Read 1 Corinthians 14:1 and compare the different lists in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; Romans 12:3-8; and Ephesians 4:11-12. Were those gifts given only to the New Testament believers? Why are the gifts available today? There are some Christians who think that the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament were restricted to … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 12:3-8 and Ephesians 4:8-12. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts that God gives us? The spiritual gifts were clearly given for service, not for our sanctification. They are not miraculous tricks that satisfy our curiosity, nor are they given as an antidote to boredom. Often we think about the gifts of … Continue reading –>
It is not we who decide what gifts to have. The Greek word for the gifts of the Spirit is charismata-they are gifts of grace, distributed and given by God Himself. We do not earn them by our status, our position, our honor, our education, or our spiritual performance. They are gifts, freely given out … Continue reading –>
The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit have the same Author. Yet, they are not the same. No one is required to manifest a gift of the Spirit, but everyone should manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual gifts do not necessarily testify to spirituality, but the fruit of the Spirit … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Cor. 12:4-7, 1 Cor 12:11; Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 12:14-31; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 John 4:1-3. Memory Text: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works … Continue reading –>
“In modern language the passage in Galatians 5:22-23 could read something like this: ‘The Fruit of the Spirit is an affectionate, lovable disposition, a radiant spirit and a cheerful temper, a tranquil mind and a quiet manner, a forbearing patience in provoking circumstances and with trying people, a sympathetic insight and tactful helpfulness, generous judgment … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 5:23 and Matthew 5:5. Why is meekness or gentleness so important for Christlike leadership? Gentleness or meekness does not mean weakness. It is not cowardice or lack of leadership. On the contrary, Moses was called the meekest man on earth (Num. 12:3); yet, he was a powerful leader of God’s people. Meek people … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4. Why does genuine kindness have such positive appeal to other people? Where do you see God’s kindness in His dealings with humanity? “Kindness” is the word frequently used in describing God’s dealings with His people. Kindness also describes our dealings with others in their failures. God could be quite harsh in … Continue reading –>
Romans 14:17 reads: “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (NASB). That is, joy is love’s reaction to the blessings of God and His great mercy and forgiveness. Now, human joy often is focused upon earthly things and is affected by the … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 13. Why is love the first and foremost aspect of the fruit of the Spirit? How does love affect all the following aspects of this fruit? Love appropriately leads and crowns the various characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit and permeates the whole fruit. In a sense all … Continue reading –>
