Read I Corinthians 12 Spiritual Gifts

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 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. (I Corinthians 12:1, 4-6 NKJV)

Many regard themselves as spiritual. How does one measure his spirituality? For the Corinthians they based on who were their spiritual leaders, standing up on their own rights, self-gratification, condoning sin and here their exercise of spiritual gifts. They were comparing and competing in their use of gifts. Paul resolves to show them fundamental truth on spiritual gifts and principles in exercising them.

Paul wrote to show how they can overcome ignorance by studying the word, humility and submission. He reminded them it's not the phenomenal, dramatic, ecstatic but ethical norms practice of their lives. We can be capable of performance but not what we are in as Christ is. For in Chap. 6 - you were brought with a price to glorify God.

Certainly, one of the most significant ways to glorify God is the exercise of spiritual gifts. As the Holy Spirit dwells in all us, we received from Him spiritual insights and the endowment to serve others spiritually. The Holy Spirit will bring edification and glorify Christ. There are three categories provided us from the same Source:

First, the diversities of gifts, Paul will go on to list some 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 (1Cor. 12:7-10)

Second, the differences of ministries, God provides officers in church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers to equip saints for the purpose of ministry so as to bring church to the full statue of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12) though there are different offices, it is the same Lord granting these offices and directing the service.

Third, the diversities of activities, this refers to the operational. God displays and pours out His miraculous power in different ways, but it is always the same God doing the work.

All of these are from the same Spirit, given by God and for he profit and edification of the saints. They complement each other as the different parts of the body does the same in keeping it functioning. *No matter how many times the teeth bite the tongue, they still stay together in one mouth. That's the spirit of FORGIVENESS. Even though the eyes don't see each other, they see things together, blink simultaneously and cry together.

Prayer: Lord You have filled me with Your Holy Spirit and through Him I am gifted and empowered to serve. I acknowledge all other members of the body are equally gifted for my growth as much as I am for theirs. Let your Lordship as head this Body be our focus in the exercise of what You have gifted me.

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