Understanding and Using Spiritual Gifts Effectively
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone, and happy Father's Day to all the fathers present. Today, we continue our series "Gifts for Dummies," focusing on the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers. These gifts are not natural talents or acquired skills but supernatural abilities meant to accomplish God's work in ways we couldn't on our own. Our goal is to demystify these gifts and explain them in a simple, non-intimidating way.
Spiritual gifts are essential for the church, and it's not okay to ignore or abuse them. Abuse often happens when there are no healthy boundaries. Just like leadership or money, spiritual gifts need boundaries to prevent misuse. Today, we explore three boundaries for the gifts of the Spirit: their purpose, their benefit to personal spiritual life, and their appropriate use in public gatherings.
First, spiritual gifts are meant to benefit others. Paul emphasizes that gifts like prophecy should strengthen, encourage, and comfort the church. Speaking in tongues, while beneficial for personal edification, should be used with interpretation in public settings to ensure it benefits the church.
Second, spiritual gifts also benefit our personal spiritual life. Gifts like tongues, faith, knowledge, wisdom, and discernment help us grow in our faith. Paul explains that even when we feel weak and don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, strengthening our faith.
Third, there is a proper place and space for each gift. Paul provides guidelines for orderly worship, emphasizing that everything should be done to build up the church. He warns against chaotic practices that resemble pagan rituals and stresses that Christian services should reflect God's character—peace, order, and love.
In conclusion, we should eagerly desire spiritual gifts and use them appropriately to benefit both the church and our personal spiritual growth. If you're unsure about your gifts, start praying about it and consider joining our "Step Into Place" class to discover how God wants to use you.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Gifts Benefit Others: Spiritual gifts are given to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. Paul emphasizes that gifts like prophecy should be used to edify the church, while speaking in tongues should be interpreted to benefit the congregation. This ensures that the gifts are used in a way that aligns with God's purpose for the church. [40:44]
2. Personal Spiritual Growth: Spiritual gifts also play a crucial role in personal spiritual growth. Gifts like tongues, faith, and discernment help believers grow in their faith and trust in God. Even in moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, ensuring that our faith is continually strengthened. [49:45]
3. Orderly Worship: Paul provides guidelines for orderly worship, emphasizing that everything should be done to build up the church. He warns against chaotic practices that resemble pagan rituals and stresses that Christian services should reflect God's character—peace, order, and love. This ensures that the church remains a place of harmony and spiritual growth. [56:04]
4. Appropriate Use of Gifts: There is a proper place and space for each spiritual gift. Paul explains that while some gifts are beneficial for personal edification, they should be used appropriately in public gatherings to ensure they benefit the entire church. This helps maintain order and ensures that the gifts are used in a way that aligns with God's purpose. [57:28]
5. Eagerly Desire Spiritual Gifts: Believers are encouraged to eagerly desire spiritual gifts and use them appropriately to benefit both the church and their personal spiritual growth. If you're unsure about your gifts, start praying about it and consider joining classes or assessments to discover how God wants to use you. This helps believers grow in their faith and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. [01:04:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:21] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
[32:52] - Definition of Spiritual Gifts
[33:26] - Purpose of the Series
[34:00] - Importance of Spiritual Gifts
[34:33] - Boundaries for Spiritual Gifts
[35:55] - Context of Corinthians
[36:54] - Reading 1 Corinthians 14:1-17
[39:02] - Follow the Way of Love
[40:44] - Benefit of Others
[49:45] - Personal Spiritual Growth
[56:04] - Orderly Worship
[57:28] - Appropriate Use of Gifts
[01:04:53] - Eagerly Desire Spiritual Gifts
[01:07:11] - Baptism Celebration
[01:24:38] - Closing and Offering
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 (NIV)
> Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly, there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
2. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)
> In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, what are the purposes of the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and speaking in tongues?
2. How does Paul describe the role of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:26-27?
3. What are the three boundaries for the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the sermon? ([34:33])
4. How does Paul suggest we should use the gift of tongues in public gatherings? ([36:54])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for spiritual gifts to benefit others in 1 Corinthians 14:1-17? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the purpose of spiritual gifts? ([40:44])
2. In Romans 8:26-27, how does the Holy Spirit help us in our weakness? What does this imply about the personal benefit of spiritual gifts? ([49:45])
3. How does Paul’s instruction for orderly worship in 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 reflect God’s character, according to the sermon? ([56:04])
4. What does it mean to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, and how should this desire be reflected in our prayers and actions? ([01:04:53])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt strengthened, encouraged, or comforted by someone using their spiritual gift. How did it impact your faith? ([40:44])
2. Have you ever experienced a moment of weakness where you felt the Holy Spirit interceding for you? How did it change your perspective on prayer and reliance on God? ([49:45])
3. Think about your personal spiritual gifts. How can you use them to benefit others in your church community? ([40:44])
4. In what ways can you contribute to maintaining order and peace during worship services? How can you ensure your actions reflect God’s character? ([56:04])
5. How can you create a balance between using your spiritual gifts for personal edification and for the benefit of the church? ([57:28])
6. What steps can you take to eagerly desire and discover your spiritual gifts? Consider joining a class or assessment as suggested in the sermon. ([01:04:53])
7. How can you make your spiritual gifts more understandable and accessible to inquirers or new believers in your church? ([45:38])
Devotional
### Day 1: Spiritual Gifts Benefit Others
Spiritual gifts are given to believers not for personal glory but to serve and uplift others. These gifts, such as prophecy, are meant to strengthen, encourage, and comfort the church community. Paul emphasizes that speaking in tongues, while beneficial for personal edification, should be interpreted in public settings to ensure it benefits the congregation. This ensures that the gifts are used in a way that aligns with God's purpose for the church. By focusing on the well-being of others, we reflect the selfless love of Christ and contribute to the spiritual growth of the entire church body. [40:44]
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (ESV): "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: Think of a spiritual gift you believe you have. How can you use this gift to benefit someone in your church community this week?
