The Proper Activity of Spiritual Gifts
INTRO
I. CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY REQUIRES PROPER ACTIVITY (vv. 6-8).
A. FACTS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS
1) A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church.
2) Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift (Eph. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10).
3) Gifts are given sovereignly by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11).
4) Gifts are given for the common good (1Cor. 12:7).
B. PROPER ACTIVITY DEPENDS ON DIVERSITY IN THE BODY.
1) Without diversity, the body cannot function. 1 Cor. 12:14-17.
2) Diversity does not mean superiority of some over others. 1 Cor. 12:19-25.
C. PROPER ACTIVITY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Manner Motivation Manner
Prophecy – manner Service – motivation Giving – manner
Teaching – motivation Leading – manner
Exhortation – motivation Mercy - manner
1) PROPHECY - “if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith”
Should not be equated with preaching or teaching. Best refers to the gift which receives revelations from God and ministers this revealed truth to the church. Cf. 1 Cor. 14:29-33.
But what does “according to the proportion of his faith” mean?
a) subjective, personal faith -
b) objective faith, Christian doctine - Basis for “the analogy of faith”, or let Scripture interpret Scripture. Reasons why this is so important today: (1) abuse of this gift; (2) Ecumenical movement that wants to accept all beliefs without testing them by Scripture.
2) SERVICE – “if service, in his serving”
The service could be general for the organizing and providing for the material needs of the church.
3) TEACHING – “he who teaches, in his teaching”
Explaining God’s Word. Prophecy was spontaneous and often directed to specific situations, while teaching was a more settled gift and required study and effort in order to understand and explain the truth and doctrines handed down by the apostles.
4) EXHORTATION – “he who exhorts, in his exhortation”
If teaching explains God’s word to the people, exhortation applies it to life. The gift of exhortation emphasizes the pastoral application of the gospel and focuses on its concrete implications for everyday life. It denotes urging Christians to live out the truth of the gospel.
5) GIVING - “he who gives, with liberality”
The manner of giving should be with either liberality or simplicity, the word can mean either. If simplicity is in view then Paul wants them to give with sincere motives, singleness of heart, and not for personal benefit. If liberality is in view then they are to give generously, so as not to let covetousness influence them.
6) LEADING – “he who leads, with diligence”
Possibly elders and other leaders in the church who rule. They are to guide and lead the church, protect them, like shepherds. They have charge over the flock. They must be faithful and committed.
7) MERCY - “he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness”
Special ministry to the sick, elderly, disabled, those suffering or in distress, in need of financial assistance, or help in a variety of ways. They must not do this grudgingly, but with joy.
D. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH GIFTS YOU HAVE?
CONCLUSION