1 Corinthians 12:1-3

                                                         1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

 

There are many big changes that happens in salvation.  Our sins are forgiven.  We have hope.  Our eternal destiny is secure.  However, one of the most significant changes is the receiving of the Holy Spirit.  His presence in our lives equips us for the work of the ministry but transforms us from within our hearts.

 

THE WORK OF IDOLS:  Prior to salvation, all men are idolaters.  We don’t tend to think of ourselves in that light, but that is a very accurate description of our identity prior to coming to Christ.  Since we are created as worshipers and it is impossible for an unbeliever to worship God, all unbelievers are enslaved to idolatry.  All idols are lifeless and have no ability to give life.  They are mute and have no ability to lead us or to provide any hope or forgiveness.  Satan and his demons will always strive to enslave men to sin and idolatry while striving to cause me to see Jesus as accursed.  

 

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT: The work of the Spirit of God is always to point men to Jesus.  He promotes faith in Jesus.  He convicts men of sin.  He leads men to the conviction that Jesus is Lord.  The life that comes from the Spirit gives mankind hope, joy, peace, and love.  The Spirit of God equips us for worshiping God as we were created to do through the use of the gifts that he supplies to us.  There is a clear contrast between the work of the Holy Spirit and the harm of idolatry in the lives of men.

 

APPLICATION: Understand that the actions and attitudes seen in the world around us are the result of idolatrous people who are under the control of Satan.  We cannot expect that unbelievers will act like or even appreciate believers.  As believers, we need to trust and submit to the Spirit of God that is at work in and through us.

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