SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND GOOD WORKS
1Corinthinas 12.Here, in all details, Paul reveals the meaning of the Spiritual Gifts of GOD. Before, it was not quite clear what the Spiritual Gifts exactly are, but in this chapter to Corinthians Paul clearly reveal them, in order to show the members of the church that some of them have Spiritual Gifts from GOD and shall use it.
Actually, all people have different kind of gifts, all sorts of abilities, skills, and talents, but they are not all Spiritual, because they are not given from GOD for the purpose of His Good Works and His Gospel.
The Spiritual Gifts of GOD given to the church have only one goal, objective, and aim, to bring people to GOD and save their souls. As it was during Paul's time and as is today, some church members have certain Spiritual gifts.
Why the Gifts of GOD are Spiritual Gifts? Because they are given from the Holy Spirit.
And what the difference between Spiritual Gifts and ordinary gifts?
Ordinary gifts given to people for the benefit of people, to make living, for material world.
The Spiritual Gifts are those what are given from GOD, purposely and especially for the mission of the Gospel (for "varieties of ministries" 5), for the benefit of GOD, and Paul identified them as:
~ For "Manifestation of the Spirit (Jesus Christ and His Gospel) for the common good." (7). For teaching and spreading the Gospel of Christ among population.
~ "Word of Wisdom...the word of Knowledge of Gospel." (of the Bible) (8).
~ "Faith" and "Healing." Spiritual Faith that enables to withstand and endure hardship.
~ Physical "Healing" - literally heal sick by the power of GOD. (9).
~ "Miracles." No need for explanation.
~ "Prophecy." This is very special Spiritual Gift that given to a certain very special individuals by the choice of GOD.
~ "Distinguishing of spirits." This is also very unique and special Spiritual Gift that allows a person to distinguish between people and identify them for who they are, in order not allow a false or wrong person to be given the responsibility of ministry or any other work which he or she can ruin and defile by their own negligence or by wrongdoing.
~ "Various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues." (10). These Spiritual Gifts already have been described in the Bible in: Acts 2.2-13, 10.44-46, 19.6-7 and will be mentioned in another chapter: 1Corinthians 14.18.
The same also is written in verses from 27 through 31.
So, what the difference between Spiritual gifts and ordinary gifts of talents, skills, and know-how? The Spiritual Gifts come from the GOD for the purpose of Good Works in the Name of GOD and for His Gospel. A person who possesses them do Work of GOD from his/her heart, with the Spiritual power, with the love for GOD.
The ordinary gifts of talents, skills, and know-how, people use for themselves, for material things.
~ *Good Works: (Nehemiah 2.18) (Matthew 5.16, 12.12) (Luke 6.35) (John 5.29, 10.32) (Acts 9.36, 10.38) (Romans 2.7.10) (2Corinthians 9.8) (Galatians 6.9-10) (Ephesians 2.10, 6.7-8) (Philippians 1.6) (Colossians 1.10) (2Thessalonians 2.17, 3.7-13) (1Timothy 2.9-10, 5.9-10.25, 6.18) (2Timothy 2.21).