In what ways can we ensure we "do not lack any spiritual gift"? Setting the Context 1 Corinthians 1:7 says, “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul is praising God’s faithfulness to equip believers while pointing us to Christ’s return. The verse reassures us that God has already provided everything needed for vibrant life and ministry; our responsibility is to steward what He supplies. Understanding “Spiritual Gift” • A spiritual gift is a God-given capacity empowered by the Holy Spirit for the building up of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Gifts vary—teaching, serving, exhortation, mercy, leadership, giving, tongues, healing, etc. (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). • Every believer receives at least one gift (1 Peter 4:10). No one is left out or overlooked. Receiving Gifts through the Gospel • Paul roots spiritual gifts in “the grace given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4). Salvation and gifting arrive together. • At conversion the Spirit indwells (Ephesians 1:13-14) and imparts gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). • Therefore, to ensure we do not lack, we first rest in the finished work of Christ—He has already granted all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Nurturing the Gifts We’ve Received • Stir them up: “Fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Spiritual gifts grow stronger through use. • Study Scripture: The Word trains us to wield gifts accurately (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Pray in the Spirit: Ongoing dependence keeps gifts fresh and Christ-centered (Jude 20). • Seek filling: “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) implies continual yielding to His control. Staying Surrendered and Expectant • Maintain eager anticipation of Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 1:7). Hope sharpens spiritual attentiveness. • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). Sin quenches gifting; obedience releases it. • Cultivate humility: Gifts function best when servants, not celebrities, wield them (1 Corinthians 13). Living Out the Gifts in Community • Engage the local church—gifts are for “the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Allow mutual recognition: Others often confirm what God has planted (Acts 13:2-3). • Practice love: The more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13) ensures gifts edify, not inflate. Guarding against Obstacles • Neglect—burying a gift (Matthew 25:18) leads to spiritual loss, not security. • Comparison—envying another’s gift stifles your own (1 Corinthians 12:15-18). • Isolation—gifts wither when detached from fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Unbelief—doubting God’s promise limits His work (James 1:6-7). Encouraged by God’s Promise 1 Corinthians 1:8 assures, “He will sustain you to the end.” The same God who bestows gifts also preserves and perfects them. As we rest in His grace, walk in obedience, and serve in love, we can be confident that we will not lack any spiritual gift until the day we see Jesus face-to-face. |
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