This is already the 3rd post I am writing about 1 Corinthians 14:1. There is such depth and insight in that single verse, Follow the way of love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
Now that paints a slightly different picture, it deals with excitement, zeal, and hunger. Why would Paul call the believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts? Gifts can only be given, right? We can do nothing to earn them. Why desire something that is up to God to distribute? As human beings we often eagerly desire many things, but I do not meet too many people who eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Personally, I think Paul is referring to his earlier statement as written down in 1 Corinthians 12:1, Now, about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. We are NOT supposed to be ignorant when it comes to spiritual gifts. Why not? Because the spiritual gifts must be used to build up the church. If we are ignorant about the spiritual gifts, how can we build up and strengthen the church? It is no wonder we see churches falling apart, believers lacking power and not many miracles done. That is not God's fault, but ours... because often we are ignorant.
If you desire to build up and strenghten the church, the body of Christ on earth, then please do not hesitate to study the Word about spiritual gifts and start to use what God will give you! Talk with someone who is studying the same thing, read a good book about it with the Bible as reference and most of all... pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten you, He is after all your teacher.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (John 14:26).
good post. 1st thought: When our heart is in a right place our desires will be in a right place to recieve & use these (Our) "gifts".
ReplyDelete- Delight yourself also in the LORD; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Ps.37:4
bp
It's interesting, this has been part of the discussion around our house of late. Thanks for the input, Marja!
ReplyDeleteI think of spiritual gifts more as God-given abilities to serve others in the Body of Christ.
ReplyDeleteThanks for shedding light on this scripture.
Thanks Becky for your thoughts, they always add value to the posts!
ReplyDeleteKaren, same here :)
ReplyDeleteSusan, yes! The gifts are there to serve others with.
Hi Marja - isn't it amazing how much meat one can get out of one scripture? God's word is simply awesome.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
yes Tracy, especially this one verse, such riches!
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