1 Corinthians 12:7-11 “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
Continuing, Pastor Obie proclaims that everybody who is a Christian has been given a gift, a manifestation of the Spirit, though the Holy Spirit, for the common good by means of ministering to others as an outlet for your specific spiritual gift, because the Lord called all His people to a ministry and empowered by God to do it. You have part to play in Christian ministry in this body of Christ’s church on earth. Spiritual gifts are given for the purpose of ministry, so be prepared for the ministry that God has for you. Know that the Holy Spirit has prepared gifts and abilities to use those gifts for you to use them.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 speaks to the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, the ability to distinguish between spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.1 Corinthians 12:28 lists the spiritual gifts of apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. In Romans 12:6-8, the Apostle Paul also lists prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy, with cheerfulness. And in Ephesians 4:11-13 Paullists apostles, prophets, evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Some gifts overlap or duplicate on these Pauline passages, linking and interlock the lists in unity of individual spiritual gifts given for use in ministry and for the common good. God’s power to empower is real. Discover, ascertain and put your spiritual gift to use. You have a ministry part to play in this body of Christians.
When our life is aligned with God’s perfect Word, Will and Way, then God will give you exactly what you need in the exact time that you need it. Your mission and God-given ministry assignment may change throughout the different seasons on your life; so will your supernatural gifting to match, gracefully given that you may be equipped to accomplish that ministry have, when you need it. The emphasis is not on the spiritual gift, but on the ministry service that the gift can be used for to accomplish God’s work in His world within our sphere of influence. God has blessed and empower you with a purpose to bless others. Know that God has a purpose and plan for your life. in Ephesians 2:8-10, this same Apostle Paul tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
There are good works that God has prepared for you and equipped you with spiritual gifts so you can best accomplish them. Those good works have to do with blessing people. Since the “Fall of Man”, God has been in the salvation/restoration business, and that includes blessing people in the process. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (verse 7) of the people; the common good of the people of God and for the common good of the people that need to come to God via the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What good is it to be blessed with a spiritual gift and not use it? That’s a waste and a shame because the gifts match the calling. All are called to love God, love people and get them to do the same. We are to love people inside the church, as well as love those outside the church. All people were created by God, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, all need the Savior of the world, some need help finding Him at the foot of the Cross. Discover and use your spiritual gift(s) for the common good.
In the next post, let's conclude Pastor Obie/s message on our part to play in God's work.
In Christ, Brian
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