Thesis: The first letter by Paul to the Corinthians addressed a number of wrong, heretical, misled and anti-biblical practices, of which were various misconstructions and usages of the spiritual gifts.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
CONTEXT
* History of Christian malpractice of
spiritual gifts born in various greek
and pagan cultic practices.
* Paul attempting to introduce truth in
correcting non-Christian religious
practices that lacked doctrine.
* Paul infusing theology to drive actions,
not "what I feel"
CONTENT
* Spiritual gifts are :
- gifts, services, powers
- given by Spirit, not earned/developed
- for serving others, not self
* Purpose of gifts :
- given for common good - not for show
- they are evident, obvious endowment
- church and other edification
- One-Anothering,fellowship, communion
CLASSIFIED
* word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith
* healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment
* tongues, interpretation of tongues
* service, administration, leadership
* EVERY believer has at least one
CONCLUSION: Spiritual gifts are given by God for the mutual benefit and edification of the church. |
