September 7, 2008

What We Believe
About the Gifts
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review
The practical theology of faith
Blob Tag with the kids
One group was able to have amazing unity
B. The Purpose of the Gifts

Four lists of the gifts:
Romans 12: 3 - 8
1 Corinthians 12: 8-10,28-30
Ephesians 4: 11
See many explanations of each gift
"Like the basic colors in an artist's palette from which God selects to blend a unique blend for each disciple."
-McArthur

Purpose of the gifts:
1 Corinthians 12: 7
1 Corinthians 14: 3,26
Romans 1: 11 - 12
Difference in a gift and a talent

An example: Purpose of preaching
"The great design and intention of the office of a Christian preacher is to restore the throne and dominion of God to the souls of men."
-Cotton
Joni Eareckson tells the story on...

C. A Look at the Gifts

Romans 12: 3 - 8
Notice before and after the list:
Offer your bodies as living sacrifices
Don't think of yourself
Humility and love
Honor one another
1 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10
Same warnings before and after in 1 Corinthians

Sign gifts - some say the ended with the office of Apostle. Hebrews 2: 4

We do not shy away from asking God to do miraculous things.

"Tongues" also falls into the category of signs - the theology behind it.

It is obvious from 1 Corinthians and from experience that gifts can be misused.
1 Corinthians 12: 27
Ephesians 4: 11
D. Conclusion - Using Your Gift

1 Peter 4: 7 - 11
The following are required: surrender, core purpose change, a perspective change, and faith.