August 19
Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22
1 Corinthians 12 is one of the most extensive passages in the Bible concerning spiritual gifts. Verse 1 instructs us regarding the critical nature of understanding these gifts which the Spirit grants to believers. There are a few things Paul wants us to understand:
First, we should realize that God is the source of all gifts. He is the one who enables people to receive and use their gifts. They are therefore not something we can take pride in but rather must respond to with thanks for the ways that God has worked in our lives.
Second, gifts are to be used for the benefit of others. God doesn't give us gifts to look good or for our prestige but rather for the "common good”. We are to use our gifts in a way that builds others up and helps them to mature.
Third, gifts remind us both of our unity and individuality. We are all part of one body which should be celebrated but we are also distinct. In working together, we can best glorify God and become mature as a group. Verses 12-26 stress this reality. If you feel like you don't have any gifts or that yours are not as good as someone else's, then you are wrong. The whole church needs to use its gifts and work together since every part matters. Paul says that as every part of the body is necessary for it to function well, so is every person in the church.
Esther models these same truths in narrative form. She has been given a gift of beauty and the position as queen, so she can stand up to save the Jewish people. She wasn’t given beauty and royalty for her own comfort but to serve others. As you examine your own life and gifting, we all need to recognize our gifts and serve others with them.
Father God, you are the source of all good things and that includes the gifts which you have given to me. Help me to use my gifts for the benefit of others so that the whole church can mature. Help me not to take pride or shame in my gifts but rest in your Spirit as the source and your providence in the ones I have. Give me the courage to serve others today. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you more effectively use your gifts for the "common good”?
1 Corinthians 12 is one of the most extensive passages in the Bible concerning spiritual gifts. Verse 1 instructs us regarding the critical nature of understanding these gifts which the Spirit grants to believers. There are a few things Paul wants us to understand:
First, we should realize that God is the source of all gifts. He is the one who enables people to receive and use their gifts. They are therefore not something we can take pride in but rather must respond to with thanks for the ways that God has worked in our lives.
Second, gifts are to be used for the benefit of others. God doesn't give us gifts to look good or for our prestige but rather for the "common good”. We are to use our gifts in a way that builds others up and helps them to mature.
Third, gifts remind us both of our unity and individuality. We are all part of one body which should be celebrated but we are also distinct. In working together, we can best glorify God and become mature as a group. Verses 12-26 stress this reality. If you feel like you don't have any gifts or that yours are not as good as someone else's, then you are wrong. The whole church needs to use its gifts and work together since every part matters. Paul says that as every part of the body is necessary for it to function well, so is every person in the church.
Esther models these same truths in narrative form. She has been given a gift of beauty and the position as queen, so she can stand up to save the Jewish people. She wasn’t given beauty and royalty for her own comfort but to serve others. As you examine your own life and gifting, we all need to recognize our gifts and serve others with them.
Father God, you are the source of all good things and that includes the gifts which you have given to me. Help me to use my gifts for the benefit of others so that the whole church can mature. Help me not to take pride or shame in my gifts but rest in your Spirit as the source and your providence in the ones I have. Give me the courage to serve others today. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you more effectively use your gifts for the "common good”?
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