### Day 2: Personal Spiritual Growth
Spiritual gifts also play a crucial role in personal spiritual growth. Gifts like tongues, faith, and discernment help believers grow in their faith and trust in God. Even in moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, ensuring that our faith is continually strengthened. These gifts are not just for public display but are also tools for personal edification and spiritual development. By embracing and nurturing these gifts, we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, deepening our relationship with God and enhancing our spiritual maturity. [49:45]
Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
Reflection: Identify a moment of weakness or doubt you have experienced recently. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith in such moments?
### Day 3: Orderly Worship
Paul provides guidelines for orderly worship, emphasizing that everything should be done to build up the church. He warns against chaotic practices that resemble pagan rituals and stresses that Christian services should reflect God's character—peace, order, and love. This ensures that the church remains a place of harmony and spiritual growth. By maintaining order in worship, we create an environment where everyone can experience God's presence and grow in their faith. This orderliness is not about stifling the Spirit but about ensuring that the Spirit's work is clear and edifying for all. [56:04]
1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV): "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints."
Reflection: Reflect on your church's worship services. Are there areas where more order could enhance the experience for everyone? How can you contribute to creating a more peaceful and orderly worship environment?
### Day 4: Appropriate Use of Gifts
There is a proper place and space for each spiritual gift. Paul explains that while some gifts are beneficial for personal edification, they should be used appropriately in public gatherings to ensure they benefit the entire church. This helps maintain order and ensures that the gifts are used in a way that aligns with God's purpose. By understanding the appropriate context for each gift, we can use them more effectively to serve others and glorify God. This discernment is crucial for the healthy functioning of the church and the proper expression of spiritual gifts. [57:28]
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (ESV): "If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God."
Reflection: Consider a spiritual gift you have used in a public setting. Was it used in a way that benefited the entire church? How can you ensure that your gifts are used appropriately in the future?
### Day 5: Eagerly Desire Spiritual Gifts
Believers are encouraged to eagerly desire spiritual gifts and use them appropriately to benefit both the church and their personal spiritual growth. If you're unsure about your gifts, start praying about it and consider joining classes or assessments to discover how God wants to use you. This helps believers grow in their faith and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. By earnestly seeking and developing these gifts, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work and become more effective instruments of God's love and grace. [01:04:53]
1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."
Reflection: Are you actively seeking to discover and develop your spiritual gifts? What steps can you take this week to better understand and use the gifts God has given you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Spiritual gifts are a gift to the church. It's not called gifts for nothing. It is a gift that the Holy Spirit gives to the church. And if God found it important enough to say, I want to gift my church something, then it means, it means that it is not okay for a church to say we're going to make little of it. It is not okay for us to kind of ignore it or pretend that it doesn't exist or for only one gift of the spiritual gifts being visible in a church." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we follow the way of love, it means that he, he is saying there should be a continuous walk in our life according to the way of love. That's what we spoke about last week. That creates space for other people. Love welcomes other people. That should be a constant in our walk. It's not something that ends. It never terminates. It always keeps going." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You matter to God no matter who you are. No matter what your history is or your background or the mistakes you've made or the things you've said to God in anger, you matter to God. You matter to him. And your faith matters to him more than you can understand. He wants your faith to grow. He wants your trust in him to grow." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of God's purposes for his church is to attract and to guide unbelievers to faith. So although we have liberty to use our gifts, both for personal use and to the benefit of others, it's not unrestricted liberty. The gifts are bordered in by the rule of love, which it should flow from, and by the rule of how it benefits, benefits my faith in my quiet, in my inner room, and how it benefits others when we meet publicly." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision. It's a person going into that water saying, I want to share with the world what has happened in my own life. The Bible also tells us that it's a reminder of our death to our old life. When we go under the water, it's like being buried to our sinfulness and our brokenness. And then when we rise up, it's like rising with Jesus into a new life." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first boundary that we read about is the spiritual gifts are to be used for the benefit of others. When Paul starts here, he very clearly sets the first boundary. He says, what is the purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Simple, strengthening, encouraging, and comforting others. If the gifts do not strengthen, encourage, or comfort people, then it's probably not used the way God intends to, but it is used in the form of abuse." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul says that. The Spirit is always involved in our lives. But he says we should also use our understanding. We should think about what we're doing. And he uses this interesting example that we didn't read about language. Because in any conversation that we have, this is more of a one-way conversation because I'm preaching, right? But if I'm standing in the lobby and speaking to one of you, every single conversation has a person who speaks and a person who hears, even in this situation in this room." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a space, an appropriate space and an appropriate place for every single gift. And Paul starts and explains this. He says, listen, you all have a role to play. Some, it is to sing a song. For some, it is to bring an instruction or revelation or tongue or interpretation. But each of those things have an appropriate space and an appropriate place in which it should take place." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But here's how I want to close. Next week, I already said we're going to continue for our last part and talk about the different spiritual gifts. So if you've ever wondered what are the gifts and is it a closed list or could it grow or what, and how do all of these operate and look like, we're going to be talking about this. But we've gone through chapter 12, 13, and 14, three chapters that Paul wrote about the gifts. And if you ask me, Louis, what's one takeaway? One takeaway." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I have to say when I read what Paul is saying, I cannot help but pray that as a church there would be more growth in the area of spiritual gifts in our church and in the area of dependence on the Holy Spirit. We can't do this on our own. We cannot change this community or this world on our own. But we're not on our own. And therefore, that is what I'm praying for, that we would be so much more aware of the Spirit and that we would pray as the Holy Spirit come in all of your beauty and splendor and work through us." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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