1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
The Spirit works in each person differently according to God’s purposes for the person and how God has created, protected, and led that person. Paul will give a list of specific spiritual gifts in this chapter. This list may not be exhaustive. In fact, God makes each of us unique and we all have strengths and gifts. In these verses, Paul list three general areas of how the Holy Spirit empowers people for his kingdom : gifts, service, and activities. “Gifts” are the charismata or giftings that enable a person to do special tasks within the church. “Service” (deaconion) are ministries where a person does something to help others. “Activities” (energematon) are abilities and “energy” and vigor people put into doing things in the church. These three ideas show some overlap but cover just about anything a person can do within the body of the church to further the mission of God.
God empowers them all and helps people fulfill his plan of redemption. The implied question for us today is, are we using what God has given us to move forward the mission of the church? We do not want to be like the Corinthians and hoard these gifts for our own purposes. We must let the Holy Spirit flow through us and empower us for what God desires within our church in community.
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