Scripture:
I Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV
[4] There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: [8] for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, [10] 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. [11] But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Observation:
Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth addresses issues that seemed to have the people in an uproar. There was so much going on in the church that it seemed to be falling apart, and division and sexual immorality was not the only issue. It seemed as though they thought they were all supposed to be the same. Tall the same act the same dress the same…even worship the same. But Paul wanted to teach them that the only part of walking with GOD that was one size fits all in Jesus. Being different from each other had its benefits. I know the world has a distorted perception of this word right now, and I’m not trying to get off in the weeds about what diversity is really about, so let’s zero in on the Holy Spirit and the gifts that come from a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe what Paul is teaching the church of Corinth is that not all ministry is a cookie-cutter thing where it all looks the same. There is way more to it than that and the Holy Spirit is not limited to just one kind of gift. HE has different gifts for different people, but they all serve the same purpose… and that is to unify the body of Christ, not to divide it. By describing how the gifts operate, Paul is teaching those in the church not only what those gifts are but how when they are being used in the way they are designed to be used, it brings the church together. spoken words of wisdom and knowledge are part of the gifts and should be welcomed. How the Holy Spirit manifests itself in you is not by your choice. However, the Holy Spirit will decide who gets what gift, but they will all serve the same purpose. When we see that there are 2 different kinds of gifts that pertain to spoken words, it seems somewhat redundant. Although wisdom and knowledge are similar, there are some differences in them that can be clearly defined. Paul goes on to describe the other gifts such as faith… yes, your faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit and should be treated as such. Discernment is another way that the Holy Spirit manifests itself in the life of a believer. Gifts of healing tongues and the interpretation of them are still more ways that the Holy Spirit shows HIMSELF in the believer’s life. It’s not the only way, but it is a way.
Application:
What I want to bring out this morning is that we are not all the same. GOD has called us all to serve HIM. However, there are many different people that HE has brought into the body of Christ, and HE has gifted us all differently but for the same purpose. I do not look like you, nor will ever be like you, but that does not mean that we can not work together to further the kingdom. If we think that all of us should operate the same, we are confused. Now I’m not saying that to excuse away sin. But what I am saying is not everyone is going to speak in tongues or be able to interpret them. However, GOD has still gifted them to be used for kingdom purposes. It seems like over the existence of the church as a whole, we have looked at the different gifts as a dividing line rather than something that unifies us. The point is we all need to work together in order to bring heaven to earth and, after all, isn’t what the plan is… does the prayer say something to the effect of…” Your kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven.” We are all different… we are gifted differently… that doesn’t mean I don’t need you… in fact, it means I need you all the more. I don’t have your gift, but I need to use it so that knowledge can be imparted to me, or maybe your faith can carry me through to the next step the Father wants me to take. Maybe I don’t even know what that step is, and you have the gift of discernment. Our diversity should allow us to work together and not put a different label over our door. Just so you know, we are not Baptist or Pentecostal, Protestant, Catholic, or any other denomination. We are the church, and as soon as we realize that and use our gifts in unison to unite the body rather than divide it, we will have the impact that GOD intends for us to have and the gates of hell will not prevail. We will kick them down and retrieve our brothers and sisters from the clutches of the enemy. Suit up with your spiritual gift and get in this war with me. We need you.
Prayer:
Father, we stand here wanting to be used by you. We know that you made us all different. However, you gave us one purpose. Help us to see our desperate need for not only you but also our brothers and sisters who make up the true body of Christ. Bring about the unity that will allow us to be used effectively by you for the kingdom. We want to see your kingdom come. We want the peace, joy, and freedom the cones along with it. You have given us a purpose. Help us to fulfill it in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.