Embracing Spiritual Gifts for Church Unity and Truth

 

Summary

Empowered by the Spirit, we are called to embrace the gifts God has bestowed upon us for the common good of the church. The gifts of prophecy and discernment are particularly vital in navigating the complexities of our spiritual journey. As outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, God distributes these gifts according to His divine wisdom, not based on our preferences or comfort zones. This divine allocation ensures that the church is equipped to fulfill its mission and remain steadfast in truth.

The interconnectedness of scripture from Genesis to Revelation highlights the timeless relevance of these gifts. Prophecy, as seen in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, serves as a divine communication tool, preparing and guiding God's people. Acts 2:17-18 reminds us of the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy during Pentecost, emphasizing that these gifts are not relics of the past but are essential for today's church.

Ephesians 4:12 underscores the purpose of these gifts: to equip and build up the body of Christ. They foster unity and maturity, protecting us from being swayed by false teachings. Prophecy is not merely about foretelling the future but is a means for God to assure, warn, and correct His people. It is a light in the darkness, guiding us on the path God intends for us.

The gift of discernment is equally crucial. It enables us to distinguish between truth and deception, safeguarding the church from false prophets and teachings. As 1 John 4 advises, we must test the spirits to ensure they align with God's truth. This discernment is not just about identifying falsehoods but also about recognizing genuine spiritual fruit.

The story of Balaam in Numbers 22 serves as a cautionary tale about spiritual blindness and disobedience. Despite being a prophet, Balaam's actions were contrary to God's instructions, highlighting the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Similarly, the account of Samuel and Eli in 1 Samuel 3 illustrates the courage required to deliver God's message, regardless of personal discomfort.

In our contemporary context, the challenge lies in balancing truth with love, speaking God's word boldly yet compassionately. The gifts of prophecy and discernment empower us to do so, ensuring that we remain faithful witnesses to God's truth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Allocation of Gifts: God distributes spiritual gifts according to His wisdom, not our preferences. This ensures the church is equipped for its mission, fostering unity and maturity among believers. [33:21]

2. Prophecy as Divine Communication: Prophecy serves as a vehicle for God to prepare, guide, and correct His people. It is a light in the darkness, providing direction and assurance. [40:40]

3. The Role of Discernment: Discernment is crucial for identifying truth and safeguarding the church from false teachings. It helps us recognize genuine spiritual fruit and align with God's truth. [54:40]

4. Courage in Delivering God's Message: The story of Samuel and Eli illustrates the courage required to deliver God's message, even when it is uncomfortable. Obedience to God's call is paramount. [42:03]

5. Balancing Truth with Love: In a world that values political correctness, we are called to speak God's truth boldly yet compassionately. The gifts of prophecy and discernment empower us to be faithful witnesses. [52:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:26] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
- [33:21] - Divine Allocation of Gifts
- [35:24] - Prophecy in Scripture
- [40:40] - Prophecy as Divine Communication
- [42:03] - Samuel's Courageous Prophecy
- [44:31] - Balaam's Disobedience
- [50:40] - Spiritual Blindness and Obedience
- [51:56] - The Importance of Attitude
- [52:43] - Balancing Truth with Love
- [54:40] - The Role of Discernment
- [55:40] - Testing the Spirits
- [56:43] - Paul and the Spirit of Discernment
- [59:01] - The Need for Active Gifts in the Church
- [01:02:48] - The Call to Obedience

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 - Discusses the distribution of spiritual gifts by the Spirit for the common good.
2. Acts 2:17-18 - Refers to the prophecy of Joel about the outpouring of the Spirit and the resulting gifts.
3. Ephesians 4:12 - Highlights the purpose of spiritual gifts in building up the body of Christ.

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 12, how does God distribute spiritual gifts among believers? What is the purpose of these gifts? [33:21]
2. In Acts 2:17-18, what prophecy is being fulfilled, and how does it relate to the gifts of prophecy and discernment? [35:24]
3. How does Ephesians 4:12 describe the role of spiritual gifts in the church? What outcomes are expected from their use? [40:40]
4. What examples from the Old Testament were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the use of prophecy? [35:24]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the interconnectedness of scripture from Genesis to Revelation in relation to spiritual gifts? [35:24]
2. What does the story of Balaam in Numbers 22 teach about spiritual blindness and obedience? How does this relate to the gift of discernment? [44:31]
3. How does the sermon suggest we balance truth with love when using the gifts of prophecy and discernment? [52:43]
4. What role does courage play in delivering God's message, as illustrated by the story of Samuel and Eli? [42:03]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to use a specific gift. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [33:21]
2. How can you actively seek to develop the gift of discernment in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to test the spirits as advised in 1 John 4? [54:40]
3. In what ways can you ensure that your use of spiritual gifts contributes to the unity and maturity of your church community? [40:40]
4. Consider a situation where you need to speak God's truth. How can you do so with both boldness and compassion? [52:43]
5. How can the story of Balaam serve as a warning against disobedience in your own spiritual journey? What steps can you take to align your actions with God's will? [44:31]
6. Think of a time when you had to deliver a difficult message. How did you find the courage to do so, and what was the impact? [42:03]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to balance truth with love. What changes can you make to address this challenge? [52:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Wisdom in Gift Allocation
God, in His infinite wisdom, distributes spiritual gifts not according to our desires but according to His divine plan. This allocation ensures that the church is equipped to fulfill its mission, fostering unity and maturity among believers. Each gift, whether it be prophecy, discernment, or another, is given with a purpose that transcends personal preference. The church, as a body, benefits from this diversity of gifts, as it allows for a more comprehensive approach to ministry and service. Embracing this divine allocation requires humility and trust in God's overarching plan for His people. [33:21]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: Consider a gift or talent you have that you may not fully appreciate. How can you use it for the common good of your church community this week?


