Spiritual Gifts - 8/10/08pm

Much confusion exists over the matter of spiritual gifts. Let us consider what the Bible says about such things, that we may discern the truth!

Acts 8:9-25 Simon the Sorcerer
Vs 8-11 People were deceived by his “miraculous” abilities.
Vs 12-13 They (including Simon) believed the gospel, and were astonished by the miracles they saw (evidently better than Simon’s)
Vs 14-17 Apostles lay on hands, giving the Holy Spirit
Vs 18-19 Simon goes to an apostle for laying on of hands, not one of the others
Vs 20-25 Simon tried to gain the spirit by physical means, and was rebuked

I Corinthians 12:1-11 Spiritual gifts: different sorts for the common good
Vs 8: Word of Wisdom
Knowledge
Vs 9: Faith
Healing
Acts 3:1-10 Peter wholly heals a well known lame beggar
Vs 10: Miracles
Prophecy
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Know a prophet by whether he’s right
Discerning of Spirits
Speaking in Tongues
Acts 2:1-13 Apostles speak in tongues they hadn’t studied
Interpreting Tongues

I Corinthians 12:27-13:13 Spiritual gifts: temporary nature of
Vs 8: Prophecies will cease
Tongues will cease
Knowledge will pass away
Vs 10: That which is perfect comes, and then they will end
Hebrews 2:2-4 Purpose of spiritual gifts
Vs 11: These are the “childish” things
Vs 12: Seen darkly in a mirror - a poor reflection
Vs 13: Faith, hope, and love remain AFTER the perfect has come. If “the perfect” is Christ, then why would faith and hope remain?

I Corinthians 14:1-25 Spiritual gifts: prophecy and tongues
Vs 1-5 Prophecy greater than tongues
Tongues edify self, not others
Vs 6-12 If speaking in different language, what good is it?
Vs 13-17 No edification or understanding with tongues
Vs 18-25 Tongues are for the unbeliever, prophecy for the believer
Tongues: speak to new people to convert them
Prophecy: fill in knowledge for believers

I Corinthians 14:26-40 Spiritual gifts: the orderly use of
Vs 26-28 Speaking in tongues to be done in limited amount, one at a time in the assembly, or remain silent if without an interpreter
Vs 29-33 When prophets speak, others should weight their words, and all should be done in turn for the sake of order and edification
Vs 34-40 They should want spiritual gifts, but everything should be done in an orderly fashion