1 Corinthians 12:4-11 English Standard Version

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 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. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 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.

Gifts vs Purpose.

Gifts are to be used in service with purpose. Once we have identified our gift we still do not know how and when to use these gifts according to the will of God who has granted them.

One of the reasons most churches today do not practice spiritual gifts is because they focus on service gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 English Standard Version

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

Over the years I have witnessed others seeking promotion because of line 31, earnestly desire.

For those who have received one spiritual gift, what have I left out?

This is exactly what happens when we allow the flesh to determine what the scriptures mean. The flesh will seek promotion and block out things that leave the flesh unsatisfied.

Rather than pointing out what I left out, I would prefer it if we could please recognize the importance of the spiritual gifts and how they can be used according to verse 7 “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

The manifestation is performed by the indwelling Holy Spirit and not through any effort of the flesh. In the flesh we do not know what is needed for the common good. The flesh will always seek to satisfy itself even when it sees something good can come out of it because it seeks glory rather than glorifying God. “Look what I did!” is the motto of the flesh.

Luke 4:43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Jesus tells us His purpose.

John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

But is this all that Jesus did to show His purpose by His earthly presence?

Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Understanding this truth one must recognize the roles of God the Father and Lord. What one does the other does. If we do not recognize Jesus is Lord we will not see that.

John 14:8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

John 14:9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Jesus shows yet another purpose for His presence. He came to answer questions with truth. His answer reflects directly back on Psalm 103:13.

John 5:19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.”

Primary examples need to be understood in context with both purpose and execution. The results of the actions speak to the power of God to make a difference in our lives. Then Jesus left.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

John 16:7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

What is your purpose in this life you have been given?