God gives gifts
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| English: Church of the Holy Spirit in Munich - Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Spirit of Strength. Painter: Peter Horemans (1753) Deutsch: Heilig-Geist-Kirche (München) - Sieben Gaben des Heiligen Geistes: Der Geist der Stärke. Maler: Peter Horemans (1753) Latina: Spiritus fortitudinis (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
There has been an unprecedented interest in the person and work of the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful thing this is, not to be feared but to be embraced. Much of that interest has focused on the gifts of the Spirit.
Chapters 12 through 14 of 1 Corinthians are an extended discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Much here is difficult to understand, but much is plain, too. It is clear that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all believers (12:7). These gifts include the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (12:8–10). There are other lists of gifts in Scripture (including 12:28), but we need not conclude that these lists are exhaustive. It is more important to note that the Spirit gives diverse gifts and that these divine enablings are intended for “the profit of all.” In other words, they are given not for personal enjoyment but for corporate benefit.
Paul here employs his famous analogy of the body, showing that just as the body needs all its parts to function properly, so the church needs all of its parts (believers) to work as they should (use their gifts). Furthermore, just as the body is made up of innumerable diverse parts, so the church is made up of people who have been gifted in innumerable ways, just as God pleased (12:18). The message is that we need to discover our gifts, rejoice in them, and put them to use. And we must always remember that our gifts, no matter how seemingly mundane, are as vital as the most spectacular ones. This message was directed particularly at those who wanted to make the gift of tongues the be-all and end-all, the supreme test of spirituality. In fact, Paul makes it clear that not believers will have the gift of tongues (12:30).
He goes on to say in 12:31 that we should “desire the best gifts,” and in 14:1 he counsels us to “desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Prophesy here means the ability to articulate the truths of God. But whatever gifts God is pleased to give us, they must be controlled by love (13:1–3). In short, all of the gifts are good, but some are better, and we should ask the Spirit to give us the higher gifts and contentedly use what we are given for the good of the church. Have you identified the spiritual gifts you have been given? If not, take some time to list them. You might want to ask a trusted brother or sister what gifts he or she sees in you. When you are satisfied that you know your gifts, thank God for them and look for ways to use them. Resist the urge to take on duties for which you are not gifted.
Author: (2000). Tabletalk Magazine, January 2000: “Am I Really Free?”, 44.
