What Would Jesus Think: Renewing the Mind by Taking Thoughts Captive
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 14; Acts 2; Ephesians 4:11-12; Galatians 5:22-23
Intro: Continuing our series on navigating biblical tensions, today we address the Supernatural vs. Natural, specifically concerning the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (healing, prophecy, tongues, etc.). This is often controversial, with views ranging from cessationist (gifts ended) to continuationist (gifts continue) to simply uninformed or cautious (1 Cor 12:1). As a church, we believe the gifts continue, but how do we walk this out healthily?
Key Points:
- Acknowledging Controversy & Fear: Stereotypes and negative experiences often create fear (of excess, losing control, rejection) or judgment regarding spiritual gifts. Abuse of gifts (counterfeits) doesn't negate the genuine; the answer is redemption and right use, not avoidance.
- Biblical Approach: Affirm & Guide (1 Cor 12-14): Paul addressed abuses in Corinth not by banning gifts, but by affirming their source (one Spirit, one God) and providing guidelines: prioritize love (Ch 13), pursue order, ensure intelligibility, and aim for edification (building up the church).
- Our Approach: Naturally Supernatural: We embrace the supernatural work of God but emphasize being natural in our humanity. Let God provide the "super"; we provide the "natural." Signs and wonders should point to Jesus, not individuals.
- Guidelines for Healthy Practice:
- Jesus is the Model: His Spirit-empowered ministry was powerful yet relational and authentic, not bizarre or self-promoting.
- Scripture > Experience: Ground experiences in the Word. Scripture interprets experience, not the other way around. It's our final authority.
- Gifts are for Serving: Given for the "common good" (1 Cor 12:7) and to build up the body (Eph 4:11-12), not primarily for personal fulfillment or status. This requires humility and willingness to serve outside our gifting.
- Fruit Matters: Don't separate gifts from the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, etc.). Character is paramount.
- Gifts are Grace: They are charismata (grace-gifts), not merit badges earned by spiritual maturity. This guards against pride and elitism.
Conclusion: We desire all God has for His church today, including the gifts of the Spirit. We pursue this not through hype or strangeness, but by seeking to be naturally supernatural – grounded in Scripture, modeling Jesus, prioritizing love and edification, valuing godly character, and stewarding God's grace-gifts humbly for His glory and the church's good.
Call to Action:
- Move beyond fear or ignorance; study what Scripture says about spiritual gifts.
- Eagerly desire gifts (1 Cor 14:1), asking God how He wants to use you to build up others.
- Be flexible and open to the Spirit's leading, while remaining grounded and natural.
- Prioritize love and the fruit of the Spirit alongside any gifting.
- If you operate in gifts, seek accountability and feedback to ensure you are serving well.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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