1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 12:1 “But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.” (BBE Bible in Basic English)
One of the most important realizations that you need to have as a believer is the knowledge of the fact that you are gifted. It has been erroneously peddled by some Christian sects that spiritual gifts have faded away from the body of Christ while some hold the strong opinion that it is the preserve of a very few Christians often referred to as the elders in church. This cannot be farther from scriptural truth.
From the scripture in 1 Corinthians 12:1 we see clearly that God does not want us to be ignorant concerning g the subject of spiritual gifts. The Bible in basic English renders it well when it said that it is not right for believers to be without teaching on the subject matter. It gives me unbridled pleasure to share with you insights on the all important subject of spiritual gifts at this precious time.
You must agree with scripture that you are gifted because you have the Holy Spirit. The discovery of this gift(s) is your responsibility. The bible made it abundantly clear when it said in Ephesians 4:7 that “each one of us” has been given a special gift through the generosity of Christ. The key word here is “each one of us”. So you are not excluded. God wants you to know that you have been given special abilities. You are not ordinary!
SPIRITUAL GIFTS DEFINED
In order to have a fuller understanding of the terms associated with spiritual gifts in scripture it will suffice for us to examine them in the light of the original Greek text. The word “Spiritual Gifts” in verse 1 of 1Corinthian 12 in the original Greek text simply reads “spirituals” (ton pneumatikon), meaning “things characterized or controlled by the Spirit.” Spiritual gifts, then, are first of all things controlled or characterized by the Spirit.
In verse 4 of 1Corinthians 12 we find the word “gifts” which translates from the Greek word charisma; hence, our term “charismatic.” The root word (charis) means “grace.” So now if pneumatikon tells us that spiritual gifts are things characterized by the Holy Spirit, charisma teaches us that they are gifts of God’s grace. They are not something we earn or deserve. They are gifts of grace. Regardless of what the term “charismatic” has come to mean and imply today, there really is no such thing as a non-charismatic gift. All gifts are charismatic; that is, all gifts are freely given by our gracious God.
THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE
Many believers have not entered into the operation of their gifts because they are under the illusion that spiritual gifts are meant for pastors and preachers which in their minds justify the spiritual dynamism of pastors and ministers in general. This misconception is one of the reasons why a lot of congregations are strangely mechanical and robotic because the gifts given are lying dormant in the spirits of the carriers. There is no outlet, partly because of wrong teaching and mostly because of no teaching on the subject matter.
In Ephesians 4:11 the bible says that Jesus gave gifts to men and that includes you and I. The picture being painted here is that of a conqueror coming from a victorious battle and dividing the spoils of war amongst his subjects. In plain language, our spiritual gifts are to be viewed as prizes of Christ’s victory on the cross. They are a part of our share in the blessings of the salvation He secured in His war against sin. This truth makes our spiritual gifts something to be treasured and greatly appreciated! They are gifts provided by the triumphant Christ who died, rose from the dead, and ascended into glory sharing with us, His people, the benefits of His victory.
DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The bible encourages us to desire spiritual gifts as if it is a necessary condition for the manifestation of these gifts in our lives. God usually is limited by the boundaries of our most potent desires. If we will operate these gifts it will be on the premises of a genuine desire to be used of God in such regard. What we don’t desire we do not deserve. If our desire for the manifestation of spiritual gifts ( i.e the special abilities that God gives) is not genuine, the Spirit of God will have difficulties demonstrating His power sustainably through us and in our midst.
You are gifted to be lifted!
For further Study
Ephesians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 12.
Personal declaration for the day
I am gifted by the grace of God therefore I will manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for you to reflect on
Are you walking in the gift of God for your life?
Comments & Testimonials