Such gifts, for example, are: leading, praying, giving, explaining the Scriptures (prophesying), teaching, discerning the spirits and judging doctrine, and brotherly love. These gifts are always found in God’s Church, although all Christians do not have them in an equal measure. No one can earn forgiveness or heaven through these gifts, which our Lord Christ also earned for us. God gives these gifts in proportion to one’s knowledge of the Scriptures and one’s growth in faith. Through these gifts God builds and protects His Church. They are therefore of great benefit.
Rom. 12:6-12: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy (ability to explain the Bible, the first meaning of the word “prophesy”), let us prophesy according to the analogy of faith: or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching: Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerflness. Let love be without dissimulation... continuing instant in prayer.
Joh. 10:27 and 10:5: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of stangers.
1 Joh. 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Assignment: Read 1 Cor. 12:31 and chapter 13.
