Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
God is a God of order but also an incredibly creative God. Even as we examine creation, God’s creativity surpasses our imagination. God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” God had Paul share that there are many kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come through the same Holy Spirit. God used Paul to list nine spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and God also had Paul list additional gifts in other Scriptures. The variety of gifts reminds us of God’s creative handiwork in and through us as His Holy Spirit works through each gift given to us. God had Paul share this in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” The work of the Holy Spirit is for the good of every believer. Then, God had Paul list the following nine gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, the effecting of miracles, prophecy, the distinguishing of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Then, God had Paul clarify that even with all of these different gifts, He had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” By God’s will, each gift is given.
Challenge & Application
According to what God has taught us so far, why are the spiritual gifts given to each follower of Christ?
How are the gifts given and why is this important to understand?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!