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“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:1–3, ESV)
Historical Background Problems of the Corinthian Church • Moral & Spiritual Problems • Corruption • Confusion
Historical Background The Prominence of the Mystery Religions • From Babylon • Sophisticated • Infiltrated
Historical Background The Peculiarity of the Mystery Religions • Ecstasy • Contrary to Sound Doctrine
Concerning Spiritual Gifts “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.”
Concerning Spiritual Gifts “You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.” (1 Cor. 12:2, ESV)
Confirming Spiritual Gifts • 2 Classes of Gifts • Legitimate • Counterfeit
Confirming Spiritual Gifts 2 Tests of Gifts “…no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’…” (1 Cor. 12:3, ESV)
Confirming Spiritual Gifts • 2 Tests of Gifts • The Denigration of Jesus “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed…” (1 Cor. 16:22, NKJV)
Confirming Spiritual Gifts • 2 Tests of Gifts • The Denigration of Jesus “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36, NKJV)
Confirming Spiritual Gifts • 2 Tests of Gifts • The Denigration of Jesus • The Deification of Jesus
Confirming Spiritual Gifts 2 Tests of Gifts 2) The Deification of Jesus “…no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:3, ESV)
Contemporary Application • Influences on our Christianity • Marks of Authentic Spiritual Gifts