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SPRING 2011YOU - CONNECT. GROW

. SERVE. GO!

SPRING 2011www.lifeway.com/you

STIR UP THE GIFTS

It’s time out for pew members! Every Christian is gifted to serve.

DEFENDING THE FAITH

Are you fully prepared to argue a convincing “faith” case?

WORK IT OUT

Conflict is inevitable, but God calls us to “work it out.”

“Life” sometimes causes us to question the basics of our faith.

WHERE IS GOD?

Deeply Rooted In Heritage...And Faith

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SPRING 2011

CONTENTS

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

23

136

118

85

51

SIMPLY SPIRITUAL:SMALL CHURCH FLOURISHES WITH GIFTSby Diana Chandler

CHURCH PLANTER UNAPOLOGETICALLY SHARES JESUS WITH MORMONSby Adam Miller

PICKING COTTONby Andrea Bailey Willits

THE DIRTY SECRET ABOUT SERVICEby Bill Beausay

IS YOUR SMALL GROUP ‘ON MISSION’ OR IS IT MISSIONAL?by Rick Howerton

CALM DOWNby Rodney A. Wilson

2 How to Become a Christian 3 Staying Fit Spiritually 6 A Word From the Editor 7 Suggested Resources

8 WHOA! I didn’t know THAT was in here!

51 This Is My Story 99 Scripture Memory Cards

101 How to Use Leader Pages160 Glossary of Key Words162 Meet the Writers/

Coming Next Quarter

VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3

Spring 2011

154

UNIT 1

UNIT 2

UNIT 3

DAILY READINGS are included after each lesson.

11

17

25

31

39

45

53

59

67

73

87

93

79

It’s Not About Who’s Right or WrongActs 15:36-41; 2 Timothy 4:11

Leader Pages (pp. 156-159)

“I’m Sorry!”Genesis 32:9-11,13-15; 33:1-4


Know When to Walk AwayGenesis 26:12-22


When Conflict Hits HomeGenesis 13:5-12


Watch Your Words2 Timothy 2:14-16,22-25


Jesus IS AliveJohn 20:1-2,19-20,24-29


Jesus IS the One and OnlyJohn 3:16-18; 6:66-69; 9:30-33


God IS GoodGenesis 1:31; 3:17b-18; Job 1:12; 2:4-6; Romans 8:19-21,28


God IS RealPsalm 19:1-4a; Acts 17:22-27; Hebrews 1:1-2


Desire Gifts, But Pursue Love 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3,8-10,13–14:1


Every “Body” Has Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-10,27-30


We’re in This Together1 Corinthians 12:12-17,21-23,26


Let’s Revisit Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12:1-7,11


WORK IT OUT

DEFENDING THE FAITH

STIR UP THE GIFTS

A WORDFROM THE EDITOR...

Spring 2011 | Vol. 3 No. 3

Each quarter, I try to update you on what’s happening in my life, or I share reflections about what the lessons in the current quarter mean to me. This issue, I’d like to do something different. I have included a poem that was written by one of my coworkers whose name is Calvin Ho. I’m sure you will readily notice the play on words and be encouraged by the poem’s message.

Because of YOU

Because of YOU, I look forward to tomorrow.Because of YOU, I am a better son, brother, and father.[or daughter, sister, and mother in my case!]Because of YOU, I have all the facts.Because of YOU, what I believe now is how I act.Because of YOU, I am deep in the word, I am transformed, I am part of the church.Because of YOU, I learn not to store up treasures on earth.Because of YOU, I will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.Because of YOU, I rise above the doubts,I know what it means to be in the presence of God each day, everyday,Because of YOU.

I pray that these lessons will challenge you to know God deeper and to live your faith like never before.

YOU (ISSN 1943-6230; Item 005030553) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President, © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

For ordering or inquiries VISIT www.lifeway.com, or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5818, or WRITE to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5933 or WRITE to the above address.

We believe the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names, by W. Murray Severance, copyright © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission.

NOTE: Some Internet addresses given in this periodical are outside the LifeWay Internet domain. At the time of this posting, the specific pages mentioned were viewed and approved by LifeWay editorial staff. Because information on these pages may have changed by the time of your viewing, the LifeWay editorial staff cannot be held responsible for content on pages outside their control. Specific page addresses referenced in this periodical possibly may link to inappropriate material.

