Embracing the Holy Spirit: Love and Spiritual Gifts
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, family. As we close our service today, I want to remind you that next Sunday is a special "Five for Five" Sunday, where five of our team members will share for five minutes each. These Sundays are always a blessing, and we are excited for what God has in store. Following that, on Father's Day, we will continue our series on the Holy Spirit, focusing on why Paul contrasts tongues with prophecy and the significance of the gift of prophecy in our lives.
During the pandemic, many churches faced challenges, but some also experienced blessings. For instance, a church in Sherwood Park moved to a beautiful new building. We also have friends, Pastors Lauren and Shauna Lee, who are doing incredible work in Windsor, Ontario. Today, we lift up Pastor Drew, who is preaching despite the sudden loss of his mother. Let's stand together and pray for them, asking God to bless their ministries and comfort them in their grief.
As we dive into today's message, let's grab our Bibles, notebooks, or smartphones. We've been exploring the Holy Spirit, focusing on three key questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? And how can we be filled with the Holy Spirit? We've established that it's only through the Holy Spirit that we can be born again, a concept that might seem daunting but is essential for our transformation.
In Acts 2, Peter's words pierced the hearts of many, leading them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. This promise is for everyone, and it's crucial to understand that the gifts of the Spirit are meant to build up the body of Christ and transform lives. However, we've often turned the desire for spiritual gifts into a passive, optional sideshow, failing to connect it to the Great Commission. Our motives should be rooted in love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13, which teaches that love is the greatest of all virtues.
Today, we focus on the gift of tongues, a topic that often causes anxiety and confusion. There are different types of tongues: public and private, known languages and heavenly languages. Some Christians believe tongues are no longer relevant, while others see them as essential. Regardless of where you stand, it's important to approach this topic with humility and curiosity, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as He sees fit.
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul emphasizes that love should be our highest goal. While tongues are a gift, prophecy is even more beneficial because it strengthens the entire church. Speaking in tongues is often mysterious and not easily understood, but it can be a powerful way to connect with God. However, it's crucial to remember that the purpose of any spiritual gift is to further the mission of Christ.
The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came upon the believers, they began to speak in different languages, allowing people from various nations to hear the message of God in their own tongues. This miraculous event shows that the Holy Spirit can work in ways beyond our understanding, drawing people to God through the redemptive work of Jesus.
As we close, I encourage you to approach the gift of tongues with an open heart. Don't let past experiences or disappointments shape your beliefs. Instead, root your convictions in what the Bible teaches. With a motive to love well and further the Great Commission, you're allowed to ask for this gift. Let's stand together, close our eyes, and invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. We need a fresh wind, a holy anointing. Pour your Spirit out, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Love in Spiritual Gifts: The greatest of all virtues is love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13. Our motives for desiring spiritual gifts should be rooted in love, not in seeking power or significance. Love should be our highest goal, guiding how we operate in our spiritual gifts. This ensures that our actions build up the body of Christ and further His mission. [01:04:09]
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformation: The Holy Spirit is essential for our transformation and being born again. This concept, though sometimes daunting, is crucial for our spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit helps us to be transformed, enabling us to live out the mission of Christ. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us to embrace the changes He brings. [34:34]
3. The Gift of Tongues and Its Purpose: The gift of tongues is often misunderstood and can cause anxiety. There are different types of tongues, including public and private, known languages and heavenly languages. Regardless of the type, the purpose of this gift is to build up the body of Christ and further His mission. It's important to approach this gift with humility and curiosity, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as He sees fit. [37:09]
4. The Miraculous Event of Pentecost: The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came upon the believers, they began to speak in different languages, allowing people from various nations to hear the message of God in their own tongues. This event shows that the Holy Spirit can work in ways beyond our understanding, drawing people to God through the redemptive work of Jesus. [42:08]
5. Approaching Spiritual Gifts with an Open Heart: It's important to approach the gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts with an open heart. Don't let past experiences or disappointments shape your beliefs. Instead, root your convictions in what the Bible teaches. With a motive to love well and further the Great Commission, you're allowed to ask for these gifts. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you anew, and trust Him to work in your life. [01:16:17]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:02] - Praying for Pastors and Churches
[33:34] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit Series
[34:34] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformation
[37:09] - Understanding the Gift of Tongues
[42:08] - The Miraculous Event of Pentecost
[46:59] - Languages and the Holy Spirit
[01:02:16] - Peter's Sermon and the Holy Spirit
[01:04:09] - The Importance of Love in Spiritual Gifts
[01:16:17] - Approaching Spiritual Gifts with an Open Heart
[01:18:47] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-13 - The story of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
2. 1 Corinthians 13 - The importance of love in spiritual gifts.
3. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - The comparison between the gift of tongues and prophecy.
#### Observation Questions
1. What miraculous event occurred in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers? ([42:08])
2. According to 1 Corinthians 13, what should be the highest goal when desiring spiritual gifts?
3. In 1 Corinthians 14, why does Paul say prophecy is more beneficial than speaking in tongues? ([01:07:16])
4. How did the crowd react to the believers speaking in tongues during Pentecost, and what were the differing interpretations of this event? ([45:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit chose to manifest through the gift of tongues during Pentecost? What significance does this have for the early church and for us today? ([42:08])
2. How does Paul’s emphasis on love in 1 Corinthians 13 shape our understanding of the purpose of spiritual gifts? ([01:04:09])
3. What might Paul mean when he says that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, but prophecy benefits believers? How does this distinction affect the way we use these gifts in the church? ([01:12:01])
4. How can the story of Pentecost in Acts 2 inspire us to be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit in ways that might be beyond our understanding? ([42:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit working in your life. How did it transform you, and how can you remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the future? ([34:34])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of love as the highest goal in desiring spiritual gifts. How can you ensure that your motives for seeking spiritual gifts are rooted in love? ([01:04:09])
3. Have you ever experienced confusion or anxiety regarding the gift of tongues? How can you approach this topic with humility and curiosity, as suggested in the sermon? ([37:09])
4. The story of Pentecost shows the Holy Spirit working in miraculous ways to spread the message of God. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit using you to reach others, even in unexpected ways? ([42:08])
5. The sermon mentioned that our past experiences or disappointments should not shape our beliefs about spiritual gifts. How can you root your convictions in what the Bible teaches rather than past experiences? ([01:16:17])
6. How can you practically show love and build up the body of Christ using your spiritual gifts? Think of specific actions you can take this week to encourage and strengthen others in your church community. ([01:04:09])
7. The sermon encouraged us to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. What steps can you take this week to create space in your life for the Holy Spirit to work and move? ([01:18:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Love as the Foundation of Spiritual Gifts
The greatest of all virtues is love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13. Our motives for desiring spiritual gifts should be rooted in love, not in seeking power or significance. Love should be our highest goal, guiding how we operate in our spiritual gifts. This ensures that our actions build up the body of Christ and further His mission. [01:04:09]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (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. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: Think of a spiritual gift you desire or currently possess. How can you ensure that your use of this gift is motivated by love and aimed at building up others in your community?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Transformation
The Holy Spirit is essential for our transformation and being born again. This concept, though sometimes daunting, is crucial for our spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit helps us to be transformed, enabling us to live out the mission of Christ. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us to embrace the changes He brings. [34:34]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent change or transformation in your life. How can you see the Holy Spirit's hand in this change, and how can you cooperate more fully with His work in your life?
Day 3: Understanding the Gift of Tongues
The gift of tongues is often misunderstood and can cause anxiety. There are different types of tongues, including public and private, known languages and heavenly languages. Regardless of the type, the purpose of this gift is to build up the body of Christ and further His mission. It's important to approach this gift with humility and curiosity, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as He sees fit. [37:09]
1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (ESV): "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church."
Reflection: Have you ever felt anxious or confused about the gift of tongues? How can you approach this gift with an open heart and a desire to understand its purpose in building up the body of Christ?
Day 4: The Miraculous Event of Pentecost
The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came upon the believers, they began to speak in different languages, allowing people from various nations to hear the message of God in their own tongues. This event shows that the Holy Spirit can work in ways beyond our understanding, drawing people to God through the redemptive work of Jesus. [42:08]
Acts 2:4-6 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language."
