The Gifts of the Spirit 5

October 29, 2006
Sermon # 649
The Gifts of the Spirit 5

Women in Submission

1 Corinthians 14:34 - 40 (NKJV) 34Let £your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But £if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

I. Women are called to ministry

Acts 2:14 - 18 (NKJV) 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

A. How can women “prophesy” and “keep silent?”

ILL: You have to recognize that Paul is continuing his statements about the gifts of the Spirit and he has urged all of the Church to desire to prophesy – the gift that edifies the entire church. You just cannot prophesy and keep silent!

B. Women who prophesied

Acts 21:7 - 9 (NKJV) 7And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8On the next day we £who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

C. The Prophetess

Deborah

Judges 4:4 - 7 (NKJV) 4Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; 7and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand’?”

Anna

Luke 2:36 - 38 (NKJV) 36Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37and this woman was a widow £of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And coming in that instant she gave thanks to £the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Elizabeth and Mary

Luke 1:39 - 56 (NKJV) 39Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 46And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” 56And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

D. Other women in ministry

· The first evangelists

Mark 16:9 - 18 (NKJV) 9Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. 14Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they£ will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The woman who ministered with Paul

Acts 18:24 - 28 (NKJV) 24Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

II. Women are called to submission

1 Corinthians 14:34 - 35 (NKJV) 34Let £your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

ILL Children obey wives submit the two things are not the same!

Ephesians 6:1 - 3 (NKJV) 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3“that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”£

Ephesians 5:22 - 24 (NKJV) 22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

ILL: To submit is to line up in chain of command Paul is writing about order in the assembly – where and when did the first church meet?

When? – Sunday

Acts 20:7 - 8 (NKJV) 7Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upper room where £they were gathered together.

1 Corinthians 16:1 - 3 (NKJV) 1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

Where?

Acts 9:17 - 20 (NKJV) 17And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord £Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20Immediately he preached £the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

Acts 13:1 - 5 (NKJV) 1Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. 4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

ILL My point is that the early church met in the Temple, the Synagogues and from house to house.

Acts 2:46 - 47 (NKJV) 46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added £to the church daily those who were being saved.

ILL: Women were not allowed into the Temple proper nor into the men’s area of the Synagogue – so when the gifts of tongues and interpretation were used or prophecy spoken they could not hear. Paul is saying “do not interrupt the service – submit to the elders and to your husbands and ask them at home!”
III. Do you think you originate the Word of God or that you are the only one it was for?

1 Corinthians 14:36 (NKJV) 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?

ILL; Paul is asking if you are so foolish to believe that you can disrupt the worship service because you are the only one God can speak through or if you didn’t hear it the Word of God would fail? Does that insult You?

1 Corinthians 14:36 - 38 (NKJV) 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But £if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

ILL: I love the Apostle – if your insulted by the fact that God can speak through others or that others can relay His Word – be ignorant!

Conclusion:

1 Corinthians 14:39 - 40 (NKJV) 39Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

ILL: Well some Pastors and some churches say, “I believe that tongues have past away” – Do you believe the Bible is God’s word? Do Not Forbid to Speak in Tongues – It’s in the Bible and its God’s Word!

The Gifts of the Spirit 4

October 22, 2006
Sermon # 648

The Gifts of the Spirit 4

Introduction:

1 Corinthians 14:1 - 33 (NKJV) 1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; £for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 6But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 13Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 21In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”£ says the Lord. 22Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25£And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. 26How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

I. Spiritual gifts are not wrong

1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts

A. Pursue Agape

The word “Pursue” means to go after, chase down – it is an active verb – the fruit of the Spirit is Love.
Galatians 5:22 - 23 (NKJV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Ill: Agape is not natural it is supernatural – eros and philio are natural loves but agape like fruit have to grow and it grows by connection.

John 15:1 - 10 (NKJV) 1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He £takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you£ will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

Stay related to Jesus
Feed on His Word

2 Corinthians 3:17 - 18 (NKJV) 17Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
B. Desire gifts – but the choice is God’s

1 Corinthians 12:4 - 11 (NKJV) 4There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by £the same Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

II. Tongues and Prophecy serve different purposes

1 Corinthians 14:2 - 4 (NKJV) 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

A. Praying in tongues is directed to God

ILL If you are praying in tongues and do not understand what you are saying – do not be concerned – God understands and it will build you up in faith and anointing.

B. Prophesy is directed to the church

ILL: All prophesy should build the church up!

C. What good would it do you if I prayed in tongues?

1 Corinthians 14:6 - 12 (NKJV) 6But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

D. If I bring a message to the church in tongues I should pray for interpretation.

1 Corinthians 14:13 - 17 (NKJV) 13Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

ILL: Have you ever sung with tongues? I cannot keep the tune in either tongues or English!

