17 DAYS TO PENTECOST

17 DAYS TO PENTECOST – THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 2

TEXT:  1 CORINTHIANS 12

²⁷ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

²⁸ And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

³⁰ Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

³¹ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

KEY TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12: “But covet earnestly the best gifts…”

REFLECTION:  There are three listings of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. 

In Romans 12 they are: 1. Exhortation, 2. Giving, 3. Leadership, 4. Mercy, 5. Prophecy, 6. Service, and 7. Teaching.

In 1 Corinthians 12 the Apostle gives a longer list: 1. Administration, 2. Apostle, 3. Discernment, 4. Faith, 5. Healing, 6. Helps, 7. Knowledge, 8. Miracles, 9. Prophecy, 10. Teaching, 11. Tongues, 12. The Interpretation of Tongues, and 13. Wisdom.

Paul lists only five gifts in Ephesians: 1. Apostle, 2. Evangelism, 3. Pastor, 4. Prophecy, and  5.Teaching.

In addition to these 20 spiritual gifts we find a few others including “hospitality” mentioned throughout  the New Testament. 

It would be a mistake to think that the person who has been given one particular gift is more spiritual than a person who has been given a different gift.  Some of the gifts are used by the Lord to reach large groups. Others will be used by God to minister to few or to even one other soul.  But the Lord gives the gifts severally “as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11).  The sanctified are not concerned with receiving any glory or praise, they long to give God all the glory and praise—to God be the Glory! 

From time to time I have been advised that I would be a greater Christian witness if only I had the gift of tongues.  We know that the Lord gives at least 20 definite gifts, but some believers call only one of the 20 “THE” gift.” On one occasion a group of well-meaning Christians met to specifically pray that I would receive “THE gift.” They just knew that if I had “THE gift” our congregation would really grow.  They waved colorful flags.  They sang. They lifted their voices together.  They laid their hands on me.  I prayed that the Lord would give me the gift He willed to give me. To their great distress I didn’t receive “THE” gift.  I have often thought about their disappointment.  They thought I had the gift of evangelism but that wasn’t enough.  How human. 

It would also be a mistake to think that one particular gift is as beneficial as any of the other gifts.  Paul specifically urges, “covet earnestly the best gifts.” (1 Corinthians 12:31).  He concludes his teaching on the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying with this inspired counsel, “covet to prophecy, forbid not to speak with tongues.”  (1 Corinthians 14:39).  Whatever gift the Holy Spirit endows it should be for this purpose, “that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12).  Those who are gifted by the Spirit are consumed with two passions—to glorify God and to build up the Church of Jesus Christ His Son.  They are never trying to impress others with their super-spirituality.

It is not coincidental that the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle to nestle one of the loftiest passages in all of Scripture amidst his teaching on Spiritual Gifts.  If we profess to be super-gifted but have not love we are nothing.  Without love tongues are no more significant than tinkling cymbals.  Without love, prophecy, knowledge, and even mountain-moving faith is nothing.  Without love, voluntary poverty and even martyrdom are of no value.

Certainly God’s people should earnestly desire the best gifts, but it is the way of love—that the Apostle exalts as “the more excellent way.”  Wherever the Spirit prevails, love triumphs.

PRAYER: Our Father in Heaven, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.  We pray that the Spirit of Holiness that abides in our hearts would continue His sanctifying work.  We pray that “the love of God would be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who is given to us.”  We pray that the Spirit would guide us, confirm us, and bear witness with our spirit that we are your children.  As we approach the Day of Pentecost we pray for a personal Pentecost.  We pray that your Spirit would fall fresh upon us.  Ignite with us a holy passion that would burn brightly on the altar of our hearts.  “Send the old-time power, the Pentecostal Power, that sinners be converted and thy name glorified!”  In Jesus name we pray, Amen. “Our Father, &c”