Do Not Be Misinformed

Don’t be Misinformed                                     1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb[b] idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus [c]accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are [d]diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [e]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• • One of the most dangerous things that can happen to anyone is when we act, respond or react based on limited or misinformation
  • Many wars started, relationship broken, partnership destroyed only because the information that people acted on was limited, diluted or wasn’t even true 
  • In the world we live in, you can still be very informed via the www-where everyone has an opinion only to end up being very misinformed 
  • The Bible says test each Spirit 1 John 4:1 (Esv) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Because not all good information is Godly information 
  • I have been a victim multiple time of misinformation in life general
    • I heard that when I grew up I could just do what I wanted to do- I could not wait to be an adult
    • They said Marriage was easy- I would have my way and tell my wife what she had to do- it was information alright, but a lot of missing details (Misinformed)
    • They said, have kids and your life will be great. True, but very uninformed about what it takes to raise Godly kids and how expensive they are
  • Paul is speaking to the Corinthian Church and is warning them that regarding spiritual gift, and cautioning them not to be misinformed 
  • In vs 2 He is reminding them that their past was consisted of idol worship and having been led astray by idolatry, there was danger in being led astray by these gifts if they truly didn’t understand them and the reason behind them 
  • Our past teaching and experiences have perhaps built poor understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. It is easy for us to take our materialistic or superstitious views into our understanding of spiritual gift ~ Enduring word 
  • How many times have we been biased based on what he heard about something or someone – and we created a (expectation) bases on that information, only to meet the individual later and be pleasantly surprised
  • These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit at His own will – so we should only expect from Him and only Him

• 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ( Amp) Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].

• • We should never expect these gifts to be according to our own emphasis and taste 
  • The power of the Holy Spirit gives us discernment and power 
  • The Spirit of God is powerful to enable and restrain

• 1 Corinthians 12:3 (Esv) Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 

• There are variety of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church body (Help each other) 
• 1 Corinthians 12:7 (Esv) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 
• These gifts are not for individual benefit at all and the Holy Spirit chooses who to give what and what not to give

1. Gifts as given 

• Word of wisdom 
  • The unique ability to speak the wisdom of God is specific situations. This is getting solutions to problems that no one but God can help them with. The word of wisdom is not learned by the natural mind. It cannot be education, training, methods, or natural wisdom in any sense. (Solomon decision regarding the two women – 1 Kings 3:16–28)
• Word of knowledge 
  • The unique ability to declare knowledge that could only be reveled supernaturally – Acts 27 (Paul as a prisoner travelling to Italy predicts that they will be shipwrecked)
• Gift of Faith 
  • Trusting God against all circumstances – Shadrach Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3), Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33)
• Gift of healing 
  • The power to cure diseases – (Acts 19:12) – Paul’s handkerchiefs and aprons that he touched were taken to the sick and they were healed, (Acts 3:1-5)-Peter and John silver we do not have
• Working miracles 
  • When the Holy Spirit decides to override the law of nature and he uses someone (Moses – the red sea, Eutychus restored to life by Paul– (Acts 20:7-12)
• Prophecy 
  • The telling forth of God’s message in a particular situation and its always according to the Word of God (Isaiah 42) The coming of the Messiah 
• Discerning of Spirit 
  • This is the ability to tell the difference between true and false doctrines, what is Holy and what is not (The enemy comes as an angel of light)
• Speaking in tongues
  • Language of prayer given by God, whereby the believer can communicate with God beyond the limit of knowledge and understanding 
  • (Acts 2:4) – The day of Pentecost -And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 
• Interpretation of tongues
• Where the Holy Spirit gives someone the ability to interpret the language of tongues, and this benefits the whole church 
• These gifts go hand in and with the fruit of the Spirit -love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

2. The same Spirit 

• 1 Corinthians 12:4(Amp)  Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers].

• • The Lord gives as He wills and they are all for the same spirit – He alone decides 
  • They are expressed differently, some more profoundly than others 
  • Just like the Corinthian Church we tend to put weight on some the gifts and ignore others 
  • Paul is saying, these gifts are from the Holy Spirit and they are distributed at His will according to the assignment given to individuals to affect the Kingdom of God 
  • If you asked most people they want the more expressive ones – they desire to have those
  • The story of the doctor and the veterinary 
  • No one gift is better than the other- we all have our assignments and depending on yours, you will get the right tool for that job 

• Psalm 139:16 (Amp)Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written. The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

• If your written days are you as a farmer, a sword will do you no good 

3. Its not a confirmation 

• • The expression of a gift is not a confirmation that someone is in the will of God
  • Some are, but others are not 
  • The Bible says “ deception will increase in the last days – 

• Matthew 24:24 (Amp) For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). 25 Listen carefully, I have told you in advance.

•  Matthew 7:22-23 (Amp) Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’

• Why does God allow this you may ask; Sometime the Lord is just having mercy on the individual, hoping that the work of the Lord will lead them back to Him
• Other times its mercy for those who receive it – Samson was used to punish the Philistines even when he was going around being disobedient 
• Saul was fired by God and still allowed to stay in the office 
• God plan wills will still be accomplished – the question is where will you be?
• DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS, follow the Holy Spirit who allows the signs

4. Firm foundation 

• • In order to stay grounded until you are used as intended, you need to stay close to the Lord and keep your communication constant 

• The Bible tells us that God considered Moses a friend – Exodus 33:11(Nkjv) 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend

• • How – by the amount of time they spent together. Time + obedience 
  • He had an assignment – go and deliver my people 
  • And when he tried to teach the people the source of keeping your assignment by preparing them to meet the Lord -but they all opted for Moses to go and speak on their behalf 
  • The same is true today – We are given gifts, but we want to “take it from here”
  • His Gift, His People, His Plan, His timing, His deliverance- We take orders 
  • I love Pastor Matts story about the army requirements– Tell me what to do- I don’t care how strong small or mighty of a weapon you give me, I just do what you want me to do
  • It doesn’t matter the size or the exposure, I just want you Lord 
  • How do you know what to do?

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Nkjv) Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

• • For you!! – This is how you get your matching orders, your maintenance order, your change post order, your stop orders- Your live orders!!
  • This applies to any gift you have been given and its also applies to having a Godly life
  • On a side note, the Pastors work would be 99% easier if you spent time in your word and praying 
  • You have issues in your marriage, pray about it, 
  • Pastor Matt and Pastor Crystal should be asking you all – on your first meeting day- how is your prayer life?
  • As I write this message I am thinking of how many times I spoke with Eva today 
    • In the morning, while driving the girls to school, after I dropped off the girls ( over 30 min), during the Pastors meeting, after the Pastors meeting, later after the kids were out of school, then after they got home ( another 30 minutes or so) and I am sure before the end of day we will have talked more …
  • This is how intimacy is created. This is how you don’t you don’t end up debating with the Lord about how you are disqualified and yet, He used you to do miracles, prophesy, have word of wisdom
  • You stay Connected!!! 
  • We don’t want to work on speaking with the Lord because we are lazy or maybe we are enjoying the gifts more than we want to creator 
  • Moses had a great gift and he stayed connected 
  • Abraham had a great gift and he stayed connected 
  • Elijah had a great gift and he stayed connected
  • Paul had a great gift and he stayed connected
  • David had a great gift and he stayed connected
  • Joseph had a great gift and he stayed connected
  • Now you know- you are informed 

• 1 Corinthians 12:1 -Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: