ABIDE (be dependent on the Holy Spirit)

In 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual gifts and avoiding ignorance. Ignorance can be costly! The Corinthians once worshipped idols instead of God but then grasped the truth about Jesus Christ's lordship.

It is only through the Holy Spirit that we recognize Jesus's authority over everything. Matthew 7:21 warns that not everyone who calls Jesus ‘Lord’ will enter Heaven. When we abide in Him and let the Holy Spirit fill us, we experience a transformation of heart. The Christian life isn't hard; it's impossible, it's supernatural. It's about what God does in and through us, not just what we do for Him. To truly make life count, you must ABIDE: submit to and depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Acts 1:8 reminds us that we gain power through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to be effective witnesses for Jesus. Romans 8:9 says that the Spirit of God dwells within those who belong to Christ. In John 15:4-5, Jesus commands us to ABIDE in Him, fully dependent and controlled by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is evidence of Him being at work in us. At the same time, we must also have a genuine desire to submit to the Lord. Just as Daniel's exceptional wisdom was attributed to God (Daniel 5:11-12), our lives give Him glory when we allow Him to work in and through us.

APPROPRIATE (what was given to us by the Lord)

When God becomes a part of our lives, He equips and empowers through the Holy Spirit. Sadly, many believers miss out on this because they live their Christian lives without appropriating His divine power. God saved us so that we could lead lives filled with meaning, purpose, and joy! It's essential for us to appropriate the gifts He has given us to experience the fullness of His blessings.

These gifts, ministries, and outcomes all originate from the SAME God (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Spiritual gifts are unique abilities given by God to serve and uplift the body of Christ. These come from the Holy Spirit, all intended for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 details some of these gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, and even tongues. In the New Testament, there are four passages discussing spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11-13, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11). While the Bible doesn't provide a complete list, one crucial point remains: these abilities are not given for our glory but for His purpose.

Some sincere believers debate the cessation of gifts like tongues, while others insist on the necessity of these gifts. The key lies not in prohibiting but in using these gifts in an orderly manner: not for display or to impress others, but to edify and encourage fellow believers. We cannot restrict and put God in a box, limiting His boundless work.

ALIGN (to God’s purpose)

It is essential that we align ourselves with God's purpose, using our gifts to serve one another and steward God's grace responsibly within the local church (1 Peter 4:10-11). Like the various parts of a body, we all have distinct roles within the universal church, with ONE SPIRIT uniting us into one body under Jesus Christ's leadership (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Regardless of our diverse gifts, when we work together, the entire body benefits. It's crucial to appreciate each member and contribute according to the gifts entrusted to us.

Our alignment should be solely within God’s purpose, avoiding division especially on essential matters. Unity amidst diversity is possible only when we share a common purpose. As the body of Christ and His representatives on earth, our focus should be on bringing more people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our most significant impact lies in connecting others to Jesus. Conversely, our greatest failure occurs when we live selfishly and disconnected from God Himself.

May we use our gifts to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives: to guide others toward faith in JESUS CHRIST.