Thesis: Though the Spirit gives gifts to the church, it is not the focus. The focus should be on the giver of gifts - God.
Five reasons the text gives to focus on the Giver is that Spiritual gifts testify to :
1. Eternal Purposes of God * Old Testament reference (v.8) shows gifting was always God's plan for Church
2. Incarnation of Christ * Old Testament reference (v.9) ~ victorious King, ascending to throne to grant spoils (gifts) of war
3. God's Amazing Grace * Eternal Purposes/Incarnation were to grant gift of salvation * God of universe lowered himself by descending from throne to earth to grant gift to us
4. God's Great Victory * His work conquered death and sin
5. The Preeminence of Christ * All things were created through and for him (Colossians) * We were formed for His glory (Isaiah) * Gifts/Church are for the end of recognizing Christ on his throne
CONCLUSION: All activity by God's people, including the gifts they have, are to be used to proclaim Christ and put him on display.
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