.jpg)
1 Cor 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
The body is not made up of believers (saints) all having the same sort of gifting, anymore than a body is made up of folks that all have the same personality traits.
In the body of Christ, there are two classes of gifts.
1 Cor 12:5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Most church folks are tuned into service, but when it comes to the "kinds of working", some folks get a little widgy for no reason. Let me ask, you this: are you just serving, or are you being used in the kinds working type of Holy Spirit ministry?
The spiritual gifts, whether those of service, or those of supernatural working, are God's gift to the body of Christ, not to you personally. If you love others, they will become part of your personal ministry; one which we all have. The spiritual gifts are given to you to steward - and like a muscle, they will atrophy, or burgeon, depending on how you use them.
2 Timothy 1:6 Stir up the gift within you.
If you have primarily been serving the church in works of service, I challenge you to desire one or more of the supernatural gifts.
1 Cor 14:1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.
I have written about the spiritual gifts many times. They are essential for the Kingdom of God to flourish here on earth, even before the return of Jesus.
Here are some older blogs.
1 Corinthians 12 - The 12 Spiritual gifts with biblical references.
Ephesians 4:11 - The 5-Fold ministry, or Ascension Gifts in 7 Parts.
How about you, do you serve in church using supernatural gifts, or just natural gifts? Are you happy with that? If you could have one more gift, what would it be?
2 comments:
Thanks for this message David. I feel that I am a part of the body however, operating in the supernatural gifts isn't something I've actively pursued. Not because I don't want to be used in Christ in that way, but moreso because I've feared what may be in and of my self and/or knowing God's gift He has placed in my life. *sigh* It's something I should earnestly seek after and repent for not doing. Thank you for this message David.
"If God is only using you outside the church, there is also a problem."
I have to dissagree on this statement. Perhaps God may use one outside of the church to bring others into the Body of Christ that would not normally be in church. As long as two or more are gathered in worship to God, that is the Body of Christ.
Post a Comment