|
How
the Body Works
|
|
|
Equipping
the Saints How the Body Works - Unity in Diversity How the Body Works - A Look at the Gifts How the Body Works - Love is the Best |
Manifestation of the Spirit 2.
Given God
has given us what we have. God is an awesome giver. He gives us what we
cannot give ourselves, but yearn for in our hearts. We can't earn it or
conjure it by our own will. We
have nothing to take any pride in.
Our gifts are from God, our empowerment is from God, and the
results are from God. In
what ways has God been generous to us?
What are some of the ways He has blessed us? When
Paul wrote this letter, he was writing to a church in disarray.
The kinds of problems that Paul had to address would have sent
many pastors to an early retirement!
There were divisions, quarrels, and actually there were those who
were not following Jesus, but Apollos, Cephas, and Paul himself.
It is easy for us to become enamored with those who have gifting
that is visible and exalt them.
When we do this, we cut ourselves off from the power of God, and
bring ourselves under an inferior power. Can
you think of examples of how we may have cut ourselves off from the
power of God? Is the Holy
Spirit free to move intimately among us?
Do we grieve the Holy Spirit by not recognizing His power? Do we
have a form of godliness but deny His power? |