Connect Exodus 31:4 with 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 on spiritual gifts.

Spirit-Filled Artistry in Exodus 31:4

“to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 31:4).

• God names Bezalel personally (vv. 1-3) and literally “fills him with the Spirit of God” for a very specific skill set.

• The craftsmanship is not a side note; it is Spirit-empowered ministry, every bit as real and historical as the tabernacle it adorned.

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One Spirit, Many Gifts—1 Corinthians 12:4-7

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

• Different gifts (v. 4)

• Different ministries (v. 5)

• Different workings (v. 6)

• One triune God energizing them all (vv. 4-6)

• Every gift aimed at benefiting the whole body (v. 7)

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Key Parallels Between Exodus 31 and 1 Corinthians 12

• Same Source: The Holy Spirit empowers Bezalel’s artistry and the Corinthian believers’ diverse gifts.

• Diversity Celebrated: Metalwork, teaching, prophecy, administration—each gift is unique yet equally Spirit-given.

• Tangible Outcome: In Exodus, skill produces a visible tabernacle; in Corinth, gifts build a living temple—the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:16).

• Corporate Blessing: Bezalel’s work served the entire nation; New-covenant gifts serve “the common good.”

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Purpose Behind Every Gift

• Reveal God’s glory—skillfully crafted gold speaks of His splendor just as a Spirit-led word of wisdom does (Exodus 31:3-5; 1 Corinthians 2:7).

• Build up God’s people—Israel worshiped in a Spirit-designed space; the church grows through Spirit-designed ministries (Ephesians 4:11-12).

• Display unity in diversity—the tabernacle’s varied materials foreshadow the many-membered body of Christ working in harmony (Romans 12:4-8).

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Living Out the Connection Today

• Recognize every ability as God-given, whether artistic, administrative, or overtly miraculous (James 1:17).

• Offer your skill back to Him; the Spirit who crafted lampstands can inspire spreadsheets, songs, or sermons (Colossians 3:23).

• Stay dependent on the Spirit; gifting flourishes when fueled by ongoing filling (Ephesians 5:18).

• Aim for the body’s good; gifts shine brightest when they lift others, not the self (1 Peter 4:10).

The same Spirit who equipped Bezalel for gold and wood equips believers today for every task He assigns, weaving each gift into a single, beautiful testimony of His glory.