Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4–18

Introduction

God has given many different gifts to His church. He has a place of service for each person who experiences the new birth and commits his life to Him. It may be a place in the forefront, or it may be a place not noticed by others. Whether great or small, all gifts are needed, and one is not more important than another. Let us use our gifts and abilities for the glory of God, and let us appreciate the gifts of others. Someday all of us will give an account of how we have used the gift entrusted to us.

Key Verse

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ (Eph. 4:7).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

During Paul’s second missionary journey, he spent a year and a half preaching and teaching in Corinth. Later, in his letter to them, he shared his concerns about the challenges they were facing; divisions and contentions had been springing up among them. With this as a backdrop, Paul, as a true spiritual father, gave instructions on the diversity of gifts God has given for edifying the church. He taught them that as each one would humbly labor in his gift inspired by the Holy Spirit, it would bring unity.

Some of the gifts mentioned by Paul are more outstanding and readily recognized than others. However, all God-given gifts, even if not mentioned in his letter, are needed. We need brethren who have the gift of administration. Many places in the church are filled by those who give themselves to this calling. We appreciate the wisdom of those who give themselves to prayer and meditation as men of the Word who are willing to share their conviction. Those who have a godly vision of spiritual things can give confidence and courage to those who hesitate or stumble. We need those with the gift of prophecy [exhortation] who are able and willing to be watchmen on the walls of Zion. The gift of helps is perhaps a gift everyone can exercise. It can blossom in so many ways as we unselfishly give our time. All of us have experienced someone’s care and compassion; it strengthens the tie that binds us together. Giving our time and talent brings a blessing to both the giver and the recipient (Acts 20:35).

Teaching is another gift that is blessing the church. Though Paul is likely referring to teachers of the Word, we also appreciate the gifts of brothers and sisters who give themselves to teaching our children. Fifty years ago, it would hardly have seemed possible to have young, gifted teachers coming from our schools with eight or nine years of school. God has greatly blessed our church schools with spiritual teachers as mentors and examples to our children.

Our natural body is comprised of many members with different functions all working together to make a complete, working body. It is indeed marvelous how the various members of the body function together seamlessly as well as simultaneously. The head, or brain, processes all the information that is taken in through the senses while sending signals which enable the body to accomplish its tasks. Every part is needed, and if one is lost, we are hindered. We can also see how our body instinctively tries to protect any of its members that are threatened. However, this works only when each part retains its connection to the head, which is central to all coordination. Sometimes accidents or health problems hinder this connection, and the results can be devastating, perhaps leaving one crippled for life.

The design of the human body working in complete unity continues to be a wonderful example of the working church. The gift and talent of every member is needed, and when someone hides or neglects their gift, the work of God suffers. It is imperative that each brother and sister remain connected to Christ, the Head, and are obedient to His leading. If this connection is lost, we suffer.

Practical Truths for Today

Each person God created is unique. Physical appearance, personalities, and mental capabilities differ and are all part of the wonder of God’s creation. These differences have permitted man to accomplish amazing things. We look at some of the wonders of engineering, the desire to explore unknown parts of the universe, the creative thinking that has resulted in many inventions for mankind’s benefit, the tremendous advances of medical science, and many other developments. This brings an appreciation for the many faculties God has given to man. A world in which we would all be identical is hard to imagine.

Among the many natural talents God has given to men and women are gifts of expression. Some people are born with musical ability, some with the potential to be gifted orators, and others with the natural ability to relate to people and to efficiently organize them. Sadly, Satan has exploited human abilities and caused evil of every imaginable kind from the time of Adam’s fall. Many people have used their talents for their own selfish pursuits, which often leads to their ruin.

The differing talents we have been given are to be used for the glory of God. While God could accomplish His will without man’s help, He has chosen to use men and women for His purpose. Our lesson text talks of God-given gifts that are used in His service for the growth and edification of the church. As we are dedicated to God, the Holy Spirit sanctifies and directs the use of our talents in a way to further the gospel. We should never feel that the gift we have is of lesser or greater importance than our brother’s or sister’s. Each person’s individual gift is needed.

Every Christian has something to give back to God. After we are converted, God wants to lead our lives. Our responsibility grows as we are obedient to the Holy Spirit, resulting in opportunities to use the gifts that God has given us. As we mature, He continues to sanctify us and make us fit for His kingdom. It may start in how we treat our siblings at home. The Spirit may prompt a child to share his conversion experience with an unconverted friend or to show interest in a schoolmate who feels left out. As Christian young people mature, soon they are filling places as teachers and volunteers in projects at home and church outreach programs. Some will be called to serve in missions in our own land or lands far away. God blesses those who unselfishly give according to their abilities.

One gift we can all practice and that is very much needed in a hurting world is the gift of listening. God instructed the prophet Ezekiel to minister to His people by sitting where they sat. “Then I came to them of the captivity of Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days” (Ezek. 3:15). God is pleased when we empathize with those who are hurting.

We need to recognize that if any good comes from our efforts it is only because God directs and multiplies the little we do. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7). This humbles us and helps us to see how earthen our vessel really is. One song says, “Little is much when God is in it.” 1

A certain brother felt God was asking him to visit with a fellow church brother who was going through a time of discouragement and had been asked by his brethren to repent. In obedience to the Holy Spirit, he went to offer encouragement. As he was ready to leave, they continued to visit as he sat in the car with the door open. He later learned that the visit was helpful. However, it was nothing he had said. As they visited, the discouraged brother noticed the warning light on the dash of the car displaying, “Door Ajar.” The Holy Spirit had spoken through the warning light, and the struggling brother had been able to accept that God had left a door ajar for him. God uses our obedience in ways we cannot expect or anticipate. The gifts of a caring heart and a listening ear coupled with a humble spirit can be priceless blessings to both the giver and the receiver.

Illustration

The Gospels all record the miraculous event of Jesus feeding five thousand people. At the end of the day the large crowd of men, women, and children were hungry, and Jesus asked His disciples how they could be fed. The gospel of John records where the gift Jesus used came from. “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:8–9).

We can imagine that it took a step of faith for the lad to give his meal to the disciples, but he did so, and as Jesus multiplied that gift, thousands were fed.

It has been said that there is no end to the good that could be accomplished if no one cared who received the credit. May we, like the unnamed lad in Jesus’s time, offer the little we have, trusting that God will bless our contribution and use it to edify others.

The church has grown through the years as older and younger brethren from across the conference work together. To hear the concerns of the brethren and feel the leading of the Holy Spirit in sharing and working together gives us confidence as we look to the future. Knowing that there are many Spirit-led brethren who are using their gifts for the work of the church builds our faith in God and His church.

Questions

1. Should we be conscious of our own gifts?
2. What are ways to help young Christians exercise their gifts?
3. We need people with different perspectives to see all sides of an endeavor. How can we foster open sharing when views differ?
4. 1 Mrs. F. W. Suffield, “Little Is Much, When God Is in It”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).