Yvette brought the word today. She describes the importance of Corinth at that time but also the difficulties the Corinthians face in trying to live authentically in an idolatrous city.
Paul cannot believe the sexual immorality of the city and the fact that they are proud of it. Instead of sorting things out, they sue each other.
The spiritual gifts should be used to build each other up. But here they are using spiritual gifts to purpose their own agendas.
At the Baptist Assembly the Rev Dr Helen Painter, said it’s about what gifts the church has been given through you, not centred on the gifting you have been given.
Spiritual gifts are about how goo God is not how good we are,.
They help they encourage they build people up. The prophecies on the wall of our church have kept us going for decades now.
Using the gifts that God has given us helps us to help each other.
It may just be a sense of what God wants from us. Remember if it’s not in Scripture it is not from God.
1Peter 4 10-11 tells us to use whatever gifts we have given through the power of God and to God’s glory.
It’s ok to be wrong, but be humble and acknowledge it.
The Holy Spirit often gifts us facts and knowledge we cannot know in any other way. Sharing this with the people concerned brings authenticity and openness.
We may get one main gift that we use all the time, or a range of gifts to use in different circumstances.
The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, is the Spirit gifting us. The are different kinds of service.
Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 also talk about the gifts from God. All gifts are intending to help each other. All the gifts are important, they build up other people and encourage them.
How do we serve the Lord and what is our attitude when serving the Lord? Are we generous with the fruits of the Spirit? How do we see people at work in the Spirit? What is the Spirit doing with us and our Church?
He does want to heal through us.
2 Tim 3 16-17 teaches us to do what is right.
If something contradicts the bible then it’s not from God.
Love is more important than Spiritual gifts. Without love spiritual gifts will not flourish.
Chapter 13 is Paul’s sharing on love.
If a part of the body does not work seek the help of the doctor. In this case the doctor is the Holy SPIRIT.
The same Holy Spirit is at work in each of us.
We’ve all been given spiritual gifts. If you are not sure ask God what you have been given.
Jesus says “My sheep know my voice”