PRODUCTION AND MINISTRY TEAM

CHANDRA BENNETT Content Editor

NICOLE CHILDRESSGraphic Designer

LARRY DRYProduction Editor

CHRISTINA ZIMMERMAN Editorial Project Leader

DAVID APPLEAdult Ministry Specialist

MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

BRET ROBBEDirector, Leadership and Adult Publishing

KEN BRADDY, RON KECKManaging Directors, Leadership and Adult Publishing

DAVID FRANCIS Director, Sunday School

BILL CRAIGDirector, Leadership and Adult Ministry

GARY H. HAUKDirector, Publishing LifeWay Church Resources

Send questions/comments to:Editor, YOUOne LifeWay PlazaNashville, TN 37234-0175Or make comments on the Web at: www.lifeway.com/YOU

Printed in the United States of America

YOU 11

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-7,11 1 About a matters of the spirit: brothers, I do not want you to be b unaware. 2 You know how, when you were pagans, you were led to dumb idols—being led astray. 3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “ c Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different d ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different e activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is ✱ beneficial:

……….

11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, ✱ distributing to each one as He wills.

LESSON PASSAGE

UNIT 1, LESSON 1

The Question: Is your “gift” really spiritual?The Point: Spiritual gifts exalt Christ, come from God, and benefit the church.

Let’s Revisit Spiritual GiftsBackground Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Lesson Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-7,11

MEMORY VERSE1 Corinthians 12:11

But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as

He wills.

a Matters of the spirit: The Greek word used here could either refer to “spiritual ones” or “spiritual things.”

b Unaware: “Ignorant” (KJV); “Misinformed” (AMP).

c Jesus is Lord: Compare with these passages that also speak about Jesus’ lordship: Romans 6:23; 8:39; 10:9; Ephesians 3:11; Philippians 2:11; 2 Peter 2:20.

d Ministries: Based on the root word for “deacon” in the Greek language. It indicated that gifts were given for service to others, not personal gain.

e Activities: The Greek term translated activities is related to our English word energy. It refers to effective outcomes resulting from having the Holy Spirit as its power source.

The leader pages for this lesson are found on pages 102-105.

KEY WORDS

For more information about key words (✱), visit the glossary on pages 160-161.

12 YOU

UNIT 1LESSON 1

Is your “gift” really spiritual?

LET’S NOT CALL IT SPIRITUAL UNLESS IT EXALTS CHRIST

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-3

What determines if a gift is “spiritual”? Is it based on how much attention is drawn toward the person expressing the gift? It may seem silly at first glance, but this is exactly what tripped up the Christ-followers in Corinth.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. Are any of the gifts more important to you than others? Why are people often drawn to showy gifts or “supernatural manifestations”?

The background of the Corinthians (see “Did you know? on p. 14) made them susceptible to being misled by supernatural displays. Certain gifts mesmerized them. They incorrectly valued showy gifts and even used spiritual gifts as criteria for measuring a believer’s level of maturity. So we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that they did not judge the gifts by the most important criteria—whether they exalted Christ.

Like many Christians today, the Corinthians were focusing on the wrong things. And Paul did not want them to be ignorant about the purpose

LET’S NOT CALL IT SPIRITUAL UNLESS IT EXALTS CHRIST(1 Cor. 12:1-3)

DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME SOURCE(1 Cor. 12:4-6)

GOD GIVES YOU WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE(1 Cor. 12:7,11)

Misunderstanding spiritual gifts almost destroyed New Vision Baptist Church. A deacon with the gift of leadership disagreed with the gifted pastor about the future of the church. Rather than talking through their differences, they selfishly pressed for their own way, forcing the members to line up behind one or the other. So who was right? It is possible that both were wrong because God does not give spiritual gifts to divide His church. So is a gift really “spiritual” if it does not do what God intended it to do? As we study instructions written to the maverick Corinthian congregation, let’s reconsider the purpose of spiritual gifts.

Focal Passage Outline

Let’s Revisit Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-7,11

Diggin’ Deeper

YOU 13

GiftsFive different Greek words are used to refer to the abilities God gives believers to carry out the ministry of the church. Charismata, the most common word, is a reference to something that is not earned; it results from the grace of God.

The spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 are not an exhaustive list; they are a sampling of gifts believers may be given. Read the following passages and compare the lists of gifts:

• Romans 12:3-8

• Ephesians 4:11-12

• 1 Peter 4:9-11

of spiritual gifts. So the Corinthians needed a clear way to distinguish the Holy Spirit’s work from their pagan experiences.

Reread 1 Corinthians 12:3. What principle did Paul want the Corinthians to understand about spiritual gifts?

If a person preaches a soul-stirring sermon, but the emphasis is that Jesus is cursed instead of c Jesus is Lord, then that preaching gift is not from God. God would not gift a preacher to persuade people that His Son is cursed. So here’s the principle we must understand about spiritual gifts: Any gift that does not exalt Christ cannot come from or be empowered by the Spirit of God.

Think about Paul’s dividing line between whether a gift is or is not spiritual, and then think about how you exercise your spiritual gift(s). Which statement best describes you?

I’m more concerned about impressing people than God. I am not content with the gift(s) God has given me; I want

a gift I don’t have. I don’t actively use my gift(s).

I sense the Holy Spirit working in me when I use my gifts. I haven’t identified my spiritual gift(s). Other:_____________________________________

Christians should not blindly accept that every gift someone uses is from the Lord. These gifts must be tested against the One they honor and what they produce in the body of Christ.

DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME SOURCE1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-6

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Paul listed three ways gifts may differ and three way gifts are all the same. Jot these down in the appropriate column below.

Differences Similarities

1. 1.2. 2. 3. 3.

There are many spiritual gifts, but they are united by one thing—their source. In fact, they model the Trinity, which in these verses is expressed


Did you know?

14 YOU

Did you know that, in Paul’s time, Corinth was a major Roman city with Greek roots? With an estimated population of five hundred thousand, Corinth was a wealthy city located between two important seaports. It was a political center, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Achaia [uh KAY yuh]. It was also a religious center, with temples dedicated to the worship of various gods, including one for the love goddess Aphrodite that became known for its temple prostitutes. Visitors flocked to Corinth to spend their money on its many worldly pleasures.

The Christians in Corinth were proud, materialistic, multicul-tural ex-pagans living in a city that placed great emphasis on luxury, entertainment, sports, and sex. Does any of that sound familiar? That’s why Paul’s letters to the Corinthians remain important for us today.

as Spirit (v. 4), Lord (v. 5), and God (v. 6). Paul, no doubt, was expressing the diverse roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit. However, God is one! He is one, and yet He is three persons.

With this same unity, spiritual gifts may vary, but they all have the same source. We can only imagine the puffed-out chests that resulted from the Corinthians’ valuing certain gifts. But Paul emphasized no spiritual gift is better than another because all gifts have their origin in the Spirit. That’s right. Different gifts. Same Holy Spirit.

What encouragement does 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 offer to Christians who have been afraid or just unwilling to use spiritual gifts in the past?

It doesn’t matter which gifts we have. God is active in every believer who uses his or her gifts. When we use our gifts in Christ’s body, God through His Spirit will work in us to accomplish great things. Notice that Paul referred to the gifts as d ministries, indicating that spiritual gifts exist for the benefit of others. Each gift should serve the church in some way. By serving others, the gifted also serve Jesus.

Paul also referred to the gifts as e activities, emphasizing the gifts result from the work of the Holy Spirit. Talent for public speaking cannot move the masses from sin to repentance; only the divine working of God through someone gifted to speak the Word of God can do that. God works through the gift, but He also is at work in the gifted to exalt Christ and build up His church.

Why do you think Paul used various words (gifts, ministries, activities) for spiritual gifts? What does each add to your understanding and use of spiritual gifts?

GOD GIVES YOU WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE

1 CORINTHIANS 12:7,11

Read 1 Corinthians 12:7,11. Why do you think God did not allow us to pick our own spiritual gifts? Which would you have picked if you had been given the choice?


YOU 15

Live It!

Abilities or skills that do not exalt Christ, originate in God, and benefit the church cannot be classified as “spiritual.” Division will not result when spiritual gifts are exercised properly. This week, examine the gifts God has given you and make sure that you are using them in a “spiritual” manner. • Ask a trusted Christian

friend to assess whether you are using your gifts in the way God intended. Be open to receiving honest feedback.

• Take time to thank others who are using their gifts to bless you. If you can’t thank them in person, send a card, e-mail, or text message.

