Bible Study Outline: 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 "Concerning the Use and Misuse of Spiritual Gifts"

Introduction: Paul addresses the “spiritual gifts that were abundant within the Corinthian church, but the powers and use were greatly being abused by certain individuals. God gave the church the Holy Spirit as our guide and through him empowered the ministers and fellow Christians to be “witnesses” (Acts 1:8) The purpose of this endowment was for conviction of unbelievers of their sin, and propagation of the gospel to compel them of the need to be saved and to confess their salvation in Jesus Christ alone. Simply put, some of the leaders and fellow members of this church began to misuse their spiritual gifts. Chapter 12 also concerns the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Body of Christ. It’s a “2-fold” relationship:

A.   The Baptism of the Holy Spirit forms the “body” and unites all believers to Jesus Christ  and to each others as brothers and sisters in the faith.

B.   Every believer in the faith is given spiritual “enablement” through “gifts” to carry out a specific service within the ministry of the Christian religion. Nobody in the faith is destitute of at least one spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit endows each individual as HE sees fit for specific ministry assignment as He sees the need. We may choose to volunteer to a specific ministry, but the HOLY SPIRIT assigns us to the place God wants to use us. The Christian service we perform is a direct result of the endowment of spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit.

I.       Concerning Spiritual Gifts      (No Ignorance)                        (verses 1-3)
Paul tells the members of the Corinthian church before they were converted:

a.    They were steeped in superstition, paganism and heathen practices.

b.    They were bewitched because they were led away by false doctrines doing and saying      perverse things.

Declaration: Nobody that speaks by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) says Jesus is accursed.

Nobody can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost.

Notes from Barnes Commentary: "[But by the Holy Ghost]" That is, unless he is influenced by the Holy Spirit. This is a very important verse, not only in regard to the particular subject under consideration in the time of Paul, but also in its practical bearing at present. We may learn from it:

(1) That it is a proof that any man is under the influence of the Holy Spirit who is heartily disposed to honor the name and work of Jesus Christ.

(2) Those forms and modes of religion; those religious opinions and practices, will be most in accordance with the designs of the Spirit of God, which do most to honor the name and work of Jesus Christ.

(3) It is true that no man will ever cherish a proper regard for Jesus Christ, nor love his name and work, unless he is influenced by the Holy Spirit. No man loves the name and work of the Redeemer by following simply the inclinations of his own corrupt heart. In all instances of those who have been brought to a willingness to honor him, it has been by the agency of the Holy Spirit.

(4) If any man, in any way, is disposed to disparage the work of Christ, to speak lightly of his person or his name; or holds doctrines that infringe on the fullness of the truth respecting his divine nature, his purity, his atonement, it is proof that he is not under the influence of the Spirit of God. Just in proportion as he shall disparage that work or name, just in that proportion does he give evidence that he is not influenced by the Divine Spirit; but by proud reason, or by imagination, or by a heart that is not reconciled to God.

(5) All true religion is the production of the Holy Spirit. For religion consists essentially in a willingness to honor, and love, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ; and where that exists, it is produced by the Holy Spirit.

(6) The influence of the Holy Spirit should be cherished. To grieve away that Spirit is to drive all proper knowledge of the Redeemer from the soul; to do this is to leave the heart to coldness, and darkness, and barrenness, and spiritual death. 

II.                Concerning  Diversity of Gifts (All by the “Same” Holy Spirit)           (verses 4-7)

a.     Different endowment-same Spirit-Holy Spirit

b.     Different ministries- same Spirit- Holy Spirit

c.      Diversity of operations- works and miracles-same Spirit-Holy Spirit

d.     The “works” of the Holy Spirit given to all Christians as the Holy Spirit dictates (graces and endowments) for “profit” that is the common good and for advantage of the church’s ministry  and edification overall; They are not given for personal competition or “bragging rights”. God gives His gifts adequately not necessarily equally to every member.

This means we must: Concerning our attitude about gifts and services:

1.     Use these gifts to best uphold the church’s covenant, especially the following:

“We promise to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort. To promote its (the church) prosperity and its spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, disciplines and doctrines.

2.     Never get beside ourselves and think we are more important worthy, or endowed than any other saint, regardless of the number of gifts God bestows upon us.

