WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Romans 12:3

“Now there are diversities of gifts…”

THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS (I)

The Corinthian Christians were living carnally. They were walking in the flesh rather than in the spirit. This led to frequent squabbling concerning the use of their spiritual gifts. They used these gifts to glorify self, rather than to glorify God. To curb this abuse of spiritual gifts, Paul reiterated some fundamentals concerning spiritual gifts:

First, spiritual gifts are graciously given (1 Cor 12:4). The term for “gifts” (1 Cor 12:4) is different from that of 1 Corinthians 12:1. The term pneumatikōn emphasizes the Holy Spirit being the source of spiritual gifts. On the other hand, the term charismatōn in 1 Corinthians 12:4 is literally “grace gifts.” It teaches us that these gifts are not inherently of man, nor are they given because of any merit in man. They are given by God as an expression of His unmerited favour so that we may use these gifts for His glory. Therefore, there is nothing for man to boast about concerning his spiritual gifts. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom 12:3). Humility, humility, humility!

We must also see a difference between spiritual gifts and talents. Natural talents are skills or abilities that may be manifested by both believers and unbelievers. For example, both believers and unbelievers can be highly skilled cooks. However, spiritual gifts are not natural but supernaturally given so that believers may use them to build up the body of Christ. Thus, a person may be a capable teacher in a public school since he has the natural talent for teaching, but that does not make him spiritually gifted to teach in the Sunday School.

What then are the spiritual gifts that the Lord has given to you?

THOUGHT: “The gifts of the Spirit are not the gifts of nature.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Father, may I serve Thee humbly with my spiritual gifts.