The church has plenty of critics, but few are willing to use their spiritual gifts to make churches better. If perfect churches existed, then surely the church hoppers would have found it by now. Since they do not exist, we should focus more attention on using our gifts to build up the church to which we belong. These questions will help you consider how to live the truths from this lesson:

• The Corinthians lived in an intensely pagan society that is much like ours. How will you relate to the culture around you without being swal-lowed by it?

• How has this lesson challenged you to use your gifts to exalt Christ in a greater way through your church’s ministry?

The Holy Spirit knows exactly which ones we would pick. And God is more concerned about what is ✱ beneficial for the body of Christ, not our personal agendas. Left to ourselves, our churches probably would be in bad shape and ill-equipped for ministry. So it’s a blessing that the Spirit determines how the gifts are distributed. Instead of questioning why we do not have certain gifts or doubting God’s gift in others, we should use what He has given us to serve others and build His church.

No matter what gift we have received, we still need the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to strengthen the body of Christ. We cannot do it alone; only God can provide what we need to be effective in His service. Since God distributes the gifts and empowers us to use them, He alone should get the glory when the gifts are expressed. Those so-called “gifts” that inflate egos or divide the church are not truly “spiritual gifts.” They are expressions of the flesh.

If you are unsure of the gifts God has given to you, consider taking the inventory at www.lifeway.com/you.

Ponder on the reality that the Holy Spirit has given you the gifts God wants you to have. In the space below, write a prayer to God about your spiritual gifts.

How does this apply to me?So What?


102 YOU | LEADER PAGES

YOU OBJECT LESSON

BACK

WHOSE GIFTS NEED TO BE STIRRED IN YOUR CLASS?As you prepare to teach the unit on spiritual gifts, prayerfully remember those who may not be using their gifts. Pray that during this unit the Lord will ignite their desire to use their gifts to glorify Christ and build up His church.

STUDY THE BACKGROUND OF 1 CORINTHIANS.Using the “Did you know?” feature (p. 14), learn more about the church in Corinth. Note the city’s importance as a commercial and religious center of the day. Study the focal passage of Lesson 1 in the context of 1 Corinthians 11–14, a section that deals with public worship concerns. Remember that this passage is one of several lists of spiritual gifts, and none of them claim to be exhaustive.

CONSIDER ALL THE GIFTS, NOT JUST THE MORE VISIBLE ONES.Some gifts are more visible than others (e.g. teaching, preaching, etc.). However, just because a gift is visible does not mean that the gift or the gifted is more important than some of the gifts we often overlook. Think of why many people value the visible gifts more than those that are behind the scenes. As you teach this unit, avoid the trap of only referring to gifts that are visible in the church.

TAKE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS INVENTORY.Before asking the class members to take the “Spiritual Gifts Survey” mentioned on page 15 and in the teaching plan (p. 104), take the inventory yourself. It can be downloaded and printed from www.lifeway.com/you. It is a good way to begin the discovery of your spiritual gifts and to affirm those gifts you believe you possess. Take the inventory first so that when you ask the class to com-plete it, you will be familiar with how it works.

STEP 1STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

BEFORE YOU TEACHFOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11 - 15)

Greet everyone. Remind learners of the previous lesson about how Christians may be required to stand alone in the “Citizen Christian” unit from the Winter 2010-2011 issue. Ask if anyone

completed the “Live It!” assignment (p. 97 of that issue). Ask: What did your I-won’t-compromise plan entail? How is it working for you? Note that the upcoming unit is a study of spiritual gifts. Challenge learners

to use this unit to examine whether they are using their gifts in a way that honors God and builds the church.

CREDIT CARDDisplay the card. Say: List some of the good that could come from having a credit card. (Samples: Being able to make online purchases, not having to carry much cash, and having funds in case of an emergency.) Then ask: List some ways credit cards can be misused. (Samples: Overextending credit or buying things that are unnecessary.) Say: The card is neutral, but how one uses it determines whether it is good or bad. Introduce Unit 1 by noting that spiritual gifts can be used for both good and bad. Encourage learners to list some ways that spiritual gifts build up the church and ways that they can harm it. Final challenge: This week as you pay for merchandise, remember that exercising your spiritual gifts must be done with caution because how you use your gifts is just as important as your gifts.


