Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed… There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor 12:1-7)
There is no doubt that miraculous gifts of the Spirit existed and were employed by first-century disciples of Christ. But do they still exist? If not, why not?
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way. (1 Cor 12:27-31)
What was this more excellent way? What made it more excellent? And how do 1 Corinthians 12-13 apply to us today?
This sermon uses the New Testament to explore what God has revealed and preserved concerning miraculous spiritual gifts. It was delivered on October 28, 2012 as Part 7 in a series of sermons on the Holy Spirit.
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