Pastor Ralph Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickledilly Posted May 5, 2014 Report Share Posted May 5, 2014 The purpose of spiritual gifts is defined in verse 7 (and amplified in Ephesians 4:11-16). Paul said that these divine empowerments of grace are an exhibition of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in believers – and he stated quite clearly that the reason they are given is for the “common good” to benefit the collective Body of Christ. This verse alone is enough to dispute the exhortation of many “charismatics” for believers to actively seek a gifting of speaking in tongues as a personal encouragement or secret prayer-language to build up self, for example. When people are not employing spiritual gifts for God’s intended purpose, it naturally results in an improper use that edifies the flesh rather than the maturing of the Body of Christ for ministry that builds God’s Kingdom. Paul elaborated in Ephesians 4:13 that these gifts should unify the Church in “the faith and knowledge of the Son of God” to equip and mature the Body in the fullness of Christ’s truth and love. Nothing is said about using the gifts for our own individual benefit (although there’ll be benefit in rightly using them). Motivation and attempts to use the Spirit’s gifts in human wisdom or for human goals will ultimately distort/pervert this influence for the common good. What is of the Spirit can never be properly employed through the flesh! And this misuse always misrepresents Christ and the realm of the Holy Spirit. This, of course, can only lead people away from truth and away from rightly living a victorious and fruitful authentic Spirit-led life. Wow, I can only imagine what could happen if a whole church full of people started PROPERLY using their diverse spiritual gifts. I think the Church would absolutely explode in the power of the Spirit. Only truth would be proclaimed, believers would mature in wisdom and knowledge and discernment that melts away personal agendas or interpretations, practical needs of the Body would be met in astounding ways, harmony would ultimately prevail over disagreements, controversies wouldn’t overtake us or cripple our calling, and there would be one united focus for worship and service. And all of these benefits within the Body would be a demonstration to the world of an “unnatural” love and unity – the mark of authentic Christianity. They would encourage and embolden us for our primary mission of an undiluted, cohesive, corporate ministry of the gospel. I think that instead of wishing and hoping for that to miraculously happen, we each need to begin as individuals to accept responsibility for discovering our own personal spiritual endowments and submitting ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance and power to employ them. While not a spiritual song, Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” has come to mind. I’m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer “If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look and yourself and then make a change.” The change, in each life and in each church, starts with individuals -- you and me. God can use one submitted life to change a church, and to change the world with the love and grace of His Gospel message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IvoryEagle Posted May 17, 2014 Report Share Posted May 17, 2014 What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? TO BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST (THE CHURCH) What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? THE BODY BECOMES CONTAMINATED WITH THE WRONG SPIRIT AND SUFFERS. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? GOD'S WILL IS DONE, GOD'S WAY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinstonY Posted May 17, 2014 Report Share Posted May 17, 2014 The purpose for spiritual goods is for the common good. Their use enhances the work of the spirit, whether they be visiting, preaching, healing, etc. When people selfishly use their gifts to build up their reputation, to make them selves look good, or to enhance their position they are using the gifts in a way which does not help the common good and maybe even hurt the cause. This may be especially true when one gift is emphasized over others. It should be noted that there are different gifts but only one spirit. When every one uses their gifts in the way that they ordained than everything works well. The sick are visited and healed. Sermons are preached as prophesied. Tongues are spoken and interpreted. Everything is great. But if everyone begins to show off their gifts at the same time, especially the gifts that are more flamboyant than the result can be mayhem. You see it is necessary to use the gifts with caution as their is always the possibility to lead astray if the gifts are not from the Holy Spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sank T Monius Posted May 18, 2014 Report Share Posted May 18, 2014 1 Corinthians 12:7Q). What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?A). The purpose of the gifts is "for the common good". Spiritual gifts are given to build up the church.#Q). What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose?A). When spiritual gifts are not used for their intended purpose they can hurt the congregation.