1 Corinthians 12:5-7
Are You in Good S.H.A.P.E?[1]
(Series: 1 Corinthians – I Need My Church)
Sunday, October 31, 2021
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. So, to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Co 12:4–7).
Main Point: The Holy Spirit blesses believers with spiritual gifts to bless others and grow His Church.
I. How does God get you in S.H.A.P.E?
a. S – God gives you Spiritual gifts.
b. H – God transforms your Heart.
c. A – God uses your natural Abilities.
d. P – God made your Personality unique.
e. E – God uses your individual Experiences.
II. Spiritual gifts then serve four purposes.
a. Spiritual gifts build the Church. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Ephesian 4:11–12).
b. Spiritual gifts serve one another. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
c. Spiritual gifts bring about the common good. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
d. Spiritual gifts encourage people. “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11–12).
Conclusion: If you are a believer, the Spirit has given you a spiritual gift that you should use to bless other people.
Challenge: Identify your spiritual gift and then put it to work.
[1] I modified the alliteration S.H.A.P.E. from an outline originally used in Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Drive Life.
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