The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 38 — Spiritual Gifts II: Diligent, Fervent Servants Stewarding His Grace
Romans 12
each of us is to exercise them accordingly.
12:11 “…not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”
b. 1 Peter 4:10 “…employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God.”
4:11 “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances
of God; whoever serves is to do so by the strength which God
supplies, so that in all things God will be glorified.”
6 We are told to earnestly desire the greater gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:31 (WHAT!!??)
a. I Corinthians 12:14-26
The weaker parts are “necessary” and the less honorable is given abundant honor.
b. I Corinthians 12: 27-30
“God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second teachers, third teachers, then…” Is that a listing of importance or just a list?
Then it says, I will show you a better way and launches into 1 Corinthians 13—Love
If the greater gifts of tongues, prophecy, knowledge, giving, or even martyrdom are mine —-without love,
it is worthless.
Questions:
1. If you figure out your gifts, its possible to cruise in that gift because it is probably according to
your natural bent. True or False. Why?
2. If 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 says that God is the One who distributes the gifts, why would He say
“desire the greater gifts?”
3. Is there a reason for saying first apostles, second teachers…? (12:28)
4. Why does Paul launch from desiring greater gifts into the “love chapter?”
The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 39 Spiritual Gifts III: The Lord Has Made Each Different, Yet One
Reflection, Notes and Prayer