LEADER PAGES | YOU 103

DIG INTO THE TEXT

LET’S REVISIT SPIRITUAL GIFTS (TEACHING PLAN)FOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11 - 15)

INTRODUCTION

Invite a volunteer to read aloud the introduction (p. 12). Encourage learners to discuss the problems at New Vision Baptist Church. Write the word spiritual on the board, and ask learners to define it. (Direct the definition toward the power of the Holy Spirit at work in a Christian.) Ask: Why is it important that we highlight the word “spiritual” in the term “spiritual gifts”? Using the “Did You Know?” feature (p. 14) and the commentary (p. 105), share background information to help learners understand the context of 1 Corinthians since the entire unit will come from that book.

Consider discussing the “YOU Object Lesson” (p. 102) at this point. Emphasize that spiritual gifts are like credit cards in the sense that they can be used for good or bad, depending on how a person uses them. Say: Let’s take a closer look to determine whether our gifts are as “spiritual” as we think.

• Begin digging into these verses by asking: What determines if a gift is spiritual or not? Remind learners of the context of 1 Corinthians 12 and note how the Corinthians were drawn to the supernatural. Ask: Why do you think people continue to be drawn to the supernatural or the emotional, even if it isn’t biblical?

• Enlist a volunteer to read 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 as learners listen for the basis for determining whether something was “spiritual” or “cursed.” Discuss: Why do you think Paul referred to the idols as “dumb” in verse 2? Why did Paul see the lordship of Christ as the dividing line between what was and what was not spiritual? Since it is also possible to use our gifts as

a form of idol worship today, how do you think people allow themselves to be led astray?

• Ask learners to react to these sentences from the commentary (p. 105): A “spiritual gift” is not spiritual unless it exalts Christ. When gifts divide, exclude, or exalt the person expressing the gift, it cannot be truly called “spiritual.” Emphasize that gifts of the Spirit are given and empowered by the Spirit to exalt Christ.

• Challenge learners to answer the last question under this heading on page 13. After learners check the appropriate box, allow volunteers to share their answers.

LET’S NOT CALL IT SPIRITUAL UNLESS IT EXALTS CHRIST 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-3

• Ask learners to read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (in their Bibles or on p. 11) and circle the word “different” every time it occurs. Ask them to read it again and draw a line under every word that describes the gifts. (Answers: gifts, d ministries, e activities). Ask them to read it again and draw a double line under phrases that indicate that all the gifts have a

common source. Ask: Why would it be important for the Corinthians (and Christians today) to recognize that all the gifts have a common source?

• Use the commentary (p. 105) to explain the difference between spiritual gifts and talents or abilities. Then present this scenario: Bro. Joe

DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME SOURCE1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-6



SO WHAT? HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?

CLOSE THE SESSION


LET’S REVISIT SPIRITUAL GIFTS (TEACHING PLAN)FOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11 - 15)

had open-heart surgery and will be out of work for several weeks. His wife has taken a second job. They have three school-age children. Discuss: How might believers with different gifts minister to this family in different ways? How does this impact your understanding of why God would gift people with different gifts?

• Provide copies of the spiritual gifts inventory that can be downloaded from www.lifeway.com/you. Allow learners to complete it and identify areas where they may be gifted by God to serve His church. (Note: The test is not a definitive word, but it does show areas where one may be gifted. Ask: Whom are you serving with the gifts God has given you?

• Pose this hypothetical question: What spiritual gift would you have picked if you had been given the choice? Why? Ask learners to read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 aloud to find out why Christians are given spiritual gifts and Who is responsible for giving them. Discuss: How do you think the Holy Spirit determines which gifts are given to which believer? How can these verses helps us avoid pride in the gifts that we have been given or discouragement that we have not received a gift we really want?

• Highlight the word active in verse 11. Explain that this is the same word as “activities” in verse 6, which is derived from the Greek word for “energy.” Ask: How does the Holy Spirit energize us to use the gifts God has given to us? What might our lack of energy to use the gifts God has given us say about our relationship with the Holy Spirit?

GOD GIVES YOU WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE1 CORINTHIANS 12:7,11

DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME SOURCE (CONT.)

Direct learners to the “Live It!” assignment on page 15. Lead learners in listing ways that they might thank other Christians who are using their gifts to bless them. Then challenge them to consider the extent to which they are using their gifts in the way God intended. End the session by praying that God will strengthen class members’ resolve to use their gifts in the Spirit’s power.

