Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.   2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.   3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.   4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.   5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.   6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.   7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.   8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;  to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  9 To another faith by the same Spirit;  to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  10 To another the working of miracles;  to another prophecy;  to another discerning of spirits;  to another divers kinds of tongues;  to another the interpretation of tongues:  11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  

Wednesday, 15^th May 2024

THE HOLY SPIRIT DISTRIBUTES SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

All these gifts are miraculously bestowed; they cannot be released by human art or industry, the different languages excepted; but they were given in such a way, and in such circumstances, as sufficiently proved that they also were miraculous gifts. The Holy Ghost is a person. For he acts as a person; distributes favors, confers endowments and special mercies "as he will." This proves that he is, in some respects, distinguished from the father and the son. He is sovereign. He gives it to anyone he pleases. Regarding spiritual endowments of the highest order, he deals with men as he does in the common endowments bestowed on men, and as he does in temporal blessings. He does not bestow the same blessings on anyone, nor does he like it. He dispenses his favors by a rule which he has not made known, but which, we may be assured, is in accordance with wisdom and goodness. He wrongs no one; and he gives all the favors which might relate to eternal life.

No man should be proud of his endowments. Whatever they may be, they are the gifts of God, bestowed by his sovereign will and mercy. But assuredly we should not be proud of that which is the mere gift of another; and which has been bestowed, not in consequence of any merit of ours, but according to His sovereign will. No man should be depressed, or should despise his own gifts, however humble they may be. We may be as important as the higher endowments of others.  That God has placed him where he is or has given less impressive endowments than He has to others, is no fault of His.  There is no crime in it; and we should, therefore, strive to improve on it "one talent," and to make ourselves useful in the rank where we are placed.   

Despite not being one another, because he is in a humbler rank or is less favored. God has made the difference, and we should respect and honour his arrangements, and should show that respect and honour by regarding with kindness, and treating as fellow labourers with us, all who occupy a humbler rank than we do. Nobody selects their own spiritual gifts. Nobody generates the power behind their spiritual gifts. Nobody earns their gifts. Because of that, nobody can take credit for which gift or gift they receive from the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul urged us to understand that the gifts are not meant to glorify the people who receive and use them. They are intended to be used to serve other believers and to bring glory to God.

This is a key concept in the idea of Christian unity: that we can be differently abled, differently blessed, and differently assigned, yet serve with equal value, purpose, and meaning.

CGDS HYMN 3; SS&S 203 

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME!

1. All hail the power of Jesus' name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all.

2. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God,

Who from His alter call;

Extol the stem of Jesse's rod,

And crown Him Lord of all.

3. Ye seed of Israel's chosen race,

A remnant weak and small,

Hail Him who saves you by His grace,

And crown Him Lord of all.

4. Ye Gentile sinners, ne'er forget

The wormwood and the gall;

Go, spread your trophies at His feet,

And crown Him Lord of all.

5. Let every kindred, every tribe,

On this terrestrial ball,

To Him all majesty ascribe,

And crown Him Lord of all.

6. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng

We at His feet may fall,

Join in the everlasting song,

And crown Him Lord of all.

   Prayers:

1.  Holy Spirit, endue me with spiritual gifts to further the gospel of salvation.

2.  LORD God Almighty, I covet the gifts of prophesies, tongues, and interpretations of tongues in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.