1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Paul begins his training passage on the nine spiritual gifts with the above verse on the  “inclusive” nature of the spiritual gifts.  In other words, Paul was teaching all the disciples at Corinth that each one (every person) is given the manifestation (visible effect) of the Spirit for the common good (spiritual well being). Therefore, it is clear from Paul that “each one” of us can expect the Holy Spirit to use us in His gifts.

The Bible teaches that both the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and the nine spiritual gifts are for everyone, Acts 2:39 & 1 Cor. 12:6.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the initial endowment of power and the nine gifts are the “day-to-day” operation of the Spirit.

Therefore, we as Spirit filled disciples must always be willing and ready for the Holy Spirit to operate in us the gift that He wants in operation- whether in church, out evangelizing, or wherever we may be.  Think about the Holy Spirit as a Construction Site Manager.  He gives the right gift (tool) to each of His disciples (workers) to get the job done.

For example, when you are in church the Holy Spirit might give you the gift of healing to pray for the sick and see them recover, to another He might give the gift of prophecy, and to another the gift of faith.  The Holy Spirit will give to each one the right gift at the right time to work together for the common good.

The most important thing to remember is you are an “each one,” thus you should always be ready for the Holy Spirit to use you!

Reflection

Do you desire God to use you in the gifts of the Spirit?

Action

  1. Ask God to use you in the spiritual gifts.
  2. Talk to your church’s leadership to understand the basic protocol of operating in the gifts of the Spirit at your church.
  3. Get ready for God to use you in mighty ways!