1 Corinthians 12

There is something in each of us - something deep in our hearts - that leads us to rank ourselves in comparison with others. You would think we would have learned by now that this rarely plays out well. I know that for me personally, I am either (1) left despondent - feeling inferior or (2) I attempt to "one-up" those in my "category," or (3) I either idolize or trivialize those around me. The root of this is pride and it is bound up in every heart.  Sadly, it even shows itself in the church. In the 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses it head-on!

Now concerning spiritual gifts...

(12:11) All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.

The Holy Spirit gives spirititual gifts "as He wills." He is the one who empowers and He is the one who chooses. We don't get a vote and we shouldn't sek the glory.

(12:8) For to one is given...

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts TO each individual. If you are a Christian, you have a spiritual gift.

(12:7) To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts FOR the church. The manefestation of the Spirit's power in our lives is given for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and accomplishing our mission on earth. 

(12:18) But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.

God fits us together within a local church. You are in your local gathering of believers on purpose. You have been placed there by God and you have something to offer for the good of the body. Don't withhold your gift from the body and don't sell yourself short, as if you have nothing to offer. Because, "...the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable." (12:22)

(12:26-27) If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

We are here for one another, not for ourselves. Every victory is a family victory and every hardship should be carried together.

Bottom line: It's all from Him; it's all for them and it's not about us!

Questions:

• Do you know your spiritual gifts?
• Are you using your spiritual gifts within the context of a local gathering of believers?
• Are you using your spiritual gifts to serve the church?
• Are you using your spiritual gifts along with other believers to reach the world?

  BOBBY PRUITT  |  Lead Pastor

Bobby was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He is the youngest of 13 children and was the first believer in his family. He graduated from Columbia Bible College and served in churches in North & South Carolina before coming to Texas in 1994. Bobby and Amy have been married since November of 1990 and have 3 children (Riley, Beau, and Emma Grace).