Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, Acts

Intro:

• Acknowledge the "rowdy" service from the previous week.
• Share a positive interaction with a long-time pastor regarding the service.
• Reiterate the permission granted to ask for the Holy Spirit's power and authority.
• Address the controversy surrounding spiritual gifts in the church.

Key Points:

• Three Camps of Belief:
  • Cessationists: Supernatural gifts ceased with the apostles or the completion of scripture.
  • Continuationists (Charismatics): Supernatural gifts are for every generation.
  • Open but Cautious: Open to gifts but hesitant to pursue them.
• Cessationist Argument and Counter-Arguments:
  • Argument: Gifts were exclusively for apostles to validate their message.
  • Counter: Scripture shows gifts were given to various people, not just apostles.
  • Argument: Gifts ceased with the completion of scripture (1 Corinthians 13).
  • Counter: "Perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13 refers to Jesus's return, not the Bible.
• Continuationist Argument:
  • Gifts are for today; the church still needs building up.
  • Lack of biblical evidence for cessation.
• Stereotypes and Realities:
  • Stereotypes of both cessationists and continuationists are often inaccurate.
  • Call to move beyond stereotypes and engage with people.
• The "Open but Cautious" Camp:
  • Often closed in practice despite open theology.
  • Challenge to be truly open and move beyond neutrality.
• Why Eagerly Desire Gifts?
  • Scriptural Command: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 12:31: "Eagerly desire the greater gifts."
  • Loving: Gifts are for building up the body (1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Corinthians 13).
  • Desiring God: Gifts are manifestations of God's presence (Sam Storms).
  • Evangelism: Gifts demonstrate God's reality to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
• How to Pursue Gifts:
  • Consume Scripture: Let the Bible shape your understanding and desire.
  • Reject Abuse as an Excuse: God gives guidelines for using gifts rightly.
  • Understand the Purpose: Gifts are for mission and building up the church.
  • Embrace the Supernatural: God does the "super," we do the "natural."
  • Step Forward: Engage with those experiencing gifts and examine the fruit.

Conclusion:

• Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts is a command and a loving act.
• Gifts are for God's glory, building up the church, and reaching the lost.
• We must move beyond neutrality and pursue God in His fullness.

Call to Action:

• Read and study the scriptures regarding spiritual gifts.
• Examine your own heart and identify any resistance to the gifts.
• Pray for a hunger and desire for the Holy Spirit's gifts.
• Step out in faith and practice using the gifts in loving service.
• Build relationships with those who operate in the gifts.
• Test all things, including your own attitudes, against scripture.

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