BIBLICAL OBSERVATIONS OF MANIFESTATION GIFTS:
The entire context of 1 Corinthians 12-14 was intended to correct the misuse of these gifts and not deny nor overly promote them. Paul began his discussion of these gifts with a strong admonition to test the spirits. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3) Satan can both imitate and agitate in the context of all three categories of spiritual gifts. Paul stressed that the manifestations of the Spirit were for the common good… that is contrary to the notion that the some gifts are bad. 1 Corinthians 12:7 Spiritual gifts were given for the building up of the body of Christ. In context, the discussion of each of the three categories of spiritual gifts is about building up the local church. (See Romans 12:3-21; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Corinthians 12-14) Paul made it clear that agape love and not the manifestation of these gifts was the indication of spiritual maturity. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) Paul exercised restraint with the public use of these gifts during church services, especially his personal gift of tongues in public. (1 Corinthians 14:6-19) Every believer should have some degree of proficiency in each area of these gifts, but the person with the gift will have a much greater grace. (For example, we are all called to witness, ask for wisdom, be good stewards, exercise faith and pray, but the person a gift in that area excels.) When properly understood, each of these gifts serve an evangelistic or Great Commission purpose. (Acts 2-3) As you study the life and ministry of Jesus, He manifested all of the spiritual gifts. He was the fulness of God in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9) The full spectrum of spiritual gifts can be understood as the tool box the Holy Spirit has available to promote the gospel and build up the body of Christ in this age. (1 Corinthians 12:7 and 11) Stop denying Him of His tools. Some spiritual leaders with the gift of apostle or modern missionary may have many manifestation gifts. (Acts 12:12) Generally understood, most people have one or two manifestation gifts that are dominate, but the Holy Spirit can use any gift as needed through any believer if occasion merits. Spiritual gifts grow, develop and mature as they are exercised in faith. Don’t suppress or ignore your gifts. Spiritual gifts are given by God for the spread of the gospel throughout the entire church age. (See Hebrews 2:1-4)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
The entire context of 1 Corinthians 12-14 was intended to correct the misuse of these gifts and not deny nor overly promote them. Paul began his discussion of these gifts with a strong admonition to test the spirits. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3) Satan can both imitate and agitate in the context of all three categories of spiritual gifts. Paul stressed that the manifestations of the Spirit were for the common good… that is contrary to the notion that the some gifts are bad. 1 Corinthians 12:7 Spiritual gifts were given for the building up of the body of Christ. In context, the discussion of each of the three categories of spiritual gifts is about building up the local church. (See Romans 12:3-21; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Corinthians 12-14) Paul made it clear that agape love and not the manifestation of these gifts was the indication of spiritual maturity. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) Paul exercised restraint with the public use of these gifts during church services, especially his personal gift of tongues in public. (1 Corinthians 14:6-19) Every believer should have some degree of proficiency in each area of these gifts, but the person with the gift will have a much greater grace. (For example, we are all called to witness, ask for wisdom, be good stewards, exercise faith and pray, but the person a gift in that area excels.) When properly understood, each of these gifts serve an evangelistic or Great Commission purpose. (Acts 2-3) As you study the life and ministry of Jesus, He manifested all of the spiritual gifts. He was the fulness of God in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9) The full spectrum of spiritual gifts can be understood as the tool box the Holy Spirit has available to promote the gospel and build up the body of Christ in this age. (1 Corinthians 12:7 and 11) Stop denying Him of His tools. Some spiritual leaders with the gift of apostle or modern missionary may have many manifestation gifts. (Acts 12:12) Generally understood, most people have one or two manifestation gifts that are dominate, but the Holy Spirit can use any gift as needed through any believer if occasion merits. Spiritual gifts grow, develop and mature as they are exercised in faith. Don’t suppress or ignore your gifts. Spiritual gifts are given by God for the spread of the gospel throughout the entire church age. (See Hebrews 2:1-4)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
