Bethel Sunday School Online 12 JULY 2020
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:28 - 31

GOD’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE CHURCH

1. He is the one who adds to the Church people who are saved (Acts 2:47)

2. He graciously blesses the Church with various gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4 – 11)

3. He is the One who appoints people to fulfil their role in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:28)

APPRECIATING GOD’S APPOINTMENT

(1 Corinthians 12:28 – 29)

1. This list of appointments is to be understood historically

2. Appointments in order

a. First the apostles

b. Second the prophets

c. Third the teachers

d. After the above:

i. Miracles

ii. Gift of healings

iii. Helpers

iv. Administrators

v. Varieties of tongues

2. Compare with the list in Ephesians 4:11

a. Apostles

b. Prophets

c. Evangelists

d. Pastors and teachers

3. Gifts and people

a. The order of the two lists are the same!

b. God’s spiritual gifts are associated with His divine appointment

c. They are not the only spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6 – 8)

DESIRE FOR THE BEST GIFT

1. A series of rhetorical questions (1 Corinthians 12:29 – 30)

a. To point out that not everyone will possess these spiritual gifts

b. They are given to those whom God has appointed to fulfil His will

c. The desire to have these gifts does not result in possessing them!

d. The grace gifts of God must not be misused or abused!

2. The desire of the best gift (1 Corinthians 12:31)

a. This is encouraged

b. But spiritual gifts are not everything!

A MORE EXCELLENT WAY!
(1 Corinthians 12:31)

1. The Apostle Paul desires to help the Church focus on a more excellent way!

2. This will be highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13

CHALLENGES

1. To appreciate God’s involvement in the development of the Church

a. His appointments

b. His giving of grace gifts

2. To deepen our understanding of spiritual gifts

a. Spiritual gifts must not be abused

b. They must not be misused!

3. To serve the Lord with what He has graciously blessed us with!

a. To minister to people

b. To edify and strengthen the Church!