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Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also, is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

Where to begin? Paul is writing to the church to let them know about a very important lesson. He starts this section by making sure the readers understand that the Triune God of Israel is clearly stated as equally important with each part. Each are connected and each are equal. A Christian cannot remove any part of God. All that we have is given to us through Christ by the Spirit. And both are gifts from God to us. The church body functions within the faith.

Each gift of the Spirit is equal. None more important than the other. Each is given from the Spirit. A person cannot manipulate the Spirit. They may think the can but that is the devil at work. Being of the Spirit is submitting yourselves to the will of God. In the Lutheran Church we very seldom discuss the gifts of the Spirit. In other churches, it becomes the focal point. Almost like you must have a gift from the Spirit or they will question your salvation. That is manipulation of the Spirit as well. Be careful of these types of churches.

Again, all is given by the same Spirit. There is no deviation. God has been and will be the same.

Lord, show us our gifts of the Spirit that we may be witness of your son, Jesus the Christ. Amen!

Russ Nixon

rwnixon57@yahoo.com