plural, feminine.

Ministries – διακονία (diakonia)

Each of us has a service that God has prepared us to perform.

Ephesians 2:10 bears out this point.

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

No matter how diverse the ministry, all of them have the same purpose.

To advance the cause of Christ.

Every gift comes from the same Spirit and those gifts are to be used in the service of the same Lord.

The Lord to whom the Holy Spirit leads us to give our allegiance is the same Lord to whom we give our service.

There are various gifts given by the Holy Spirit that are to be used in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Here is our lesson.

The focus of Spiritual gifts is service.

repeat - read aloud

We are to use our gifts within the body of Christ!

We are to serve one another.

The focus of our gifts, the service of Christ, means that they are diverse.

Service for Christ is not just done in one particular way.

3 reasons spiritual gifts are diverse.

Spiritual gifts are diverse because of their source.

Spiritual gifts are diverse #2 because of their focus.

Spiritual gifts are diverse #3…

c. Because of their result v. 6

1 Corinthians 12:6 NKJV

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

Again we find the same word.

There are a variety of activities.

Activities – ἐνέργημα (energēma) effect; activity. implementation n. — the act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something); carrying into effect. Noun, genitive of content, plural, neuter.

Activities – ἐνέργημα (energēma)

Here is how Spiritual gifts work.

Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit in service to Christ to carry out the purposes of God.

The gifts are varied because the ministries are varied and the purposes of God are varied.

It all fits together!

At the end of verse 6 is the reminder that God is the one who works it all together.

“Works” is the verb form of “activities.”

God gives us our activities to accomplish the work that He is doing.

When we use our gifts correctly they bring glory to God.

If there is one thing we learn from Biblical history, it is that God can and is glorified in a variety of ways.

We need a diversity of gifts to fill a diversity of ministries to accomplish a diversity of purposes.

Our sovereign God is actively orchestrating all these things for His glory and our good.

Here is the lesson.

The result of Spiritual gifts is the advancement of God’s will and purpose.

repeat - read aloud

Any use of Spiritual gifts that does not promote the cause of Christ is illegitimate!

It is not a valid use of a gift.

Spiritual gifts are diverse.

They are given to diverse individuals by the Spirit with the focus of service for Christ resulting in the advancement of God’s will and purpose.

3 keys to understanding Spiritual gifts.

Key #1: Spiritual Gifts Are Conditional.

Key #2: Spiritual Gifts Are Diverse.

Key #3…

3. Spiritual Gifts Are Intentional vv. 7-11

When someone made a jig saw, they made it because they had a need for exactly that kind of saw.

The same is true for a scroll saw, a band saw, or a chain saw.

The creators of these various saws made them because there was a specific need for them.

There was intention in the design and creation of these tools.

This same intentionality is present in Spiritual gifting.

Spiritual gifts have specific purposes, specific reasons why they exist and were created.

Spiritual gifts are intentional.

That intention is presented here with two supporting ideas that make that intention possible.

First we will examine the intention, the purpose, then we will look at the supporting ideas.

Here is the intention of Spiritual gifts.

This is why we are given them.

Spiritual gifts are given for…

a. The good of the body v. 7

1 Corinthians 12:7 NKJV

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

This verse is vital for a number of reasons.

There are very important things revealed here.

First is the identification of what Spiritual gifts are.

Spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Spirit.

Manifestation – φανέρωσις (phanerosis) manifestation; disclosure. manifestation (act) n. — a clear indication of the existence or presence or nature of some person or thing. Noun (subject), nominative, singular, feminine.

Manifestation – φανέρωσις (phanerosis)

Spiritual gifts are the evidence in our lives that the Holy Spirit has taken up residence within us!

It is the evidence of His presence.

These gifts, these manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit, are given to each one.

Each one of what?

To answer that we go back to verses 1 and 3.

In verse 1 Paul calls his audience brethren.

In v. 3 we learn that these are people who are calling Jesus Lord.

Therefore, from this text, we conclude that every believer is given a Spiritual gift.

From this verse we know what a Spiritual gift is, it is a manifestation of the Spirit.

This means a gift will exalt God and not self.

We also learn who receives a Spiritual gift.

Every single believer.

This means that there is no need of coaching or praying for a spiritual gift. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have a Spiritual gift.

The final thing we learn in this verse is why spiritual gifts are given.

What is the purpose of Spiritual gifts?

The profit of all.

Profit – συμφέρω (sympherō) be profitable. to be advantageous v. — to be or become appropriate for achieving a particular end. Verb, present, active, attributive participle, single, accusative, neuter.

Profit – συμφέρω (sympherō)

It is for the benefit of everyone!

Specifically, it is to help the body of Christ achieve a particular end.

What is that end?

Go with me to Ephesians 4:11-16.

