Welcome
Today: Because we don’t desire….!
Passage: Eph 3
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph 3, NIV 84)
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts. (1 Cor 12, NIV)-emp. added
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Cor 14, NIV)-emphasis added
God is more than happy to see someone desiring spiritual gifts
Because all the time, God is seeing His people asking for silly things-like candy
We ask God for things that look “big” for us, but God is expecting us to be mature and take responsibility, and ask for spiritual gifts also
This morning, as I was opening my Bible, my eyes went into these chapters in 1 Corinthians, where it speaks about the gifts
If God wants to give those gifts to me and you, why say “No”?
When we don’t eagerly desire those gifts, it is like we saying “No” to God
What does it mean by “eagerly desiring” something?
If our children eagerly desire for something, what will they do?
They will let their parents know what they eagerly desire
Parents will see them browsing on the computer about that game console or whatever they are desiring eagerly
Then, as they see someone using that game, they will bring it to their dad’s attention: “Dad, that’s what I told you about” (little loudly…)
They are not ashamed of others hearing it. They want to let everybody know what they want. They will speak about it to/ in front of uncles, grandpa and grandma
Finally, others will tell us what our children are looking for…..
The bottom line is this: If we eagerly desire something, we will speak it out!
God is waiting to see us asking Him for those gifts. It must be O.K with God, to ask; if it is okay with you and me for our children ask us, why not God?
Some might say, “Gift is not something you ask and get; the person gives it if they want it”
But with Spiritual gifts, we are expected to ask
13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. (1 Cor 14, NIV)
We are expected to pray/ask for the gift. God will make a stop for us
Have a blessed day. Ask God for the “Spiritual”
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I understand that it is O.K to ask you for spiritual gifts. Here I am, humbly submitting myself. Make me one who will handle the gifts properly, through divine love and holiness, for the benefit of others and building up your body-the Church. Amen