August 20, 2023: Spiritual Abilities!

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;" (1 Corinthians 12:4, ESV)

In First Corinthians 12:4, Paul teaches the Corinthian church about spiritual gifts. The Greek word for gifts is 'charismaton'. It comes from the word grace. We know grace as God's ability in us to do the things we cannot do in and of ourselves. The spiritual gifts are the spiritual abilities of God. Paul lists nine spiritual abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to the individual members of the body of Christ. These abilities come from God and Him alone. There is nothing man can do to make them happen. Therefore, when the gifts/abilities manifest or become visible, touching other people's lives, only God can get the glory! Only His name can be praised!
    
There are varieties of abilities but the same Spirit! God is so amazing in how He has built His church. These gifts come from the Holy Spirit and are given to the body of Christ to manifest the Kingdom of God. When the gifts of God are in operation, God's goodness is revealed, and He is celebrated among His people!  
    
These abilities or gifts are supernatural. When the church moves in the gifts of the Spirit, supernatural activity is happening right before our eyes! This activity makes God visible. We can see Him at work in our lives! 

The Corinthian church was becoming proud of its spiritual gifts. Paul did not tell them to stop functioning, only to give God the glory for using them in these spiritual abilities!