3.     Never feel underappreciated, or fall into depression, as if whatever positions or ministry callings we hold in the church, ministry or otherwise are inferior to another person’s position or calling. Remember, God endowed you with “that gift or gifts” and He appointed and assigned you to the position you occupy no matter where it is.

4.     Be content in your duty station and allotment of spiritual gifts. Strive to make maximum use of the gifts and endowments to the glory of God and to their fullest

5.     Everybody should give of their time, talents, and resources for the common good of the fellowship and the advancement of the kingdom of Our Savior

III.          Spiritual Gifts Given    “Diversity of Gifts”                         (verses 8-11)

a.     Spirit of Wisdom- counselor, teacher, advisor

b.     Spirit of Knowledge- distinguished knowledge- They would have knowledge of the plan of salvation, the biblical doctrines and their application to the church, the individual, the family and the government. Both the wise person and the knowledged person would exemplify eminence and intelligence and are equally useful in the church.

c.      Gift of faith- having simple confidence in God.    Many of the most useful people in the church are distinguished mainly for their simple confidence in the promises of God; and often accomplish more by prayer and by their faith in God than others do who are distinguished for their wisdom and learning.

d.     Gift of healing- Jesus endowed his disciples the power to heal in HIS name as He sent them forth by 2. “Healings” were prevalent during the early church period. (Acts 5:12-16 and chapter 19:12)

e.      Gift of “working miracles”- This would mean the healing of “acute sickness and diseases., casting out demons, inflicting punishment or judgment upon an evil person as the Holy Spirit directs.

f.       Gift of Prophecy- 1. “forth-telling”, not “for-telling” the future and 2. Expounding on the Scriptures through teaching.

g.     Gift of discernment- the ability to discern the difference between a false prophet or teacher and a true prophet or teacher of God, a false miracle from a true miracle, a false prophecy from a true one.

h.     Gift of “different” kinds of Tongues- that is the ability to speak other languages under the power of the Holy Spirit that were not “formally” learned through formal education. These languages were given for the purpose of educating nationalist from other countries who sat in your ministry.

i.       Gift of “interpretation of Tongues- the ability to explain what the messenger said to those present who didn’t understand the language in which they messenger spoke.

Remember: all of these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit as “HE” will        (vs. 11)

A.   The Holy Spirit is a person in the Godhead. When we speak of the Holy Spirit is “it” we merely speak to the “acts” or the actions taken by the Holy Spirit in His ministry  of comforting, guidance and empowerment..

B.   The Holy Spirit is also “soverign”   He gives to all as he pleases. In regard to spiritual endowments of the highest order, he deals with people as he does in the common endowments bestowed upon people, and as he does in temporal blessings. He does not bestow the same blessings on all, nor make all alike. He dispenses his favors by a rule which he has not made known, but which, we may be assured, is in accordance with wisdom and goodness. He wrongs no one; and he gives to all the favors which might be connected with eternal life. (from Barnes Noble Commentary)

IV.             Concerning the  “Unity and Diversity” of the Body-The Church    (verses 12-14)

(Cross reference with Ephesians 4:1-16)

A.   Like the Human body- the church is one body made of many members.

B.   The church (organism- people) and one in Christ. Jesus Christ is the “head” of the church and all principalities and powers.

C.   The Holy Spirit baptizes us into “one spirit” formulating all of us into “one body” regardless of rank or position, state of status, even nationality.

V.             Schism (Classism)  infiltrated the Church                               (verses 14-19)

A.   “Because I hold a lower rank in position or not doing what someone else has been assigned to do am I not part of the body? (vs. 14-16)

B.   If we all did the same thing, the work would never get done. Everybody must do the work ‘God assigned them to do whether the work is out front or in the background. (vs. 17-19)

C.   Because we are dependent upon the work each other does, none of us can truly say: I don’t need you…..or your help!  (vs. 21)

1.     The weaker members – so we think (train them and they won’t be!) like it or not we need them too. And we should bestow the greater honor on them because they are equally as important in the background as we who are strong are in the forefront. (vs. 22)

2.     We are to protect and cover the weaker parts of the body of Christ (church) rather than throw them under the bus, exposing their weaknesses. (vs. 23)

