The Selfsame Spirit Working 1 Corinthians 12:11

Paul the apostle listed several of the “spiritual gifts” which God has given to the church, and in chapter twelve and verse eleven of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church members how, “all these works that one and selfsame Spirit”, where we read:

But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The verse begins, “But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, ...”. Paul began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “all these” which refers to “each, every, the whole and everyone one of the spiritual gifts” “works” which means “operates, aids and effects” “that one” or “the only” “and selfsame” which means “the same” “Spirit” which refers to “third person of the triune God who is the Holy Spirit and is coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son”. “All” the “spiritual gifts” given to the church are “operated and effective” by God's Spirit.

The verse goes on to say, “...dividing to every man severally as he will.” Paul continued with the word, “dividing” which means “distributing and separating into parts” “to every man” or “towards each, all, the whole and everyone of the human beings whether male or female” “severally” which refers to “pertaining and belonging to one's self” “as he will” or “according to and even in proportion and degree as the Spirit of God purposes, has in mind and desires”. The Holy Spirit decides to whom, when and where the “spiritual gifts” will be given and provided.

When we consider these words from Paul, we note how it is “God's Spirit” that decides when the “spiritual gifts” are to be used. He also decides who receives them and the occasions for their use. These “gifts” are to benefit Jesus Christ's church, and as the mission of the church is to share Jesus Christ with the world, each of these “gifts of the Spirit” enhances that “mission”. The disciples of Jesus exercised these “gifts”, and as we think through them, let us be open to having the Lord use us to benefit others in the church with His “spiritual gifts” as well.

Next time Paul refers to how, “as the body is one, and has many members...so also is Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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