Unopened Gifts

by Pastor Lee Meng Cham

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

"As the Church is birthed of the Spirit, we must allow Him to work alongside us by using our God-given gifts in building up the Body to fulfil His purpose"

3 things we must know and be mindful of spiritual gifts :
(1) Acknowledge their purpose (v2,3)

To Exalt Jesus as Lord!
A. Through the gifts of the Spirit (v4)
- We are saved by grace through faith

B. Through the ministries in Christ (v5)
- Ordinary tools have extraordinary result

C. For the effects of God
- Power that emphasizes the final result (v6)

(2) Appreciate their diversity (v7,11)

Everyone has a Gift!
A. Different gifts are for different functions, purpose :
i. The Proclamation of the gospel (v8)
ii. The Power of the Resurrection (v9)
iii. The Presence of the Kingdom (v10)

B. We are not one but many, not many but one (v12,13)
# The value of Diversity (v14-16)
- There shouldn't be an attitude of inferiority

# The need for Unity (v20,21)
- Each gift complements the other

(3) Actualize their Potential

Excel in your Gifts! (v27)
A. Open your gift in faithfulness (v28,30)
- Embrace the person
- Enable the potential by exercising your gift faithfully

B. Operate your gift in love (v31)
Gift + Activated Love = Ministry

Unopened Gifts :
1. Every Gracian Has Been Entrusted With A Gift
2. Every Gift Is Unique (it is irreplacable but not indispensable)
3. Every Unopened Gift Is A Missed Opportunity