Christians who seek power, an experience, or a purpose often desire supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Yet, the knowledge of God’s grace is the greatest gift God gives us today.
Now, I know what some are already saying.
“What about 1 Corinthians 12:1?”
In the membership for the Corinthian church, unfortunately, the members were grieving the Holy Spirit by the carnal ways that they were using spiritual gifts.
They were like children with toys instead of adults with valuable tools and they needed to mature. Spiritual gifts are not “God-given talents”, natural aptitudes, practiced skills, or even spiritality.
People want supernatural powers as seen in Acts 2.
Spirit gifts appeal to people who seek power, an experience, or a purpose.
In 1 Corinthian 12:31, Paul teaches, “And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
Gifts are good, but only if ministered in love. God never tells you to seek a gift. If you had to seek it, it wasn’t a gift.
Starting at the end of 1 Corinthians 13:8 we read that gifts shall vanish away.
Then in 1 Corinthians 13:10 it is stated, “But when that which is perfect (The Word) then that which is in part (gifts) shall be done away with.
Paul later affirms in Colossians 1:25,
“Wherefore I (Paul) am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God.”
Grace excels the gifts you see (Philippians 1:9-10).
Whereas the Word praises,
“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”
This grace is not what you say before meals. It is the power of God (Romans 1:16).
Grace in you produces faith, hope, and charity.
Spiritual gifts were given because grace given to the Body of Christ had not yet been established. The knowledge of God’s grace is greater than anything that they had at Pentecost.
Your gift is to edify, to give rise to faith, hope, and to put on charity (Colossians 3:14).
Your role is not limited to one “power” anymore, but a Son fully equipped by grace. When you minister, you are using God’s gift to you- Grace.
We as a Body can all have it so that no one’s “spiritual gifts” are better than another person’s. Each member serves a vital role.
So what was the purpose of the ministry gifts? The answer can be found in Ephesians 4:12-13.
The child of God has been “blessed [us] with all spiritual blessing in the heavenly place in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
This was super good!
This was an interstsing topic. Thank you for sharing!
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