Spiritual Gifts in the Church 1 Corinthians 12-14 Purpose: to rediscover God’s reason why He gave us spiritual gifts 1. God, Giver of Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-13, 18, 24, 18 From the same God, different gifts 2. God’s Gifts, What For? 1 Corinthians 12:7, 25 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 12, 19, 26 To edify the body, to build up one another, for growing in faith and obedience to Christ 3. Engaging Our Gifts How they work together, as one, like a body 1 Corinthians 12:14-23 How NOT to use our gifts 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 & cf. 14:9-12, 13-19, 26-40 How TO use our gifts 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 & cf. 14:40 Love FIRST, then use your gifts 1 Corinthians 14:1 So that we can glorify Christ in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission together!
Why Join a church? Purpose: to rediscover and recommit to Jesus Christ’s covenant community 1. Baptism: The Sign of Knowing Christ and His People Romans 6 2. Biblical Body Language How the Bible describes individual Christians as being part of a local body or church Romans 12:4-5 Members of One Another 1 Corinthians 12 3. Why Join? Biblical reasons for joining a church From Don Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines Within The Church (Moody Publishers, 1996) 1. You prove that you’re not ashamed to identify with Christ or His people. 2. You stop being an independent Christian. 3. You participate in a stronger, more unified effort of God’s people. 4. You have a greater opportunity to use your spiritual gift. 5. You openly demonstrate the reality of the body of Christ. 6. You participate in a more balanced ministry. 7. You demonstrate your commitment “to the proper working of each individual part.” 8. You encourage new believers in commitment to the local body of Christ. 9. You encourage a ministry when you consider it faithful and join it. In order to Glorify Christ in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission!
Glorifying Christ in Mission Purpose: for FBC to exalt Jesus Christ as Savior of the Nations 1. The State of the Lost Romans 1 2. The LORD’s Vision Isaiah 11:9b Habakkuk 2:14 3. The King Is Alive! A Closer Look at the Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:45-47 John 20:21 Acts 1:8 4. “Go” Means Go! King Jesus’ Command is for His Church to GO to the Nations with His Gospel 5. Our FBC Plan Romans 10:14-17 Romans 15:20
Glorifying Christ in Discipleship John chapters 13-20 Purpose: Jesus sends His disciples on God’s Mission to bring salvation to the world Jesus on Discipleship (from the Gospel of John) 1. The Holy Spirit Gives New Birth (Jn. 3:3-8) 2. The Passover/Lord’s Supper (Jn. 13) 3. Untroubled by the World and its Persecutions (Jn. 14:1) 4. Prayer in His Name (Jn. 14:13; 15:7) 5. Prayer to Jesus and to the Father (Jn. 14:13-14) 6. The Holy Spirit Reminds Us of All of Jesus’ Teachings (Jn. 14:26) 7. The Trinity Works for Us (Jn. 14:16-17) 8. The Trinity Dwells Within Us (Jn. 14:16, 23) 9. Compelled by love of Jesus to Obey His commands (Jn.14:15, 23-24) 10. Abiding in Jesus’ Word, Bearing Fruit with Joy (Jn. 15:1-11) 11. Love One Another Like Jesus Did (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12, 17) 12. Not of this World & Persecuted like Jesus was Persecuted (Jn. 15:20) 13. Holy Spirit guides Us to All Truth & Glorifies Jesus Christ (Jn. 16:3) 14. Eternal Joy in Jesus Drives Disciples Through Worldly Grief (Jn. 16:22) 15. Jesus Overcame the World for Our Peace and Courage (Jn. 16:33) 16. God the Son Praying to God the Father for His Disciples (Jn. 17) 17. Jesus’ Arrest and Trial (Jn. 18) 18. Jesus’ Crucifixion and Burial (Jn. 19) 19. Jesus is Alive, Jesus Sends Us Too! (Jn. 20:21) John’s Great Commission Account See: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-47
Glorifying Christ in Worship Malachi & John 4 Purpose: to glorify God in Jesus Christ as the only One worthy of worship 1. Glorifying YHWH in the OT ““ Malachi 1:1-5 The LORD’s love for Israel 1:6-2:9 Restoring YWHW Worship in the Leaders of God’s People 2:10-17 Restoring YHWH Worship in the Family 3:1-7 The PURIFIER 3:8-12 Restoring YHWH Worship in Tithing 3:13-15 Restoring YHWH Worship in Speech 3:16-18 YHWH’s Own Possession (see Titus 2:11-15) 4:1-6 The Righteous and the Wicked 2. Glorifying Christ in the NT ““ John 4:1-30 4:1-6 The Context 4:7-14 The Invitation 4:15-20 The Confrontation 4:21-26 The Revelation: Jesus is Messiah, Worship God in Spirit & Truth 4:27-30 The Mission: A Woman’s Life Changes
Above and Beyond All We Ask or Imagine IN CHRIST Ephesians 6:21-24 Purpose: setting the church on her course in Christ 1. Knowledge and Encouragement for Gospel Ministry Eph. 6:21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Paul sends Tychicus to fill up their knowledge and encouragement “comfort” here is the word – urge, exhort, comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 2. A Community of Incorruptible Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace In Christ Eph. 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Where does Peace, Love, & Faith come from? God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Grace is with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ “Incorruptible” here is the word – immortal
