We’re continuing to look at the spiritual aspects of serving the Lord from First Corinthians.  We know that the Holy Spirit wants to speak through the church.  How He does that is different in each of us.

Paul brings this out using four important words.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4

The first thing we’re told is that the same Holy Spirit gives different gifts.  It’s important that we understand what this means.

There are two words in the New Testament that are translated as gift.  The first is the Greek word doron.  This one is more in line with the way we give presents in our society.  It’s a gift that once given, you can do with it what you want.  You can use it, sell it, give it away, or take it back to a store for a refund.

That’s not the word in this verse.  This Greek word is charismata.  This is a gift that the giver still has some strings attached.  The giver tells you how it will be used.

“I’m giving you this money, but it’s only to buy that new suit you wanted.”

So the Holy Spirit has different gifts that He gives the instructions on how they’ll be used.  Nobody can just do as they please in the Spirit.  We must all be Spirit led.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:5

The next group of differences concerns our service.  There are different kinds of servanthood, but we all bow to the same Lord.

We need to see that we’re not all called to serve in the same way.  How I serve Christ may be very different than the way you serve Him.  Because of this, I can’t judge you because you’re not just like me.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
1 Corinthians 12:6

Next, we’re told that there are different ways that God works in and through us.  The Greek word used here is where we get our English word, energy.

In the natural, there are different forms of energy.  They’re always active in the world around us, whether we realize it or not.

It’s the same with God.  The verse literally says that He works all in all.  God is not a respecter of persons.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a new Christian or have been walking with The Lord for many years.  He wants to work powerfully through your life.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7

The final word Paul uses is the bottom line of our walk in the spirit.  The Holy Spirit wants to manifest in each of us.

Unfortunately, the word, manifestation, has become a part of our church vocabulary.  We rarely use it in normal talking.

The Scriptural word means to appear.  It also means to be bright.  It’s like a flashing neon sign that catches your attention as you’re driving by it.

The Holy Spirit in us wants to be like a sign, flashing His presence in our lives.  He wants it to be evident to all those around that He’s actively working through you.

These four things, in combination, make each of us a very unique individual in Christ.  As we come together in agreement and unity, the Spirit is able to do mighty things through His church.

Question: What makes you unique in the Lord?

© 2019 Nick Zaccardi