1 Corinthians Part 3
Continuity
In Paul’s passionate correspondence with Corinth, one of their most difficult questions was about Spiritual Gifts.
Correction – The word we translate as “Spiritual Gifts” (Charismata), is not the actual question. The word used here (Chapter 12 verse 1 – Pneumatikoi), is best translated as “All Things Spiritual” and Paul’s answer sets out the four great signs, or signatures, of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Input
1.-Christian Conversion -Chapter 12 verses 1 to 3
The crucial issue in defining the word Christian is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In some places, Roman Citizens were commanded to affirm under oath that “Caesar is Lord”. All other leaders were accursed.
Question – What are the modern temptations to deny the Lordship of Christ?
2.-Christian Community-Chapter 12 verses 4 to 31
The church is pictured as a healthy body of thousands of different parts, all doing different jobs, but fully co-ordinated under one brain.
Question – If the modern church is the Body of Christ – How healthy is it?
3.-Christian Criterion
There is one sign, one test, above all other evidences of the Holy Spirit.
It is the love of Jesus.
Chapter 13,verses 1 to 3-Its supreme importance
Chapter 13,verses 4 to 7-Its ingredients
Chapter 13, verses 8 to 13-Its permanence
Question – Why is this kind of love so supreme in both the Church’s life and in its work in the world?
4.-Christian Communication-Chapter 14
Question – In a community swept by emotion and clamouring for spiritual experiences, what does Paul give as the secret of real communication with the world?
Let your prayer time reflect the eternal message of this session’s study on “all things spiritual’.
Optional Reading for Next Session read I Corinthians, Chapter 15.

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