Intro: Quick Review Paul
is instructing the Corinthians concerning spiritual gifts. 4 quick reminders
A) REMINDER #1 - He tells in
them v.7 that all of these gifts are in reality a manifestation of the Spirit
1) MANIFESTATION = Shining Forth
B) Spiritual
gifts are in reality a shining forth
of the Holy Spirit.
1) They are an expression NOT of man’s ability but an expression of the person and power of the Holy Spirit.
C) Therefore - Spiritual gifts are the means
whereby man is enabled by the Holy Spirit to do those things which are
not humanly possible.
APPLICATION: The work of the Kingdom of God is a work
that is outside of mere human capacity. It is a work that MUST be undertaken by
God because it is a work that is eternal in scope and consequence.
FOR THAT REASON all TRUE ministry MUST be
accomplished in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
REMINDER #2 - He tells them V.4 that there is a DIVERSITY of gifts, but there is but ONE Spirit working in all of them
REMINDER #3 - He tells them V.11 that the Spirit is SOVEREIGN in the dispensing
of these gifts
& 1 Cor 12:11 But one and the
same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He
wills.
& REMINDER #4 - He tells them
V.7 that the purpose of these gifts is for the edification of the Body of
Christ
& 1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to every man to profit OF ALL!!
Now so far we have looked at the gifts of Word
of wisdom & the word of Knowledge – Pick up tape / tonight Faith / Healings
& Miracles v.9,10
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the
working of miracles,
A) Now here Paul mentions 3 gifts that often work in
conjunction w/ one another . Begin w/ the gift of Faith .
B)
Start by discussing Biblical Faith in a general sense & then –
look specifically at the gift of faith.
C) All “Biblical”
faith has its foundation in God BECAUSE
God is the OBJECT of faith.
1) “Biblical faith” is confidence in God.
D) It is here that
the “Word of Faith” teachers twist the Scriptures.
They
say that the faith itself is a force.
E) The ability to
see the impossible accomplished - is by generating this spiritual force called
faith, and it (faith) will work miracles.
They go so far as to say that God exercised faith in
creation.
A) In Heb. 11:3 we
read that by faith we understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were
not made of things which are visible.
B) Note – that
again- By faith we understand – our understanding is linked to the faith being mentioned – ( It takes
faith to believe in creation)
C ) Here is how
they twist this verse –They say that By faith God created the
world – that God was exercising faith in the work of Creation
or something outside of Himself. Thus He is NOT omnipotent.
1)
He is dependent upon faith.
B) But they take
that position so that they can say - faith is the force by
which you create your own reality.... your
own wealth... your own health.
But
true Biblical faith is not some force
nor is it a some magical formula through which we get our way w/ God.
A) Faith has God
its object & is based upon His Power / His knowledge & His
Sovereignty
B) That is why when
we pray we pray in His Name & according to His will!
Now whenever we speak of faith we are drawn to Hebrews,
Chapter 1
for there we have faith DEFINED and faith DEMONSTRATED.
Faith Defined V.1
& Heb 11:1
Now faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
A) Faith is an inward assurance that God
is faithful that He keeps His promises,
1) That inward assurance results in an
outward confidence
even when can't see what future holds.
A)
Faith sees the
invisible, believes the incredible, accepts the impossible
1) Faith is the
key that opens the door to the work of God in the World.
Faith Demonstrated....... EXAMPLES
of faith- seen in the remainder of the Chapter – different exploits those
mentioned there in.
Summarize
1) God is the OBJECT of our faith.
2) Faith is the key that opens the door to the work of God
in the World.
3rd
thing to note is that Biblical faith is
NOT a means to “write our own ticket with God”
KENNETH COPELAND – HAS A BOOK - having
faith in your faith.
118:8 It is better to
trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man:
NOW LETS CONSIDER THE GIFT OF
FAITH
A) The gift
of faith is often referred to as special faith
A) This title is
given to this gift because this faith differs from “Saving Faith” and “normal Christian faith”, in degree
and application.
B) God is still the
object – but this gift is a supernatural endowment of faith given by the H.S.
to be manifested in times of crisis or opportunity
1) It is in such a time that God will give a DIVINE CERTAINTY
to the soul of that person that – He is at work / going to work.
NOTE: This gift of faith or special
faith does NOT insure that we will never doubt again. It is special
faith to believe God in special circumstances.
Examples
Of Special Faith Acts 3:1-16
A) Peter walked by this man 100 times – this day was
different
B) Note – Wasn’t Peter’s normal practice
C) Note
–v. 16 16 "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man
strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him
has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
C) Peter says that the faith to do this came from the Lord –
gift of faith.
PASTOR CHUCK CLASSIC STORY – WHEEL CHAIR
– COLD
Next week Tucson – another person wheel
chair – prayed –
A)
Son Chuck Jr. – why not – say in name of Jesus rise & walk
B)
God didn’t give me the faith.