3.     God has so fixed it that we are dependent upon each other whether we ant to be or not…I need you….you need me … the “Jesus” in you must see the “Jesus” in me and vice-versa. (vs. 24)

D.    Reiteration: There cannot be a schism in the Body of Christ(verses 25-27)

1.     Every member must care about one another.

2.     When one suffers in the body, we suffer with them by rallying to help them where we can especially in prayer.

3.     When one member is honored, we should all rejoice in their being honored.

4.      We are one body in Christ yet individuals yet members of that “ONE” Body in Christ.

E.               What God has set “SOME” (designated leaders)  in HIS CHURCH               (verses 28)

1.     Apostles- Highest rank in the Apostolic church realm

2.     Prophets

3.     Teachers

4.     Miracles

5.     Helps- minister, lay-people ( deacons)( pastor’s aides) ( pastoral assistants) who help in specific areas of the church’s ministry.

6.     Governments- Councils-Cabinets

F.     All will not have the same office (reiteration)                           (verses 29-31)

1. All will not be called to preach.

2.Have a zeal for the best  gift.

 3. Strive to obtain the highest gift God has in store for you.

Matt 4:12-18  ""The Kingdom Of Heaven" The Parable of 
"Sowing and Harvest"
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."* From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
 
        In Matthew Chapter 4, Jesus, after hearing that John the Baptist was inprisoned, left Nazareth and departed and dwelled in Capernaum. by doing so, he fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning His journey. Jesus Christ came to re-establish  the Kingdom of God, and from the time he relocated in Capernaum, Jesus echoed the same message John the Baptist spoke and was for the people to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Unfortunately, the people rejected the message and the messenger, resulting in the kingdom being postpone and Jesus no longer speaking about the Kingdom of God openly as in the past, but chose to speak in "parables" The "Kingdom of Heaven" is a "New Testament" term of principle that occurs on the gospel of Matthew 32 times. Matthew is the only place were you will find these 12 parables concerning the Kingdom. You will find them in Matthew 13: 1-50, Chapter 18: 23-25, Chapter 20:1-16, Chapter 22: 1-14, and Chapter 25:1-30.  
       There are some theologians and scholars that refuse to believe that the Kingdom was a "physical" kingdom. They saw this kingdom as being "spiritual" in nature and only being seen in the lives of all believers in Christ then as well as in the church today. According to Dr. Clarence Larkin in his book "Dispensational Truth",  "these parables illustrate that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is limited to "time and sphere; time in the sense that these parables describe events that will occur during the first coming and the second coming of Jesus Christ back to this earth, and "sphere" because it is concerning the part of the world that is "Christian" in scope". 
       In Matthew 13, Jesus disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables? Jesus explained the reason he began to speak in parables Matthew 13:10-17 to the disciples  was it was given to them to know these truths. The truth about the "Kingdom of Heaven" was extremely important for them, They were being called to carry the gospel to the then known world. This "evangelistic" charge was not given. to the Pharisees, scribes and the other religious leaders,  The Pharisees and scribes were too gross, too earthly in conduct and character; that is, they had grovelling conceptions of the Messiah's kingdom to understand these truths, even if Jesus had communicated to them. Then to, they were not called to preach the gospel, and since our Savior was at particular pains to instruct his apostles in the system which they were to preach. The Pharisees, and Jews generally, were not prepared to receive the system, and would not have believed it, and therefore he purposely employed a kind of teaching which was intended for his apostles only.
      The Jews had many opportunities of learning the truth, and some light still lingered among them; but they were gross and sensual, It was a just in the judgment of Jesus that they should be deprived of truth concerning the coming kingdom.
     Superior knowledge (Holy Spirit insight) was given to the disciples of Christ: they improved it, however slowly, and the promise was that it should be greatly increased. The Pharisees and scribes only  saw the "natural" meaning of the story. It was strange that on one hand, they literally understood the parable, but did not understand their "spiritual" signification. Even though neither the Gospel according to Mark nor Luke states this "fact,"  they both do affirm the fact that Jesus spoke with this "intention". There was no dishonesty in Jesus doing it this way, this methodology or any unfair disguise. Jesus had truths to state which he wished his "disciples in particular" to understand. These "kingdom" truths were of great importance to their ministry. It was equally as true that they were expecting an earthly and visible kingdom, not a spiritual one. Some scholars think that it was clearly possible if Jesus had  fully stated them to the Jewish leaders, they would have taken his life long before they did., though in all likelihood it wouldn't have occurred. 
     Jesus chose to state the doctrines so that if their hearts had been right, and if they had not been malignant and blind, "they might have understood them." His doctrines were stated in the best possible way, and it was not his fault if they did not understand him. Given these truth to them in "piecemeal" that is little by little, he prepared many people, even of the Jews to receive the truth; by the only possible way of ever gaining access to their minds. Jesus simply chose to impart instruction to his disciples which he did not "intend" for others to carry out.

