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Spiritual Gifts: Unity, Edification, and Order

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The apostle Paul addresses the use of spiritual gifts in the early Corinthian church, emphasizing their purpose for the edification of the Body of Christ. In I Corinthians 14, Paul compares the gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues, declaring that prophesying is superior because it speaks edification, exhortation, and comfort to men, while speaking in a tongue edifies only the individual unless interpreted. He urges the Corinthians to adjust their motives, stating, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Paul further instructs that even a few understandable words are more valuable than thousands in a tongue, emphasizing that all things should be done for edification. While God's gifts may have personal applications, He bestowed them primarily to help His people grow spiritually, reinforcing the importance of using them to build up the church.

Supernatural Gifts

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

Attitude, attitude, and attitude should lead us to correctly estimate the value of God's spiritual gifts.

A Survey of God's Gifts to Us

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

All human beings receive gifts from God, and within the church, spiritual gifts are imparted through the Holy Spirit. These spiritual gifts are extraordinary endowments given to members of God's church for the benefit of the whole church, bestowed by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is the edification and unity of the whole church, with a secondary purpose of conviction and conversion of future prospective members. Edification means to enlighten, improve, illuminate, uplift, enhance, or educate, all for the betterment of the church. The church is the Body of Christ, and like a healthy body, every part performs its own function for the good of the whole. Unity in the Body does not mean uniformity; differing gifts and functions exist within the church, but all are gifts of the same Spirit, designed not for individual glory but for the good of everyone. Even if a spiritual gift in someone is not noticeable, that person is still a vitally functioning part of the Body of Christ. Since there is one Body with many members, individual members must be concerned about the health of others, as actions always affect the whole, whether for good or bad. Spiritual gifts are given to each member according to personal capacities and the needs of the church, with the Spirit infusing new powers or stimulating existing ones to higher activity. Christ gave spiritual gifts to the church specifically for its edification, ensuring that each individual's use of these gifts impacts the church. God distributes different gifts to meet the many needs of the church, and every member receives specific gifts as a share in His service. Although not all gifts are the same, they are meant to function in unity for the edification and strengthening of the church.

Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the instruction given to Titus, the emphasis on spiritual gifts for the edification of the church is clear. The church is viewed as a single organism with many individual parts, each called to play a specific role for the health and strength of the whole body. Christ, as the Head of the church, distributes gifts to those He calls, equipping them to serve and build up the body of Christ. These gifts are meant to foster unity and purposeful interaction, ensuring that every connection between members supplies something necessary for harmony and growth. The ministry is tasked with equipping and teaching the called to serve Christ, helping each member recognize and use their gifts effectively. Their mission includes encouraging and unifying the body, striving toward the lofty goal of bringing every member to the perfection of Jesus Christ. Each member, regardless of visibility or role, is placed by God in the body for a purpose that glorifies Him. Even those in less prominent positions are worthy of great honor, contributing to the church's edification in unseen ways. Every part must do its share, using the manifestations of God's Spirit given to them for the profit of all. This requires honest self-reflection to discern and develop these gifts, overcoming any fear or neglect that might hinder their use. When all members work together, contributing with love, the church grows, building itself up in godly love. The instruction urges a shift from individualistic tendencies to an outward focus, using personal transformation to serve and strengthen the entire congregation on the path to the Kingdom of God.

The Gift of Discerning Spirits

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

God gives the ability to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation. However, this gift depends on a thorough knowledge and understanding of God's Word.

Checklist for Overcoming

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Romans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.

The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.

Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.

Parable of the Talents (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

While the Parable of the Ten Virgins highlights preparation for Christ's return, the Parable of the Talents portrays Christians engaged in profitable activity.

What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.

Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

To take sides in any type of national struggle is to battle on behalf of mankind's wrong-headed, godless attempts to avoid the consequences of sin.

Eating Out on the Sabbath

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the gray areas of applying God's Law, extending mercy and easing of burdens trumps legalism and hairsplitting.

That No Flesh Should Glory

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Having God's spiritual gifts should not incline us to exercise any measure of pride because we have nothing that has not been given to us by God.

A View of the Work

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Judging the quality of our work by numeric standards is not a measure of spiritual growth, and to equate it with spiritual growth in rank Laodiceanism.

The Purpose of the Ministry

Sermon by John O. Reid

The purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.

Grace Upon Grace

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Forgiveness is only the beginning of the grace process, enabling us to grow to the stature of Christ. Paradoxically, grace puts us under obligation to obey.

Unity

Sermon by James Beaubelle

The virtue of love is the overarching framework for unity, demanding rigorous control over the tongue, understanding its capacity to destroy.

Government (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.

The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We receive more of God's Spirit as we respond to His calling, drawing near to His presence and reversing Adam and Eve's fatal errors.

Using God's Given Authority

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.

The Peter Principle

Sermon by Mike Ford

As one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.

Government (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.

Discerning of Spirit

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

We need the ability to discriminate in spiritual matters. Grace does not cover unrepented sins nor fellowship with those contemptuous of God's laws.

Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.