If we are to use spiritual gifts in a way that honors God, it is foundational that we understand the purpose of the gifts—to exalt Christ and to benefit the church. Not on the list of purposes for spiritual gifts is the exaltation of prideful Christians or of certain gifts. These questions (see also p. 15) will help you lead learners to consider if they are using their gifts in a “spiritual” way:

• Now that you have studied this lesson and taken the spiritual gifts inventory, what grade would you give

yourself when it comes to using your spiritual gifts to exalt Christ? To benefit the church?

• What attitudes and actions might you need to change or give up in order to use your gifts to honor Christ and strengthen your church?

• How is God leading you to use your gifts in a more spiritual way?


Need more commentary/articles to increase your understanding?Visit www.LifeWay.com/YOU.


LEADER COMMENTARYFOR UNIT 1, LESSON 1 (pp. 11 - 15)

Let’s Revisit Spiritual GiftsLesson Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-7,11

The Question: Is your “gift” really spiritual?The Point: Spiritual gifts exalt Christ, come from God, and benefit the church.

This commentary is designed to help you think about the question, “Is your gift really spiritual?” and drive home this one truth: Spiritual gifts exalt Christ, come from God, and benefit the church.

FOCUS ON THESE POINTS

Let’s Not Call It Spiritual Unless It Exalts Christ (1 Cor. 12:1-3)

The church at Corinth had already divided over personalities (1 Cor. 1:10-17), how to handle immoral church members (1 Cor. 5:1-13), lawsuits among believers (1 Cor. 6:1-11), over food offered to idols (1 Cor. 8:1-13), and even over the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-26). It is not surprising that they also had argued about spiritual gifts. Paul dedicated 1 Corinthians 12–14 to discussing gifts in the church.

In these verses, Paul set out a basic rule: All Christians share the common confession of faith—”Jesus is Lord.” With this background in mind, Paul called the Corinthians to realize that spiritual gifts exist to exalt Christ. He reminded them of how they previously had been led astray by worshiping idols, and he did not want them to also be led astray by spiritual gifts. Rather, those who were converted out of a pagan background had to remember that one clear matter distinguished between what is spiritual and what is not—nothing is spiritual unless it confesses Jesus is Lord, and that can only occur through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a “spiritual gift” is not spiritual unless it exalts Christ. When gifts divide, exclude, or exalt the person expressing the gift, it cannot be considered “spiritual.”

Different Gifts, Same Source (1 Cor. 12:4-6)After establishing the principle that anything

spiritual must exalt Christ as Lord, Paul became more specific in his discussion of gifts. In verse 4, the word gifts means “a gift of grace,” and in all but one of its 17 New Testament uses, God is the giver of the gifts. Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Of

course, God grants natural talents and skills as well, but believers and unbelievers share alike in natural abilities. An unbeliever can become a skilled actor, musician, or surgeon. Atheists can be great athletes and scientists. When a Christian possesses these skills, it has nothing to do with his or her salvation. Christians possessed natural abilities before they came to Christ. Spiritual gifts come only by the Spirit and only as a result of salvation. Spiritual gifts are capacities for spiritual service. God gives these special abilities to believers to equip them to minister to others, especially to other believers.

God is the source of spiritual gifts, and He gives us the power to use them. Believers may exercise the natural skills and talents in their own power, but only God empowers and makes effective believers’ spiritual gifts. A self-made Christian is a contradiction. God produces the power for that gift to come alive and become effective to build up and unite the church.

God Gives You What He Wants You to Have (1 Cor. 12:7,11)

In verse 7, Paul emphasized that each person has at least one spiritual gift. He did not say all persons receive the same gift. Nor did he say a few have all the gifts. Further, he did not say some Christians receive no gift. In God’s family, every person is important. Each one receives some gift or gifts that God chooses and distributes. The gifts are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The word manifestation means “to make known, evident, or clear.” So spiritual gifts make God’s presence evident in the church and to the world.

No child can substitute for your own child; he or she is not replaceable. And neither are believers replaceable or the ministries God has given them. Just as no believer can take your place in God’s heart, no believer can take your place in God’s work. God has given no one else the exact ministry He has given you. If you do not use your spiritual gift, no one else can. If you do not fulfill the ministry God has given you, then it will not be fulfilled.

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