God’s Various Expressions
The Message translation of First Corinthians 12:5-8 says, “God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere, but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere, but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is. Everyone gets in on it. Everyone benefits.”
This was true, and evident, in the early church…and is still true, and evident today.
Just a sampling shows a wide variety of roles, gifts, abilities, and service offered in the name of Jesus to the church and the then-known world in New Testament times:
· Apollos—preacher, teacher, travelling minister.
· Phoebe—deacon (designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways), benefactor of many including Paul.
· Priscilla and Aquila—tentmakers, Paul’s co-workers, hosts and leaders of house churches.
· Stephanus and his household—devoted to serving the church’s people.
· Fortunatus and Achaicus—encouragers of Paul and others.
· Mary—hard worker on behalf of believers.
· Andronicus and Junia—outstanding leaders, also imprisoned with Paul.
· Ampliatus and Stachys—Paul’s dear friends.
· Urbanus—Paul’s co-worker in Christ.
· Apelles—faithful to Jesus under persecution.
· Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis--women who work hard in the Lord.
· Rufus’ mother—a mother to Paul.
· Timothy—Paul’s co-worker, church leader.
· Tertius—Paul’s scribe.
· Gaius—extender of hospitality to Paul and the entire church.
· Erastus--city director of public works.
· Tychicus—faithful servant and encourager; Paul’s messenger and fellow minister.
· Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement—who contended at Paul’s side in the cause of the gospel.
· Epaphras—constant intercessor on behalf of the church’s growth, health, and maturity.
· Luke—doctor.
· Nympha—hostess of a house church.
· Zenas—lawyer
· Elders—shepherds of each church.
· Silas—Peter’s helper.
· Gaius—John’s friend, minister to brothers and sisters who are strangers, faithful, hospitable.
· Demetrius—one with an excellent reputation.
Each one is given gifts that show who God is. We see preaching/teaching, shepherding, leadership, helps/service, hospitality, giving, intercession, apostleship, evangelism, mercy gifts and others just in this short list. [See 1 Corinthians 16, Romans 16, Ephesians 6, Philippians 4, Colossians 4, Titus 3, Philemon, 1 Peter 5, 3 John.]
And, did you notice—a doctor, a lawyer, a city public works director, tentmakers (Priscilla and Aquila), hard workers? The writers are commending all work and workers—not just those doing church work.
Still today, “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.”
“God’s various expressions”—us. Of power—our God’s given gifts. Showing who God is—we are reflections of His character, His heart.
Every one of us.
· What gifts have you been given by God to use for His glory and for the benefit of His people?
· How might you use those even today as an expression of God’s heart?
· How are your calling, purpose, and gifts different (“various”) from that of others?
· How can you live into that uniqueness without comparing with others?
· If you are unfamiliar with your gifts, take the free GodGiftsYou assessment.
Additional Resources:
· Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog: https://godgiftsyou.com/blog/
· Downloadable Resources: https://godgiftsyou.com/resources/
o See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You.: Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with a diversity of leaders, teams, and individuals for over 30 years. She has been EquipConnectServe Ministry Director at a 1,200 member church since 1999. Contact Shirley.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.