4 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.”
THE PURPOSE OF GIFTS
I. Gifts are not for self-edification but for others (1 Co 12:7).
Purpose: for the edification and spiritual growth of the church.
This is the practical test for any gift in the church.
II. The possession and use of spiritual gifts is inseparably bound up with the functioning church.
All gifts must relate to the church, both universal and local.
III. The corporate use of gifts is to build up the entire body (not merely the local church), 1 Co 12:7; Ep 4:12; 14:12,26; 1 Co 12.
IV. Edification is the purpose, particularly in the area of the specific aim in the giving of the gift.
V. Unity is the context of all gifts, 1 Co 12.
VI. Love is the controlling principle of all gifts, 1 Co 13.
VII. What about 1 Co 14:4?
1. Paul is using this verse to devalue tongues.
2. Verse four speaks of the by-product, not the purpose, of exercising the gift.
3. A by-product of any gift is self-edification.
VIII. Goals of gifts:
1. To equip believers, Ep 4:11-12.
2. To win the lost and edify the church thereby, Ep 4:11-12.
3. To edify the whole church, Eph 4:12,16.
4. To establish maturity in believers, Ro 1:11.
5. To encourage believers, Ro 1:12.
6. To enlarge the church, Ep 4:16.
7. To exalt Christ, 1 Pe 4:10,11.
PRINCIPLE:
The purpose of gifts is to edify the church.
APPLICATION:
Do you edify the church as a way of life?