Now although this gift is often used in
conjunction w/ the gift of miracles & healings it is not exclusive to that
A) This gift can be manifested in times when – God gives you a
great certainty that He is going to work in a particular situation.
B)
I have had times in preaching – that before – I even came to
Church I knew that People were going to get saved – Preach w/ boldness
1)
Tell Eddie or Howard – Follow my lead.
A) Times when – I
have been talking to someone – witnessing – Gift of faith to say – You want to get saved don’t you – lets pray.
B) Times – go on a
Missions trip – where – it wasn’t – I hope God works / but You knew God was
going to work .
1)
You step out w/
great confidence
A) But that is
definitely not always the case – More
often than not that step of faith is more like Jonathan & His armor bearer
–
1) Lets
see what God might want to do ! We
Know what God can do – we just want to see if He is moving & working in a particular
area
So the gift of faith is a DIVINE
CERTAINTY given supernaturally by the H.S. that enables you to step out into an
area of ministry or some opportunity w/ GREAT CONFIDENCE & see results !!!!!–
A) 1st note that both of these gifts are plural –
because there is not one type of healing or one type of miracles
B) Now I don’t think we really need to define a healing or gifts
of healings we understand that –
1)
Someone who is sick is made well / something broken is restored
…….
Blind is given sight
A) Healings are
seen throughout the Bible – Beg. In O.T. in fact in Ex. 15:26 For I am the LORD who heals you."
B) Our God is a God
of healing & Restoration ! / God of the Miraculous
Working of
miracles literally means: operations of supernatural powers
Webster’s New Dictionary of the American
Language: “A miracle is an
event or action that apparently contradicts known scientific laws and hence is
though to be to be due to supernatural causes, especially to an act of God.”
A) It is an event
for which there is NO natural explanation!!
B) Now In the
New testament, events of supernatural origin are referred to as signs, wonders, and miracles.
& Acts
2:22 22 "Men of Israel, hear
these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God
did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know;
& Acts 2:43 Then fear came upon every soul, and
many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
& Acts
6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and
power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
& Acts
8:13 Then Simon himself believed
also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
& Heb
2:4 God also bearing them witness,
both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,
according to his own will
KEY DEFINITION: The Greek words translated miracles, wonders, and signs literally
mean: “Events of divine power”, “Events that cause wonderment”, “Events that
signify something (about God or His working)”.
But here is a key thing to understand - The word WONDERS is used
17 times in the New testament.
A) In all but 3
passages the term is never used by itself. It is always (save 3 times) used in conjunction with the term SIGNS
A) WHAT THAT MEANS IS :
God does NOT use His power just to cause wonder.
1)
He always signifies or teaches something with His miracles.
Ex. ( I am
statements preceded by a miracle)
A) EX Jesus would NOT perform a miracle to satisfy the curiosity
of Herod
MIRICLES
& HEALINGS WERE A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES – SEEN THRU OUT O.T.
& N. T.
A) Now the deist
suggest that God is one who has removed himself from the everyday functions
& occurrences of man. & the world
1)
Created it & left it to run it’s course
A) But the Bible
portrays a whole different picture – God is portrayed in the word as the one
who is intimately & intricately acquainted w/ us.
1)
He holds the world in the span of His hand / as well as our very
breathe
A) He knows
everything about us - & is concerned for us / knows when rise / sit / wake
/ when sleep & everything in between.
And God throughout history has chosen
to demonstrate his care through healing & His power through the miraculous
A) Jesus touched the Leper – God was saying I care for those
who have been inflicted because of sin/ I care for those who are out cast
B) When Children of
Israel were boxed in at the Red Sea – God miraculously parted the Sea - /
1)
God was saying don’t ever consider yourself boxed in – don’t ever
count me out of your situation.
Now as you go through your Bible you
will notice that there was no real pattern or formula to His healings &
Miracles
A) Miracle of parting red sea & Jordan rivers –
1)
Moses Staff –
stretch it out
2)
Jordan Priest
feet wet
3)
Elijah struck
the water w/ mantle
1)
ONE Jesus touched
2)
Bart. Just spoke
3)
Another spit
4)
Still another – spit mud – wash
A)
PROBLEM TODAY - There are
those who want to formulize the work of God .
1)
here is the Key – Just pray
in this way – JESUS NAME – CLAIM IT
1)
Key is in believing it is already yours
3 guys in a car one really into this –
driving – guy in the backseat asked the guys in passenger seat – how is your
sister ? Really sick –
Don’t say that say – She thinks she is
sick – ok
How is your grandfather doing ? He
thinks he is dead.
ANTOHER
THING THAT HAPPENS is there are those who because they followed the formula
confess they are healed when not.
A) Guy is in a cast
& on Crutches – how that foot – great
God healed me as he limps away !!!