Reflection: Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced something that seemed beyond human understanding. How did this event draw you or others closer to God, and how can you remain open to the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Day 5: Approaching Spiritual Gifts with an Open Heart
It's important to approach the gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts with an open heart. Don't let past experiences or disappointments shape your beliefs. Instead, root your convictions in what the Bible teaches. With a motive to love well and further the Great Commission, you're allowed to ask for these gifts. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you anew, and trust Him to work in your life. [01:16:17]
1 Corinthians 12:31 (ESV): "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."
Reflection: Reflect on any past experiences or disappointments that may have shaped your beliefs about spiritual gifts. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and mind, and how can you earnestly desire and seek the gifts He wants to give you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The purpose of any spiritual gifts is that as followers of Jesus, we would continue in the mission of Christ Jesus. And maybe you're in the room today, and you're like, yeah, I've really thought this is right or this is wrong. I just want you to come back to a place where we give, give the Holy Spirit permission to do what the Holy Spirit needs to do. Draw people to the Father through the redemptive work of Jesus." [01:14:39]
2. "We've been talking about how it's only by the Holy Spirit that we can be born again. And that's a really Christian phrase. If you grew up in church, maybe, like I remember being eight years old and having little well-meaning grannies saying, Young man, are you born again? And, you know, having this, like, pressure to be like, I don't even know what that means. Like, I don't want to talk about childbirth when I'm an eight-year-old boy. Right? And so, but we actually dove into that as a community. We talked about how the Holy Spirit helps us. To be transformed." [34:34]
3. "You and I have been called into fulfilling a great co-mission, a together mission to continue the work of Jesus. And it will be impossible to accomplish the work of Christ in our lifetime without the Holy Spirit. The continuation of the work and the power of heaven's kingdom. The kingdom being made known here on earth." [37:09]
4. "I personally believe we put too much emphasis on a sense of morality, right and wrong, regarding the gift of tongues. And not enough emphasis on the truth. Right? The Holy Spirit will do what the Holy Spirit needs to do to draw people to the Father, through the redemptive work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will do what the Holy Spirit needs to do to draw sons and daughters back into relationship with their Father, through the finished work of Jesus Christ." [39:31]
5. "With a motive to love well and further the great commission, you're allowed to ask. With wonder and curiosity and surrender for the Spirit to do as the Spirit pleases, you're allowed to ask. With a conviction that this gift is a sign for those who don't believe, you're allowed to ask. And with a hope that in private, this gift allows us to be built up spiritually in our relationship with the Father, you're allowed to ask." [01:15:23]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think that most of us here today, we've turned a healthy desire for spiritual gifts into a passive, optional sideshow because we fail to connect the Great Commission to the power of the Holy Spirit. And instead, we view the gifts as charismatic entertainment in a church. Rather than a practical way the Father is reaching lost people. As such, we also lack real love and our motives are off. And last week, we talked about motive. What's your motive for earnestly desiring a spiritual gift? Is it power? Is it significance in the kingdom? Is it a platform? Is it more YouTube followers? Or is it love?" [01:04:09]
2. "I personally believe we put too much emphasis on the Holy Spirit's power. on a sense of morality, right and wrong, regarding the gift of tongues, and not enough emphasis on the truth that the Holy Spirit will do whatever the Holy Spirit needs to do to draw people to the Father through the redemptive work of Jesus. The spiritual gift of tongues matters, but it doesn't matter most. The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, humanity's accomplishment, and look what we can do, all of a sudden, diverse tongues brought confusion and a scattered separation to God's humanity." [51:43]
3. "And this is what's wild. Like some Christians teach tongues is done. It's over. Some Christians teach, well, no, it's not over. I just, my high pastoral challenge is, please don't put tongues at the top of the list. Please don't. There are more important gifts for the body and for the mission of Christ. But you're allowed to ask. You're allowed to ask. With a motive to love well and further the great commission, you're allowed to ask. With wonder and curiosity and surrender for the Spirit to do as the Spirit pleases, you're allowed to ask." [01:15:23]
4. "And what is the gift of prophecy? And if we earnestly desire that, how does that show up in our lives? And so that's going to be a gooder. I would love for you to be back in the room for that. So, amen. I think I'm done. My dear. Is that it? I was reading about Paul, how he just preached a really, really long time. I was like, hey, see, Paul did it too." [01:20:24]
5. "And during the pandemic, you know, COVID was hard for local churches, but they did a big move from like southwest Edmonton to Sherwood Park. They've got this beautiful new building. And we love Pastors Lauren and Ava's here. love you. Sorry. One of the miracles we're believing for as a family right now. Amazing. Hi. Sorry. Hey. And also Pastors Lauren and Shauna Lee, some very good friends of ours, that pastor in Windsor, Ontario, are in the city. They're preaching for Lauren and Shauna Lee today. Pastors Drew and Andy Reock." [32:02]
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