Biblical Spiritual Warfare: Battle Prayer Ephesians 6:18-20 Purpose: rediscovering resolute prayer in the midst of spiritual battle 1. Persevering Prayer for All Christians Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, We are commanded to do what? pray at all times How? “With” all prayer and petition “In” the Spirit We are commanded to be on alert How? “With” all perseverance and petition “For” who? all the saints 2. Prayer for Spirit-Filled Speech Ephesians 6:19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, What did Paul ask prayer for? that utterance may be given to me Who gives that? God For what purpose? Exalting the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 1:9-10)! This is the battle exemplified!! 3. Prayer for Bold Proclamation Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Who’s ambassador are you? (2 Cor. 5: 20) __________________________ In your spiritual warfare, what do you desire? __________________________
Biblical Spiritual Warfare: The Armor for Your Battle! Ephesians 6:14-17 Purpose: wrapped in the armor of God you are safe from the enemy, stand firm in Christ 1. Truth Ephesians 6:14a Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH Belt of Truth ““ Isaiah 11:5 Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. 2. Righteousness Ephesians 6:14b HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Breastplate of Righteousness ““ Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. 3. Gospel Ephesians 6:15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE Sandals of the Gospel of Peace ““ Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 4. Faith Ephesians 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Shield of Faith ““ Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” And Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. 5. Salvation Ephesians 6:17a And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, Helmet of Salvation ““ Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. 6. Word of God Ephesians 6:17b and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Sword of the Spirit ““ Isaiah 49:2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. God gives us two provisions so that we may “stand” and “resist.” First, the Lord’s strength (v. 10) realized only in the sphere of God’s might. Second, the Lord’s full armor (vv. 11a & 13a). Every piece of the armor is found in the Old Testament where it is the Lord God Messiah wearing it!! When Paul is commanding Christians to put on the full armor of God, this means we are to live in the strength of the Living Messiah, Jesus Christ!!
Spiritual Warfare: The Parameters of Our Battle! Ephesians 6:10-13 Purpose: to define the parameters of the believer’s spiritual battle, i.e., How To Fight! 1. The Commander’s Orders! Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Command to be strong HOW? in the Lord (imperative/passive/plural) “and in the” strength of His might This is not focused on the evil side! The Focus is on GOD! 2. Know Your Armor (Hint: It’s Not Yours!) Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Put on what? the full armor of God Why? so that you will be able to stand firm “Schemes” defined: stratagems, cunning attacks, tricks 3. Know Your Enemy! Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. The battle defined! (See 2 Cor. 6:1-10; 10:3-7; Col. 2:8) The battle is NOT against who? flesh and blood But IS against? powers, dark world forces, spiritual wickedness in heavenly places 4. Know Your Tactical Advantage! Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. The command reiterated, notice the two aspects of the command 1) resist, and 2) stand firm The battle is already won in Christ! Stand firm!
Work Your Job to Glorify Jesus Ephesians 6:5-9 Purpose: How to glorify Jesus in your work 1. As Slaves of Christ, You’re Free to Work Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. Command to “slaves” a.k.a. employees Slaves are to be obedient to earthly masters “With” fear and trembling “In” the sincerity of your heart “As” to Christ “Not” by eyeservice as men-pleasers “But as” slaves of Christ How? doing the will of God from the heart! Render service how? with good will “as” to the Lord Why? whatever good thing”¦ will receive back from the Lord Think of Joseph Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. 2. Masters, Who’s Your Master? Ephesians 6:9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Command to “masters” a.k.a. employers “Same things” as who? your workers, i.e., no double-standard Why? “Knowing that” their Master and your Master is in heaven “And” there is no partiality with Him See Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Col. 3:25; 1Tim. 5:21; James 2:9 What’s the standard for masters? God’s impartiality Is there a difference between slave or master in Jesus’ eyes? No How many masters are there in reality? Only One The Christian employer and Christian employee are brothers & sisters under One Master Philemon 15-16
A Message for Christian Children Ephesians 6:1-4 Purpose: Recovering the Spirit-Filled Relationship between Parents and Children 1. Children, Obey Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. The command: Children obey your parents in the Lord 2. Family Honor & Blessing Ephesians 6:2 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. OT authority: The rationale for obedient Children is what?your own wellness 3. Multi-Generational Faith Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger But bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord If fathers are doing what they are supposed to be doing, and mothers too, then what is the connection with the children? See the cycle of truth? See Psalm 78:1-8 Psalm 78:1 Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God