#Q). What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts?A). When a church full of people use their diverse spiritual gifts with wisdom God's purpose can be fulfilled. And a revival of the spirit can be manifested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? The Holy Spirit reveals Himself in the life of each believer by imparting some gift. Since, in the church, there is a rich diversity of people, there will be a great variety of gifts. The purpose in giving each believer a gift is to profit the entire church community as each believer will, because of the gift, have a function to perform for the benefit of the entire church body, and even perhaps the wider community. The spiritual gifts are to be used for their intended purpose and are not given for self-display or even for self-gratification. Believers should never use their gifts for personal interests and satisfaction, for to do so is a blatant sin against our Lord. As soon as each member of the church start using their spiritual gifts, the church as His body, will demonstrate the supreme leadership of Jesus. This leadership will be shown in many ways; there will be changed lives, transformed relationships, increasing congregations, effective testimony, and many, many others. This occurs because believers have been energized by the Holy Spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? The gifts are for "good and profit"...for the building up of the saints and ultimately the kingdom of God....and to glorify Him. What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? The body is weakened when neglected. The Lord is not glorified as was intended. The Kingdom of God suffers loss. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? The Lord is glorified, faith increases, the Kingdom of God grows, the body of Christ is strengthened, and unbelievers see the power of God, believe and seek relationship with the Lord who is the giver of all good gifts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkerslope Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? They are given to members of a certain congregation for their common good. They are to be used to build up each other. What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? People who misuse spiritual gifts, tend to be too proud of having one or two. And they use them for their own, private use. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? The true benefit of the gifts is shown in the strengthening of each other in spiritual matters. The Christians will be united in the purpose of pleasing God in their lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwalane Mofokeng Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? To build the body. What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? v2 Says You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of the lifeless idols, if we become ignorant of this you will never know who is leading you. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? Act 2 v12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the body of believers--for common good. It hurts the body. Pride enters and people are not effective witnesses for Christ. The body grows, is alive & fruitful!! Brings glory to God! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion of Grace Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 Spiritual gifts are given to build up the body and to strengthen God's people. When people don't use their spiritual gifts for their intended purposes (to build up the body or strengthen it) then they are usually operating out of pride or for selfish purposes. Their gift becomes their leverage for self importance and elevation in the church and can even become abusive. God is no longer glorified and the entire church suffers. When the whole church begins to use their diverse gifts then the church becomes a living organism with each part functioning as a whole with the others. This is a healthy church that recognizes that they not only "have" many different parts but they "need" every part. God is glorified when there is unity in faith and action and the church is blessed and fruitful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delivered Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7 the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? The purpose of spiritual gifts are to inspire, and to build up the body of Christ, therefore, it is important we be careful and not allow these gifts to be used in a wrongly manner, a manner that would give ground for "Pride" the building up of "Self" instead of the body of believers, it is important that we remember -- 1Co 4:2 it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1Co 4:6 that you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that not one of you be puffed up, one against another. 1Co 4:7 for who made thee to differ from another? And what did you have that thou did not receive? Now if thou did receive it, why do you glory, as if thou had not received it? I must "REMEMBER", it is not all about me, it is all about "Him", and if I will boast, I will boast in the Lord always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouse2014 Posted May 22, 2014 Report Share Posted May 22, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? The purpose of spiritual gifts are to build up the body and strengthen God's people. This gifts can help in healing, both physical and spiritual, edify and lifting those of the church and also be a sign to the non believers. If people do not use their spiritual gifts then the church is left out of some of the blessings it have if the gifts where used. It would be wrong for them to use these gifts for their own personal advantages. If a church full of people start using their gifts at one time a non believer would think they were a bunch of lunatics. However, if everyone would use their gifts in order or as needed it would help strengthen the body of Christ and form unity of the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Jerry Posted May 26, 2014 Report Share Posted May 26, 2014 The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ. The thing that happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose is that they rob the body of Christ of their ability to be built up. Therefore when the whole church starts using their diverse spiritual gifts then they are united and they can accomplish anything that God has sent out for them to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Beenleigh Posted May 28, 2014 Report Share Posted May 28, 2014 What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Is for the common good, to build up the body of the Church What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? They take away the benefits of the gifts which would otherwise be of use to the body. They also restrict spiritual growth to the individual. