Studies in 1 Studies in 1 Corinthians (38)Corinthians (38)

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

1 Cor. 14:1-3

Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Gifts, 1 Cor. 12-1 Cor. 12-1414 12 – Every gift is important and needed

13 – The better way of love

14 – Using our gifts properly

What are Spiritual Gifts?What are Spiritual Gifts?

Miraculous connotations - 1 Cor. 12:4, 9, 28, 30-31, Rom. 1:11

Something given, i.e. “the gift of God is eternal life (Rom. 6:23)

Natural abilities (cf. Rom. 12:6, 1 Pet. 4:10)

Spiritual Gifts today?Spiritual Gifts today? NOT the miraculous ones What is a miracle? “An event occurring in the natural world, observed by the senses, produced by divine power, without any adequate human or natural cause, the purpose of which is to reveal the will of God and do good to man” (McCartney)

Spiritual Gifts today?Spiritual Gifts today?

The purpose of miracles: Verifying that a messenger (and his message) are from God

NEVER for entertainment (Luke 23:8)

See Matt. 9:1-8

Spiritual Gifts today?Spiritual Gifts today?

The purpose of miracles:

Heb. 2:3-4 2 Cor. 12:12-13 Rom. 15:18-19 John 3:2, 10:37-38

Spiritual Gifts today?Spiritual Gifts today?

Miracles were temporary1 Cor. 13:8-12 (cf. Jas. 1:25)

The greatest evidence is that we do not see miracles like those in the Bible.

Gifts today!Gifts today!

The abilities we each have Rom. 12:4-8 1 Pet. 4:10-11 cf. Matt. 25:14-30“according to their ability” (25)

Eph. 4:7

Concerning Spiritual Gifts Concerning Spiritual Gifts (1-3)(1-3) Vs. 1 Paul’s desire to inform them Avoid ignorance – Ac. 17:30, 1 Pet. 1:14

Concerning Spiritual Gifts Concerning Spiritual Gifts (1-3)(1-3) Vs. 2 Their former conduct and its deception They were deceived by “dumb idols” – Rom. 16:18, 1 Jn. 4:1, 2 Thess. 2:9-12

Concerning Spiritual Gifts Concerning Spiritual Gifts (1-3)(1-3) Vs. 3 The “test” of one with spiritual giftsHe does NOT contradict Christ cf. Deut. 13:1-3

Look at both conduct and what is said!

Do we weigh our own words before we speak?

Will you confess Will you confess “Jesus is Lord”?“Jesus is Lord”?