As I preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14, I had the sensation that this particular group of sermons comprised a mini-series within the greater sermon series. My wife and I enjoy watching TV shows when we can (if we can find one that is both clean enough and good enough to watch). We enjoy the flow of a series, building upon themes as each episode gets released. I’d like to take a minute to briefly wrap-up this mini-series and encourage you to keep reflecting on these texts of Scripture. The topic of spiritual gifts is so vital for healthy congregations - and that’s what I am aiming for, hoping for, praying for, and working for. (Sorry to have a dangling participle in that last sentence - it was for dramatic effect!).
In “Spiritual Gifts” I preached the introductory message of this mini-series (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). This sermon sets the stage well for the rest of the sermons in this “mini-series.”
“Members of Christ’s Body” (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) - This sermon included a reference to PJ Fleck, the coach of the Minnesota Gophers football team, a hilarious conversation between different body parts, and a serious call to biblical church membership.
In “Not a Wedding Sermon” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) - What great mini-series doesn’t have a love story? In this sermon, we came to realize that a sermon text that is often shared at weddings is actually set in the context of a discussion on spiritual gifts.
“God is Really Among You“ (1 Corinthians 14:1-25) - Here we get into the nitty gritty of the use of spiritual gifts within the congregation, especially prophesy and speaking in tongues. These gifts are defined and discussed.
“Orderly Worship” (1 Corinthians 14:26-40) - In a section that contains some issues that are hard to discuss, we wrapped up this mini-series with a picture of what our worship services should strive towards: orderly gatherings with the purpose of building up the saints.
If you were to use your mind’s eye and imagine what a healthy congregation would look like with these elements being lived out in the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, what kind of scene would you see? As I close my eyes at my desk, I am watching a masterpiece of a program unfold before me that is compelling, gripping, and enticing. It pulls me in. This vision drives me forward, seeking the Lord to bring these things among us.