1 Corinthians 12:4-5 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; English Standard Version (ESV)
Many, if not most of us, at some point in our lives have gone through a Sunday School class, seminar, or retreat where the topic was "finding your spiritual gift". Today's passage describes many of the "varieties" of gifts. We are all given a gift and it is not limited to one. They in themselves are gifts from God that enable us, give us the power and energy to use them as verse 8 points out "for the common good".
Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "God wants to use you, God has a place for you, and God has gifts that He has instilled in you and wants you to put into action. To find out what you are called to do, you need to pray about it. I would also suggest that you do various things, and if they don't work, then do something else. A lot of times we are praying for a sign from Heaven when that so-called sign might come in the form of an announcement that help is needed in Sunday school, or help is needed somewhere else. Why not get out there and just help where you can? Why not say, "All right, Lord. I'm available. I will do what You want me to do. I'm willing to take a step of faith"?
That is sound advice. If you are not sure what God has blessed you with, pray about it. If you're still not sure, consider what Henry Blackaby has suggested in "Experiencing God", see where God is at work around you and join in. As you serve, your gift will likely show through. We aren't to be too concerned about the gifts that have been given to others, God gives as He wills, "He decides who gets what and when" (The Message) and we should rejoice in that.
1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. English Standard Version (ESV)
It should also be noted that this discussion on gifts immediately precedes 1 Corinthians 13, which is about love. Verse one in that great chapter tells us that the foundation of any of these gifts is love, and without it, no matter the gift we would be a noisy gong or clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ESV
Blessings,
Mike
1 Corinthians 12:4-11The Message (MSG)
4-11 God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:
wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.
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