The ability for the church to represent God the Father here on earth is not possible from natural man alone.  We must have help from the indwelling of the Spirit to transform us and grow us in the image of Christ.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that our union in Christ’s death on the cross has afforded us the privilege of becoming the righteousness of God.  This transfer is available only through the sinless life and sacrifice of Christ and the sealing and transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

“We do not simply have righteousness from God, we are the righteousness of God as a result of being in Christ. We are given his righteousness only as we are in him, and will be raised like him only if we live in him.” – New American Commentary

The evidence of the righteousness of God is seen in the Spirit

• Ephesians 1:13-14 – guaranteeing our inheritance
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – seal of ownership
• 2 Corinthians 5:5 – deposit guaranteeing what is to come

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NIV)

 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

• PLACEMENT – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
• PURPOSE – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
• PRESENTATION – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
  • The Gifts of the Spirit are recorded in these passages:
  • Romans 12:6-8 / 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 / 28-30 / Ephesians 4:7-16 / 1 Peter 4:10-11
• POSITION – Ephesians 4:7-16 / 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • apostles / prophets / evangelists / pastor-teacher
  • speaking / ministering
• PRESCRIPTION – “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

CONCLUSION – God has given you a costly gift to contribute to His church as a guarantee of your righteous standing

Spiritual Gifts
prophecy / exhortation / giving / leadership / mercy / wisdom / knowledge / faith / healing / miracles / discernment of spirits / speaking in tongues / interpretation of tongues / apostles / prophets / teachers / miracles / healing / helps / administration / evangelists / pastor-teacher / speaking / ministering

#1 – IDENTIFICATION – What is it?
How to identify it?
Ask someone who knows you best to help.

#2 – OPERATION – He has given you a gift to use/share

#3 – APPRECIATION – The price tag is the blood of Christ
Response = worship