August 14
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VARIOUS GIFTS AND OFFICES IN CHRIST’S BODY
27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And yet, I am going to show you a far better way. – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
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In this letter, Paul mentions the different appointments based on the different gifts the Holy Spirit gives to each believer. These are the following appointed gifts to believers:
1. Apostolic- Guzik comments that apostles are “special ambassadors” of the church. Paul and others in his day had a unique apostolic authority, which will never be repeated because the foundation of the church has already been set. However, God still has His “special ambassadors” in the church today, though not with the same authority as the original apostles.
2. Prophetic-these are the gift for speaking out for God. Like apostles. They prophesy only that which come to be true and to happen based on Deuteronomy 18:19-22.
3. Teaching- those who labour in word and doctrine, whether with pastoral charge or without it.
4. Workers of Miracles- Guzik further comments that those used by God to do miracles but done on the Holy Spirit’s initiative, not the initiative of the individual.
5. Healers-those who had power to heal diseases;
6. Helper-Spurgeon comments that they are useful anywhere and stops a gap, and can make themselves serviceable to the church of God in any capacity whatever.”
7. Administrative-governments, or such as had the disposal of the charitable contributions of the church, and dealt them out to the poor
8. Various gifts of tongues- a communicative gift, used in speaking to God, the gift of tongues should be desired when the individual feels a lack in their ability to communicate with God.
Paul explained that each believer is given gifts according to God’s plan and purpose, but believers can desire and ask the Lord to be granted such gifts.
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REFLECTION
• Are you aware of your spiritual gifts and have you been actively doing your office?