March 27, 2019: SOAP #3401:  Judges 1-3; 1Corinthians 12

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you 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.

Observation:  It was important to Paul that Christians have a good understanding about spiritual gifts.  They need to be familiar with the gifts and grow in using the gifts. They need to learn how they work and how the different ministry gifts in the church use them.  But listed FIRST in Paul’s teaching about the gifts is that they exalt Jesus.  This agrees with what Jesus said about the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  (John 16:7-15)   Exalting Jesus is priority one with the Spirit.  He is going to ensure that Jesus receive the proper glory for His suffering!

Application:  How I talk about Jesus is important to the Holy Spirit.  It should be important to me.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, please keep me from speaking in a demeaning or unappreciative way about Jesus.  Keep my heart and mind filled with great love and appreciation for Jesus and what He has done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!