1 CORINTHIANS 12: 4-11 NKJV SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2013
(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.
The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Corinth. Paul is talking of gifts of extraordinary power and scope bestowed on early Christians which were meant to be for the benefit of others – he is warning against the abuse of these gifts. When reading the history of the early Church – and indeed the history of the ancient world – there is abundant information indicating an explosion of energy at the time which is alluded to in the verses we are studying which describe the gifts of the same Spirit, the Same Lord and the same God Who works all in all.
These gift were meant for the salvation of others. It does not automatically follow that the gifts Paul spoke of were given to persons in divine favor. Paul wanted those who received these gifts to know they came from God and were meant to be used for His purposes. Paul began Chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians by comparing the Corinthians former state as being of the Gentiles; “carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led” . Now, in contrast to this former condition, they must know that all true spiritual gifts come from God. The Spirit was manifested by the exercise of gifts but they were given for the benefit of the Church – for the spread of the gospel and the edification of the body of the church. No man is given this gift for himself but for the glory of God and the benefit of others – more like a trust given to man for stewardship. Spiritual gifts are not given for show but are meant for service.