9-22-10 1 Cor Message 50: People, Miracles, and Gifts
People, Miracles and Gifts
Text: 1 Cor. 12:28-31
I. People
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
The purpose of the people (definitions) – Apostles, prophets, teachers
II. “After that” Miracles. The people came before the miracles. People see miracles every day and it does nothing.
A. People sow seed
B. People provide fruit
III. God set miracles in the Church not Miracle workers.
God gives gifts to people; God works miracles through people.
There is no evidence that anyone has the gift of Miracles.
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Example: Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
IV. Special place for “Sign” Miracles
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
V. Gifts to members of the Body
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
VI. Purpose of People, Miracles and Gifts
God builds us while He builds His Church the same with gifts
A. Gifts are for us to help each other be healthy
1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
B. Gifts promote our unity as a Church
1 Corinthians 12:24-25 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
C. Gifts are used to help us accomplish our purpose as a Church
1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
D. Summary
Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
VII. We should all covet the best gifts.
VIII. A more excellent way to follow
1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
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