This lesson is part of a 4 sermon series, The Miraculous Spiritual Gifts:

1. Part One: Enumeration
2. Part Two: Duration #1
3. Part Three: Duration #2
4. Part Four: Regulation

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12.27-31

Brent T. Willey

THE MIRACULOUS SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Part Two: Duration #1

Introduction:

1. That there would be miraculous signs during the apostolic age is undeniable. Jesus said so! (Mark 16.15-18) [Ca. 30-96… AD]
2. After Paul describes “a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12.31), he then outlines the future of the spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 13.8-13).

ONE BODY, MANY MEMBERS, VARIOUS GIFTS

1. Read 1 Cor. 12.11-31
2. Brief analysis of Paul’s remarkable illustration.
   1. The analogy of the human body with one head.
   2. Every gifted member is needed, and the Corinthian brethren were to “earnestly desire the best gifts” (v. 31a).
   3. Yet he shows them “a more excellent way” (v. 31b).

NINE – FOUR – THREE – TWO – ONE

1. Nine gifts are initially enumerated: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, tongues & interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12.4-11)
2. Four gifts are used to emphasize the proper motive of love: tongues, prophecy, knowledge & faith. (1 Cor. 13.1-3)
3. Three gifts are used to indicate duration: prophecy, tongues & knowledge. (1 Cor. 13.8)
4. Two gifts illustrate the “in part” vs. “perfect”: knowledge & prophecy. (1 Cor. 13.9-10).
5. One gift, the “more excellent way,” which is the “greatest” gift, is left for eternity: Love! (1 Cor. 13.13)

Conclusion: It is critically important that we see how Paul develops the purpose and the duration of these gifts. Context is everything!