ROMANS 1:11 SOME SPIRITUAL GIFT Of great interest is the fact that when a person who has been saved by God's grace many important things took place without us even knowing it. It is God's intention that each believer be a part of the fellowship of saints for their own safety and the on-going benefit of being nurtured and taught by other Christians. Also there has been given to each of us a spiritual gift, and in some cases gifts, that we might be able to help and strengthen other believers. This remarkable plan God has designed makes possible the on-going work of His kingdom, as each believer with the gift God gave is able to meet the needs of others.
Paul realized that what God had given him could be used to strengthen and build up the believers in the church at Rome. To use what God gave him for the blessing of others was a deep-seated desire of this man. In the same way for us, it is necessary for us to understand spiritual gifts from God, from the Son and from the Holy Spirit have uses that He knows are needed. Where and how these are used is made plain to us by the will of God being our guide from day to day. This much we do know: the saints of God need each other and the wise follower of Christ will be aware of the needs of others around him or her. Gifts are not given for self-centered purposes, but for others-centered activity.
What a blessing it is when a sister gives what is needed to another who is wondering how that need could be met. When an encouraging word of exhortation is given cheerfully, people often rise to carry out, and accomplish a work that had been left undone. If teaching is given, believers are shown what to do, and in encouraging them, are shown how to do it. In the use of these spiritual gifts in accordance with God's will, the Lord's people are established in the faith and in life.
I wonder if there is some way today that I can help the Lord's people. I know we will be meeting together to pray, and in that area we are all equal. There is no need to be gifted to pray, that is our communion with God. Every believer has access to His throne because the One sitting there is our Lord.
The struggles in life for those who are age`d are different from those who are young. Older people are striving to survive, the main work of their life is done. There is a tendency for them to think they're shelved, there is nothing they can do. When one is gifted with a word of encouragement, that lifts their spirits anew.
In the middle of a busy life of daily toil and the man for hours is gone. His wife with young children may be overwhelmed with everything there at home. A call from a gifted one may be just what is needed to change her whole outlook on life. One call from a cheerful sister in the morning can make a difference to both husband and wife.
A student is far from home in a place where genuine Christians are few. And pressure is being put on to conform to the ways of those who crowd around you. Then comes a letter or email from one who has been over that same road before. That heart of concern that moved them to write, strengthens the student to act in faith once more.
A young soldier in some place of deployment has made a choice with his life. Part of what he has signed up to do is to preserve the lives of others in this time of strife. In a package sent by one who cares about what is happening to him, Is a book or two with some wise advice that keeps him away from sin.
There is a small assembly that has been there for years seeking to shine as a light. But discouragement is growing because interest is small, they're ready to give up the fight. Then a man and his wife, maybe a child or two, comes to join themselves to that place. And the rejoicing remnant who had carried the torch, again is strengthened in faith.
Gifts that are used as God intended are a great benefit when they are applied. We may not know the results of their use but the Holy Spirit does who in each one abides. He will take what He has given and makes it effective for the reason He shall choose. It is our responsibility to use what He's given, it's His responsibility that the gift will be used.
"Father, I am aware that from Thee, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, gifts have been given. I pray Thee to guide me to make sure that gift is operational and to show me where and how to use it for Thy glory this day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."