1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV) … “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
The gifts are given for the good of the whole church. They are not for individual enjoyment, but for corporate employment. The Corinthians especially needed this reminder, because they were using their spiritual gifts selfishly to promote themselves and not to prosper the church. When we accept our gifts with humility, then we use them to promote harmony, and this helps the whole church.[1]
Different gifts are given different people - not all have the same gift. The gifts given to each person are clearly intended to be used for the common good. Paul concludes that regardless of what spiritual gift each person has, the Holy Spirit has sovereignly distributed them to produce his own spiritual results (v. 11). Therefore, no one should despise another person’s gift, a gift given by the Spirit for the good of all (v. 7). This theme the apostle develops in vv. 12–26. The Spirit mentioned here is set forth as one who is sovereignly God (he wills to give the gifts) and personally active (he “works” all these gifts in the lives of his people).[2]
What gift has God given to you to use for the common good of the body of Christ. Do you use that gift for the Lord’s glory?
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 608). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Mare, W. H. (1976). 1 Corinthians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, p. 263). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
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