Building the Church Through Spiritual Gifts and Love
Summary
### Summary
Today marks the third and final week of our series on Pentecost. We've explored how the Holy Spirit empowers us for the Great Commission, and how speaking in tongues stirs our spirits. Today, we focus on being built up by the Holy Spirit. Imagine the church as a construction site, with each of us as builders equipped with divine tools provided by the Holy Spirit. These tools are essential for building the church and fulfilling our mission.
We began by acknowledging the importance of earnestly desiring spiritual gifts. Just as my father-in-law Dave earnestly desired the right tool for cleaning his gutters, we should earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. These gifts are not just for the spiritually elite but are available to all who ask. The Holy Spirit equips us with these gifts to build up the church and manifest God's power to the world.
The first guideline for using these gifts is to earnestly desire them. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians, urging us to pursue these gifts zealously. Being uninformed about spiritual gifts leads to a passive attitude, but researching and understanding them stirs our faith and desire. Reading about the miraculous works in the book of Acts and the testimonies of modern-day evangelists can cultivate this earnest desire.
The second guideline is to ensure that all things are done for edification. The spiritual gifts are meant to build up the church, not to create confusion or disorder. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 14, where he emphasizes the importance of order and clarity in the use of spiritual gifts. For example, messages in tongues should be interpreted, and prophetic words should be delivered in a manner that benefits the entire congregation. The goal is to harness the power of these gifts for the common good, ensuring that the church is strengthened and built up.
The third guideline is to let love be the motivating force behind the use of spiritual gifts. Paul places 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love, right between his discussions on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 and 14. This placement is intentional, highlighting that without love, the use of spiritual gifts is meaningless. Love ensures that our ministry is compassionate and genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another, and this love should be evident in how we minister through spiritual gifts.
We also discussed practical examples of how these gifts can be used to build up the church. In evangelism, the gift of healing can open up conversations about God, and words of knowledge can guide our prayers for those who don't yet know Jesus. The gift of discernment can protect the church from division, and prophetic words can provide guidance and encouragement. These gifts, when used correctly, make the church stronger and more effective in its mission.
As we conclude, we are reminded that the church is God's building, and we are the builders. The Holy Spirit equips us with divine tools to build the church, and we must use these tools according to the guidelines of earnest desire, edification, and love. Our theme for this year, "Living Witness," calls us to actively engage in the mission Jesus has given us, using the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify God and reach the world with the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts: Just as my father-in-law Dave earnestly desired the right tool for cleaning his gutters, we should earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. These gifts are not reserved for the spiritually elite but are available to all who ask. The Holy Spirit equips us with these gifts to build up the church and manifest God's power to the world. [18:25]
2. Edification is Key: The spiritual gifts are meant to build up the church, not to create confusion or disorder. Paul emphasizes the importance of order and clarity in the use of spiritual gifts. Messages in tongues should be interpreted, and prophetic words should be delivered in a manner that benefits the entire congregation. The goal is to harness the power of these gifts for the common good, ensuring that the church is strengthened and built up. [25:13]
3. Love as the Motivating Force: Without love, the use of spiritual gifts is meaningless. Paul places 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love, right between his discussions on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 and 14. This placement highlights that love ensures our ministry is compassionate and genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another, and this love should be evident in how we minister through spiritual gifts. [36:13]
4. Practical Application of Gifts: The spiritual gifts can be used in various practical ways to build up the church. In evangelism, the gift of healing can open up conversations about God, and words of knowledge can guide our prayers for those who don't yet know Jesus. The gift of discernment can protect the church from division, and prophetic words can provide guidance and encouragement. These gifts make the church stronger and more effective in its mission. [31:09]
5. The Church as a Construction Site: The church is God's building, and we are the builders. The Holy Spirit equips us with divine tools to build the church, and we must use these tools according to the guidelines of earnest desire, edification, and love. Our theme for this year, "Living Witness," calls us to actively engage in the mission Jesus has given us, using the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify God and reach the world with the gospel. [12:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:55] - Opening Prayer
[10:18] - Introduction to Pentecost Series
[12:00] - The Church as a Construction Site
[14:21] - Spiritual Gifts Overview
[17:08] - Guidelines for Using Spiritual Gifts
[18:25] - Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts
[25:13] - Edification is Key
[31:09] - Practical Application of Gifts
[36:13] - Love as the Motivating Force
[42:43] - The Power of the Gospel
[44:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:26 - "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up."
