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1. I heard about one preacher that always testified that God had called him to
heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out devils. On one occasion he got in a
back way and said, "God has called me to heal the sick, cast out the dead,
and raise the devil."
2. I am reminded that there are many who have got mixed up and confused about
certain things. The Church of Corinth was no exception. As we have seen
throughout our study of the book there were many problems in the Corinthian
church. As we come to chapter 12 we find that one of the things they were
confused and mixed up about was the matter of spiritual gifts.
4. Much of what was happening in the church is very similar to what is happening
in our day. Much like today, certain spiritual gifts had come to occupy a place
of great importance in the Corinthian church. The exploding growth and influence
of the modern day Charismatic movement in our day makes the next few chapters as
relevant as they were in Paul's day.
5. The Charismatic movement is now the fastest growing segment of Christianity.
David Barrett of Regents University estimates that there are 20 million
charismatics in the United States and as many as 460 million world-wide.1
6. Some would say that we see happening in the charismatic movement is a mighty
work of God. Charismatic experiences such as have occurred in the past few years
at the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto, Canada and the Brownsville Assembly
of God in Pensacola, Florida is often viewed as a supernatural work of God.
7. Because the charismatic movement is so big in our day, the questions that
were being asked in Paul's day are of equal importance in our day. Beginning in
chapter 12, Paul addresses the subject of spiritual gifts. He answers many
questions about spiritual gifts such as, what are spiritual gifts? Does every
believer have them? Are all gifts for every age? How can you tell the true from
the false?
8. You could say that Paul wants to clear the muddy water about spiritual gifts.
Let's begin our search for the truth about spiritual gifts by noticing the first
eleven verses of chapter twelve.
1. THE DISCERNMENT OF
SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
1. At the very beginning, Paul makes it clear that he
wants to remove any questions that may exist about spiritual gifts. The Barna
Research Group found in a survey that 29 percent of all adults and 40 percent of
Baby Busters have never heard of spiritual gifts. They also found that 69
percent have heard of spiritual gifts but do not know what their spiritual gift
or gifts are.2
2. The purpose of Paul's words in the next few chapter is to inform us of
spiritual gifts and to help us to understand what they are. Notice:
A. A PROPER UNDERSTANDING.
1. We read in verse 1, "Now concerning spiritual
gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." Notice the
words, "spiritual gifts." The word "spiritual" literally
means, "spirituals" and speaks of that which is of a spiritual nature
and origin under the Holy Spirit's control. Spiritual gifts are more than
natural abilities, talents, or skills. They come from God and are controlled by
the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are not natural, but supernatural.
2. The word "gifts" is a word that means, "grace given."
Spiritual gifts not only are not of man, but also man is undeserving of them.
Spiritual gifts are gifts! They come from God and are given to man in and by
grace. They are not earned or awarded for some act of Christian service. They
are undeserved and unmerited.
3. Paul says of these spiritual gifts, "I would not have you
ignorant." We saw this phrase earlier (Cp. 10:1). It was an idiomatic
phrase often used to introduce an exceptionally important subject. Paul was
indicating that he was about to talk to them about a very important subject and
he wanted them to pay close attention to what he was saying.
4. The word "ignorant" simply implies a condition of not knowing. He
wanted them to know about and understand spiritual gifts. He did not want them
to be in the dark. He did not want the waters to be muddy. He wanted them to
have a proper understanding of spiritual gifts.
5. As you know, there is a lot of confusion about spiritual gifts in our
day. If you watch the religious TV stations you see this and hear that. It all
can be very confusing. But we should not be ignorant. We do not have to be in
the dark or confused about what is right and wrong or what is real or false. We
can and should have a proper understanding of spiritual gifts.
B. A PERVERTED UNDERSTANDING.
1. There was a good reason why he wanted them to have
a proper understanding of spiritual gifts. He gives an example in verses 2-3: "Ye
know that ye were gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were
led." He reminds them of how they were led astray in their pre-conversion
days. The words, "carried away" were often used of prisoners being
taken under armed guard to prison or to their execution.
2. Before we were saved we were slaves to sin and Satan. We were in bondage to
our sin and held captive by Satan. As well, we were blind. In the case of the
Corinthian believers, they had been led astray by "dumb idols." The
word "dumb" means, "with no voice." An idol could not speak
or tell them what to do. An idol was not real, therefore it could not speak.
Yet, they had been lead astray by these dead, false, and dumb idols.
3. Notice verse 3: "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man
speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can that
Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." Paul was not only saying
they had been led astray in the past, but they were also being led astray in the
present.
