Bible Passage: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
When someone has cerebral palsy, their body refuses to do what their brain tells it to.
Imagine the frustration of that condition.
Now consider that Colossians 1:18 says that Jesus is the Head of the church.
Before we get too far into this week on spiritual gifts, let’s define what a spiritual gift is.
Tim Keller preached that spiritual gifts are “differing abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer to meet needs in such a way that it creates a community of people who are growing into the fullness of the character of Jesus Christ.”
Let’s break down that recipe:
- Differing abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each Men, there is a wide variety of natural and supernatural gifts that God has given us and wants us to use. The Bible is clear: You have spiritual gifts! The Bible is also clear that the Holy Spirit isn’t the only spirit that empowers and affects humans; think of the demoniacs who had supernatural strength and knowledge of Jesus’ true identity (Matthew 8:28-34 NIV). The source of gifts matters (1 Corinthians 12:1-3 NIV).
- To meet needs in such a way that it creates a community of people. Among the most common ways that spiritual gifts go awry is that we begin to think they give us an identity (your primary identity is that you’re a saved son of God, not your gift) or that we seek God’s power much like that of a genie in fairy tales (“wouldn’t it be cool if…”). Spiritual gifts are for doing God’s work to meet needs and build up His people (1 Corinthians 12:7 NIV).
- …Who are growing into the fullness of the character of Jesus Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is as important as the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Just like someone with cerebral palsy, Christ our Head must be frustrated. Revelation 3:20 paints a parallel picture of Jesus standing outside a church, knocking, asking them to let Him in.
We’re talking about spiritual gifts because there is nothing more glorifying to God or more good for us than to start listening to God’s commands and living out our calling as His Body.
Men, Jesus isn’t giving up on us. Instead, He’s giving us new gifts and inviting us again and again to be His Body and use the gifts He’s given us for His glory and our good.
Prayer: Lord, take this vision of a body working in harmony beyond our minds and into our hearts. Help us build up others. Help us to listen to You, our Head. Give us fresh devotion and courage today. Protect us from criticizing Your Body, and help us to build it up instead. Amen.
Reflection: 1 Corinthians 12 paints a picture of a church listening to God and not competing with each other (each part of the Body plays its part). In a week on spiritual gifts, it’s easy to get self-focused. Think of 1-2 other men in your church whose spiritual gifts you’ve observed. Send them a note thanking them for using their gifts to glorify God.
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