The Body of Christ: The same Spirit
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. (1 Corinthians 12:7, see verses 7-11).
In 1 Corinthians 12:7 Paul explains an important principle. The manifestation of the Spirit through spiritual gifts is for the profit of the church. Sometimes, spiritual gifts can be regarded as a personal thing, to be used as we think fit. The Corinthians had become proud of their gifts and used them for self-glorification. The point of a gift is that it is given. It is not something which has its source in us but which has been given to us, in grace, by God. It is not to be used to draw attention to ourselves, but to build up Christ’s Church. In using them, we are to act selflessly, not selfishly, and always seek to glorify the Lord Jesus and benefit His people.
In verses 8-10 Paul lists some of the spiritual gifts and links them to the work of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are also highlighted in other Scriptures: in Romans 12:6-8 they are related to the will of God; in Ephesians 4:10-16 they are given by the victorious, ascended Christ. In these passages we see the Godhead’s provision for the welfare and blessing of the Church of Christ.
Today, the key thought is the Holy Spirit’s giving. He gives in such a comprehensive and liberal way. The Father gave the Son, and the Son gave Himself. Now the Spirit gives, so freely, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues and interpretation. There is such a richness and diversity in His giving. God’s glory in creation is
seen in its wholeness and diversity. God’s glory in His Church is seen in the same way through the same Spirit.
When the Lord returned to heaven, and the disciples watched Him taken up in glory, the angels spoke to them: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). It impressed me recently that the Lord Jesus never said goodbye. He said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).
Paul uses that lovely expression “the same Spirit” four times in verses 8-11. It is not just that He is the consistent power, but He is the Person in the Godhead working to glorify the Lord Jesus, worship the Father and bless us. He ceaselessly works in our hearts, resisting the flesh and moving our spirits to be more like Christ. And He gives each of us spiritual gifts. Mary of Bethany had a gift, and she sacrificed it in worship to the Saviour. In doing so, she blessed those who surrounded the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts. They are to be presented to Christ and used for the blessing of His Church. May God pour His grace into our hearts to use the spiritual gifts He has given us, to honour the Lord Jesus and to serve each other selflessly in love.