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? The church would show how Christianity should be, a fully functional body. The pulsating energy would be like sound waves through -out the community, so strong, that it turn all heads and hearts towards Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted May 29, 2014 Report Share Posted May 29, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? "Gifts are given to build up the body and strengthen God's people".- Pastor Ralph When people don't employ gift for the purpose intended, the gift are wasted. When a whole Church full of diverse gifts begin to use the gifts, there will be spiritual growth of the church in addition the numerical growth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitar Jim Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? To build up the body of Christ. Some gifts also serve as a sign to unbelievers that we are Christians. What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? It could result in false doctrine spreading through the church. The people employing their spiritual gifts for selfish gain or other wrongly motivated reasons could also become prideful and overbearing. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? It becomes harder and harder to keep God in perspective when everyone is using their spiritual gifts and they could end up just like the church in Corinth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 1 Corinthians 12:7: The purpose of spiritual gifts is to help others in the faith and to carry out our role in the service of God in building up the church and presenting the gospel to the world around us. When spiritual gifts are not carried out as intended by God it hurts the church and doesn't accomplish the will of God. In fact, misused spiritual gifts can be a bad witness within and outside the church. When an entire church uses their spiritual gifts as God intended that church will be on fire for Jesus Christ. It will be totally alive and people will be drawn to it. It will be a strong and loving church -- a true heavenly family with Jesus as head. The body of that church will be spiritually alive and growing. That church will be able to do anything in Christ. It will bring people to Jesus Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixonle Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1364-q1-purpose-of-gifts/ A purpose of spiritual gifts is that they benefit others, aka the common good, of others and that they are useful to build up the body of Christ. When they are used to “not” benefit the common good, they become self-centered, one dimensional, rather than multidimensional, reaching out, united, and fulfilling the purpose for which God had intended. When this occurs, God’s will is accomplished and peoples’ lives are affected and changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blezed Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? 1. To fulfill God's own purpose. To build up the body and strengthen God's people. What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? 2. When gifts are not used for their intended purpose, it hurts the body. When the whole church start using their diverse spiritual gifts the church will be on fire for the Lord. We all will be on one accord with same spirit, servicing the same Lord and working the same God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanG Posted August 1, 2015 Report Share Posted August 1, 2015 Spiritual gifts are gifts given to us from God that the Holy Spirit guides our use of. So that we can fulfill the purpose for which we were created. I believe that when people misuse their spiritual gifts, chaos can take over in their lives. These gifts can also be used for evil purposes. However, I am sure that God will hold that against people at the final judgment. If you use your gifts wrongly now for money and earthly rewards, you will not get the reward in heaven. I feel that miracles will happen when people really work together. I feel that a lot of good would happen quickly. We as a collective group can possibly change the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmela Posted June 11, 2022 Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Gifts are given to build up the 'body', and to strengthen the people. {for good and profit} What happens when people don't employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? Disunity and unhappiness in the body of believers and chaos. No real love amongst each other will be displayed. God will certainly not be glorified. What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? God is glorified. Unbelievers will be drawn to Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissi Posted July 17, 2023 Report Share Posted July 17, 2023 In this chapter, Paul states that the purpose of gifts is to encourage and strengthen the body of Christ. In a later chapter -- 14 -- however, Paul talks about tongues, in particular, as being a private gift that others do not understand. He even claims to speak in tongues more than anyone else. Perhaps some gifts help a Christian deepen his or her relationship with God as well as have a public manifestation? I'm not sure how to answer the last two, related questions: "What happens when ..." people either don't use their gifts, or conversely, use them appropriately. Since gifts are just that -- gifts -- it seems that God will direct their use as He is the giver. In other words, people who are spiritually gifted would sense His pressure or compulsion to use a gift at certain times and places. The same Spirit that has gifted them prompts them. Does a prophet think about what he is going to say in advance, or does God give him/her a vision and words to muse on in private, in prayer. Are the gifts always spontaneous? Is there a blurring of the line between the private use of a gift and it's public manifestation? Can gifts come and go, as needed? Many questions here ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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