Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (Main Text) John 1:14; Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 2; Acts 5
Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Naturally Supernatural: Gifts in Tension)
- Continuing the series on living in biblical tensions (Grace/Truth, Cohesion/Inclusion).
- This week: The tension between the Supernatural and the Natural aspects of church life, specifically regarding miraculous spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy, tongues, etc.).
- Radiant Church holds a continuationist view (gifts are for today) but focuses on how we steward them – living in the tension.
Key Points:
- Views & Redeeming Gifts:
- Acknowledge different theological positions: Cessationist (gifts ceased), Continuationist/Charismatic (gifts continue), and "Open but Cautious."
- Recognize past abuse or counterfeit experiences don't negate the genuine gifts. The answer isn't avoidance but redemption – using gifts as God intended.
- Address common fears surrounding gifts (loss of control, excess, rejection, looking foolish).
- Unity in Diversity (1 Cor 12):
- Paul addressed divisions over gifts in Corinth. His solution wasn't to stop the gifts but to reframe them:
- There are different kinds of gifts, service, and workings...
- ...but the same Spirit, Lord, and God is at work in all of them...
- ...given to each one for the common good (edification) of the church body.
- Paul emphasized order, building others up, and intelligibility.
- Our Philosophy: "Naturally Supernatural":
- We desire God's supernatural power to be evident.
- Our approach: Let God be super; let us strive to be natural.
- Avoid hype, sensationalism, emotional manipulation, or drawing attention to ourselves.
- Jesus is our model: He ministered supernaturally through natural, often conversational, interactions without performance.
- Guidelines for Healthy Practice:
- Jesus is the Model: Follow His example of natural ministry.
- Scripture > Experience: The Bible is our authority; experiences are interpreted through Scripture, not the other way around.
- Signs Point to Jesus: Wonders and signs should glorify Christ, not the person ministering.
- Gifts Serve the Body: They are for the common good, building up the church, not primarily self-fulfillment. This requires humility and willingness to serve outside one's gifting.
- Gifts ≠ Fruit: Don't confuse spiritual gifts (empowerment) with spiritual fruit (character - Gal 5). Both are vital.
- Gifts are Gifts: They are given by grace (charismata), not earned merit badges or proof of maturity. Be channels, not possessors.
Conclusion:
- Living faithfully in the tension between the natural and supernatural requires flexibility, humility, and a focus on Scripture.
- The church needs the Holy Spirit's gifts, operating decently and in order, to build itself up in love and fulfill its mission.
Call to Action:
- Eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:1), but commit to pursuing and using them biblically and naturally.
- Be open and flexible to how God might want to use you or minister through others.
- Utilize resources for deeper understanding (past sermons, John Piper paper, recommended book).
- Engage with discussion questions (from bulletin). Pray for unity, wisdom, and the healthy expression of God's gifts at Radiant.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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