How can we "earnestly desire the greater gifts" in our daily lives today? Setting the Stage “ But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison.” (1 Corinthians 12:31) Paul has just listed a variety of spiritual gifts (vv. 8-10) and reminded us that the Holy Spirit distributes them “as He determines” (v. 11). Yet we are still commanded to pursue the most useful gifts with holy eagerness. What Are “the Greater Gifts”? •Those that most clearly build up the church in love and truth (1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 12) •Examples Paul elevates: prophecy, teaching, discernment, tongues with interpretation—always measured by the edification they bring •Gifts that proclaim Christ clearly and strengthen believers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:6-8) Why Desire Them Earnestly? •Obedience—Scripture explicitly tells us to (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1) •Edification—greater gifts strengthen many, not just the one who exercises them (1 Corinthians 14:26) •Witness—Spirit-empowered ministry makes the gospel compelling (Acts 4:29-31) •Stewardship—we are accountable to use what God offers (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Peter 4:10) Practical Ways to Cultivate Earnest Desire Today 1.Search the Scriptures daily •Let God shape your understanding of the gifts (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2.Ask, Seek, Knock •“Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7-8). Pray specifically for gifts that build others up. 3.Pursue Love First •“Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1). Love keeps desire pure. 4.Serve Where You Are •Step into needs in your local church; gifts often emerge in humble service (Luke 16:10). 5.Submit to Godly Leadership •Invite elders to confirm and cultivate gifts in you (Hebrews 13:17). 6.Cultivate Holiness •Yield to the Spirit daily; sin dulls spiritual sensitivity (Galatians 5:16-25). 7.Exercise Faith •Take small, obedient risks—sharing a word of encouragement, praying for healing, teaching a lesson (Romans 12:6). 8.Remain Teachable •Test everything against Scripture; welcome correction (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). Guardrails for Pursuing the Gifts •Scripture Alone—no gift will contradict God’s Word (Isaiah 8:20). •Christ-Centered—gifts magnify Jesus, not the gifted (John 16:14). •Church Order—practice gifts “decently and in orderly fashion” (1 Corinthians 14:40). •Humility—“What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). •Love—without it, even spectacular gifts are “nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Growing in Love: The More Excellent Way Paul transitions from chapter 12 to the famous love chapter. Love is not a substitute for the gifts; it is the atmosphere in which they flourish. Pursue love daily by: •Meditating on Christ’s love at the cross (Romans 5:8). •Extending patient, self-sacrificing kindness to others (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). •Forgiving quickly and completely (Ephesians 4:32). As love deepens, so does our capacity to steward the greater gifts rightly. Putting It All Together 1.Anchor your heart in Scripture and love. 2.Pray boldly for gifts that most edify the body. 3.Serve faithfully where God has placed you. 4.Listen to the Spirit and to mature believers. 5.Use every gift to exalt Christ and build His church. Desire earnestly, pursue diligently, and trust the Spirit to equip you for everything He calls you to do—today and every day. |
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