D. The Apostle Paul spoke in tongues!

1 Corinthians 14:18 - 21 (NKJV) 18I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 21In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”£ says the Lord.

III. Speaking in tongues in Church is not a sign for the Church!

1 Corinthians 14:22 - 25 (NKJV) 22Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25£And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

ILL:: My friend Jamie Buckenham was asked to speak in tongues to give evidence of his baptism in the Holy Spirit. His reply, “praying in tongues is an intimate relationship with my Lord – I do not demonstrate intimacy to anyone!

ILL: Unbelievers take it as a sign – what got their attention at Pentecost – tongues!

Acts 2:1 - 18 (NKJV) 1When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all £with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:38 - 41 (NKJV) 38Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41Then those who £gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

IV Prophesy is a sign to the church

1 Corinthians 14:24 - 25 (NKJV) 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25£And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

V. Order in the Church

1 Corinthians 14:26 - 33 (NKJV) 26How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

A. Tongues

No more than three each with an interpretation. If no one interprets don’t speak in tongues again until there is someone with the gift.

B. Prophecy is to be judged by the leadership

ILL: The Holy Spirit never “takes over” if a spirit takes over it is not the Holy Spirit!

Conclusion:

I want to make one more observation “the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” The Holy Spirit will not supersede the authority of the Pastor or Church leadership. If the Pastor will not allow tongues and interpretation or prophecy in a church it should not be exercised. The church will be all the poorer for it – but that’s the way God has given authority.

The Gifts of the Spirit 3

October 15, 2006
Sermon # 647
1st Corinthians Part 19
The Gifts of the Spirit (Part 3)


Greater Than the Gifts

1 Corinthians 13:1 - 13 (NKJV) 1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Introduction:

We must not loose sight of the fact that in this most loved and greatest known writing about love that the subject has not changed. 1Cor Chapter 12-14 is about the gifts! What Paul is doing is introducing the fact that every gift of God must be matched with the fruit of God! All the fruits of the Spirit make up the one fruit of Agape. Agape is never a sentimental feeling but is a clear determined decision and judgment. It is never a nice warm feeling, affection, romance or desire.

I. Charisma without Love is nothing

A. Tongues

1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV) 1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

ILL: Around the hem of the High Priest’s robe he wore a bell and a pomegranate. The pomegranate represented the fruit of the spirit- without the fruit the sounds of the bells could not be distinguished.
Exodus 28:33 - 35 (NKJV) 33And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: 34a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. 35And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the LORD and when he comes out, that he may not die.
? The pomegranate is one fruit made of many parts blue for heaven, purple for royalty and scarlet for sacrifice. – such is love!

Galatians 5:22 - 26 (NKJV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

ILL: notice that “fruit” is singular but it has many parts

B. Prophecy, Knowledge and faith

1 Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV) 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

ILL: This is why prophecy, spiritual knowledge, and faith cannot be judgmental or negative – if they were they wouldn’t have Love.

C. Benevolence and Martyrdom

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NKJV) 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

ILL: Agape is always self-sacrificing but self-sacrifice does not necessarily come from love!
Some people give just because it makes them fell good or they do not want others to think poorly of them!

ILL: The terrorist who blows himself up to kill his enemies is not going to receive heaven and 7 virgins!

II. The qualities of true love

1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7 (NKJV) 4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1. Patient

ILL: The Atheist said “If God is real let him prove it by striking me dead in the next five minutes” The minister replied, “Sir do you think God’s love is so week that it cannot last five minutes?

ILL: When the man says “I love you and I want you” if he cannot wait for the wedding – he doesn’t love you!

ILL: The only reason the world has not been destroyed:
2 Peter 3:8 - 13 (NKJV) 8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2. Kind

Romans 2:4 (NKJV) 4Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

3. Never Jealous

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) 4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

ILL: The word “envy” is also “not jealous”

Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) 4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

James 3:14 - 17 (NKJV) 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

4. Never brags

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) 4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

ILL: This is the opposite of jealousy – it is trying to make someone jealous!

Arrogant – ILL: William Carey the father of modern missions was once being put down by a English Lord who said, “Carey I understand that you were a shoe maker.” Carey replied, “oh no I was never able to make them only repair them!”

5. Never acts unbecomingly

Luke 7:36 - 39 (NKJV) 36Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

6. Never seeks its own

ILL: Mary and I visit old cemeteries from time to time. I remember one behind a church in the mountains of Tenn. The message on the stone read, “shot by a dam Yankee” but the best one was in England.

Here lies a miser who lived from himself,
And cared for nothing but gathering wealth
Now where he is or how he fares
Nobody knows and nobody cares.

7. Is never provoked

1 Corinthians 13:5 - 6 (NKJV) 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
1 Peter 2:21 - 24 (NKJV) 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

ILL You are not to retaliate nor rehearse it over and over again in your mind!

