We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Spiritual Gifts Are Not Private


The emphasis here [1 Cor. 12:4-7] is not on the particular gifts being considered but on how they are used.  They are for “the common good” (Greek, sumphero, “to bring together,” “to be profitable”). One of the common misconceptions of the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts is that they are for the personal benefit of the one to whom they are given.  Another misconception, in our analysis, is that they can be cultivated.  In fact, and quite to the contrary, Paul seems to view them as having been given exclusively for the profit and mutual benefit of the body of Christ.  Furthermore, they are “gifts,” not products of human effort and training.  They are neither privately owned nor can they, like skills, be developed.  Their function is to offer to the body something that it would not have if the individual through whom they are intended to be exercised cannot or will not use them for the mutual benefit of the body…. Implicit in this exercise is that the gift honors the One who gave it (cf. v.3).


Dan Mitchell, The Book of First Corinthians: Christianity In A Hostile Culture, p.176

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