City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

One Spirit Many Superpowers – Part Five

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1 Corinthians 13 – motivation and modality of spiritual gifts

What do we learn from the analogy of a body and the agape love of 1 Corinthians 13, about HOW we should use spiritual gifts?

“Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body… – 1 Corinthians 12:27

Love Is the Greatest Gift 1 Corinthians 13

Agape love – to have sincere appreciation, high regard, affection, loving concern for someone, without selfish agenda

Agape love – choosing to give a Jesus-kind-of-love to someone out of sincere appreciation and high regard.

Matthew 22:36-39

Examples of City Harbor people agape love serving each other:

  • Yardwork
  • Taking meals
  • Moving
  • Helping with childcare
  • Rides
  • Hand-me-down clothes
  • Housework
  • Car/home repair
  • Money given for needs
  • House & pet sitting
  • Grocery shopping
  • Picking up prescriptions
  • Exercise buddy
  • Prayers & encouragement through text/email/in person

    • John 15:12-13

    “same way” What does it mean to be a Jesus follower? To become more like Jesus?

    “Jesus’ love in me is ___ faithful, patient, kind…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

    “Love is faithful, patient, kind, rejoicing in the truth,

    always: protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, never fails,”

    Love is not: envious, boastful, walking in pride,

    Love does not treat people in ways that are: rude, self-seeking, or easily angered

    Love keeps no record of wrongs” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

    We believe that agape love is our priority, in this spiritual family. The Holy Spirit cures the “disease of me” as we serve the cause of Jesus Christ, loving each other in the way that Jesus first loved us.

    Agape Love becomes what motivates us to build relationships with each other.

    Agape Love becomes what motivates us to activate our spiritual gifts.

    Agape Love becomes what shapes how we use our spiritual gifts.

    This is how we become more like Jesus. This is how we identify spiritual growth. This is how we recognize what should change.

    A spiritual gift, like a tool, can be used in keeping with agape love (not selfishness). Prophetic discernment, and every gift, as a team sport.

    Are we using our spiritual gifts from a place of agape love motivation?

    Are we using our spiritual gifts in ways that communicate agape love?

    What do we learn?

    1.  Receiving God’s agape love provides us with plenty to share.
    2. Agape love is a priority.
    3. Agape love must shape our motives and methods.
    4. Agape love brings us together.
    5. W share responsibility.

      6. What should we do? Be intentional about building relationships.

      1. Pray.
      2. Think.
      3. Make plans.
      4. Set aside time, energy, and money.
      5. Follow through.
      6. Forgive.
      7. Repeat.

        8. What should we do?

        Read 1 Corinthians 12-14. Pray. Listen. Ask questions. Share the journey.

        For more application read:

        • Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
        • Reaching Out by Henri J. M. Nouwen
        • Paul’s Idea of Community: Spirit and Culture in Early House Churches by Robert J. Banks
        • I’ll See You Tomorrow: Building Relational Resilience When You Want to Quit by Seth & Heather Day
        • The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians by D. A. Carson
        • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
        • The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John Maxwell
        • Agape and Eros by Anders Nygren
          • ...more
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          City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MDBy City Harbor Church