Day 2: Prophecy as a Guiding Light
Prophecy serves as a divine communication tool, preparing and guiding God's people through the complexities of life. It is not merely about predicting the future but is a means for God to assure, warn, and correct His people. This gift acts as a light in the darkness, providing direction and assurance in times of uncertainty. The interconnectedness of scripture from Genesis to Revelation highlights the timeless relevance of prophecy, reminding us that it is essential for today's church. Embracing prophecy involves being open to God's voice and willing to act upon His guidance. [40:40]

Amos 3:7 (ESV): "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was guiding you through a difficult situation. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?


Day 3: Discernment as a Safeguard
The gift of discernment is crucial for identifying truth and safeguarding the church from false teachings. It enables believers to distinguish between truth and deception, ensuring alignment with God's truth. This discernment is not just about identifying falsehoods but also about recognizing genuine spiritual fruit. As 1 John 4 advises, testing the spirits is essential to ensure they align with God's truth. In a world filled with conflicting messages, discernment acts as a safeguard, protecting the integrity of the church and its mission. [54:40]

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV): "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you had to discern between truth and deception. How did you approach it, and what role did your faith play in your decision-making?


Day 4: Courage in Delivering God's Message
The story of Samuel and Eli illustrates the courage required to deliver God's message, even when it is uncomfortable. Obedience to God's call is paramount, and it often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. This courage is not about personal bravery but about trusting in God's strength and purpose. Delivering God's message with boldness and compassion ensures that His truth is shared effectively, even in challenging circumstances. Embracing this courage involves a willingness to prioritize God's will over personal comfort. [42:03]

Jeremiah 1:7-8 (ESV): "But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel called to speak God's truth. What steps can you take to approach this situation with courage and compassion?


Day 5: Balancing Truth with Love
In a world that values political correctness, believers are called to speak God's truth boldly yet compassionately. The gifts of prophecy and discernment empower us to be faithful witnesses, ensuring that we remain steadfast in truth while expressing love. Balancing truth with love involves understanding the heart of God's message and delivering it in a way that reflects His character. This balance is essential for effective ministry and for building relationships that honor God. Embracing this balance requires a commitment to both truth and love in all interactions. [52:43]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Think of a relationship where you struggle to balance truth and love. How can you intentionally practice this balance in your interactions with that person this week?

Quotes



"And he knows what he's called each of us for, amen? And so he chooses who he wants to give what gift for the common good." [00:35:12] (11 seconds)


"You see, prophecy is the foretelling of things to come. Amen. It is God preparing his people for what is to come. And he says, I will tell you, I will share. He uses prophecy as his vehicle to speak, to assure, to warn, to correct." [00:39:06] (24 seconds)


"He said, you must pay close attention to what they wrote. For their words are like lamp shining in a dark place. And so prophecy sheds light on the direction that God is going to take us. God wants his church and his people to go." [00:40:44] (20 seconds)


"So Bob is it possible that we have titles and we it seem as if we're going about God's business but we're spiritually blind. It's possible Jen that we could be just disobedient even though we're going about doing what God it seems want us to do." [00:50:40] (28 seconds)


"You see it's hard to to speak the things that God says to speak because we live in a time when we want to be politically correct Kayla. Like we don't want to offend. But how does that work when the Bible says that the spirit the word of God is a sword. It slices." [00:52:43] (24 seconds)


"of discernment is crucial for the church first john 5 2021 says and we know that the son of god has come and has given us discernment what's this gift for so that we may know who is genuine because we are one with the genuine and true god so we know and he says guard yourselves against false prophets false teachers." [00:53:10] (36 seconds)


"For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive. And if it's possible, they will deceive even God's chosen one. And God said, I warned you about this ahead of time so that you can be aware that the church needs the spirit of discernment." [00:54:01] (29 seconds)


"So in as much as we need the gifts, the gift of prophecy goes hand in hand with the gift of discernment. So 1 John 4, he says, friends, don't trust every spirit. On the contrary, you should test the spirits to see whether they are of God." [00:55:40] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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