In what ways does this verse connect to the New Testament teachings on gifts? God’s Spirit-Filled Craftsman “‘I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.’” – Exodus 31:3 A Preview of New Testament Gift-Giving • Same Source – Exodus 31:3: “filled … with the Spirit of God.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4: “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.” • Same Diversity – Bezalel received wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. – 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 lists word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation. • Same Purpose – Bezalel’s skills served the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among Israel. – Ephesians 4:12: gifts equip “the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,” now God’s dwelling (Ephesians 2:22). Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge – Echoes in the Epistles • 1 Corinthians 12:8—“to one is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom … to another the message of knowledge.” • Colossians 1:9—Paul prays believers be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” What Bezalel received foreshadows the intellectual and practical gifts now distributed to every believer. Craftsmanship and Service Gifts • Romans 12:6-8 lists serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy—hands-on gifts that, like craftsmanship, meet tangible needs. • 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” Artistry in Exodus points to varied, practical ministries in the church. From Tent to Temple People • Exodus: physical Tabernacle built by gifted artisans. • 1 Peter 2:5: believers are “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. • The Spirit still equips workers so God’s presence is displayed, now through His people. Key Connections at a Glance • Old covenant: Spirit empowers a few for a specific task. • New covenant: Spirit indwells all believers, distributing gifts broadly (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Old: craftsmanship builds a temporary sanctuary. • New: gifts build an eternal, worldwide Body. • Old: skills assigned by name (Bezalel, Oholiab). • New: every believer is named and needed (1 Corinthians 12:18-22). Living It Out • Recognize every Spirit-given ability—creative, intellectual, relational, practical—as sacred. • Seek the Spirit’s filling for excellence, just as Bezalel did. • Use gifts collaboratively; Tabernacle construction required many skilled hands, mirroring the interdependence taught in 1 Corinthians 12. • Expect God to inspire beauty and order through His people today, displaying His glory as tangibly as the gold-laden sanctuary once did. |
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