In one sentence Paul strips away any thought of:-
- Spiritual pride with the gifts.
- Disappointment in not having certain gifts.
- Division within the church over the gifts.
Having explored each of the nine gifts Paul lists here (and there’s more) he repeats what he said in his opening line in v7.
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:11
- Gifts come from the same person, the Holy Spirit. They originate from Him. They are His gifts. They belong to Him. They are His work. Let me add more emphasis – they are not ours.
- Gifts come as the Holy Spirit determines. We can ask for the gifts and Paul will encourage us to do this later. But it’s not like we pick and choose what we want. It’s what He wants and ultimately what will bring glory to God.
- Gifts are given to each one. Every Spirit-filled believer is given gifts. No one is gift-less. The Holy Spirit knows which gifts to give to which person.
When these gifts are respected and released they bring the reason why we are placed in the Church. They give purpose.
Even more importantly we know we are contributing to the unity and purpose of the Church.
Today let these truths be known whichever part of God’s church you serve in.
Missions Paul 