1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (WEL) Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 There are different results, but it is the same God who works all things in all. 7 This observable ministry of the Spirit is given to everyone for the benefit of all.
V4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
Gifts are the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:7-13, and 1 Peter 4:10-12).
The gifts are different, but the Holy Spirit gave the gifts for service. What person can serve as an ambassador without having skills and gifts? We are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:20.
V5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord.
The gift of teaching can be seen in preaching, teaching a class, music, writing, etc.
The same can be said for encouragement and the other spiritual gifts.
Regardless of what gift it is and how it is applied, it is the same Lord. This is the Lord Jesus who is the head of the church (believers)—Colossians 1:18.
V6 There are different results, but it is the same God who works all things in all.
An evangelist may have very few (Noah) or many (Jonah). Regardless, it is the same God who blesses the words and actions. It is the same God who convicts of sin (John 16:8) and opens eyes and heart (Acts 16:14). What is required is faithfulness, loyalty, and obedience. Compare the parable of the ten talents in Luke 19:11-26.
V7 This observable ministry of the Spirit is given to everyone for the benefit of all.
Supernatural results and blessings from the supernatural God. Every believer has at least one gift.
(Holman Commentary) Paul elaborated on the themes of unity, diversity, and distribution, first stating that God gives a manifestation of the Spirit to each person. The Holy Spirit is the down payment or guarantee of every believer’s future inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). So all believers receive the Spirit. Paul did not speak only of the Spirit’s indwelling presence here, but of the manifestation of the Spirit. This terminology indicates that every believer has some display of the Holy Spirit’s presence in his or her life.
“Also, the manifestation of the Spirit has a particular goal: the common good (cf. 1 Peter 4:10). The gifts of the Spirit are not principally for the edification of the individuals who receive them, but for the good of all believers.”
We learn:
- About spiritual gifts.
- About the giver of the gifts.
- About the effect of the gifts.
Questions:
- Are you using your gift?
- Is it your goal to bring honor to the Lord Jesus?