Why is it important to seek spiritual gifts that benefit the church community? Scripture’s Direct Charge “ So it is with you. Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12) The verse speaks plainly and authoritatively: spiritual gifts are to be pursued with one overriding aim—edifying, strengthening, and maturing the gathered body of believers. Gifts Are Given for Edification, Not Exhibition • Spiritual gifts are God’s gracious provision to meet real needs in the fellowship. • Pursuing gifts that benefit others keeps motives pure and guards against self-promotion (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • When the body is built up, every member flourishes; when gifts are misused, confusion and division follow (1 Corinthians 14:33,40). • Obedience to this design displays trust in the literal accuracy of God’s Word and submission to His wisdom. Benefits That Flow to the Whole Church • Strengthened faith: prophetic words, teaching, and wisdom anchor believers in truth (Acts 20:32). • Deeper love: gifts like mercy, helps, and giving demonstrate tangible care (Romans 12:6-8). • Growing unity: diverse gifts knit members together as one body (Ephesians 4:16). • Effective witness: a healthy, edified church shines Christ’s light to the world (John 13:35). • Protection from error: gifts of discernment and leadership guard doctrine (Titus 1:9). How Other Passages Echo This Theme • 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” • Ephesians 4:11-12 — Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given “to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” • 1 Corinthians 12:7 — “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” • Romans 14:19 — “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Every cited verse reinforces the literal, unchanging principle: gifts exist for the common good. Putting the Teaching into Action • Cultivate desire for gifts that bless others; ask the Lord specifically for what serves your congregation. • Immerse yourself in Scripture to align motives and methods with God’s revealed will. • Submit gifts to church leadership for affirmation, guidance, and accountability. • Use the gift quickly and humbly—gifts grow by exercise, not by storage. • Evaluate fruit: edification, peace, and increased Christ-likeness confirm that a gift is operating as God intends. |
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