Spiritual gifts part 9: Are you conforming to the religious expectations of others?
Pastor-Teacher Spiritual gifts part 9: Are you conforming to the religious expectations of others?
Schedule The Doctrine of Spiritual Gifts Point 1: Setting the scene for Paul’s teaching on the Spiritual Gifts. The most extensive treatment of the subject of spiritual gifts is found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapters 12 through 14. Wealth, marriage, social ties. The problem in Corinth was not the wealth per se, but rather the insensitivity of the wealthy to the needs of the poor. This insensitivity had seeped into the church at Corinth and was causing divisions. Selfishness is the opposite of the cross of Christ, 2Co 5:14-15. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city, and as such it became a religious melting pot with older and new religions flourishing side by side. One historian listed 15 separate false gods that had their own cult following in Corinth. There were also Egyptian mystery cults like Isis, as well as the practice of magic. “I pray to all gods.” Two places where Christians in Corinth would come into contact with the worship of false gods were at parties held in pagan temples, and at private banquets in the homes of the well-to-to. The temptation to engage in behavior that flirted with idolatry and idol worship was very real and very strong in Corinth, particularly among the more well-to-do members of the local assembly there. Meat sacrificed to idols also caused conflict and division between strong and weak, rich and poor, in the church. Never forget what the Bible teaches about your true battle as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your real enemy is the kingdom of darkness. If you are going forward in the plan of God for your life, they will do what they can to distract you, put obstacles in your way, and stop you. How am I being seduced right now by the kingdom of darkness? Your enemy is a sneak. He is a liar and a deceiver. John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Their objective is to stop you from learning the word of God. Keep you from growing spiritually. Prevent you from becoming a witness for the prosecution in the Angelic Conflict. Is this bringing me closer to the Lord Jesus Christ or pulling me away from Him? Is this helping me to get to Bible class, or preventing me from coming to Bible class? Is this falling into line as a service to me exercising my spiritual gift, or is this making it complicated or darn near impossible to step out in faith and live in my gift?
|