Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, Acts
Intro:
- Acknowledge the "rowdy" service from the previous week.
- Share a positive interaction with a long-time pastor regarding the service.
- Reiterate the permission granted to ask for the Holy Spirit's power and authority.
- Address the controversy surrounding spiritual gifts in the church.
Key Points:
- Three Camps of Belief:
- Cessationists: Supernatural gifts ceased with the apostles or the completion of scripture.
- Continuationists (Charismatics): Supernatural gifts are for every generation.
- Open but Cautious: Open to gifts but hesitant to pursue them.
- Cessationist Argument and Counter-Arguments:
- Argument: Gifts were exclusively for apostles to validate their message.
- Counter: Scripture shows gifts were given to various people, not just apostles.
- Argument: Gifts ceased with the completion of scripture (1 Corinthians 13).
- Counter: "Perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13 refers to Jesus's return, not the Bible.
- Continuationist Argument:
- Gifts are for today; the church still needs building up.
- Lack of biblical evidence for cessation.
- Stereotypes and Realities:
- Stereotypes of both cessationists and continuationists are often inaccurate.
- Call to move beyond stereotypes and engage with people.
- The "Open but Cautious" Camp:
- Often closed in practice despite open theology.
- Challenge to be truly open and move beyond neutrality.
- Why Eagerly Desire Gifts?
- Scriptural Command: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 12:31: "Eagerly desire the greater gifts."
- Loving: Gifts are for building up the body (1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Corinthians 13).
- Desiring God: Gifts are manifestations of God's presence (Sam Storms).
- Evangelism: Gifts demonstrate God's reality to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
- How to Pursue Gifts:
- Consume Scripture: Let the Bible shape your understanding and desire.
- Reject Abuse as an Excuse: God gives guidelines for using gifts rightly.
- Understand the Purpose: Gifts are for mission and building up the church.
- Embrace the Supernatural: God does the "super," we do the "natural."
- Step Forward: Engage with those experiencing gifts and examine the fruit.
Conclusion:
- Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts is a command and a loving act.
- Gifts are for God's glory, building up the church, and reaching the lost.
- We must move beyond neutrality and pursue God in His fullness.
Call to Action:
- Read and study the scriptures regarding spiritual gifts.
- Examine your own heart and identify any resistance to the gifts.
- Pray for a hunger and desire for the Holy Spirit's gifts.
- Step out in faith and practice using the gifts in loving service.
- Build relationships with those who operate in the gifts.
- Test all things, including your own attitudes, against scripture.
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