Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-14; John 1; Philippians 2; Acts 6:8; Acts 8:6; Galatians 3:5
Intro: Welcome. We're continuing our series on Following Jesus Into Service, focusing today on spiritual gifts, particularly the miraculous/revelatory gifts (1 Cor 12). This is a debated topic: Have these gifts ceased (Cessationism), or do they continue (Continuationism/Charismatic)? Radiant Church holds a continuationist view. Many have experienced hurt or abuse related to gifts, but misuse doesn't negate proper use. Just because counterfeit money exists doesn't mean the real thing isn't valuable. Our standard is Scripture, not experience. Let's explore why we believe these gifts are for today.
Key Points:
- Addressing Cessationist Arguments:
- Argument 1: Gifts were only for Apostles/Authentication. Response: Scripture shows non-apostles (Stephen, Philip, ordinary believers) operating in miraculous gifts. Gifts served multiple purposes (evangelism, glorifying God, showing compassion), not only validating apostles. There's no exclusive biblical link.
- Argument 2: The completed Bible replaced the need for these gifts. Response: No scripture states this. Gifts like prophecy aren't competitive with Scripture but conformed to it; they work together. If Jesus and the early church (eyewitnesses!) needed signs and wonders, why wouldn't we?
- Argument 3 (1 Cor 13:10): The "perfect" that causes gifts to cease is the completed Bible. Response: The context ("face to face," "know fully") clearly points to Christ's return, not the completion of the canon. Comparing eternal love to gifts lasting only ~35 years (apostolic age) weakens Paul's argument for love's supremacy. Even prominent cessationist scholars find this interpretation exegetically weak.
- Why We Believe Gifts Continue:
- No Biblical Evidence for Cessation: The New Testament is filled with instruction and encouragement regarding these gifts. It never indicates they are temporary or restricted to the first century. The burden of proof lies with those claiming they stopped.
- The Purpose Remains: Building Up the Church: Gifts are given for the "common good" (1 Cor 12:7) and to build up the body "until we all reach unity in the faith... and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:11-13). 1 Clearly, the church has not yet reached this state, so the need for the gifts remains.
- Our Approach ("Natural Supernatural"): We are excited about God moving supernaturally, but we pursue it naturally. Let God handle the "super," you handle the "natural." Jesus is our model – He ministered powerfully but naturally, often in simple conversations. We aim to dispel fear (of unfamiliarity, emotionalism, rejection) and operate gifts in love, remembering gifts aren't the same as spiritual fruit.
Conclusion: The Bible strongly indicates that the gifts of the Spirit, including the miraculous ones, are for the church today, continuing until Christ returns. They are vital tools for building up the body and demonstrating God's power and love. While past negative experiences are real, let's not discard God's gifts due to human misuse. There is "more" He wants to do in and through us.
Call to Action:
- Examine Scripture: Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4 for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding regarding His gifts.
- Address Fear: If you have fear or apprehension about spiritual gifts due to past experiences or unfamiliarit
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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