2. 1 Corinthians Author: Apostle Paul Origin: Ephesus Date: Mid 50s Purpose: To respond to reports about prideful posturing, and to answer local church questions. Theme: Humility-based unity. Author: Apostle Paul Origin: Ephesus Date: Mid 50s Purpose: To respond to reports about prideful posturing, and to answer local church questions. Theme: Humility-based unity.

3. Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

4. Our unity and diversity should reflect the Trinity Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

5. 1 With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led. 3 So I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:1-6 (NET Bible)

6. “Paul had referred to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in verse 3. Now in reverse order he stressed the unity of the Godhead in relation to the different spiritual gifts.” –BKC “Paul had referred to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in verse 3. Now in reverse order he stressed the unity of the Godhead in relation to the different spiritual gifts.” –BKC Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

7. 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NET Bible)

8. The Trinity is One God. The Trinity is Three distinct Persons with unique roles. The church is one body. The church is many distinct persons with unique roles. The Trinity is One God. The Trinity is Three distinct Persons with unique roles. The church is one body. The church is many distinct persons with unique roles. Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

10. Our unity and diversity should reflect the Trinity Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

11. Our unity and diversity should reflect the Trinity Our spiritual gifts should benefit others Our unity and diversity should reflect the Trinity Our spiritual gifts should benefit others Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

12. 7 To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. 8 For one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NET Bible)

13. Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discernment Tongues Interpretation of tongues Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discernment Tongues Interpretation of tongues Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

14. “Spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy provided some with claims to a higher status than fellow believers.” –Pheme Perkins “Spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy provided some with claims to a higher status than fellow believers.” –Pheme Perkins Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

15. This week: don’t use your spiritual gifts for selfish reasons; serve others instead. Next week: don’t devalue others’ spiritual gifts; recognize your need for others instead. This week: don’t use your spiritual gifts for selfish reasons; serve others instead. Next week: don’t devalue others’ spiritual gifts; recognize your need for others instead. Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

16. The spiritual gifts that were given to US are meant to benefit OTHERS. Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

17. NT lists of spiritual gifts: Romans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Ephesians 4:11 1 Peter 4:10-11 NT lists of spiritual gifts: Romans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Ephesians 4:11 1 Peter 4:10-11 Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

18. 11 It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things. 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NET Bible)

19. Our spiritual gifts have a common source (the Holy Spirit) and a common purpose (to benefit others). Why We Should Invest Our Gifts

20. 1 Corinthians Applications: Read/study 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. [www.netbible.org] Reflect on the unity and diversity of the Trinity. Reflect on the unity and diversity in our church. Recall the last time you saw God use you in someone’s life. Ask three close friends what they think your spiritual gift might be, then invest it. Applications: Read/study 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. [www.netbible.org] Reflect on the unity and diversity of the Trinity. Reflect on the unity and diversity in our church. Recall the last time you saw God use you in someone’s life. Ask three close friends what they think your spiritual gift might be, then invest it.