There are diversities of Gifts,
but the same Spirit.
there are differences of ministry,
but the same Lord.
And there are differences of ministries,
but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of Activities,
but it is the Same God
who works all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit
is given to each one
for the profit of all.
1Corinthians 12:4-7
We have covered the prominent and primary gifts that have been given to the Church. As anyone can surmise, those gifts are present in the Church today and for the same purpose. All gifts should be understood by the written word of God and not by our presuppositions, as many have done and are misleading people into error. The Spirit of God grants to some people special gifts that are most needed in the operation of the Church and for the promulgation of the Gospel. One such gift is that of wisdom. Now, we all have some wisdom, some more than others, and some as we all do have some spiritual wisdom but that one that has this special given gift by the Holy Spirit has it in a degree much larger and prominent than those who are not so gifted. We can see that Paul demonstrated such wisdom, not just an eloquence, but a wisdom that can only come to him by the Holy Spirit granting to him spiritual wisdom. This unique manner of giving a special capacity of wisdom is so that the Church grows by means of this wisdom in a spiritual way. Those with such wisdom make sound decisions based upon their knowledge of God's word, and directed by the Holy Spirit to use such wisdom to benefit believers, and the Church at large.
Paul writes that the Holy Spirit gives the gift of knowledge which concerns that this person has more than some acquaintance with God's word. This gift of knowledge is applied by wisdom to practical situations causing that the gift of wisdom and the gift of knowledge must work together, a cooperation between those who have this gift either singularly or have both gifts in one person. Jesus gives us this narrative where a believer may need both gifts. This narrative as to when a person is arrested and brought before the magistrate: "But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). Does that mean that we are not to study God's word, and just sit back and wait for the Holy Spirit? No! God will take from you what you have put in, that is by a disciplined study God will teach you, and will apply that teaching to your mind during times of crisis, or need. This special gift is so that the person will have the capacity to learn what the Holy Spirit is teaching us and who shows us how to use that knowledge: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1Peter 3:15). The gift of knowledge while applied to some in a special manner has no meaning that we as Christians having not gifted in that way are to sit back and let others lead and grow in the knowledge of God. No! We all must study to show ourselves approved by God (2Timothy 2:15), and Peter makes this fact clear: "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2Peter 3:18).
All congregations must have one who has these special gifts of the Holy Spirit. We may recall that after prayer a certain person would come up with the correct direction and a right decision. We all are to be wise, we all are to be knowledgeable, and we all are to make use of what we have been given by God, our talents, our gifts, all for the benefit of the Church and propagation of the gospel.
There are other special gifts for the Church and I will address those in the next blogs. Until then, use your gift, if you see things that must be done, do them, even if you do not feel that this is your gift: it might be, or that the Holy Spirit is directing you for the moment to care for the body of believers.
Therefore prepare yourself
and arise.
And speak to them all that
I command you.
Do not be dismayed before
their faces, Lest I dismay
your before them.
Jeremiah 1:17
Rejoice For God Will Destroy The Enemy
Richard L. Crumb
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