1 Corinthians 12:4-12
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
This month we will be looking at SPIRITUAL GIFTS. The theme for the year has been WALKING IN YOUR HIGH CALLING. We started the year by laying foundations as to what it means to walk in your high calling.
We looked at the Kingdom of God, what does the Kingdom of God truly mean to you and me. We looked at being the light of the world, what is the importance of being light in a world of fear, hopelessness, depression and despair, as light we bring illumination to darkness. This month we want to explore spiritual gifts, and you can then ask yourself, which is my gift, am I already walking in it. The book of Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, give us insight into these spiritual gifts.
These gifts can be divided into 4 categories.
SPEAKING GIFTS, GIFTS OF KNOWLEDGE, SIGN GIFTS and SERVING GIFTS.
They are called spiritual gifts because they are not natural abilities that we can earn or develop on our own, but gifts given and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, both distributes them and works through believers to use them effectively.
Paul reminds the Church that there are diversities of gifts, but one Spirit behind them all. The gifts differ, the functions differ, the expressions differ but the source is the same Holy Spirit. Our spiritual gifts help the body function seamlessly, with one purpose, “……… the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
It is for the building of the body of Christ, not for spiritual showmanship, not for entertainment, not for private benefit. Every gift given to the Church is to strengthen, edify the Church and bring glory to God.
Peter the Apostle of Christ echoes this in his epistle to the Church,
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Every gift we have received glorifies God as we serve others with love and humility.
The Church’s mandate is global, it starts from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, every nation, every tongue and every tribe. This is not a small assignment, it is an important assignment and Jesus knew that we will never do it in our own strength.
Spiritual gifts have been given to the Church for effective service to God and to mankind. These are supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit so that the Church can fulfil its mission with power, wisdom, and grace.
I believe and Scripture affirms that every believer, every child of God, has been graced with one or more spiritual gifts for the edifying of the Church and to bring glory to God. There is no one in the body of Christ who is without a divine assignment.
The Holy Spirit is the source of the gifts, that is why Jesus said it is to our advantage that He returned to the Father.
THE SPEAKING GIFTS are Prophecy, Teaching, Tongues and interpretation of Tongues. These gifts communicate the heart, mind, and message of God.
THE GIFTS OF KNOWLEDGE are Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Discerning of spirits and Interpretation of tongues. These gifts reveal divine insight beyond human understanding.
THE SIGN GIFTS are Healing, Miracles, Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. These gifts demonstrate the power of God and confirm the gospel.
THE SERVING GIFTS are Serving, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership,
Mercy, Administration, Mercy and Hospitality. These gifts strengthen, support, and build the practical life of the Church.
To walk and operate in the gifts of the spirit you must understand your calling. The key to walking in your high calling is knowing who you are in Christ, loving God, and loving people. Identity and love are the foundation on which spiritual gifts operate. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 12:30–31
“Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
Paul was telling the Church in Corinth and I believe today’s Church also.
Yes, desire spiritual gifts.
Yes, pursue the supernatural.
Yes, long for the manifestations of the Spirit.
But without love, the gifts lose their meaning.
This is why Paul immediately moves into the famous love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13.
You can speak in tongues of men and angels… but without love, you are noise.
You can prophesy, understand mysteries, possess deep knowledge… but without love, you are nothing.
You can give sacrificially, even lay down your life… but without love, it profits nothing.
Please hear what Paul is saying and not what he is not saying. Our motive for spiritual gifts has to be pure, not selfish, because it would be unprofitable to you and will not profit others. In chapter 14 of the book of Corinthians, he starts the chapter by saying “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14:1) The pursuit of Love comes before desire for spiritual gifts.
My thoughts and encouragement to you today are these:
u Know who you are in Christ
u Pursue love
u Desire spiritual gifts
u Use them to build others up
Finally, do you know your gifts, do know what gifts God has graced you with.
Do not to compare yourself to anyone else. Your unique. It is not a competition.
It is discovery time, what is the Holy Spirit whispering to you right now and right here. The Holy Spirit has placed something inside you that the Church needs. It must flow from a heart anchored in love. Develop it. Pursue love and desire the gifts.
