Spiritual Gifts are Uniquely Different but Divinely Given
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Introduction
Introduction
This morning, we turn our attention once again to 1 Corinthians 12. You may recall that this chapter deals exclusively with spiritual gifts. Note the opening verse.
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Thus, we know that God the Holy Spirit wants to fully understand these wonderful spiritual abilities known as spiritual gifts.
Already, we have discovered that we must be careful in our understanding and use of these gifts. If they are misused and misunderstood, it could lead to some catastrophic spiritual results. What are the dangers?
According to verse 2, there is the danger of falling back into false worship.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
This is subtle reminder by God’s Spirit that we were saved from a life of false worship. Now, there is danger with spiritual gifts that could lead to a return of that former life.
The second danger we find in verse 3.
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.
In this verse, the emphasis on our message. One of the most abused spiritual gifts is the gift of tongues. We will see later God’s precise instruction concerning this gift when arrive in chapter 14. However, for now, it is important that we realize that our message must never be confusing or misunderstood. Additionally, if anyone ever says that Christ is accursed while claiming they are speaking under the Spirit’s control, they are giving a false message. Thus, the danger is just that to proclaim a false message.
We find the last of three dangers surrounding spiritual gifts in verse 3 as well.
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.
This danger is that of a false profession. The only way a person is drawn to the gospel is through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. As people hear the Word of God, it is the Holy Spirit who enlightens their dark minds to the wonderful news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Thus, it is only by the Holy Ghost that a person can truly say that Jesus is the Lord. Any other means or methods is false. Consequently, we must be careful about our profession by ensuring that we have not only claim Christ as Lord, but are seeking to submit to His will each day. The proper way to do that is through obedience allowing the Holy Spirit to have full reign in our hearts.
Now, today, we come to verse 4-6 of our text. Please take your Bibles and read along with me as read these verses.
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.
You will note the word “same” listed three times in three verse.
the SAME Spirit
the SAME Lord
the SAME God
Why the emphasis from the Holy Spirit in using the word “same” in these verse? I believe the answer is found way back in the first chapter. Let’s go back to chapter 1 and note some important facts about the church at Corinth. Look at 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Now, having read all that, what you identify as the biggest issue in this local church? Is it not disunity. They were divided. There were at least three different factions in the church. One faction was following Paul. Another faction was following Apollos along with a third faction claiming Peter. What was the Holy Spirit’s desire for them? Note again verse 10.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Did you see the word “same” in that verse?
The Holy Spirit (Jehovah God) desires that we “be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment.”
How would that be possible seeing they were already divided? That is the point of our text.
All of us may be uniquely different, and we may be given different spiritual gifts, but our bond is the Holy Spirit. Thus, we can be united in the same mind and judgment when we remember that we are all to serve the same Lord, who gave us all the same purpose.
What is our purpose?
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
The purpose of every believer and, thus, every local church is to proclaim the gospel message to the world. We just spent an entire month talking about that purpose. Now, as we move into chapter 12 and the subject of spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit is saying use those gifts as you remember that all of us are united by Him and His purpose for our lives. In turn, there is to be no pride, no controversy, and no division in our service to Him.
Note from our text three things about spiritual gifts. Each of these support the premise that spiritual gifts are UNIQUELY different, but they are DIVINELY given.
First up is this.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Different Grace Gifts, but the SAME SPIRIT!
Different Grace Gifts, but the SAME SPIRIT!
You may noted that I said “Grace Gifts” instead of spiritual gifts. I did so intentionally. My reason is that spiritual gifts are gifts given to us by the grace of God, hence, grace gifts.
You will note that word “gifts” in our text. In Greek, that word literally means “a gift of grace or a gift involving grace.” Spiritual gifts are quite different than any other gifts. They are not natural and are not of this world. These gifts are a result of God’s unmerited favor. We are given these gifts at the moment of salvation. Salvation itself is a product of God’s grace.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This is a great verse. There are several important points made in this verse. One important point is that salvation comes by God’s grace and not our faith. You see God did all the work. He saw our need for righteousness. In seeing that need, He met that need by He, as the only righteous God, coming to earth and giving Himself for our sin.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection paved the way for us to be righteous. We did nothing and are quite incapable of doing anything related to righteousness.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
For this reason, it had to be God who did everything for we can do nothing righteous. Praise God that He did it all for us. It was His unmerited favor upon us which resulted in our salvation. All God asks of anyone is that simply believe all that He has done for them. That is the faith part.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Now, I say all that to say this. God’s grace continues at the moment of salvation as well as after salvation. The moment a person believes in their hear uttering with their mouth their confession and repentance before Him, several things happen due to God’s grace. We are given His Spirit. He admits us into His family. The gift of eternal life is give to us. And, in that moment, each believer is given a spiritual gift or gifts. None of which is deserved, but graciously bestowed upon us. What an amazing God we serve!
