Empowered by the Same Spirit

The People of God Set Priorities
Living as a Community of Believers
A Call to Unity

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

The Message

^4-11 God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:

wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.

 
For Reflection

All kinds of gifts are handed to all kinds of people, ALL KINDS of people.  The variety is the strength of the church.  Like God, the church is not just one thing.  God uses all things to express the nature of becoming in the likeness of God, evolving from childhood to mature believers who act in accordance with the will of God.  All things in God are good.

 

Pray

that you will express the nature of a God-centered steward of the Kingdom.  Pray that all will find the sanctuary, comfort, hope, compassion, love and nurturing of justice and peace for all people that is the foundation of the church.