Gracious Gifts by Larry Perry

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 English Standard Version

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.

The term gracious gift is applied here to the manifestation of gifts regardless of any other ministry. They may be graciously imparted to anyone, at any time because it serves God to do so. These gifts may appear to anyone of any age, experience, maturity, training or title. The issue here is common good. If the will of God was dependent upon the appearance of an apostle, pastor, or teacher, what does that say about God’s ability to be sovereign?

God’s sovereign will is not dependent upon mankind. He does not need us to be sovereign.

The Greek word for apportions in verse 11 is diaireō with a definition of distribution. This is like a distributor for a car where a spark is applied to different wires in turn to go where the power is needed. It does so in turn according to the connections made by us to those in need.

This is yet another reason for us to continue to remain in fellowship with those who have placed their faith in Christ.

Ephesians 4:2-7 English Standard Version

² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

This instruction is given to the workers of these ministry gifts; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. The oneness found here is the Lord, faith, baptism, God, and the Father of all. In this oneness is not unity. We can distinguish that by the measure of grace that is given to each of the ministry gifts. Each has a role that differs from the other.

Unity of faith is only found in He who is over all, through all and in all. What is common among all the ministry gifts is the goal of those ministries, serving the will of God in the maturing of Christ’s bride. Verse 12 calls this the building up the body of Christ.

We are in fact each one of us part of the body of Christ and at the same time His betrothed. As such we have not attained to our pure white robes of righteousness which are our own. We only have the righteousness of Christ in us to deal with what remains of our humanity. Faith is the active agent of change which ensures that the service ministries can be effective in serving the will of God by the faith that binds us all together.

This is seen because of one faith and yet different graces.