1 Corinthians 12 The Power We Need

‍

‘Now about the gifts of the Spirit…’The gifts of the Holy Spirit are abilities that come from God to build up the church

- Not natural abilities

- Not talents

- Super-natural gifts given by God for the good of His people

‍

Context: Some in Corinth were abusing the gifts, using them for themselves and not the church.The result is division and confusion rather than what the gifts are intended for.

‍

Key verse

Now to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

‍

- 1 Cor. 12:7-

God has called every Christian to an amazing work of building up the church

- Because of our union with Christ we each have access to the supernatural power of God by theHoly Spirit who’s power can shine brightly in our lives by His gifts.

- Every gift is given for the benefit of not just the individual but for the benefit of God’s people

‍

The power we needVs 1-3:

Paul wants to reassure every Christian has the Holy Spirit

‍

- We know we have the Spirit because He has put the desire in our hearts to live with Jesus asLord

- His Spirit sustains us to keep living for Jesus even through our doubts and struggles

- He has put the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5)

Every Christian has the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 - ‘each one’.

Every believer has been gifted unbelievable power by the Spirit for the good of Christ’s church

So (verse 31) pursue the gifts!

1 Corinthians 12:31: ‘Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.’- ‘burn with zeal’, ‘pursue them earnestly’.

Are we doing that?

When we pursue the gifts we pursue God Himself.

Spiritual gifts are nothing less than God Himself in us, energising our souls, imparting revelations to our minds, infusing power in our wills and working His sovereign and gracious purposes through us. Sam Storms

‍

The gifts of the Spirit

- Words of wisdom and knowledge

- Faith, healing & miraculous powers

- Prophecy & distinguishing between spirits

- Tongues & interpretation of tongues

God has given us the power we need, therefore ask Him for the gifts.

Ask yourself, where is power needed in the life of our church?

‍

Who needs encouragement?

Who needs a word?

Who needs healing?

Who needs a miracle?

‍

God is good, He is kind. By His grace He offers to help us.

Ask the Lord for the gifts

Earnestly pursue Him

He is the power we need.

‍