Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Spiritual: To be Used for Mutual Profit

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The concept of spiritual gifts is a significant theme within the New Testament, emphasizing the divine endowment of abilities and talents to believers for the edification of the Church and the glorification of God. These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit and are intended to be used for the mutual benefit of the Christian community, fostering unity, growth, and maturity in faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a comprehensive discussion of spiritual gifts in several of his epistles, notably in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This passage underscores the diversity of gifts and their unified purpose: the common good of the Church.

Diversity and Unity

The spiritual gifts are diverse, ranging from wisdom, knowledge, and faith to healing, prophecy, and discernment of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Despite this diversity, the gifts are unified by their source—the Holy Spirit—and their purpose. Paul emphasizes that these gifts are not for personal glorification but for serving others and building up the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , he states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Mutual Profit and Edification

The mutual profit of spiritual gifts is a recurring theme in Paul's writings. In 1 Corinthians 14:12 , he encourages believers, "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church." This directive highlights the importance of using spiritual gifts in a manner that strengthens and edifies the community of believers. The exercise of these gifts should lead to spiritual growth, increased faith, and a deeper understanding of God's will.

Love as the Guiding Principle

Paul places a strong emphasis on love as the guiding principle in the use of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," he asserts that without love, the exercise of spiritual gifts is meaningless. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 , he writes, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." Love ensures that the gifts are used selflessly and effectively for the benefit of others.

Practical Application

The practical application of spiritual gifts involves discernment, humility, and a willingness to serve. Believers are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in identifying and developing their gifts. Romans 12:6-8 advises, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do so cheerfully."

In summary, the spiritual gifts given by God are to be used for the mutual profit of the Church, promoting unity, growth, and love among believers. These gifts, diverse yet unified in purpose, are a testament to the manifold grace of God and a means through which His presence and power are manifested in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 4:10
As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... I used often to wonder that St ... more precious to the Christian are the spiritual gifts
concerning which ... God fervently wherever he beholds God's gifts and offices ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... many such gifts and pleasures are improperly used, they are ... concerning unity of mind
in relation to God-ordained spiritual gifts, counseling that ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Providence
... war; and then see how man wastes God's gifts, and wastes ... which I believe is something
far more spiritual and more ... Do you seek first God's kingdom, or your own ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations.
... God forbid. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. ... The very conception
of the spiritual is enshrined in the bosom of God's word. ...
/.../chapter iii fundamental oneness of.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... specially confers on his people, brings the gifts of God ... nothing but shadow forth
the grace of God, while the ... the fathers ate of the same spiritual food, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ...
... by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing ... to the highest, and from the
material to the spiritual. ... Perhaps, as God before the conflict had the evil of ...
/.../faustus denies that manichaeans believe.htm

Paul's Longing
... which he employs here, 'gift' is never used in the ... I have said that I have to thank
God for the ... the meaning of our assembling are, that spiritual gifts may be ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls longing.htm

Book viii. The Blessed Apostle Paul in Laying Down the Form for ...
... that the expression Spirit of God' was used with respect ... to one God, the property
of being God; since the ... how rare and hard to attain are such spiritual gifts! ...
/.../book viii the blessed apostle.htm

Introduction.
... against the two most excellent gifts which God ... daring and victorious flights" of
spiritual aspiration, they ... celebrate the blessings of "the God of Providence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/introduction.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... is united with His strength, and the spiritual powers of ... are His, delivered and received:
but these gifts do not ... should know Thee, the only true God, and Him ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm