WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
JANUARY 13, 2025
TOPIC: GRACE AND GIFTS
BY T. O. BANSO
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a New King James Version).
The Greek word for gifts, in Romans 12:6, is charismata. The singular form is charisma (khar’-is-mah). Charismata refers to grace gifts or spiritual gifts. Charisma, in the New Testament, is different from the popular usage in the world: “a natural power that some people have to influence or attract people” (Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary).
Romans 12:6a says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (New King James Version). Note that gifts and grace are mentioned in this scripture. There is a connection between grace and gifts. Since the word “gifts” means charisma, we can put it this way: “Having then differing Charismata according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” The New Century Version renders Romans 12:6a thus: “We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us” (Romans 12:6a). This scripture shows that gifts came because of grace.
We have different gifts in the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:4, says 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. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (verses 5-11 New King James Version).
Paul says further in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (New King James Version).
What does Paul mean in this scripture that we should desire the best gifts? What are the best gifts? And what is “a more excellent way”? The Bible in Basic English renders the verse as “But let your desires be turned to the more important things given by the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:31a). The New Living Translation refers to the best gifts as “the most helpful gifts.” Though the Holy Spirit gives gifts as He wills, believers can ask God for gifts that they consider helpful in any circumstance, for service in His Kingdom, not for vainglory.
The phrase “a more excellent way” in 1 Corinthians 12:31b refers to the way of love, which Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 13. Perhaps, the explanation should have come under Chapter 12, and not a new chapter. The Amplified Bible explains “a more excellent way” in 1 Corinthians 12:31b as “[one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1a to pursue love. According to him, love is the fulfilment of the law (Romans 13:10b). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 New King James Version).
The Greek word for grace is charis. Charis means “Grace, favor, kindness, blessing” (Strong’s Lexicon). From the spelling of the word “charisma”, evidently there is a relationship between charis and charisma. Charisma/charismata is derived from charis.
Romans 12:6a referenced earlier shows there are no charismata without charis. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a New King James Version). Only those who have received charis (saved by grace) are given charismata (spiritual gifts). Also, only those who have received God’s favour, kindness, or blessing can receive charisma or charismata.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (New King James Version). We receive grace to be saved, and God, in His kindness, gives us spiritual gifts (charismata) to bless others. Spiritual gifts are a product of grace – God’s favour, kindness, or blessing.
1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (New King James Version). The Living Bible puts verse 10 thus: “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.”
Without charis, you cannot receive charismata (spiritual gifts). “Having then differing Charismata according to the charis that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a New King James Version). “We all have different gifts [charismata], each of which came because of the grace [charis] God gave us” (Romans 12:6a New Century Version).
You have seen in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 the variety of ministers God appointed in the body of Christ. Each has his place, and no single category of these ministers can do everything. God would have appointed only one category of ministers if that would be sufficient.
All categories of ministers and the different spiritual gifts are in the body of Christ to complement one another. Therefore, there is a need for all to recognize what each can do and when to do it; and allow each to function where and when it is most appropriate. There should be no strife, envy, or competition.
Whatever spiritual gifts (charismata) you have received as a Christian or minister is a gift of grace, it is a favour you have received without any merit. It is a product of God’s kindness. You did nothing to deserve them. There is no reason for pride. God gave you your spiritual gifts for your benefit, but for service in His kingdom and to bless others.
1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “Well, my brothers, let’s add up what I am saying. When you meet together some will sing, another will teach, or tell some special information God has given him, or speak in an unknown language, or tell what someone else is saying who is speaking in the unknown language, but everything that is done must be useful to all, and build them up in the Lord” (Living Bible).
Please note that the latter portion of this scripture says, “But everything that is done must be useful to all, and build them up in the Lord.” That tells us the goal of the operation of charismata. It is to be used to the benefit of others. You should use your gifts to the benefit of others (build them up) and to the glory of God.
If your spiritual gifts are gifts from God, you have no reason to be proud or feel superior to others. You were given gifts for the sake of others. You are a steward. Therefore, you should use your gifts with every sense of responsibility and humility. “What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 Living Bible).
One day, you will give an account to God of how you have used the charisma or charismata that He gave you. Don’t neglect, reject, hide, or abuse your charismata (spiritual gifts). May God find you faithful.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you need to give your life to Jesus now. Take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner, and cannot save yourself, and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church. There they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus now and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You must join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: Father, I thank You for the grace and gifts You have given me and all Your children. Holy Spirit, help me and everyone to be faithful stewards of the gifts we have been given. Holy Spirit, help us not to boast as if we have not received our gifts from You. Dear Holy Spirit, enable us to be humble as we use the diverse gifts we have received to bless others.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
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