This is a vital passage for understanding the purpose of Spiritual gifts.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (p. 1345)

The goal, the end for which our spiritual gifts are given, is the maturity of the body of Christ!

Your gift is not given for self-promotion or advancement!

It wasn’t given to be used for yourself!

Your gift was given for the good of the body of Christ!

Any private use of a spiritual gift is illegitimate.

Here is our lesson.

Spiritual gifts must be used for the benefit of the church.

repeat - read aloud

Not in any sort of a manipulative way.

We all work collectively for the good of the whole body.

How do we achieve the good of the body?

That is the purpose, the intention.

Now we come to the two supporting ideas.

Idea #1…

b. The guidance of the Spirit vv. 8-10

If we want to use our gifts for the good of the body we must do so at the guidance of the Spirit.

READ vv. 8-10

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 NKJV

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

Here are Grace Church, we believe that every single word of Scripture was and is inspired by God.

With that thought in mind, I want to refer everyone back to Daryl’s message from October 10th. The title is “The Maturing of Knowledge.”

Daryl did a great job breaking down the different kinds of gifts as well as their purpose and duration.

I am not going to reinvent the wheel this morning.

I want to take these verses and focus on something a little bit different.

I want us to notice what is repeated in these verses.

“Through the same Spirit”

The source of Spiritual gifts is the Holy Spirit.

It is absolutely imperative that we grasp this point.

Why?

Because of what it means.

Two realities driven by the source of Spiritual gifts.

Spiritual gifts do not come by prayer, desire, or coaching.

repeat - read aloud

Some denominations and churches teach that everyone should have the same gift and everyone should be taught how to have it.

Scripture leaves no room for that idea.

That brings us to reality #2.

Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose and glory of God.

repeat - read aloud

My spiritual gift and your spiritual gift were given by the Holy Spirit according to His own desire and purpose.

You don’t get a certain spiritual gift because you want it, prayed for it, or had someone lay hands on you.

God chooses your gift and God chooses how you will use it for His purpose and glory.

Now, let’s make a few quick notes about the gifts mentioned here.

First, this is not an exhaustive list.

In his message Daryl mentioned the other passages in which we find lists of gifts.

This is a sample.

Second, again, as Daryl noted, some of these gifts are permanent and some are temporary.

Because all of them were active when Paul wrote, he mixes them together but notes that they are different through the two different words for “another.”

Let me just summarize this with two statements.

THE PERMANENT GIFTS were designed to edify the church and continue throughout the current age.

THE TEMPORARY GIFTS were signs to authenticate or “confirm” God’s Word and were limited to the apostolic age as God’s Word was being provided.

These two statements come from Rick Gregory and his message “The Manifestation Of The Spirit” given February 7, 2016.

Third, let’s do some definition real quick.

“Word” - Logos = message.

Wisdom is applied knowledge.

The Word of Wisdom is the supernatural ability to make practical application from the Word of God.

Word - same Greek Word.

Knowledge - Knowing facts or information.

The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural ability to understand truths of Scripture that cannot be known apart from God revealing them.

Faith - not saving faith but believing God.

The gift of Faith is the supernatural ability to believe God even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances or situations.

Gifts of healings.

The interesting thing here is that these are plural.

It is not the gift of healing. It is the gifts of healings.

Why? Because...

The Gifts of Healings is the supernatural ability to completely heal anyone at anytime with a touch or word.

It wasn’t a one time thing.

It had nothing to do with the faith of the person healed.

It had everything to do with this supernatural gift given by God.

This is one of the temporary gifts.

Working of Miracles.

Again these are both plural.

This too was a temporary gift.

The Working of Miracles is the supernatural ability to manifest power. It was specifically seen in Christ and those He commissioned.

This is a temporary gift because its purpose was to establish the authority of the apostles as they were writing Scripture. With the completion of Scripture, this is no longer needed.

Prophecy.

There are two ideas behind this word.

Foretelling - the ability to predict the future.

Forthtelling - the declaration of God’s revelation.

Forthtelling has two functions.

Before the completion of Scripture it was the proclaiming of new revelation.

Now that Scripture has been completed, it is the ability to proclaim the truth of Scripture in a clear and distinct way.

Prophecy is the supernatural ability to proclaim the revealed Word of God.

Discerning of Spirits.

Discerning - the ability to distinguish one from another.

The Discerning of Spirits is the supernatural ability to discern whether something is from God or is a counterfeit.

This could be any of the things mentioned. A miracle, a healing, a prophecy, a language etc.

Different Kinds of Tongues.

Kind = class or category.

Tongues = languages. We will discuss this more in the days ahead, but for now we will simply note that there is no Biblical evidence for God giving a gift of tongues that is not a known, spoken, and recognized language.

Therefore.

