the gifts are given to you but are actually nothing to do with you in anyway whatsoever.

We have already seen that Paul believes the work of the Spirit, the graces, gifts, offices, ministries, workings, activities is never about us. It is always about Jesus. (yesterday’s blog).

In this next passage before we think over some of the gifts we see Paul reveal another reason why they are given. It is for Jesus we know that but also it is for others.

The moment you hear someone advertise their spiritual gift then run away. They’re not for self-promotion. Let’s see what Paul says:-

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ 

In v7 the Message says ‘everyone benefits’. They are not given as a badge of honour but for the common good meaning for others. We are just the conduit. It doesn’t mean we are special in anyway. That is why a gift doesn’t qualify anyone for spiritual leadership but maturity in Christ does. 

And wrapping around some of the gifts that Paul mentions he ends in v11 with another reason why we cannot feel superior: it wasn’t our will, our decision, but the will of the Spirit. And we know that His will is different to ours on many occasions. So why would the Spirit give the gifts? And we are back to the first reason which is Jesus and for His name to be known. 

Sadly so often we have hidden the spiritual gifts that have been given within the four walls of the church and perhaps we need to see them being used more outside where the demonstration of the gospel of Jesus can then be clearly seen. 

One final thing. Alongside the truth that the gifts are nothing to do with us there is one thing we have to do and that is receive by faith. The Spirit gives gifts but we have to receive and step out in faith.  When we do we know it is all about Jesus and for people He loves; it is never about drawing attention to ourselves.