110 likes | 122 Views
Explore the concept of diversity in God's view, the importance of using spiritual gifts, and the necessity of love in using these gifts. Discover how diversity operates within God's will and find unity in serving one another.
E N D
THE MINISTRY of THE HOLY SPIRIT JoLynn Gower Spring 2019 217-493-6151 jgower@guardingthetruth.org Lesson 7
VERSE FOR THE JOURNEY John 16:13-15 13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.
GOOD SORT OF DIVERSITY Are you reluctant to use the word “diversity?” The world’s view of diversity: “I have a right to believe whatever I want and you have to agree that what I believe is right” God’s view of diversity: “I give you the right (free will) to believe whatever you want, but I determine what is right and diversity only operates appropriately within my will” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. Varieties: diairesis: diversity
ABOUT PERSONHOOD Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
A SYMPHONY OF DIVERSITY Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.” Acts 5:9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." Agree: sumphoneo: to call out in harmony; to be a symphony In a symphony, there are different instruments playing different parts; by themselves, those parts are often not particularly melodic; but when played with other instruments and parts: a beautiful symphony
THE SAME—BUT DIFFERENT We are saved by the same Lord We are given authority by the same Lord We are empowered by the same Spirit But we are very different in personality, problem solving, and our spiritual giftings Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
REASONS FOR GIFTS 1 Corinthians 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Common good: sumphero: to bring people together in a profitable way Ephesians 4:11-12 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Equipping: katartismos: preparing Building up: oikodome: edification 1 Corinthians 12:31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
1 CORINTHIANS 13 1 Corinthians 13 is a 13 verse chapter speaking of the necessity of using spiritual gifts with an attitude of love 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love: agape: love that puts another’s best interest first 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Nation: ethnos: ethnic group Tribe: phule: offshoot; kindred Peoples: laos: all people groups (demos would be your own people group) Tongues: glossa: tongue or language
FAITH, NOT WORKS 1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY INZIONA STONE OFSTUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES INHIMWILL NOT BEDISAPPOINTED.” Revelation 14:11-12 “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”
FAITH IN JESUS Jesus is uniquely qualified to be our Redeemer 1. flesh and blood human 2. no original sin imputed (not seed of man) 3. willing To say that there are other ways requires saying that the Bible isn’t the inspired and true Word of God 1 Peter 5:6-9 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.