B) Well if that is
the way God heals – leaves you in a cast I would rather go to a doctor -
C) What is even
sadder are those who refuse to go to a doctor & get sicker or even die
because they are claiming that healing - / they followed formula
D) LISTEN WHEN GOD
HEALS – YOU KNOW IT HE DOES A GREAT JOB.
WHY DOESN’T HE HEAL EVERYONE ? – Don’t
know – He is Sovereign.
A) Paul 2 Cor. 12 Prayed 3 times thorn in the flesh – ( not a
little splinter but a Stake – brutal )
B) Defined as a
constant nagging pain / ( One Scottish commentator – said it was Paul’s wife .-
Probably some domestic problems there.
1)
Most believe it was a problem w/ his eyes
A) Paul prayed –
God said no – Instead Grace sufficient - …..
Paul
ministered w/ the gift of healing – yet he wrote Timothy who was sick – Have
some wine for your stomach.
B) Acts
12 James & Peter are both in Prison – James is beheaded / Peter is
miraculously released – why ? James
Ugly
B) The Lord was
ready for James to come home – but wanted Peter to hang out for a while – More
for Pete to do!!!
C) God is
Sovereign. & He is fair – if He you experience a miracle in your situation
& He causes another in same situation go through ringer
1) We just have to trust that He knows
what He is doing !!! He is working
individually as He wills
A) That ended w/ the Apostles – for them
B) My Response – Is God DEAD? NO – IF GOD IS ALIVE HE IS STILL WORKING IN THE MIRACLES /
HEALINGS
B) See in Stephen & Philip who were not apostles but
Deacons that the Lord was working through them
1)
Church History – records times when God has still moved in this
way
Well some would say – why don’t we see
these things happening today like we do in the Bible times – Several things to
say about this
A) 1st
we can read a book of the Bible like the book of Exodus or Acts in several hrs.
B) In those few hrs
– we read of God doing radical things – page after page / what we forget is
that what we are reading took place over a period of 30 to 40yrs
C) Then we look at our lives & we think well – god healed
me 2 yrs ago but He hasn’t done anything since then.
D) I have been a
Christian for 23 yrs & have received God’s healing touch on my life many times / ( Once for something
major)
1)
I have seen God move in the miraculous several times in my life or
in the life of my family – through provision & protection.
A) Take People
Jesus healed that was probably the most significant event of their entire life.
But some one might say – We don’t see
Blind people getting healed – those lame walk – ( How many blind …. Do you
know)
A) Sure we don’t see those things happening every day but
neither did they !
B) But
has there been a decline in this century of God moving in the miraculous ? Debatable
B)
But What has happened is that through the fraudulent – display of
these types of things by some –
1)
Guy w/ ear phone –
A)
Those who use this to make millions & fleece the flock of God
B)
Because of those things many are skeptical – many doubt –
QUESTION DOES GOD WORK THRU FAULTY VESSELS ?
A)
Answer is Yes – Reason is He loves the people who are coming in
sincerity - & faith trusting Him
B) Because we see these abuses careful
that we don’t go in the other direction – unbelief
1)
So that we DOUBT not that
God can / but is He willing
A) Jesus was in His
own town Nazareth. - He could do no miracle among them because of
their unbelief.
B) Is our unbelief – not that we doubt His ability / but we
doubt His willingness .
1)
I think there needs to be a certain degree of expectation that God
is still interested in Healing in that way.
Another thing that hinders us – is
technology our understanding of certain things – diminishes our capacity to
expect miraculous
A) 747 takes off – amazed – but we realize it is just the laws
of thermodynamics – kicking into gear.
B) Just imagine
Paul’s reaction if he were to witness that !!!!!! Miracle
C) Car Battery dies
– so that my car won’t start do I pray that God fixes it / not unless I’m
stranded
1)
Because I realize the nature of internal combustion & the need
of the battery to hold an electrical charge in order to begin that process
A) Now someone who
knows nothing about cars – might pray for a miracle – in that situation
1)
But most of us would be prone to go get a new battery
A) Headache –
Aspirin - But if I go to the doctors
find out I have Leukemia 1st stop Church Elders Pray / every prayer Chain.
1)
Praying for a Headache vs. Cancer
1st
Believe that w/ God all things are Possible – Make prayer our first resort
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away
sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His
disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom
of God!"
24 And the disciples were astonished at His
words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it
is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
25 "It is easier for a camel to go through
the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying
among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all
things are possible."
Can’t forget that
– NOTHING IS TOO HARD & NOTHING IS TOO SMALL –
2nd – Believe that He is willing
as well as able
I wonder what would happen if
we started sharing – not just w/ me or Pastors or Elders – when we have a need
A)
I wonder if we might see the Lord working more in these gifts of
healings & miracles if we did / then prayed /
B)
Not on 1st wed. not just on Sunday nights – but anytime
anywhere - / whatever the situation – Lord we have need
C
C) I wonder if we might find the Lord gifting those w/ faith /
healings &
miracles