The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Part 3
Memory Passage
because those who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a
slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry,
"Abba, Father."
Romans 8:14-15
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12
Please refer to your Bible.
Insights
"Two things may be said here by way of preliminary comment on this (arena of
debate and disagreement) vexed area of discussion...The second point to note
is the emphasis which the New Testament places on the role of love in the
exercise of spiritual gifts (implicit in Rom. 12:3-8, more explicit in 1 Pet. 4:10-
11, and the governing principle in 1 Cor. 13:1ff, as well as in Eph. 4:16): i.e. the
body upbuilds itself when its gifts are exercised in love. Thus the fruit of the
Spirit ('love.', Gal. 5:22) should be distinguished from the gifts of the Spirit,
but ought never to be absent in their exercise. For without love, and the
humility which accompanies it (Rom. 12:3, 1 Cor. 4:7), the purpose of the gifts
of the Spirit is thwarted (I Cor. 13:1-3). They are given through the Spirit of
Christ to equip believers to serve one another in the body of Christ and thus to
set on display the unity of the church in the context of its diversity, and vice
versa. For this, love is essential." -Sinclair Ferguson, The Holy Spirit
Consider this!
Unless the gifts are exercised in love they become as a noisy gong and a
clanging cymbal and the one gifted becomes nothing and profits nothing. (1
Corinthians 13:1-3) In the great command of Christ where He sums up all of
the commands, love is the fulfillment of all the law and the Prophets. Thus
without love, nothing is accomplished on behalf of the body of Christ or for the
glory of God. (Mathew 22:35-40)
Personal Reflection
- Our ministry (how we use our gifts) and involvement within the community of
believers becomes vitally important, not only for the body to function properly,
but for our spiritual health as well. If you were not using the gifts God has given
to you, what impact would it have on your spiritual growth?
- If you were using your gifts, but not with a spirit of love, what impact would it
have on the church?
- As you ponder your participation within the body, are you satisfied with where
you are serving? If so, write a prayer of thanksgiving to God. If not, pray and
ask God to reveal areas of opportunity where you might be able to better use
the gifts He has given you.
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