*Honor VII “The Gifts”*

Intro: How to study the bible using themes and context
Paul opens the conversation about people being led astray

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.
1Co 12:2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.

_*The controversy and abuse:*_
*Flawed Views:*
Gifts are done
1Co 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.1Co 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,1Co 13:10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away

Gifts are a evidence and necessity
The second baptism
emotionalism

_*Purposes for Gifts:*_
*To Build up*
1Co 14:26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Rom 12:4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, Rom 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Rom 12:6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them

*To Unify*
1Co 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
1Co 12:5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
1Co 12:6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
1Co 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

_*How they are to be used*_

*Order *
1Co 14:39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
1Co 14:40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

* The Gifts*
1Co 12:8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom,
A. Wisdom us the ability to bring clarity and solution to difficult situaions

and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
A. Knowledge is the ability to discern and study scripture for the purpose of edification.

1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit,
A. Faith is the ability to withstand difficulties through a supernatural trust in God.

to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
A. Healing is the supernatural ability to bring to fruition the healing power of God.

1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles,
A. The presence of miracles in one’s life is manifested through the power of God

to another prophecy,
A. A messenger from God to proclaim a truth to His people.

to another the ability to distinguish between spirits,
A. The ability to see truth in people and discern situations as to whether they are or are not from God

to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
A. An unknown language that is given by God and interpreted for the edification of the church

Rom 12:7 if service, in our serving;

the one who teaches, in his teaching;

Rom 12:8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation;

the one who contributes, in generosity;

the one who leads, with zeal;

the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness
_*Conclusion*_
1Co 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

All believers have Spiritual Gifts and we are to use them for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.

_*Questions:*_

1. What stood out to you in the sermon?
2. How have you seen Gifts abused?
3. Why do we fear the use of certain gifts?
4. Wy is it important that we use gifts? (to expand the kingdom in individual ways)
5. What challenged you in the message?
6. In what ways can you apply this in your life this week?