This sermon explores the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing their purpose as tools for service and glorifying God. Key
Good morning, brothers and sisters. It's a joy to be with you all today, as we open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of God's Word. Today, we will be turning our attention to a passage that speaks to the very core of our Christian identity, a passage that illuminates the divine gifts that the Holy Spirit has lovingly bestowed upon us.
Opening Scripture Reading – Our text for today is 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Allow me to read it for us. "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
This passage is a radiant beacon of truth, shedding light on the profound gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts to each one of us. It's a passage that invites us to reflect on our own spiritual gifts, and how we can use them to serve the Lord and our fellow man.
In the words of the great Christian pastor, Charles Stanley, "As God's children, we are not to be observers; we're to participate actively in the Lord's work. Spectators sit and watch, but we are called to use our spiritual gifts and serve continually." This reminds us that our spiritual gifts are not mere decorations or ornaments. They are powerful tools that God has entrusted to us, tools that we are called to use in His service.
As we delve into this passage, we will be focusing on three main points: Grace Granted Gifts, The Holy Spirit's Handiwork, and Individuals Inspired. Each of these points will help us to better understand the spiritual gifts that we have received, and how we can use them to glorify God and bless others.
A. The first thing we need to understand is that these gifts are a result of God's grace. They're not a result of our own efforts or abilities. They're not a reward for our good behavior or our religious devotion. They're a gift, pure and simple. They're a gift from God, given to us freely and generously, without any strings attached.
B. The second thing we need to understand is that these gifts are given to us for a purpose. They're not just for our own enjoyment or fulfillment. They're not just for our own personal growth or development. They're for the benefit of others. They're for the building up of the body of Christ. They're for the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.
C. The third thing we need to understand is that these gifts are not static or fixed. They're not something we're born with and stuck with for the rest of our lives. They're dynamic and fluid. They can grow and develop. They can change and evolve. They can be nurtured and cultivated.
D. The fourth thing we need to understand is that these gifts are not a burden or a chore. They're not a duty or an obligation. They're not a task or a job. They're a joy and a delight. They're a privilege and a pleasure. They're an opportunity and an adventure.
So, let's embrace these truths. Let's celebrate these gifts. Let's use these gifts. Let's be these gifts. For the glory of God, for the good of others, and for the joy of our own souls.
The Holy Spirit's handiwork is evident in the variety of gifts He bestows upon us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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