Spiritual Gifts
A true revival of New Testament Christianity requires a manifestation of spiritual gifts.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing spiritual gifts within the church, arguing that the current neglect and misrepresentation of these gifts have led to a loss in the vitality of spiritual Christianity. He points out that the topic has been mismanaged by extremists, causing confusion and skepticism among believers. Tozer calls for a revival of true New Testament Christianity, which he believes must include a proper manifestation of spiritual gifts to be considered scriptural. He encourages the church to rethink its approach to spiritual gifts to avoid the pitfalls of fanaticism and to fully experience the work of the Holy Spirit.
Text
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. --1 Corinthians 12:4-6
The time is more than ripe for a rethinking of the whole matter of spiritual gifts within the church of Christ. The subject has fallen into the hands of people for the most part extreme and irresponsible and has become associated with fanaticism in its various forms. This is a huge misfortune and is causing tremendous loss to the work of spiritual Christianity in our times.
Prejudices pro and con make the consideration of this subject extremely difficult, but its neglect is costing us more than we should be willing to pay. A revival of true New Testament Christianity must surely bring with it a manifestation of spiritual gifts. Anything short of it will create a just suspicion that the revival is something short of scriptural. The Next Chapter After the Last, 80-81.
"Thank You, Lord, that since Tozer's time there has in fact been this rethinking about spiritual gifts. May we continue to see their proper functioning and renewed manifestation. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
- Gifts are diverse, but the Spirit is the same
- Ministries are different, but the Lord is the same
- Activities are varied, but God is the same
Key Quotes
“The time is more than ripe for a rethinking of the whole matter of spiritual gifts within the church of Christ.” — A.W. Tozer
“A revival of true New Testament Christianity must surely bring with it a manifestation of spiritual gifts.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- A revival of true New Testament Christianity is necessary for the proper functioning of spiritual gifts.
- Neglecting spiritual gifts has significant consequences for the church.
- A true revival should bring a manifestation of spiritual gifts.