Now go back to verse 4 again.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Each believer has a spiritual gift or gifts. Note the word “diversities.” Also, please note the word “difference” in verse 5.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
Both words are the same word in Greek. And, as you may have already guessed, both words mean the same thing. Simply, both words means there is difference in each one. Each spiritual gift is quite different in its scope and use. We dive into that more later in this chapter. However, the important thing to note here is they are different. However, though they be different, they are given by the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit. He is the One Who determines which gift a believer is given and not anyone else. You don’t get to choose. It is not like walking into a music shop and choosing which instrument you would like to play. No, God makes the choice for you.
Why is this important? It is important because it strips away self and pride. If we had any part in the spiritual gift given to us, we could then boast of ourselves. Again, I remind you of Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
God’s grace is unmerited favor. It has nothing to do with us or our ability. If it did, then we would have avenue to glory in ourselves. However, with God doing it, the only path of glory leads back to Him. Thus, He is the One worthy of praise and not us. Consequently, as we move forward and you discover your own spiritual gift, remember that it from the Holy Spirit. By the same token, we must never be jealous of another fellow believers gift or gifts for it is the Holy Spirit who gave them their gifts just as He did yours. As we remember this, it assists in stripping away any division among God’s people.
Now, look at verse 5 and consider this.
Different Occupational Duties, but the SAME Lord!
Different Occupational Duties, but the SAME Lord!
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
We already note the word “differences.” In this verse, I want to draw your attention to the word “administrations.” In verse 4, the Holy Spirit used the word “gifts” speaking of grace gifts which is the same thing as spiritual gifts. However, in verse 5, He uses a different word. The word “administrations” means the office and work of a servant. In fact, the word used here is the Greek word “diakonia.” It is derivative of “diakonos.” That is the word in which our English Bible translates as minister, servant, or deacon. Thus, we are talking about the work of minister (pastor) or deacon. These are the officers of the local church. In the context of this chapter, it refers to the work of any servant of God, not just a pastor or deacon. In other words, every believer is to be God’s servant. Thus, every believer is do the work that God has given them. Often, a believer’s work is determined by their gifts. Again, we will talk about this great detail as we move through this chapter.
For now, the important point is this. It matters not what work or ministry you might be involved. What matters is that we are all work under the oversight of the same Lord. From the pastor (me) to the nursery worker, we do what we do for the Lord knowing that one day we must answer to Him. I remind you that the name “Lord” is more of title than a name. It is title that recognizes that Christ is the One who possesses all authority over our lives.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
No matter what work or spiritual gift we are given, we are to do all so that Christ might have “preeminence.”
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
My time is fading, so note verse 6 and our final point for today.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Different Outcomes, but the SAME God!
Different Outcomes, but the SAME God!
One of the things we often miss in our service of the Lord is this. Christ indicated that our service to Him would result in different outcomes. He explained it by using a parable. Parables are stories that help explain spiritual principles. Christ use them often and quite effectively. One such parable is found in Luke 8 called the Parable of the Sower.
4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
As you can see, the sower sowed the seed and encountered many different outcomes. Some of the seed was trodden under feet while other seed was devoured by birds. Some other seeds did indeed spring up, but eventually withered due to a lack of moisture. There was seed that fell in briars and choked out by them. However, there was some seed that fell on good ground, grew heartily, and bore much fruit. Every outcome was different. Yet, in this story, what was the common denominator? Was it not the sower sowing seed? You see God wants us to simply do our part. We are to sow the seed. Where it falls and what comes of it lies in His hands. He is God. Our duty is simply live a life of obedience as we consistently sow the seed of God’s Word to as many people possible. In relation to spiritual gifts, God gives all of us a gift or gifts so that we might effectively do our job. What is our job? Sow seed. Thus, God expects us to use our gifts for that very purpose. In the end, He is God. We must not get caught up over what happens when we sow. If we do, surely, we will end up discouraged. Did you notice the majority of the seed ended negatively? If you focus on the outcome, you will miss the most important point. We do our job and let God do His work. He is God. Don’t focus on the results, focus on just being obedient to Him.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The whole point of these verses comes down to this. You, as a believer, are truly unique. God has “fearfully and wonderfully” knitted you together from your mother’s womb. He has blessed you with your own personality and your own specific skill set. Additionally, at salvation, He endowed you with a gift or gifts through His Spirit Who indwells you. Over time, as you grow spiritually, He adds gifts creating a wonderful combination of spiritual gifts that are uniquely yours. He does so for one purpose. That purpose is to glorify Him as you be the witness for Him to the world around you. All of us are different. It is what makes us special. Then, as we come together as a local church, we become a unique local church filled with just the right believers with a myriad of spiritual gifts united around the common cause of the gospel. That is what this chapter is all about. We are to be a local church united in our love and service for the Lord using what He has graciously give to us so we might win the lost for Him.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let’s determine to use the gifts God has given us. Worry not about the outcome, but simply trust Him. He is the same Spirit, Lord, and God. We are His servants. May all of us be worthy servants utilizing our talents for Him.