3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the nine spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 14:26, what should be the purpose of using spiritual gifts in a church gathering?
3. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, what does Paul say about the importance of love in relation to spiritual gifts?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "earnestly desire" spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 14:1? How does this align with the sermon’s analogy of earnestly desiring the right tool for a job? [18:25]
2. How can the misuse of spiritual gifts lead to confusion and disorder in the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:26 and the sermon’s example of chaotic church gatherings? [27:54]
3. What does it mean to let love be the motivating force behind the use of spiritual gifts, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13 and the sermon? How does this ensure that our ministry is compassionate and genuinely concerned for others? [36:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own desire for spiritual gifts. Do you earnestly desire them, or do you have a passive attitude? What steps can you take to cultivate a stronger desire for these gifts? [22:18]
2. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced the misuse of spiritual gifts in a church setting. How did it affect the congregation? What can you do to ensure that your use of spiritual gifts is orderly and edifying? [27:54]
3. How can you ensure that love is the motivating force behind your use of spiritual gifts? Can you recall a situation where you ministered to someone out of genuine concern for their welfare? [36:13]
4. In what ways can you use your spiritual gifts to build up the church? Identify one specific gift you feel called to develop and describe how you can use it to benefit your church community. [31:09]
5. The sermon mentioned practical examples of using spiritual gifts in evangelism, such as healing and words of knowledge. Have you ever experienced or witnessed this? How can you be more open to using your gifts in evangelistic contexts? [31:37]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being a "Living Witness." How can you actively engage in the mission Jesus has given us using the power of the Holy Spirit? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [41:01]
7. Reflect on the analogy of the church as a construction site. How do you see your role as a builder in God's church? What divine tools do you feel equipped with, and how can you use them to contribute to the church's mission? [12:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts
The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to build up the church and manifest God's power to the world. These gifts are not reserved for a select few but are available to all who earnestly desire them. Just as one might seek the right tool for a specific task, believers are encouraged to seek these gifts with zeal and passion. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians, urging believers to pursue spiritual gifts earnestly. Being uninformed about these gifts can lead to a passive attitude, but actively seeking to understand them can stir faith and desire. Reading about the miraculous works in the book of Acts and the testimonies of modern-day evangelists can cultivate this earnest desire. [18:25]
1 Corinthians 12:31 (ESV): "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."
Reflection: What specific spiritual gift do you feel drawn to, and how can you begin to earnestly seek it in your daily prayers and actions?
Day 2: Edification is Key
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church, not to create confusion or disorder. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 14, emphasizing the importance of order and clarity in the use of spiritual gifts. For instance, messages in tongues should be interpreted, and prophetic words should be delivered in a manner that benefits the entire congregation. The goal is to harness the power of these gifts for the common good, ensuring that the church is strengthened and built up. This principle of edification ensures that the church remains a place of growth and unity. [25:13]
1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV): "What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the edification of your church community through the use of your spiritual gifts?
Day 3: Love as the Motivating Force
Without love, the use of spiritual gifts is meaningless. Paul strategically places 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love, between his discussions on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 and 14. This placement highlights that love ensures our ministry is compassionate and genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another, and this love should be evident in how we minister through spiritual gifts. Love should be the driving force behind all our actions, ensuring that our ministry is not just effective but also heartfelt and genuine. [36:13]
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that love is the motivating force behind your use of spiritual gifts?
