V.2: The word “pagans” is often translated as “Gentiles.” When they were unregenerate, the Corinthians were led astray by idols. The implication is that they are no longer Gentiles, so they must no longer be led astray.
V.3: Now that the Corinthians are no longer led astray by mute idols, but follow the true God who has disclosed His truth, they must be discerning. If someone claims to be speaking according to the Holy Spirit, he will be unable to say that God does not favor the Son (and there are some cults in existence that would lessen the esteem that the Father has for Christ). Similarly, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that one can perceive that Jesus is Lord. I will here quote Steve Lewis from spiritandtruth.org: “Spectacular behavior, even if it has the appearance of being under the influence of a higher power, is no guarantee of divine inspiration. The true test of whether the Spirit is at work is a test of correct doctrine.”
V.4: Only one Spirit disburses the “charisma” granted to the people of God. These gifts or abilities originate from one source, which is part of the united Trinity. Even though there are “diversities” or “divisions” of gifts, the recipients must be unified under the one Spirit.
V.5: Just as there is a diversity of gifts but one Spirit, there is a diversity of ministries but one Lord.
V.6: The word “activities” here comes from the Greek energeō, which in turn finds its root in the word energēs. This is a compound word combining “en” (in) and “ergon” (work). There is an inner working within every believer, a certain empowerment granted to each. If Paul were to end his thought there, then perhaps believers would have a reason to boast in their empowerment. However, he completes his thought by explaining that it is God who empowers these “energies” in the Christian. Interestingly, the word “empowers” comes from the same root from which “activities” is derived. The inner working within the believer is worked in him by God. Note that it says God empowers these activities in everyone. No believer is left without some sort of empowerment.
V.7: “To each” means “to every man separately.” This is a gift uniquely given to each individual without discrimination. The word “manifestation” comes from a word that means “to be made known, clearly or publicly.” In other words, it is something that is brought to the surface—not hidden. This does not mean it should be put on display in a boastful manner; it is not something to be made a spectacle. It is an apparent working or empowerment of the Holy Spirit. But how should such empowerment be used? What is the function of the inner working within the believer? Is it to make himself known, to bring himself glory and fame, to aid him in his quest through life, or to boost his self-esteem? No. Amazingly, the function of the believer’s gift is external. The term “common good” in Greek means “to bring together for everyone, in the sense of contributing.” The Christian is empowered not for himself, but rather for contribution to others.
-Is that the view of charisma in the church today? Are you being taught that your gift is for your own personal aid and edification, or for the edification of others? And if the empowerment granted you is, in fact, a gift from God, then are you giving Him all the glory for any exercise of your gifting? If man praises you for your giftedness, are you pointing to God as the giver? I must echo Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
No comments:
Post a Comment