8. Love bears, believes, hopes, endures

1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV) 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

III. Gifts last for a time but love lasts for eternity

1 Corinthians 13:8 - 13 (NKJV) 8Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Conclusion: We will not need the gifts after we die or after Jesus comes but we need faith hope and love always!

The Gifts of the Spirit 2

October 8, 2006
Sermon # 645

The Gifts of the Spirit 2

Introduction: It may seem that the Apostle Paul has jumped from one subject to another but he hasn’t. The progression of Chapter 12-14 is quite logical but his thoughts are interposed by several illustrations. We have a rather long illustration comparing the human body and its diversity while retaining it’s unity. Many Bible commentaries get sidetracked by the illustration and forget that the subject is still the gifts. Paul is merely pointing out the diversity of gifts all belong to the same Holy Spirit and that the differing gifts within the Church belong to the same Church!

1 Corinthians 12:11 - 31 (NKJV) 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,� is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,� is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you�; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.� 22No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

I. Gifts are not only supernatural manifestations but people are also gifts to the church.

Ephesians 4:7 - 16 (NKJV) 7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.� 9(Now this, “He ascended�—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

ILL: Note in the Ephesians letter Paul writes that Jesus in His ascension gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as “gifts.� Now I want to tell you that it is rude to refuse a gift, to hand it back unopened, unused and unappreciated! When we do not appreciate those whom God has called into ministry we insult Jesus! Paul writes that we give more honors to the less spectacular parts of our body why should we not give honor to the parts of His body?

II. The Supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit

A. Revelation gifts – the eyes of God

1. A word of wisdom
2. A word of knowledge
3. Discerning of spirits

B. Power Gifts – the hands of God

1. Special faith
2. Gifts of healing
3. The working of miracles

C. Vocal/Inspirations gifts – the mouth of God

1. The gift of prophecy
2. The gift of tongues
3. The gift of Interpretation of tongues

III. The Appointed gifts of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV) 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

A. Apostles (Who is an Apostle?)

• Jesus Himself: Hebrews 3:1 - 6 (NKJV) 1Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

ILL: Those who say the time of the apostles is over are really saying:
1 Corinthians 12:20 - 21 (NKJV) 20But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you�; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.�
2
• The apostle builds on no other man’s foundation

1 Corinthians 3:9 - 12 (NKJV) 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
Romans 15:18 - 21 (NKJV) 18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.�

• Paul The Apostle: 1 Corinthians 15:3 - 10 (NKJV) 3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

• Other Apostles: Galatians 1:18 - 20 (NKJV) 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20(Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

B. Prophets

Acts 21:7 - 14 (NKJV) 7And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’� 12Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.� 14So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.�

• The Prophet foretells and forth tells
3 Corinthians 14:3 (NKJV) 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

ILL: Acts 15:30 - 33 (NKJV) 30So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 32Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words

C. Evangelists

Acts 21:7 - 9 (NKJV) 7And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Acts 8:4 - 8 (NKJV) 4Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5Then Philip went down to ï‚£the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8:26 - 40 (NKJV) 26Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.� This is desert. 27So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.� 30So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?� 31And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?� And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.�34So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?� 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?� 37Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.� And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.� 38So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

D. Teachers

1 Timothy 4:12 - 16 (NKJV) 12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ï‚£in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

E. Workers of Miracles

ILL: A Miracles is a reversal of the natural law.
ILL: Jessie DuPlantus told the story of how he was held in a tumbling car – they had to cut the car open – the stearing wheel was broken off and a steal beam through his seat but he was unharmed!

Acts 12:5 - 10 (NKJV) 5Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!� And his chains fell off his hands. 8Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals�; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.� 9So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Acts 13:6 - 12 (NKJV) 6Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.� And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

F. Gifts of Healings

Acts 14:8 - 10 (NKJV) 8And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!� And he leaped and walked.

G. Helps = service

ILL: I can hear the cry now, “Oh God don’t give me as a gift of service!�

Acts 9:36 - 42 (NKJV) 36At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.� And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

ILL: Those how usher, greet, etc are exercising the gift of helps!

H. Administrations.

ILL: The word comes from “Pilot� –My home was on a sea port – the captain of a ship dismissed the “Pilot� and ended up putting his ship on the dock!
Conclusion:

1 Corinthians 12:29 - 31 (NKJV) 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the ï‚£best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

ILL: The Answer is NO!

THE CHUCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. TO THOSE WHO SAY WE NO LONGER HAVE APOSTLES & PROPHETS I WANT TO ASK WHICH PART OF THE BODY HAS BEEN AMPUTATED? AND TO THE REST I WANT TO ASK WHAT PART ARE YOU?