4. There were some in the Corinthians church who claimed they were
"speaking by the Spirit of God" when in actuality, they were calling
Jesus accursed. Instead of blessing the name of Jesus, they were blaspheming His
name. It is my opinion that the context of what Paul is saying indicates that
some who were speaking in tongues, supposedly glorifying the Lord, were actually
saying things such as, "Jesus is accursed." Paul declares that no one
speaking by the Spirit of God would dare say anything or do anything that would
be blasphemous of the Lord. Paul emphatically states that the Spirit of God
would in all ways, in all things, and at all times would magnify the Lord.
5. To put Paul's words in everyday language, he said, "You have been thrown
a curve." Just as they had been led astray in the past, they were being led
astray in the present. What they claimed was of God was not of God. Therefore,
because of their perverted understanding of spiritual gifts they needed a proper
understanding. He wanted to remove their ignorance so such blasphemous practices
would be eliminated.
6. Our generation is no exception. In our day anyone can say anything and do
anything and as long as it is done in church or in a religious atmosphere or by
someone who claims to be a man of God, the practice or teaching is accepted as
of God. There is much that goes on in the name of God and Christ and attributed
to the work of the Holy Spirit that is just as blasphemous and distorted as that
which was going on the Corinthian church. Therefore, we should not be ignorant
of spiritual gifts. There should a discernment of these gifts,
1. THE DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
2. THE DIVERSITY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
1. Having given a reason for why we need to have an
understanding of spiritual gifts, Paul begins to discuss the different gifts. We
read in verse 4, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same
spirit." The word "diversities" is an old word that
simply speaks of varieties of allotments. The word describes the differences of
the gifts. All the gifts come from the Holy Spirit, but there are different
gifts. In verses 5-6, Paul mentions two differences in the gifts.
A. A DIFFERENCE OF ADMINISTRATION.
1.
We read in verse 5, "And there are differences of administrations, but
the same Lord." We get our English word "deacon" from the
word translated "administrations." The word speaks of a servant. The
idea is that gifts are for service. They are given to enable the believer to
serve God in a certain capacity.
2. One writer
said, "Spiritual gifts are not given as badges of privilege or prestige,
but as tools for service."3
3. Verse 5 tells us that it is the same Lord that gives the gifts, but there are
different gifts for different kinds of service. One believer may be gifted to
serve God in one area and another believer gifted to serve God in another area.
This is one of the reasons why an understanding of spiritual gifts are so
important. The spiritual gifts each believer receives enables and equips them to
serve God in a particular way and place.
4. I have always felt that if one knew what their spiritual gift (or gifts) it
would be a good indication of how God wants to use a person and where He wants
to use them. The differences in the administration of spiritual gifts tells us
that God uses His people in many different ways.
B. A DIFFERENCE OF OPERATION.
1.
We read in verse 6, "And there are diversities of operations, but it is
the same God which worketh in all." We get our English word
"energy" from the word translated "operations." The word
literally means, "what is worked out of energized."
2.
Whereas the difference in the administration of the gifts is the difference in
how and where we serve, the difference in the operation of the gifts is the
difference in being effective or not effective in what we do and where we serve.
Spiritual gifts not only come from God, but He is the One who energizes the
gifts to make us effective and fruitful in what we do and where we serve.
3. Effective service is more than just hard work or the use of personal
abilities and talents. It is serving God as you have been gifted and using the
gifts God has given you. The key to effective and fruitful service is when we
serve how and where God has gifted us.
4. Paul says in verse 4 that spiritual gifts are given by "the same
Spirit." In verse 5 he says they are assigned by "the same
Lord." Then in verse 6 he says they are energized by the "same
God." Spiritual gifts come from one source, but in their
administrations and operations there is diversity.
1. THE DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
2. THE DIVERSITY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
3. THE DESCRIPTION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!
1.
Beginning in verse 7, Paul begins to describe the spiritual gifts. We read, "But
the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." The
word "manifestation" speaks of the gifts being made known, exhibited,
expressed, or bestowed." Notice what Paul says about this manifestation of
spiritual gifts. A. A PERSONAL BESTOWAL.
1.
Notice carefully in verse 7 that the manifestation of spiritual gifts "is
given to every man." Paul tells us that every believer has been given a
spiritual gift or gifts. Every believer is a gifted child. Not one believer can
say they are not called to serve. Since every believer is a gifted child, and
spiritual gifts are for service, then every believer is to serve God.
B. A PURPOSEFUL BESTOWAL.
1.
Verse 7 also tells that every believer has been gifted of God "to profit
withal." The words are a prepositional phrase which literally means,
"to bring all things together." The idea is that spiritual gifts are
for the purpose of edifying and for the common good and benefit of others. A
persons spiritual gift or gifts are not necessarily for their own spiritual
benefit, but for the benefit of others. The word "withal" simply
means, "for all."
