Lesson 139 – When the Spirit Profits

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another, faith through the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing through the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all things, distributing to each one individually as he wills."

This has always been a comforting passage for me. God's word affirms both that believers do not determine their own gifting of the Spirit, either by works or request, and the profit of every Spiritual gift for the benefit of the church. Spiritual gifts were never intended to be about the individual believer, but instead the church as a whole.

Any teaching which lifts up one Spiritual gift over another is misplaced. When we elevate the status of one gift over another, we essentially say we know better than God's sovereign will in determining which gifts to give to a particular church at a particular time.

Notice that every gift is given for the profit of all within the church. They are not provided so one feels closer to God, or to show others spiritual maturity or growth in Christ, or to claim a blessing others have not experienced, or even to demonstrate God's power. Instead, Spiritual gifts are given to each believer for the profit of others within the church. These may or may not draw one closer to Christ or be in demonstration of God's power, and certainly, the presence or absence of a Spiritual gift cannot be used to validate one's relationship with Christ.

Likewise, no Spiritual gift is intended to be hidden or tucked away for another time in life. Instead, when the Spirit reveals a gift in our life, we must step out and faith and endeavor to use it for God's glory within the church. This is how our Lord has ordained it and how we must exercise our gifts in obedience.

The longer I pastor a church, the more I realize that God assembles the local church together just the way he intends it to be. Our inclination is to pray for evidence of certain gifts, but the better way is to pray for the Spirit to be at work, leaving the manifestation of Gifts to our Lord.

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the profit of your Spirit within the church. May I help others see how God has equipped them to serve your church and help them to use these gifts for your glory. Amen.