November 13, 2018: SOAP #3267:  Job 39, 40; 1Corinthians 13, 14

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 14:12 …Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Observation:  The people in the church at Corinth were eager to have spiritual gifts.  They saw the gifts as valuable and desirable.  So, Paul writes to them to “try to excel” in gifts that build up others.  God’s gifts are not to be used in a selfish manner.  The gifts God gives are for us to use in helping others.

They were to “try to excel.”  That speaks to me of growing.  At first, they may be clumsy in using the gifts, but as they use the gifts, they will improve.  The more they give opportunity for the gifts—the more they take opportunity to express the gifts—the more they will improve.  They should continue using the gifts until they excel.

Application:  The gifts mentioned in this chapter are for all Christians.  As they grow in their Christian life, they will grow in loving others and wanting to serve them.  As they grow in a desire to serve others, they will find the benefit of these gifts.  As they use these gifts, they will “excel.”  The gifts will be useful in serving others.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, thank you for the wonderful gifts.  With these gifts, help me improve and help me to excel in building up others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!