FBC Sunrise Beach
Empowered for Purpose

      • Psalm 122:1ESV

      • 1 Thessalonians 5:17ESV

  • He Is So Precious to Me

      • 2 Corinthians 12:9ESV

  • Jesus Keep Near The Cross

      • Matthew 5:16ESV

  • 1 Corinthians 12:1–6 ESV
    1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 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. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
    Summary: Spiritual gifts are divinely bestowed abilities that enable believers to serve and build up the Body of Christ. Every Christian is given at least one gift to contribute to the spiritual health and growth of the Church.
    Application: Understanding and exercising spiritual gifts can help individuals find their purpose and fulfillment in the Christian community. It encourages unity in diversity, as each member plays a crucial role in the church's mission. Additionally, it empowers believers to navigate their struggles by recognizing the unique talents through which God can operate in their lives.
    Teaching: This sermon teaches that spiritual gifts are not just for church leaders but are given to every believer. Each person has a role that is essential for the edification of the Church, and recognizing and utilizing one's gifts can lead to a more vibrant faith life and community.
    How this passage could point to Christ: Spiritual gifts ultimately reflect the character of Christ, who endowed the Church with abilities necessary for its mission. The existence and operation of these gifts point to Christ as the head of the Church, orchestrating through His body to fulfill God's purposes.
    Big Idea: Believers are called to discover and use their spiritual gifts for the collective good, reflecting Christ's working through each member of the Body.
    Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the various lists of spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 using the Logos library. Investigate the nuances of each gift and the context in which they are described. Additionally, look into theological commentaries that discuss the implications of the Holy Spirit's role in distributing these gifts and how cultural contexts might influence their expression in the modern church.

    1. Diverse Gifts, One Spirit

    1 Corinthians 12:1–6 ESV
    1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 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. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
    You could start by emphasizing that understanding spiritual gifts begins with recognizing that they originate from the Holy Spirit. This passage in Corinthians introduces the concept of diverse gifts but one source—suggesting believers acknowledge that their abilities are bestowed by the same Spirit who empowers all. By grasping this, believers can appreciate the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Encouraging individuals to identify the gifts God has given them can foster a greater sense of community and purpose in serving others in the Church.

    2. Serving with Humility

    Romans 12:3–8 ESV
    3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
    Serve as you are given ability
    Consider focusing on humility and sober judgment in recognizing one's spiritual gifts. Paul urges believers to not think of themselves more highly than they should, but to serve according to their measure of faith. This passage provides practical insights into exercising gifts in love and humility, reinforcing the Christocentric idea of serving selflessly. Encourage individuals to embrace their gifts with gratitude and use them not to elevate themselves but to uplift others within the church.

    4. Growing in Love

    Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV
    11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
    Here Paul hits on unity
    He mentions specific gifted individuals
    2 of which were indicative of the Messiah
    meaning they do not exist today
    those would be apostles and prophets
    Apostles were the 12 and Paul
    Prophecy was concluded when John wrote let no one add or take away from this book.
    Then Paul jumps to the unity we have through Christ
    Christ is the binding material for His people
    Then we see a shift towards group and individual growth
    A powerful shift
    the use of our gifts leads not only to our growth
    but to the growth of others
    Paul is pushing off the milk and into the meat of the Gospel
    Possibly center this point on leadership and equipping others. The passage explains that Christ gave leaders to equip saints for ministry, to build unity and maturity. his highlights that gifts are not merely personal endowments but tools for communal growth. Believers should see themselves as equipped by leaders, contributing to maturity and unity within the body of Christ. This reflects Christ's design for an interdependent community, working together toward a common goal.
    Highlight how spiritual maturity is achieved through cooperation and growth into Christ. This passage suggests that when every part does its share, the body grows up in love. You could emphasize that spiritual gifts are part of God's plan for maturity and stability against false doctrines. Encourage believers to support each other, fostering a mature community that reflects Christ's character. By emphasizing growth and love, you underscore the transformative power of spiritual gifts in forming a Christ-centered community.

      • 1 Corinthians 12:1–6ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 12:1–6ESV

      • Romans 12:3–8ESV

      • Ephesians 4:11–16ESV

  • Jesus Paid It All
  • Just As I Am
FBC Sunrise Beach
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