The gift of Different Kinds of Tongues is the supernatural ability to speak the truth of God in a language the speaker did not previously know.

This was a temporary gift.

The Interpretation of Tongues.

Interpretation = translation. It is singular.

Tongues are plural.

When something was said in a language. There was only one interpretation.

This is the Greek word we get “hermeneutics” from.

There is only one interpretation.

The gift of Interpretation of Tongues is the supernatural ability to understand a language not previously known.

What was spoken in the language was made clear to everyone present.

Since the gift of tongues was temporary, this would be temporary as well.

One of things made clear by Paul’s wording is that these are different gifts given to different people.

To one is given this, to another is given this.

The “another’s” are singular.

Gifts are given individually.

What this also makes clear is that

These gifts are given at the Holy Spirit’s discretion.

If we are going to use them well, we need His guidance.

Remember, these gifts are given to build up the body.

We build up the body as we use our spiritual gifts in the manner He has called us to.

That is our lesson.

Spiritual gifts must be used under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

repeat - read aloud

How does the Spirit guide us?

Through His Word.

If we use our gifts in a manner inconsistent with the Word of God, we abuse our gifts and engage in sinful behavior.

The purpose of Spiritual gifts is the good of the body of Christ.

This good is achieved through two supporting ideas.

Idea #1: The guidance of the Spirit.

Idea #2…

c. The goals of the Spirit v. 11

1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Tying all this together is the work of the Holy Spirit.

He gives the gifts and He gives the ability to use the gifts to the praise, honor, and glory of God.

Though the gifts are diverse, there is unity in the fact that the same Holy Spirit energizes all of us as we use His gifts.

There are two words here that stress how God gives different gifts to different people.

“each one” and “individually.”

Every single believer is gifted on an individual basis.

The Spiritual gifts we receive will not manifest exactly the same way.

Why not?

Because the Holy Spirit considers us as individuals and gifts us accordingly!

The final point to be made here is this.

The Holy Spirit gifts according to His will and desire.

Our spiritual gifts are not up to us.

They are given and the discretion and direction of the Holy Spirit.

He gifts you and me to accomplish His goals, not our own.

God the Holy Spirit gifts us however He wants.

It is therefore our responsibility to submit ourselves to His gifting.

That brings us to our lesson today.

Spiritual gifts can only be used in submission to the Holy Spirit.

repeat - read aloud

If we do not submit to Him, we have no hope of using our gifts.

Conclusion

This is a difficult, misunderstood, and mishandled topic.

My prayer is that as we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians we will gain an understanding of spiritual gifts.

When we read the Word of God, believe what it says, and submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture, Spiritual gifts make sense.

Let’s talk application for a minute.

Personal:

You and I have spiritual gifts. If we want to be effective in our service for Christ, we must identify our gift and begin putting it to use. I will discover my gift and put it to use.

Relationships:

We cannot expect others within the body of Christ to manifest their gifts the same way we do. Nor can we expect each gift in a certain category to look the same. As brothers and sisters in Christ we need to support one another! We need to help each other discover our gifting and how best to use it. I will support and encourage the giftedness of others.

Parenting:

If our children have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior, they have a spiritual gift. As parents we need to be helping them identify what that gift is. As those who are closest to them, we have great opportunity, insight, and influence. One of the best ways we can encourage our children to use their gifts is by knowing ours and using them. I will help my children identify their gifts and give them an example to follow.

Marriage:

In marriage, God has placed together two people to be a picture of Christ and the church. He brings us together because when we function according to His design we are able to be more effective in His service. This means that when we use our gifts together, it is a powerful testimony to the grace and mercy of God. It is also a powerful tool of the Holy Spirit in the life of the local church. When we serve Christ together in our marriages it attracts other to Jesus. I want to note that there are those within the body who don’t have this opportunity. You have a spouse who is an unbeliever. I want you to know that Christ still has plans for your marriage. He still wants to reveal Himself through how you respond to your spouse. Submit to Christ, submit to the work of the Holy Spirit, and use your gift. God will work in you and through you for His glory. I will seek to use my gift together with my spouse for the glory of God.

COMMITMENT:

_________________________________________________________

Spiritual gifts are condintional.

If you do not know Christ, you do not have a spiritual gift.

Your greatest need is to surrender to Jesus. Place your faith in Him alone for salvation.

Spiritual gifts are diverse.

We are given gifts by the Spirit to use in Christ’s service for the glory of God.

We must learn our gifts and start serving.

Spiritual gifts are intentional.

God has a reason, plan, and purpose for the gift He has given you and me.

When we work for the good of the body, we will see the Spirit move and lives transformed.

Discover your gift.

Submit to the will of the Spirit.

Use your gift in service for Christ.

Bring praise, honor, and glory to God.

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