Embracing the Gifts of the Spirit: Building the Body of Christ

Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV)

Verses: 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

2. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 (KJV)

Verses: 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

3. Romans 12:6-8 (KJV)

Verses: 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

4. Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV)

Verses: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

5. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (KJV)

Verses: 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Explanation of Gifts:

1. Word of Wisdom: The ability to make decisions and give guidance that is in line with God’s will.
2. Word of Knowledge: The ability to understand truths that are not known by natural means.
3. Faith: Extraordinary confidence in God’s promises and power.
4. Healing: The ability to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.
5. Miracles: The ability to perform powerful acts that alter the natural course.
6. Prophecy: The ability to proclaim messages from God.
7. Discerning of Spirits: The ability to distinguish between true and false spirits.
8. Tongues: The ability to speak in languages not previously known to the speaker.
9. Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to interpret the languages spoken in tongues.
10. Apostleship: The calling to plant and oversee churches.
11. Teaching: The ability to explain and apply God’s Word.
12. Helps/Service: The ability to support others in practical ways.
13. Administration/Government: The ability to organize and lead effectively.
14. Evangelism: The ability to proclaim the gospel effectively.
15. Pastoring: The ability to shepherd and care for a congregation.
16. Exhortation/Encouragement: The ability to encourage and comfort others.
17. Giving: The ability to give resources generously.
18. Leadership: The ability to lead and guide a group effectively.
19. Mercy: The ability to show compassion and empathy to those in need.

These verses and explanations highlight the diverse gifts given by the Holy Spirit to build up the church and glorify God.

Today, we delve into a profound and essential aspect of our Christian walk: the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts, bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit, are meant to equip and edify the body of Christ. By understanding and embracing these gifts, we can serve God and one another more effectively, fulfilling our roles within the church.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (KJV) "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

I. The Source of Spiritual Gifts:

Diversity in Unity:

• The gifts of the Spirit come from the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them as He wills. This diversity in gifts brings unity and balance within the body of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV) states, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

Purpose of the Gifts:

• The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church and glorify God. They are given "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12 KJV).

II. The Different Gifts of the Spirit:

Wisdom and Knowledge:

• Word of Wisdom: The ability to apply God’s truth to practical situations.
• Word of Knowledge: The ability to understand deep truths revealed by the Holy Spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV) says, "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit."

Faith and Healing:

• Faith: Extraordinary confidence in God’s promises and power.
• Healing: The ability to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.
• 1 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) states, "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit."

Miracles and Prophecy:

• Miracles: The ability to perform powerful acts that go beyond natural laws.
• Prophecy: The ability to proclaim messages from God.
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) says, "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."

Discerning of Spirits and Tongues:

• Discerning of Spirits: The ability to distinguish between true and false spirits.
• Tongues: The ability to speak in languages not previously known to the speaker.
• Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to interpret the languages spoken in tongues.
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) includes these gifts in the list.

Apostleship and Teaching:

• Apostleship: The calling to plant and oversee churches.
• Teaching: The ability to explain and apply God’s Word.
• Ephesians 4:11 (KJV) says, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."

Encouragement and Giving:

• Exhortation/Encouragement: The ability to encourage and comfort others.
• Giving: The ability to give resources generously.
• Romans 12:8 (KJV) includes these gifts: "Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity."

Leadership and Mercy:

• Leadership: The ability to lead and guide a group effectively.
• Mercy: The ability to show compassion and empathy to those in need.
• Romans 12:8 (KJV) also states, "he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

III. Embracing and Using Spiritual Gifts:

Recognizing Your Gift:

• Spend time in prayer and reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual gifts. Seek confirmation through the counsel of mature believers and by observing how God works through you.
• 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) says, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Using Your Gift in Love:

• Spiritual gifts should be exercised in love, serving others selflessly and without seeking personal gain. Love is the foundation that ensures our gifts are used for edification, not division.
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (KJV) reminds us, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

Glorifying God with Your Gift:

• Ultimately, the use of our spiritual gifts should bring glory to God. As we serve others and build up the church, we reflect God’s love and power.
• Matthew 5:16 (KJV) encourages us, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Conclusion: The gifts of the Spirit are diverse and vital for the growth and health of the church. Each gift, whether seemingly small or grand, plays a crucial role in building up the body of Christ. As we recognize, embrace, and use our spiritual gifts, let us do so with love and humility, always aiming to glorify God and serve others faithfully.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gifts of the Spirit. Help us to recognize and embrace our unique gifts, using them to serve and edify the body of Christ

. May we exercise our gifts in love, humility, and for Your glory. Strengthen us to be faithful stewards of Your manifold grace, and guide us as we build up Your church. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

By understanding and embracing the gifts of the Spirit, we fulfill our roles within the church, serving God and one another more effectively. Let us commit to discovering and using our spiritual gifts, knowing that each one is a divine tool for building up the body of Christ and spreading His love and truth.