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THE SAME GOD WHO WORKS

Text: 1 Corinthians 12
16 January 2011

(I) ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF IGNORANCE CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

1. There were some who were totally ignorant concerning spiritual gifts

2. They were in danger of being carried away by their own leading

3. Paul gave a warning that what they were doing was not of the Spirit

4. They sought to do their own things under the guise of the gifts of the Spirit.

(II) APPRECIATING THE EXAMPLE OF THE ONENESS OF THE TRIUNE GODHEAD

1. All three Persons are working together but in diverse ways

a) The Holy Spirit works in diversities of gifts

“There diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:4

b) The Lord Jesus works in differences of ministries

“There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5

c) God works in diversities of activities

“And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6

2. There is perfect unity in the workings of the triune Godhead

a) The three persons work in harmony

b) None will emphasized Himself above the other

c) There should be deep appreciation of the oneness found in the Triune Godhead

(III) ACHIEVING ONENESS IN THE DIVERSE SPIRITUAL GIFTS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit

a) Given to all

b) Meant for the profit of all

2. The work of Holy Spirit

a) The Holy Spirit works in all these spiritual gifts

b) He distributes to each one

c) The distribution is determined by the Spirit’s Will.

3. A list of diverse gifts

a) All are different

b) But we can work together through the same Holy Spirit.

(IV) APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Ensure that we are not ignorant but have full knowledge concerning spiritual gifts.

2. Emulate the oneness of the Triune Godhead and appreciate how they operate together in spiritual gifts.

3. Exercise the use of the spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit with a great sense of oneness and unity.