Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 153

"To another faith by the same Spirit..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:9

GRACE-GIFTS

It must be remembered that the “gifts of the Spirit” are actually “grace-gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:4). These gifts were given to us as servants of God out of the richness of God’s grace!

“To another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:9

1. “To another faith by the same Spirit”

a) “Faith” may be understood in a number of ways:
i) Faith is the content of the things we believe about the Lord God (Hebrews 11:1).

ii) Faith is a response from us to God and His Word (Hebrews 11:6).

iii) Faith is also the means by which we attempt and achieve things for the Lord (Hebrews 11).

b) The word “faith” in this context is to be understood as “a spiritual gift”.
i) We come to this understanding because of the context in which this verse is found.
ii) This gift of faith was clearly seen in the Apostle Paul.
iii) It would take great faith on his part to attempt and achieve the things he did in his lifetime.
iv) To become a legendary path-blazer, founding so many churches successfully would be clear evidence of an extraordinary faith.
v) The individual must of course do his part in cultivating his faith in God.
vi) The Spirit of God will enhance that faith until it becomes a wonderful gift of faith.

2. “Gifts of healings”

a) This word was written in the first century.
b) The gift of healing was given to:
i) The Apostle Peter (Acts 5, 9)
ii) The Apostle Paul (Acts 16, 20)

3. “The same Spirit”

a) Paul was careful to note that the Spirit of God was the One who gave these grace-gifts.
i) This was in fulfilment of prophecy about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2).
ii) The same Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to do these things.
b) The following things were established by mentioning the Spirit of God.
i) His personal Presence was involved.
ii) His power.
iii) His leading in the ministries of the gifted servants of God.