Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
   I Corinthians 12:4-11
Rev. Manoj Idiculla
Carmel MTC, Boston
“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. Vs.4-6
In chapters 12-14, Paul deals with the issue of spiritual gifts. Rather than celebrating one another’s gifts, the Corinthian Christians have become prideful concerning their particular gifts and dismissive of the gifts of others. Therefore spiritual gifts have become a divisive influence among them (12:12-31).
Paul lists nine spiritual gifts in the following verses, and more in other places. There is indeed a diversity of gifts! Yet, there is only one Giver, who works through the diverse gifts. The gifts are diverse, the ministries are different, and the activities are diverse: but it all the same Spirit, the same Lord doing the work through the gifts, the ministries, and the activities.
Paul's point is clear: though there are different offices, it is the same Lord granting the offices and directing the service. Three things that each one of us should be aware of are as follows:
1.      Everybody in the church has a gift - i.e. has something to offer.
2.      All those gifts are needed for the fellowship as a whole.
3.      All those gifts are from God.
Spiritual gifts are given with particularity and with purpose “for the common good.” Of course that “common good” is not always transparent; it has to be negotiated in practice, again by the use of the gift of wisdom, in consideration of what it is that “builds up the community.”, Vs.7-11 Paul mentions different manifestations of the Spirit; he begins by mentioning the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. One may have great knowledge, even supernatural knowledge, yet have no wisdom from God in the application of that knowledge. We must always use discernment in the receiving of a word of knowledge. The Holy Spirit is always present in us and the spiritual gifts are given to each person for the profit of all. The purpose of the manifestation of the Spirit is to benefit the whole church family, not just a particular individual.
Thought for the Day
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God".
Prayer
Almighty God, fill us with your wisdom to use the spiritual gifts for the common good and for the profit of all. AMEN


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