Day 4: Practical Application of Gifts
Spiritual gifts can be used in various practical ways to build up the church. In evangelism, the gift of healing can open up conversations about God, and words of knowledge can guide prayers for those who don't yet know Jesus. The gift of discernment can protect the church from division, and prophetic words can provide guidance and encouragement. These gifts, when used correctly, make the church stronger and more effective in its mission. By applying these gifts in practical ways, believers can see tangible results in their ministry and the growth of the church. [31:09]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you practically apply your spiritual gifts in your daily life to build up the church and serve others?
Day 5: The Church as a Construction Site
The church is God's building, and believers are the builders. The Holy Spirit equips us with divine tools to build the church, and we must use these tools according to the guidelines of earnest desire, edification, and love. Our theme for this year, "Living Witness," calls us to actively engage in the mission Jesus has given us, using the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify God and reach the world with the gospel. By viewing the church as a construction site, believers can see the importance of their role in building and maintaining a strong, unified, and effective church community. [12:00]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in building up your church community, viewing it as a construction site where everyone has a role to play?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And as we continue to love people let's look for every opportunity and make the most of every opportunity we can share the gospel with people not just in word but in power and to allow the gospel that brings hope to all humanity to transform the lives of the people we come in contact with because truly it's the best message that the world desperately needs to hear at the moment. That Jesus saves." [42:43]
2. "Jesus restores. Jesus rescues. Jesus heals. He restores. Only he can set people free from the bondage of their past, from oppressions, from addictions. Only Jesus can give the purpose that sustains meaning in your life. Only Jesus can give you a hope that extends beyond this life. Only Jesus can give you freedom and unconditional love." [43:05]
3. "We live in a world that desperately needs Jesus. We live in a country where there's a lot of skepticism as to whether God is even real. And these supernatural tools are incredible ways of just opening people up to acknowledging the reality of who God is. God isn't playing hide and seek. He's not trying to conceal himself. He wants to make himself known. And the spiritual gifts is one of the ways he does that." [41:51]
4. "The Kingdom of God is not just in word, but it's in power as well. And by using and operating in these spiritual gifts, we're able to manifest the power of God to a broken and hurting and lost world. And the world has the chance to experience and see God's reality." [16:36]
5. "So I thought now's a good time just to give some examples of how these spiritual gifts can edify the church. And you might have plenty of examples of this for yourself. I know I've seen so many different ways these spiritual gifts have ministered precisely and powerfully in specific moments in my life and in the lives of my friends and in the life of this church to build up the church." [31:09]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So the church is God's building and we are the builders. And the Holy Spirit is our equipment supplier and he gives us some amazing tools that we get to use for the benefit of the church. But we have to operate these tools according to some guidelines. And these guidelines are firstly, earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Secondly, let all things be done for edification or for building up. Finally, let love be what motivates you." [40:10]
2. "The point Paul is making there, I think especially in that phrase, the spirit of prophets are subject to the prophets, means you are in control of how you use the gift. You're not in control of the gift. It's supernatural. It's flowing through you, completely instigated and produced by the power of the Holy Spirit. But you are in control of how you use the gift. So Paul is saying, when you minister one of these spiritual gifts, do it in a manner that is going to be for the benefit of the church." [29:30]
3. "So often I've been at a moment of indecision. I've had two options in front of me. I think I know what God is saying, I'm not really sure. And then someone will say, I just believe God wants me to tell you this. And it's like, a confirmation to me that, yes, okay, cool. I can make this decision with confidence because God has spoken to me. It might be a gift of faith to strengthen another person's faith. And this is really cool." [33:29]
4. "The spiritual gifts aren't badges of honor. They aren't feathers in your cap. They aren't marks of spiritual maturity. They don't, they're not supposed to be operated just to make you feel validated in your Christianity. It's not about you. It's about the church. You're just simply the vessel, the conduit through which the power of the Holy Spirit flows to benefit the church." [30:27]
5. "And so you look at the big picture of all of these gifts operating and you see the net result is that the church gets stronger. The church is built up. The church doesn't get weaker or more passive or more irrelevant. The church actually gets stronger. The church becomes more effective. The church becomes more on mission. The church is actively demonstrating the power of God to the church. To the world." [35:13]
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