In these three chapters Paul is focused on how truly spiritual people
will love each other because their lives are submitted to Christ as Lord and they are using the gifts
given to each Christian by the Holy Spirit. Paul is answering the question, “How should we worship God
and love one another when we gather together?” He is teaching us how to think about the unique role
that each believer has as part of the body of Christ.
Paul teaches us about spiritual gifts, the unique ministries that the Holy Spirit gives to each believer.
We believe that some of these gifts had unique purposes during the first century, during the time when
God was giving the Bible to his people through the Apostles and their associates. Gifts like tongues,
prophecy, healings, and miracles had a special purpose during the time that the rest of the Bible was
being given to the church. We believe that some of these gifts have ceased to function; this belief is
called cessationism. Some would disagree with this view, holding to continuationism. The debate is
regarding the gifts that Paul teaches about here: tongues, prophecy, healings, and miracles. Have they
ceased or do they continue today? Through the sermons and some of the teaching boxes you will hear
the view of Faith Bible Church that the gifts which we would call “sign gifts” and the gifts that involve
God giving new revelation (like prophecy) have ceased because the Bible is complete and there are no
more Apostles giving us new Bible.
While understanding these issues is important, the point of the text is not focused on whether
certain gifts have ceased or continue. The text is focused on the need to recognize that we are part of
the body of Christ and we all need each other! Christ ministers to each one of us through each one of
us by the work of his Spirit in each one of us! May we excel still more in loving one another and honoring
Christ as we speak and serve in the power of the Spirit and the love of God for the glory of Christ!
- Lessons
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1 Corinthians 12:1-11 The Work of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:12-26 One Body, Many Members
January 21 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Spiritual Gifts Explained
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Love is Essential
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Love is Supreme
1 Corinthians 14:1-12 Build Up the Church
1 Corinthians 14:13-25 Speak the Word Understandably
February 25 1 Corinthians 14:26-33a, Worship Well
1 Corinthians 14:33b-40 Worship Well
Nathan Thiry
Nathan Thiry is the Growth Groups & Outreach Pastor at Faith Bible Church. He enjoys biking and outdoor activities, and has a passion to see the gospel spread throughout our community and the whole world!
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