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"God has appointed these in the church..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:28

APPRECIATING GOD’S APPOINTMENTS

Not only has God given gifts through the Holy Spirit. He has also appointed people to play their roles in the Church.

“And God has appointed these in the church:
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers,
after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets?
Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?”
1 Corinthians 12:28-29

1. “And God has appointed these in the church”

a) Due deference is given to God the Father.

b) He is the One who has appointed.

c) The church is not a mere human organisation.

i) It is the body of Christ.

ii) The Head of the Church is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

iii) Regard for God’s appointments must be given.

2. The order of the Divine Appointment

There is no mistaking the fact that there is a definite order. This order is listed here:

a) First are the apostles.

b) Second are the prophets.

c) Third are the teachers.

d) After the above three

i) Miracles

ii) Gifts of healings

iii) Helps (“helpers”)

iv) Administrations

v) Varieties of tongues

3. Note the place of tongues

a) It is placed last.

b) It is certainly not the best of gifts.

4. Rhetorical questions raised

The answer is so obvious, there is no need to give an answer! The danger of boosting the practice of tongue-speaking was deflated by the Apostle Paul, and rightly so. The order of Divine appointment must be given full regard!