Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians
"The same Spirit... Lord... God..."
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
UNITY IN THE TRIUNE GODHEAD
The doctrine of the Triune Godhead is one of the mysteries that is difficult to comprehend and master! But there is one important truth that must stand out when seeking to understand the different spiritual gifts given to genuine believers.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities,
but it is the same God who works all in all.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
1. Diversities are noted (Naturally and expectedly!)
a) In gifts
b) In ministries
c) In activities
2. Different Persons in the Godhead associated
a) Gifts- with the Holy Spirit
b) Ministries- with the Lord Jesus Christ
c) Activities- with God the Father
3. But these are not mutually exclusive
a) The Lord Jesus is also associated with the giving of gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8).
b) The Father is also described as the One who gives (James 1:17).
4. The key truth communicated in these verses
a) The phrase “the same” is to be carefully noted.
b) Oneness must be borne in mind even if we note the different ways in which each Person in the Godhead is sometimes associated with the gifts, ministries and activities.
c) There must there not be an attempt to over-emphasise one Person’s ministry above another.
5. How we are to understand and appreciate these differences
a) In the Old Testament era
The Lord God is featured. He is the Heavenly Father.
b) In the New Testament era
The Lord Jesus Christ is featured. He was the One who was sent by the Father to be the Saviour of the world.
c) In the Post New Testament era
The Holy Spirit is featured. This was well taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 14-16).
However, being “featured” does not exclude the involvement of any one in the Godhead!