GIFTS' PLACE IN THE EARLY
CHURCH I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Mark 16:17-18 - Jesus
promised power to His apostles. 2. John 14:12 - Jesus promised
that His disciples would do greater works . 3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 -
Gifts were given to individuals for the profit of all. 4. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 -
Some miraculous gifts were temporary. 5. Acts 8:12-18 - The power of
miraculous gifts was conveyed by the hands of the apostles. II. MAIN THEME: The power to do signs and wonders was given to the apostles by the
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
The apostles could lay hands on Christians and convey the power to
work miracles. These spiritual gifts were to be used for the benefit of the
church. These signs confirmed the words spoken by the apostles. 1. Miracles had a special
place in the early church. a. To confirm
the word, Mark 16:20. b. To help
spread the gospel, Acts 5:12-16, Romans 15:18-19. c. To punish
those who opposed the gospel, Acts 13:8-12. 2. The power to work miracles
conveyed by the hands of the apostles would end. a. Tongues,
prophecy, and miraculous knowledge would cease, 1 Cor. 13:8. b. After the
last apostle died, there was no one to convey this power by laying on hands, Acts 8:12-18. c. After
revelation and confirmation of God's word was completed, miraculous gifts had served their
purpose, 1 Cor 13:9-11, Jude 3, Gal 1:6-9. 3. The most important gifts of
the church are still working. a. The most
important gifts are not miraculous, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-8. b. Christian
graces edify the body, Romans 12:5-18. c. Singing
encourages the body, 1 Cor 14:26, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16. d. Love is
most important of all, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4:1-3. III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 1. Everyone in the body has
some gift to contribute, 1 Corinthians 12:14-27. 2. We may excel at some gifts
and should use them to edify the body, 1 Peter 4:10-11. 3. Remember that our gifts are
from God, and use them to glorify Him, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Ephesians 3:14-21. 4. We must present our body in
service to God, Romans 12. IV.
MEMORY VERSE- 1 PET 4:1 |