The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, June 23, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, June 23, 2022
Thursday, June 23, 2022
TOPIC: THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
TEXT: Ephesians 4:12-16
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, June 23, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
In our reading yesterday, we saw the gifts Christ gave believers to exercise in His church. These gifts are not for individuals to personalise or make merchandise of; rather they are for common use in the body of Christ. Today's text states clearly the purpose of the gifts which include:
1. To equip the church for service in order to fulfil the great commission, and
2. To edify the body of Christ and build it to maturity.
The operation of spiritual gifts in the church is a continuous process and will result in unity of faith. Members will also gradually attain to the full standard of Christ, become stable in faith, and not easily carried away by every wind of doctrine. Today false teachings and prophecies abound with their attendant deadly but cleverly invented stories and sugar-coated messages. Many have already fallen prey; this shall not be our portion. However, we must ask God to equip His saints with these gifts if they are not available in our groups and to also enable us to operate them (v.15). This will encourage us to speak the truth, and in love. How do you communicate: In love, in lies or harshly?
Prayer: Lord help us Lord to identify our gifts and exercise them in Jesus' name. Amen,