For good and profit

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12v7 (KJV)

The Dakes annotated reference Bible elaborates on the word manifestation – “Gr. Phanerosis, making visible. The visible manifestations would be the visible healings, miracles, manifest prophecies, tongues, interpretations, and even the giving forth of wisdom, knowledge, and discernments of various kinds.” All of these that the Spirit enables to be done is for the profit of all. With spiritual gifts, they are not given so we become self-conceited or puffed up, but instead for the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14v12 (TLB) says “Since you are so anxious to have special gifts from the Holy Spirit, ask Him for the very best, for those that will be of real help to the whole church.” Indeed spiritual gifts can be coveted, but we should always remember that they are “a means of helping the entire church.” (1 Corinthians 12v7, NLT)

Supplementary Text

“As God’s messenger I give each of you God’s warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others. God has given each us of the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can –as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.” Romans 12v3-8 (NLT)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the manifestation of the Spirit in the church. Father, please reveal to me the giftings You have put in me and grant me the grace to use it to the glory of Your name in Jesus name, amen.