Jesus and the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven

     When Jesus began his earthly ministry in Matthew 4:17, notice that he proclaimed the same message John the Baptist proclaimed: Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!  This "repentance" was in  in reference to Israel's status with God and it was a call to "national repentance". There are many passages in the Old Testament that clearly indicated that Israel as a nation had to repent for their sin and rebellion against God in order for the "Messianic" kingdom could be set up. Also when Jesus sent out his disciples to proclaim the Word, Jesus empowered them to heal the sick, cast out demon, and proclaim that the Kingdom on Heaven was at hand. (Matthew 10:5-8)

What does The Parable of the Sower Represent?

A. The parable of the Sower
     The purpose of this parable was to show both the character of the Kingdom of Heaven and the how the hearers will either profit or fail to profit by hearing the .even though Jesus clearly revealed how the Word of God and how the hearer receives it and act upon it and submit to the will and way of God. The "sower" is Christ himself. The seed is the "Word of God". The ground and types are the people who hear the Word but respond to the seed differently. The "4 classes" of hearers represent the causes and hinderance a person experiences that either cause them to act upon the Word accordingly or reject it altogether.
1. The "wayside" represents the hearer that hears the Word, but the Word never get a chance to take root in their life. The reason is Satan immediately sends his demon "birds" of doubt, prejudice, criticism, unbelief and worldly preoccupation and emotion instability to swoop down and zero in on the seed that is sitting on the surface of a person's heart, but hasn't had time to work its way into the inner workings of their lives. These emotional birds snatch upthe seed before germination can take place.
2. The "stoney ground" represents the hearer that gets the seed and the seed takes root, but because of the "shallowness" of their faith, dies before it can germinate and grow up. The two weapons that Satan uses against "stoney" ground are the "trials" and "tribulations" of this world.
3. The "thorny ground" represents the hearer that the Word actually takes root and , germinate and grows up, but never bears fruit. The reason for this is because embedded in the heart of the "thorny ground" hearer are weeds of "hinderances" that also grow up, but they out grow and overshadow the Word and drain the soil of the essential nutrients  needed to promote spiritual growth in a believer. In the Gospel of Matthew, the writer mentions 2 of the many "thorns" that hinder growth: the "Cares of this World" and the "Deceitful of Riches" Mark mentions another hinderance: Lust of "other" things. Luke mentions another: the "Pleasures" of this World.
4. The "Good" ground represents the person that the Word of God takes root, germinates, grows up and bears fruit. what you will notice is Jesus said that the good ground yielded different amounts of fruit.: 30 fold, 60 fold, and 100 fold. 


Why is the amount of fruit different?
     The fault was not in the soil because the Bible says all of the ground was good ground, In fact the fact that seeds were sown on all of the "types" of grounds says that fruit could be produced. The "key" lies in how much "culltivation" (preparation) went into reading the soil for planting and harvesting. If the sower had taken the amount of time needed to clear off , till or turn over the ground, then planting and making sure that the proper atmospheric conditions prevailed the yield allover the field would have been 100%.  


Conclusion:  The "real purpose" of this parable is to show us in an "agricultural" way that the purpose of the Dispensation of Grace is to gather out of this world the Church. This means that the "Gospel of the Kingdom" shall be preached to all nations for "a witness" and then shall the end come. Sadly the world will not be converted by the preaching of the Gospel and this parable does not teach that it will. It does teach that the Word of God will be spread all over the world for the purpose of giving everybody an opportunity to turn from their wicked ways and turn to God through accepting Jesus Christ. God said that HE wish that none should perish, but that all would come unto repentance.