A Further Explanation of the Gifts 7-8-25

Before getting started, take heed to this warning! Don’t let the devil fool you; the gifts are absolutely necessary to build and strengthen each other for God’s glory. Why did you think the Lord gave gifts if there was not a reason for them? For those who profess to be born again, regardless of what you may be ignorant of, once the Word of God is presented to you, which is the ultimate and final authority, you are responsible for doing what the will of God is.

Next; see the Trinity at work in harmony- There are  diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are different operations [energized by God’s grace], but it is the same God who works all in all (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Let me explain. Even though there are different gifts, the same Holy Spirit is involved in all of them- He has always been the power behind everything, for the very beginning. And the Spirit of God was hovering [moving, that’s the power] over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:3). Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26a).

There are  different ministries (five offices) but the same Lord, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11).

There are different operations energized by God’s grace to function by the power of the Holy Spirit when one is yielded to the Spirit of God Much gets accomplished because these gifts are not only called “Motivational Gifts” the one with the gift is motivated to be a blessing to others as they function effectively in these gifts.

Additionally in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Paul emphasizes some of the gifts and he gives a command to earnestly desire the best one. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 

And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? 

Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But covet (strongly desire) the best gifts. And yet I show you an excellent way.

What does it mean to covet (strongly desire) the best gifts?

Notes from KJV Keyword study Bible. Paul is telling the Corinthians that the grace of God was given unto them in Christ Jesus, so that they would not be lacking in any spiritual gifts. Since every Christian has been given the Holy Spirit, they have the potential to demonstrate the particular gift that has been given to them. The intent of this passage is to first exhort the Corinthians to seek Go’s grace, that it will be revealed further through the manifestation of the gift that God has given to them.

The “best gifts” mentioned here often refers to those which are most useful. The Corinthian believers were desiring gifts that would bring them the most acclaim and prestige among their fellow brothers in Christ (e.g., the gift of tongues, prophecies, and the word of knowledge- cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8 (these will fade away).

Instead, he urged them to covet (earnestly desire the gifts that would benefit the cause of Christ, not themselves. In chapter thirteen Paul further explain that the gifts must be done in the love for Christ, not for self.

This has been my experience in several churches; people abuse the gift of tongues, prophecies, and the word of knowledge. I actually said something similar to what the comments said; people get puffed up when it comes to tongues, prophecies, and the word of knowledge. They give the impression that they are more spiritual and more special because the operate in the gifts listed. It is such a turn-off; in actuality this reveals a mark of immaturity.

Caution- Don’t get so turned off that you refuse to allow the Spirit to empower you and move forward humbly fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

Lord willing, tomorrow, I will  start with a breakdown of the gifts.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org