For the Common Good

For the common Good

- Read 1 Corinthians 12

- In Romans 12, the emphasis was on the attitude of the individual who exercised the gift by the grace of God. In 1 Corinthians 12 the emphasis is on the Source of the gift as the God who distributes and guides the use of the gifts.

-  The opening verses of 1 Corinthians 12 indicate that the gifts are distributed for the purpose of confessing Jesus is Lord.

-  All gifts contribute to the glorification of Jesus as Lord not to the glorification of the individual.

-  Apportionments verses 4-6:

vs. 4-Apportionment of gifts—the same Spirit.

vs. 5-Apportionment of ministries—the same Lord.

vs. 6-Apportionment of effects—the same God.

-  The very same Spirit who enables us to confess Jesus as Lord operates in and through the gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ—the Church. 1 Cor. 12:7

Wisdom

-  Insight and comprehension of the deep things of God.

Knowledge

-  The ability to communicate facts.

Faith, Healing, Miracles

-  Faith. Different than saving faith. This is probably faith that works wonders. Faith that has the kind of openness and confidence that enable the power of God to operate through the person that has it.

Discernment

-  The ability to identify the counterfeit.

-  This gift is given for the protection of the Church.

Apostle

-  Webster’s defines Apostle as one who is sent on a mission

-  . Or one who initiates a great moral reform.

- Read 1 Corinthians 13