Guided Question

How has God uniquely gifted you to serve others, and are you actively using those gifts to strengthen Christ's body—or are you content to simply attend church without engaging in His mission?

Summary

In this message, Dr. Robert Lewis walks through 1 Corinthians 12, explaining that the church is not merely an organization that runs programs but a living, supernatural body empowered by the Holy Spirit. Every believer receives spiritual gifts—not natural talents—to serve others, strengthen the church, and advance God's kingdom. These gifts are sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit and are meant to be exercised for the benefit of the whole body, not for personal recognition or spiritual status.

Lewis highlights five foundational truths about spiritual gifts: they are given by the Holy Spirit, they vary among believers, they are distributed according to God's will, they provide believers with a unique place of ministry, and they ultimately call Christians to die to self in order to serve others. Discovering and faithfully using one's spiritual gift gives purpose, identity, and balance to the Christian life.

The sermon then addresses the often-debated sign gifts—particularly miracles and healing. While acknowledging common arguments that some miraculous gifts ceased after the apostolic age, Lewis concludes that Scripture does not require that position. Instead, he believes God remains free to grant these gifts if He chooses, though any genuine manifestation must align with the biblical pattern and never contradict Scripture.

Examining the New Testament, Lewis distinguishes miracles from healings and argues that biblical miracles primarily authenticated God's revelation, while biblical healings were instantaneous, complete, undeniable, and publicly verifiable. He expresses skepticism toward many modern healing ministries because they often lack these biblical characteristics, while affirming that God still answers prayer and sovereignly heals according to His will.

Lewis concludes by returning to Paul's central message: the church flourishes only when every believer discovers and faithfully exercises the spiritual gifts God has given them. A Spirit-filled church is marked not by impressive programs or religious ritual, but by ordinary believers serving one another through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

Outline

The supernatural nature of the church
Five foundational truths about spiritual gifts
Discovering your God-given identity through ministry
Spiritual gifts require self-denial and servant-hearted living
Are the sign gifts still active today?
Biblical perspectives on miracles and healing
The difference between God's healing and the gift of healing
The church's call to use every believer's spiritual gifts

Key Takeaways

The Church Is a Living Body — The church is a supernatural organism empowered by the Holy Spirit, not merely an institution or organization.
Every Believer Has a Spiritual Gift — The Holy Spirit sovereignly gives each Christian unique gifts to strengthen the body of Christ.
Your Gift Gives You Purpose — Discovering and using your spiritual gift provides identity, direction, and meaningful ministry within the church.
Ministry Requires Dying to Self — Spiritual gifts are never for self-promotion but for serving others in humility and sacrifice.
God Is Sovereign Over Spiritual Gifts — While Scripture allows for God to work miraculously today, every claimed gift or miracle must be measured against biblical truth.
God Still Heals — Though Lewis questions many modern healing ministries, he affirms that God continues to answer prayer and heal according to His sovereign will.
A Healthy Church Is a Serving Church — The church reaches its fullest strength when every believer actively employs their spiritual gifts to serve others.

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 12 — Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to build up Christ's body.
1 Corinthians 14 — Greater emphasis should be placed on gifts that edify the whole church.
Romans 12:1–8 — Present yourself as a living sacrifice and faithfully use your spiritual gifts.
Matthew 10:1 — Jesus gives His apostles authority over unclean spirits and disease.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 — God's grace is sufficient, even when He chooses not to remove suffering.
1 Peter 4:10 — Every believer should use their gift to serve others faithfully.
Matthew 16:24–25 — Following Christ requires denying yourself and giving your life away.

Recorded 7.25.82