2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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ABIDE IN YOUR CALLING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Ephesians 4:1-6
“Are all apostles?
are all prophets?”
ABIDE IN YOUR CALLING
Every believer is called to a particular station to serve the Lord. With respect to the early New Testament Church, there were those who were called to serve the Lord as Apostles. Others were called to serve as prophets, teachers, etc. Just as how each member of the body has a different function, so each member of the body of Christ is called to his specific ministry for the Lord.
However, some of the Corinthian Christians were not satisfied with their lot given by the Lord. They saw the prominence that was given to tongue-speaking in the church, and so some desired to speak in tongues, even though that gift was not spiritually endowed upon them. That is just like the eye of the body attempting to do the work of the mouth. It will never work.
Today, there may be some who are not satisfied with the ministry which the Lord has called them into. Perhaps they want more limelight and attention. Perhaps they desire the praise of man rather than ridicule. Therefore, they strive to push themselves into positions which the Lord has not intended for them. For example, a person may push his way into the position of a teacher even though he may not have the gift of teaching. Sooner or later, he will not only hurt himself, but also the body of Christ.
Paul concluded this section by pointing out that the Corinthian Christians were right to be zealous (zēloute) in the use of spiritual gifts. They were also not wrong to desire that the best spiritual gifts be manifested in the church. Yet, the use of these spiritual gifts must be accompanied by the right attitude and motive. This is the more excellent way which the Apostle Paul instructed in the next chapter.
THOUGHT: Christ, not self, in the service of the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, I will do what Thou wantest me to do.
Every believer is called to a particular station to serve the Lord. With respect to the early New Testament Church, there were those who were called to serve the Lord as Apostles. Others were called to serve as prophets, teachers, etc. Just as how each member of the body has a different function, so each member of the body of Christ is called to his specific ministry for the Lord.
However, some of the Corinthian Christians were not satisfied with their lot given by the Lord. They saw the prominence that was given to tongue-speaking in the church, and so some desired to speak in tongues, even though that gift was not spiritually endowed upon them. That is just like the eye of the body attempting to do the work of the mouth. It will never work.
Today, there may be some who are not satisfied with the ministry which the Lord has called them into. Perhaps they want more limelight and attention. Perhaps they desire the praise of man rather than ridicule. Therefore, they strive to push themselves into positions which the Lord has not intended for them. For example, a person may push his way into the position of a teacher even though he may not have the gift of teaching. Sooner or later, he will not only hurt himself, but also the body of Christ.
Paul concluded this section by pointing out that the Corinthian Christians were right to be zealous (zēloute) in the use of spiritual gifts. They were also not wrong to desire that the best spiritual gifts be manifested in the church. Yet, the use of these spiritual gifts must be accompanied by the right attitude and motive. This is the more excellent way which the Apostle Paul instructed in the next chapter.
THOUGHT: Christ, not self, in the service of the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, I will do what Thou wantest me to do.