In Corinthians 12-14, Paul teaches about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in distributing 'gifts' to God's people to equip them for service. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
One Spirit -> Many gifts
One Lord -> Many acts of service
One God -> Many workings
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
The implication of this is:
1. Every Christian has a role to play in the church family.
2. Every Christian has been equipped by God for service.
3. Every Christian has a gift to develop for the benefit of the other
The right question to ask is not "What is my Gift?" but "How can I serve?"
It is in service that our gifts are utilised and developed "for the common good".
How has the Spirit equipped you to serve in the church family?
How are you serving at present?
Serve Well!
GP
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