Spiritual Gifts (2)

Idols that cannot speak

Paul begins this passage talking to the people of Corinth about their gifts. He begins this by reminding them that they once were pagans. Can you tell me why he might be doing this? Paul also goes on to explain how people who have these gifts act. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (1 Co 12:3). (1989). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Perhaps people were claiming to have Spiritual Gifts? What we run into all the time is that people want to lead with their gifts. We might wonder why God asked Moses to lead His people through the Exodus if Moses was challenged in ways of speaking. We can confuse our abilities with God’s gifts. Many a people who can speak with a smooth tongue wanted to be a preacher. I have known a few who after a few years become used car salesmen.

You might ask why do we need to discuss Spiritual Gifts at all? Can’t the pastor just lead us? 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 12:4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Romans 11:29 “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” These gifts are irrevocable. Revoke- put an end to the validity or operation of (a decree, decision, or promise).

"the men appealed and the sentence was revoked"

In this passage we can refer to Paul’s other book Romans and discover that the gift you have been given is not changeable. It is irrevocable. So many people see the spiritual gifts of another and want that gift. “Why didn’t God give me their gift?” In another instance people will deny the gift He has given. Verse 5 and 6 remind us of these varieties, but that they are ll valuable because the same Lord gives them all. 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 12:5–6). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

English Standard Version Chapter 12

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

We may want what we want, but what we need to want is to serve God as he chooses. To each is given. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 12:8–11). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

As leaders of the church we should investigate the gifts that have been given. Remember they are irrevocable. We investigate these gifts so we can get leaders in the lanes God has chosen for them. If we do this we can increase productivity.