SERMON SUMMARY

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12

A lot of Christians have a lot of questions about spiritual gifts, and justifiably so. Not only are there some more interesting gifts talked about in the New Testament, but Paul and the other NT writers seem convinced that their discussions about the spiritual gifts are likewise invitations to discover how the Spirit has gifted each of us so that we can serve in, through, and for the body of Christ. The spiritual gifts conversation in Scripture isn’t an option at a buffet. It is crucial to Christlike growth and formation. So, we have to ask,

• How do we rightly understand and employ spiritual gifts in the church today?
  

And because of the swirling questions that often dominate this conversation, it is vital that we understand the forest even if there are a few curious trees in the midst. And the longest section in the NT about spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12-14, and even a cursory look at chapter 12 will leave us with more than enough to digest. In this chapter, Paul begins by saying that he doesn’t want his friends “to be uninformed” about the gifts (12:1). Rather, after some discussion, he wants them to be earnestly desiring the gifts (12:31, 14:1, 14:39).

This chapter teaches that every Christian gets at least one spiritual gift (12:7-10), and while some of them might seem to have more overlap with natural abilities, Paul’s point is that all the gifts are a “manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (12:7). They are all radical Spirit-empowerment, heaven breaking in through our lives - all the way down to encouraging words and acts of service. So, in a very real sense, the Spirit wants to use different members of Jesus’ church to make known the life and ministry of Jesus to others, and every single part of that is miraculous.

But there are also other gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 that feel more immediately miraculous (ie. healing, tongues, prophecy, etc). And here, many rush to ask, “Have these things ceased?” This can be a fragile dialogue, and there are incredible, Bible-believing saints who disagree in their responses to this. And the short answer is this: There is nothing in Scripture that tells us plainly that those things have stopped. But for many, there is a lot in our experience that tells us plainly that those things have been abused in many church contexts. And we shouldn’t let our experience get in the way of a more faithful reading of Scripture. So, as odd as it may be for some, we believe that we should still be open to the Holy Spirit working and moving in these ways (and strangely, this is a very American discussion; the church in Africa, the church in the Middle East, the church in China - they don’t wrestle on this like we do; they experience these things a lot more).

And even if Christians answer the above question differently, we can’t lose sight of the big picture, the forest. The biggest idea for Paul is that the Holy Spirit is at work in this church and in your life – moving, stirring, active, nudging, empowering, animating, energizing, revitalizing, prompting, and equipping you for your good, others’ good, and for Jesus’ glory. And in the most real way imaginable, you using your gifts is just as important to God’s plan and this church as anybody’s else gift. Your gifts are just as vital to the life and health of your church family as anyone who ever leads a group, stands on a stage, or serves on staff. This is Paul’s point in 12:12-26, that the body needs every piece to be the body. Meaning, your presence and gifting is needed here at this church. You are not insignificant to what God is doing in the world through his people. You are vital. As we’ve said, “I need you, you need me, we need us.” And this leads us to the final answer to our question. How do we rightly understand and employ spiritual gifts in the church today?

• Spiritual gifts are uniquely divine capacities given by the Spirit to every Christian for the sake of those around them so that the life of Jesus may be seen and enjoyed more clearly.

And every piece of this matters. Broadly, one of God’s strongest love languages is gift-giving. He loves to bless his children with gifts. And these gifts are divine, supernatural capacities that will surface with patience and presence in a godly community. And why should you discover them and use them? “For the common good” (12:7). Basically, spiritual gifts are meant to be regifted. They’re meant to be shared with and for others, so that the life of Jesus may be seen and enjoyed more clearly because “we are the body of Christ” (12:27). Doing the spiritual gifts rightly is about participation in Christ’s own life. In the weirdest way possible, we are supposed to be Christ in, to, and for the world.

And it is the gospel of Jesus that makes the spiritual gifts conversation make the most sense: The actual body of Jesus was offered up on the cross so that we could be a part of the body of Jesus that is his church. He took our sin and gifted us his grace. He took our waywardness and gifted us his faithfulness. He took the death that belonged to us, so that we could continue his life of self-giving love. On the cross, he gave up his earthly spirit, so that he could ascend to heaven and give us the eternal, Holy Spirit. And the gospel is the clearest reminder that God is not reluctant or hesitant when it comes to gift-giving. “For God so loved the World, that he gave.” He gave us his Son and his Spirit. And his Spirit has gifted us in such a way that the world around us might encounter the resurrected Jesus if we’re being faithful.

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.