November 22, 2006
Let Him
Paul says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Ro 12:6-8 NIV) I’ve always thought this passage of scripture meant that we are to use whatever gift each of us may have. However, I’m now considering a different facet to this gem. Whether it’s accidental or intentional, there are times in the life of the church when we keep one another from using gifts. We’ve all known people who, through no fault of their own, have lost a particular ministry or had it taken away from them. Is it possible that when Paul says, “let him serve… let him teach..., etc.” that he’s really saying ‘don’t hinder him from serving… and don’t hinder him from teaching…’?
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Gail;
----Welcome to the other side! Actually, this "enumeration of spiritual gifts" of Rom 12 is nestled into a context of encouragement and limitation. Paul begins the chapter with an exhortation to be consumed by the new life. But then there is an exhortation not to think too highly of one's self. Though we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, the consumption of the holy fire is not instantanious. There is still plenty self to be burned up right to the moment of our final earthly breathe. Therefore, there is both the necessity to encourage that which the new life has brought up in you (your spiritual gift), yet not encourage in you those which it has not (their spiritual gifts). Notice how Paul carefully avoids the negative by illustrating the diferentiation of members in verses 4 and 5.
----The "enumeration of spiritual gifts" in I Cor 12:4-11 are set in an entirely diferent context. Here the Corinthians have become submerged in pride concerning their sapiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues. The fact that Paul opened the topic with an illustration of how the Corinthians had been brought from many idols to one Lord, and that the gifts were all from the same Spirit, indicates that there were jealousies and strife concerning the spiritual gifts, especially concerning the gift of tongues (the majority of the 14th chapter is devoted to that topic.) It always seemed to me that 12:15-16 indicated that some felt inferior because they didn't have gifts that others had, while 17-19 indicated some held attitudes of superiority concerning gifts they had but others did not. Could it have been that some of the Corinthians were laying inferiority trips on others because of the diferences in gifts present? I think that is exactly what was happening, and that it rather began and perpetuated from those who had the gift of tongues (chapter 14).
----I think you are entirely right. I have always seen these "enumerations of the spiritual gifts" combined to mean both use the gift you have (especially Rom 12) and don't discourage others from using the gift they have (especially I Cor 12). That places my relationship with the Lord and what it can provide the body in the Spirit's control, not yours. It places your relationship with the Lord and what it can provide the body in the Spirit's control, not mine. That is how the Lord is Head of the church. Some, though, think the Lord has called them to interfere with these relationships, and you have pointed out the effect - lost ministries, unfulfilled needs, and discouragement.
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