Notice again the phenomenon (which is another way to translate the Greek word for “manifestation”[1]) of the Spirit is given to each one—every individual is given some manifestation of the Spirit.
Now note carefully, the use of spiritual gifts is not primarily for the good of the one who possesses the gift, but for the common good. It isn’t for you to take and hide in your closet, or use while alone in your bedroom, but to be used out here—in the open; with others. The spiritual gifts are given to everyone individually, but for the good of everyone corporately. Inherent in the gifts is a transition from a ME orientation to an US and even YOU mindset.
Wouldn’t the following conversation be strange?
Primitive Believer: “The Lord has made it clear to me that I have the gift of teaching.”
Christian Ed Director: “Oh, that’s great. We could really use some help in our Sunday school classes. Would you consider going through our training program so you can teach in a Sunday school next quarter?”
Primitive: “No, not interested. You see, the Lord gave my gift so I can teach myself.”
If you think you have the gift of prayer, it is not so that you only pray for yourself, but for others. All spiritual gifts are given for the good of the body. They are not for ME, but for US and YOU.
By the time I had met Walt he had been retired for years. He had served the church well as a deacon fixing about every part of the church as they broke over the years. But now he frequently felt the aches and pains from years of labor. He continued to serve on the Missions Committee, but felt like his role making repairs would be best done by younger men. He only wondered briefly what the Lord would have him do, for he had always been burdened to pray more.
[1]The word “manifestation” is the Greek word didotai. Gordon Fee explains that this is a disclosure, not so much of the gifts themselves, but of God to the church community by the distribution of the gifts directed by the Holy Spirit. See New International Commentary of the New Testament, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987, p. 589, and footnote 30.
Jay Quine's legal experience includes working as deputy prosecuting attorney and municipal court judge in Washington State. Dr. Jay A. Quine has also been in private legal practice focusing on business and corporate law and continues to provide consulting for religious and non-profit organizations concerning legal issues.
Dr. Jay A. Quine received his Masters in 1990 and Ph.D. in 1997 from the Dallas Theological Seminary; J. D. from the University of Idaho College of law in 1983 and his B. S. from Washington State University in 1980.
Dr. Jay A. Quine received his Masters in 1990 and Ph.D. in 1997 from the Dallas Theological Seminary; J. D. from the University of Idaho College of law in 1983 and his B. S. from Washington State University in 1980.
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