SERIES: GETTING THINGS STRAIGHT (20 OF 28)

NOTE: This sermon is part 39 and 40 of a 56 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 39: Gifts and the Body
Series: Getting Things Straight
Stuart Briscoe
1 Corinthians 12:12-31

I. The Design of the Body.

A. Designed to provide the means of Christ's activity.
Note: A body allows a spiritual entity to function in a physical environment.
1. Christ's role. vv. 12, 27
a. The body is the body of Christ.

b. The members are the members of Christ.

2. The Spirit's role. v. 13
a. The members baptized by the Spirit.

b. The members "watered" by the Spirit.

3. The Father's role.
a. The Father "chooses" the place. v. 18

b. The Father "tempers" the body. v. 24

--------------------

Part 40: Spiritual Gifts and Love
Series: Getting Things Straight
Stuart Briscoe
1 Corinthians 13:1-4

Spiritual gifts exercised without love become non-productive and even counter-productive. Paul found it necessary to explain this to the Corinthians. But the problem then and now is how to explain love and how to express it.

I. Love Explained.

A. Some contemporary concepts.
1. Love is sentimental-"falling in love."

2. Love is sexual-"making love."

3. Love is situational-"only the command to love is categorically good."

B. Some Biblical perspectives.
1. Love is revealed in the divine nature. "God is love." 1 John 4:16
Note: All we know of God is an expression of love.

2. Love is revealed in the divine behavior.
"I will love them freely." Hosea 11:1-4; 14:1-9

3. Love is revealed in the divine demands.
"Thou shalt love…" Matthew 22:36-40