Tom Leonard - January 22, 2012
What We Are
What We Are I Corinthians 12:12-31 Main Point: Christ’s Spirit has made each one of us a part of His body and God has given each one of us a special gift/function that is important for all the body. 1. As a human body has diverse parts which form one unit, so it is with Christ’s body: we are diverse members with different gifts but we are one. (verses 12-20) Romans 12:3-8 We belong to each other! 2. God has arranged the parts in our body just as He wants them and we need each other and each other’s gifts! I Corinthians 12:18-21 We cannot say ‘I don’t need you!’ *We don’t believe that we need each other’s gifts. 3. What are spiritual gifts? I Corinthians 12:1-11 The ‘manifestation of the Spirit’ (v. 7) = the visible working of the invisible Spirit. Spiritual gifts (‘charismata’= Grace Gifts) are the special, unique way(s) that Jesus’ grace comes out of us for others. I Peter 4:10-11 The Lord gives us gifts uniquely through our personality and passion. The Holy Spirit works through each of us to accomplish His particular ministry (giving Jesus’ grace) so that the body of Christ will be built up and strengthened.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:18-21, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 1 Peter 4:10-11
