1 Corinthians 12

Tommorrow night's Bible Study will focus on the Gifts of the Spirit. Paul's description of the body of Christ motif would be incomplete without the operation of the gifts in the Church. The empowerment of the Church, through Holy Spirit, is a witness of God's grace (charisma) working in our lives everyday. The gifts of the Spirit are multi-function, and appear at various times. They are not just secluded to a church setting, but should be utilized in our daily activities. Ruel Camia gives a beautiful description of the gifts:

The Believer’s Relationship with the Gifts

"The gifts are manifestations of the Spirit’s presence. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

The Greek word for “manifestation” means – a shining forth, a making visible, a clear display, plain evidence.

Thus, we are used to reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The key thought is that we are the “used” and not the “users.”

Too many people want to use the gifts rather than be used by the Spirit in the gifts.

Too many people have it backwards.

They think the gifts are tools we use to do the work of God.

In reality, we are tools the Holy Spirit uses to manifest Himself.

Because of this fact, we are “used” and not the “users”.

We need to understand: The Spirit chooses which gift is to operate. (1 Corinthians 12:7)The Spirit chooses which person is to be used in the gift.

Thus, there is no room for jealousy.

The use of the gifts is a cooperation between man and the spirit.

We are actually a team with the Holy Spirit.

We are yielded vessels.

We have the potential for all the gifts.

The gifts are gifts of grace not earned by our lifestyle or maturity.

The Greek word for gifts:

DORON – an expression of honor for something we have done.

CHARISMA or CHARIS – a grace, unmerited favor.

Therefore the Spirit uses us in the gifts not based on our lifestyle or maturity.

A very good example is the church at Corinth.

Become the person the Spirit chooses to use.

Be a person of DESIRE (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1)

We are to be earnestly ambitious for the gifts.

We are commanded to desire to be used.

The causes of this desire:Obedience to God’s command."