2. Take the spiritual gift of a pastor for example. The gift of being a pastor
is so that he can benefit others, not necessarily himself. His gifts are not
necessarily given to make him a good preacher, but one whose ministry edifies
others. As Ephesians 4:12 states, the pastor has the role of, "For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ."
3. Someone might say, "They have all those people over there and they don't
need me or they will not miss me." What you don't realize is that God has
gifted you in a certain way to bring benefit to others and when you miss serving
God as you have been gifted, others are missing the benefit God intended you to
bring to them. C. A PARTICULAR BESTOWAL.
1.
In verse 8 Paul begins to mention some of the particular gifts that are given to
the believer. As previously stated, every believer is a gifted child, although
not everyone has the same gift. Now he begins to mention some of the gifts that
are bestowed upon believers. Let's briefly notice the ones he mentions and as we
move further in our study we will look at them more in detail.
2.
First, in verse 8 he mentioned the gift called, "the word of
wisdom." This particular gift in my opinion is a gift that is given to
pastors, teachers, etc. The word "wisdom" refers to the application of
truth. It speaks of the ability of being able to make skillful and
practical application of spiritual truth. Seeing that it is called the
"word" of wisdom would indicate that this is a speaking gift. It is a
gift that enables one to communicate and apply spiritual truth in a skillful and
practical way. 3. We also see in verse 8 a gift that
is called, "the word of knowledge." This gift is closely
connected to the gift called "the word of wisdom." The word of
knowledge speaks of the ability of being able to grasp spiritual truth,
comprehend truth, and then having the ability to communicate that knowledge.
4. In verse 9 Paul mentions the gift of "faith."
All believers are to have faith in God. Many times in the Bible we are told to
trust God, believe God, and have faith in God. But the gift of faith is a
God-given ability to trust God in a very special and unique way. It is a
spiritual gift that will enable a person to trust God in spite of the
circumstances, difficulties, in light of overwhelming obstacles and human
impossibilities.
5. In verse 9 Paul mentions the "gifts of healing." Notice
carefully that the word "gifts" is plural indicating there is a
variety of this gift. One may have certain abilities in this area that another
does not have, while the other has abilities that the other does not have. The
word "healing" is also plural which would speak of the different kind
of afflictions that would be healed. This spiritual gift enabled certain ones to
heal certain sicknesses and diseases.
6. In verse 10 we see the gift of "the working of miracles." A
miracle is supernatural act of God that contrary to the natural. Jesus turning
the water into wine was a miracle. This was a gift whereby certain ones were
able to do things only explainable by a divine intervention and demonstration.
7. In verse 10 we see the gift of "prophecy." The word does not
refer to the ability to see the future and make predictions. The word means,
"to speak forth, proclaim." A person with this gift was one that
proclaimed God's revealed truth. We will learn much more about his gift in
studies to come.
8. In verse 10 we see the gift of the "discerning of spirits."
This was a gift for the discernment of what was real and what was false. Satan
has always been a deceiver and counterfeiter. The gift of discerning spirits was
the God-given ability to know if something was of God or was a slick counterfeit
of Satan.
9. In verse 10 we see the gift of "tongues." Paul deals with
this particular gift in detail in chapter 14. Paul speaks of various kind of
tongues as indicated by the word "divers" which means many kinds. The
word "tongues" speaks of languages. This was a gift whereby one could
speak a language they did not know or speak.
10. Closely connected to this gift was the "interpretation of
tongues." This was a gift by which someone was able to interpret to
others what was being said when someone spoke in tongues.
11. In the list Paul gives, he does not give us a complete list of spiritual
gifts but mentions these to demonstrate that God gives different gifts to
different people. He says in verse 11, "But all these worketh that one
and selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." Once
again he reminds us that even though there are different gifts, God is the
source and the distributor of the gifts, distributing them as He wills.
12. We often hear of people seeking certain gifts. Spiritual gifts are not
received because we seek them. They are given as God chooses and wills. Each
believers gift or gifts were not chosen as if they went through a cafeteria line
and picked out what they wanted, but given as God desired to give them.
13. In summary, Paul says, "I want you to understand what spiritual gifts
are, why they are given, and the purpose for which they are given. To the
Corinthian church and even the present church, Paul wanted to clear the muddy
water about spiritual gifts.
1. "Spirit Works" by Jerry Vines.
2. Barna Research Group, Ltd.,
3. "The Macarthur New Testament Commentary - I Corinthians"
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