Spiritual Gifts, Part 1
July 12
Paul begins his teaching on propriety in worship by saying that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to God’s people as He sovereignly decides. Every believer is given at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of building up the church. Every single believer. Every believer should use every gift that is available to them for the single purpose of glorifying God and building up the church. Yes, that’s one purpose, not two. We can glorify God by helping to build up believers in their faith in our churches. (1 Peter 4:10–11)
He then says that God has given different gift(s) to different believers. No one has all of the Spiritual gifts. And there is no one gift given to every believer. (1 Corinthians 12:12–31) When Paul asks, “Do all …?” he is supplying his answer. He actually asks it this way, “Not all …, do they?” (1 Corinthians 12:29–30)
Finally, the topic of spiritual gifts should never be divisive. God’s Word is very clear about spiritual gifts and our humble use of them.
Application
Many believers don’t believe they have a spiritual gift. But that belief isn’t based on the Bible! There are resources online and in printed books that can help us to identify our Spiritual gift(s). But I have found that in most cases, believers are already operating in, and exercising their gift(s).
Spiritual gift questionnaires are simply tools to help believers discern how God has gifted them. Another element of spiritual diversity in the church, which Paul doesn’t elaborate on, is how God has wired us in our Spiritual gift(s) and our personality together. Given those two elements it’s easy to see that there are limitless combinations of gift(s)/personality that make every believer different than every other believer. You are the only you! And your church needs you, your gift(s) and your personality mix.