June 21 | The Operation of All Gifts

Series | The Spirit Filled Life

Scripture | 1 Corinthians 12:11, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

Lesson 21 | The Operation of All Gifts

Have you ever watched your favorite band play live music- whether in person or on video?  Did you notice how all the musicians had a specific part to play to make the music sound good?  The same is true with spiritual gifts in the church.  When we as different members of the Body of Christ get together the Holy Spirit will distribute (give) His gifts to “each one” of us just as He determines.

In other words, Spirit filled disciples are members of God’s band here on earth and the Holy Spirit is the lead singer in charge of assigning each person’s specific roles.  When the Holy Spirit gives you the gifts of healing and another the gift of prophecy everything will work in perfect harmony for the glory of God.

The difference between the spiritual gifts and the band example is that most musicians can’t play every instrument well because they lack the ability.  However, since the Holy Spirit is the giver and enabler of the nine spiritual gifts every one is able to preform each gift perfectly. 

As a result, there are two important things to remember when it comes to the operation of the spiritual gifts, (1) Everyone who is Spirit filled has the potential to receive and operate in all of the nine gifts, and (2) The Holy Spirit is always in charge of distributing the gifts as He sees best.

So the biggest question concerning operating in the spiritual gifts isn’t, “Does God want to use me?”  But rather, “How will the Holy Spirit use me today?”   

Reflection | Are you willing to be used by God in the operation of the spiritual gifts?   

Action | (1) Have you ever operated in the nine gifts of the Spirit? Describe the experience.  (2) Are you willing for God to call on you at anytime to do your part in sharing the blessing of the nine gifts? (3) Lastly, next time your either witnessing or in church, ask God to use you in the spiritual gifts.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 2 Kings 1:1-2:25, Acts 13:42-14:7, Psalm 139:1-24, & Proverbs 17:19-21. Click here to read online.