The Living Body - Different Gifts, Same Spirit

Recap

Paul wrote to Corinth in order to bring correction to the issues the people were facing.

Problems in worship, ego-centric attitudes, immorality, and lack of order.

Satisfying sports moment = 2011 NBA Finals.... TEAM OVER TALENT

A church can be full of talented and gifted people and still lose when they have no vision.

We are better when are focused on the kingdom of God and work together in love and harmony.

READ (1 Cor. 12:4-7)

“gifts” of God’s grace (charisma)

“ministries” - service; table service (diakonia)

“activities” - deeds of righteousness

All of this comes from the same place. The Holy Spirit causes each of area of the church to function in harmony just like the Trinity.

1. Embracing our differences to become one in harmony.

Believers in Corinth emphasized the gift of tongues in worship over everything.

Paul reminded the church that ALL gifts come from the Holy Spirit.

The distribution of spiritual gifts provide implications of diversity.

“gifts” of God’s grace. (charisma)

Points to a freeness, the bounty of a the gift.

The people treated them as pride.

Caused division. The Spirit doesn’t fight against Himself.

“For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other so that you don’t do what you want.” - (Gal. 5:17)

They were not like the pagans. They were gifted as God’s chosen people.

Short term mission trips are healthy for people to work together.

Corinth was comprised of a varied group of people.

They had to learn unity from one another.

In personality… We are not the same.

Preferences, background, race, economic background, family, etc.

In Christ… We are the same blood, breath, and body.

The Holy Spirit reminds us through the gospel to dwell in community with one another.

The Trinity works in perfect unity.

“20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. 21 May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” - (John 17:20-23)

“In some real way, I am currently in Jesus, the Spirit is in me, and Father and Son make their home in me. Did you take that in? It’s an insane statement that would be blasphemous if it didn’t come from God’s own words! In addition to that, Jesus’ prayer is that every believer will join in this same perfect oneness that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have enjoyed for all eternity. We were created in His image, so we can join in this unity.” - Francis Chan

Our willingness to walk in unity will open the door for the Holy Spirit to provide a vision for the church.

2. We are gifted for the purpose of good.

“Manifestation” (phaneros) - disclosure, announcement, revelation.

The Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose and plan.

Opens our eyes to our giftings.

“A spiritual gift is a God-given and empowered ability to serve him in ways that benefit others.” - Dr. Tony Evans

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” - (Rom. 8:28)

Our giftings are included in “all things”.

“Well this is my gift…”

v. 7 “to each person” - Diversity in gifts distributed among believers.

We are sinful people, now saved by grace, and given gifts to use for GOOD.

(symphero) - profitable, gathered together.

What spiritual gifts do.

God reveals the Holy Spirit through gifts.

When we aren’t unified, the visibility of God’s kingdom become dim to others.

Promotes freedom within God’s will.

When we misuse gifts, people are either restricted or refuse to abide.

Provides the means for ministry.

When we aren’t fully operating, our gospel impact is hindered.

Removes individualism and focuses on the whole body of Christ.

This isn’t about you or me.

Am I serving as a vessel for the Holy Spirit to move ministry forward?