Today, we take a look at the numerous spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows upon believers. These different gifts are intended to strengthen the body of Christ and exalt God.
Let us get started and learn about the gift of the Holy Spirit and his role in equipping and empowering us for ministry.
» Monday, 6th February 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Yesterday’s daily devotional was on the topic of “Joseph’s example of remaining faithful in temptation” and today’s is about the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Anchor verse of the day
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NKJV)
Our anchor verse of the day, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, refers to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are given to individuals for the common good of the church.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Here, Paul is emphasizing the diversity of these gifts, where he states that each person has a different gift from the Spirit, but is from the same source. Paul also notes that the gifts are meant to build up the church and that the church is like a body, with each part having a unique function.
Themes in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit: The main focus of 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 is on the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows on members of the church in order to edify and strengthen it.
- Diversity of gifts: There are different types of gifts.
- Unity in diversity: In spite of the variety of gifts, there is unity inside the body of Christ.
- The work of the Holy Spirit: He bestows gifts on people and leads the church toward maturity.
- The importance of each member: Each member of the body of Christ has a part to play in strengthening the church, regardless of the gift they may have.
Background to 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
The book was written to the early Christian community in the city of Corinth, Greece. At the time, the Corinthian church was marked by deep divisions and disagreements, with different factions vying for power and prestige.
In response to these issues, the apostle Paul wrote this letter to instruct them on the nature of spiritual gifts and the unity of the church.
Similar Bible verses to 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)
This passage highlights the diversity of gifts and talents within the Body of Christ and encourages each member to use their gifts for the building up of the church.
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV)
This emphasizes the role of spiritual leaders in equipping the Body of Christ to serve and mature in their faith and serve in a unique way.
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The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as a person. He is seen as the embodiment of God’s strength and presence. He is sent to reside within Christians by the Father and the Son to empower and direct them in their daily lives and in the job of sharing the gospel.
Benefits of the Holy Spirit
For believers, the Holy Spirit has several advantages. Among these advantages are:
- Comfort and encouragement: The Holy Spirit provides comfort and encouragement to believers, especially during difficult times. (John 14:26)
- Power and strength: He provides power and strength to believers, to live a righteous life and to overcome sin and temptation. (Acts 1:8)
- Guidance and direction: He guides and directs believers in their daily lives, helping them to make godly decisions and to understand God’s will for their lives. (John 16:13)
- Transformation and sanctification: The Holy Spirit works to transform believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ, and to sanctify them, making them holy and pleasing to God. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Gifts and abilities: The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers, empowering them to serve and build up the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
- Evidence of salvation: Receiving the Holy Spirit is evidence of salvation, and of being a true believer in Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9)
- Healing and Diffusing plans of the devil: In the New Testament, we see instances of people being healed by the power of the Holy Spirit through the hands of Jesus and his disciples. The Holy Spirit also indwells believers and empowers them to live holy lives, which can include physical healing as part of God’s overall plan for their well-being. Also, The Holy Spirit can play a role in diffusing the plans of the devil by empowering and strengthening believers to resist temptations and sin
Reflection on the gift of the holy spirit:
The Christians of today should know the importance of recognizing and utilizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. The passage makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is a crucial part of the body of Christ and that each member of the body has been given gifts to serve and build up the church.
This means taking the time to discern and understand our own gifts, as well as encouraging and supporting the gifts of others. It also means seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing the Spirit to guide and empower us in all we do. By embracing the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can better resist the devil’s plans and walk in the fullness of God’s healing and restoration.
It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is not just a power or a tool, but is a person and a gift from God. As we seek to live in a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we will experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace in our lives.
Prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit:
Heavenly Father, we come to You today with grateful hearts and recognize the gift of Your Holy Spirit that You have given us all. Your Word in Corinthians 12:7-11 reminds us that the manifestation of Your Spirit is given to each of us for the common good.
Lord, we ask that You empower us with the gifts of Your Spirit so that we might be better equipped to serve You and others.
We pray that you help us to be sensitive to Your leading and to respond obediently to Your call to use the gifts You have given us for Your glory.
Let Your Holy Spirit fill us with true faith, wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in different tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Lord, we pray that we might be filled with Your power, love, and self-control.
We pray that You use us to spread the Good News of salvation to those around us and to bring healing and hope to a broken world.
May we always be mindful of the fact that the gifts of Your Spirit are not for our personal gain, but for the benefit of others and Your Kingdom.
We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, and for Your never-ending love for us.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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