Gifts From God Help The Believers To Become Strong

This Bible lesson focuses on the gifts from God—all of His gifts are for our good—so they are all good. Most of us like to receive gifts, maybe not you, but as I said “most” people like to receive gifts.

STM Bible Lesson

Lesson focus: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5. Bible lesson background: Paul wanted the church in Corinth to place the correct importance on the gift of tongues (unknown language/tongues to the hearer) versus messages from God. They seemed to prefer the unknown language because it made them feel better than others. But not understanding that it did not help the hearer.
On the other hand, delivering a message from God using clear words helped those who heard the message. We must remember, this was before they had access to the NT and most could not afford the OT scrolls. So, they relied on the preachers to hear from God. However, he also wanted them to desire the other spiritual gifts from God.

Helps The Believers To Become Strong

So you must always want to love other people. Also, want very much to receive spiritual gifts from God. More than anything else, want to speak messages from God [in other words, to preach, teach, encourage, and build up]. 2 If someone speaks in a different language, he is speaking only to God. The people who hear him do not understand his message. God’s Spirit is causing him to speak about secret things. It does not help people. 3 But if someone speaks a clear message from God, he helps the people who hear him. He helps them to become stronger as believers. He helps them to be happy and strong in their troubles. 4 Anyone who speaks in a different language only helps himself. But a person who speaks a message from God helps the believers in the church to become strong.
5 I would like all of you to speak in different kinds of languages. But even more, I want you to speak God’s message clearly to people. Anyone who can speak a message from God is important in the church. He is more important than someone who speaks in different kinds of languages. That person only helps the church if someone can explain what he says. Only in that way will his message help the church to become stronger. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (EASY)

Have you ever considered the fact that God—our heavenly Father—gives gifts to His children? I know my children loved to get good gifts; i.e., not only the things that they asked for but more importantly the things they needed.

God wants everyone to eat and drink and be happy in his work. These are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:13 (ICB)

Sometimes God gives a person wealth and possessions. God makes it possible for that person to enjoy them. He helps them accept the life he has given them. God helps them to be happy in their work. All these things are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIRV)

The Father gives gifts

In Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13 Jesus used the Greek word doma (dom’-ah), meaning a gift or present, for ‘gifts‘.

“You see, you might be bad, but you give good things to your kids. Well, your father in heaven is a lot better than you. He is always good, so he will always give good things to people that ask him.” [Matthew 7:11 (PEV)]?

You see, you might be bad, but you always give good things to your kids. Well, your father in heaven is a lot better than you, so you can be sure that he will always give you good things. He will send the Holy Spirit to everyone that asks him.” [Luke 11:13 (PEV)]?

Notice the significant difference between Matthew’s general phrase “good things” and Luke’s very specific “the Holy Spirit“. Take a quick look at the Greek dictionary the phrase ‘good things‘=agathos (ag-ath-os’) meaning good and ‘Holy‘=hagios (hag’-ee-os) ‘Spirit‘=pneuma (pnyoo`-mah). If you have not received this gift, do you want it? Jesus said it is yours, ask for it!

Eternal life

What can be better than living forever with our Father in heaven? I don’t know about you but for me, it is the ultimate gift. If you agree click/tap here to go to the form and type AMEN in the message field.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (RKJNT)

The loving Father

All gifts from God are not in response to your requests. He—like any good/loving father—gives His children the things they need and not just what they ask for. An example would be the gifts {dorea (do-reh-ah’); see Ephesians 4:7} mentioned in the letter to the Ephesians. Focus on verse 11 and note the gifts from God (Christ) given to the church.

And he gave, apostles; prophets; evangelists; pastors and teachers [from Ephesians 4:11 KJV];

In Ephesians 4:11, contrary to the belief of some, pastors poimen (poy-mayn’) normally translated as shepherd(s), and teachers didaskalos (did-as’-kal-os) are not the same office/gift.

Remember, God is Spirit—the things He gives His children are not like the gifts our human fathers give. Stay with us for more information about the many gifts that God gives.

The purpose

Ephesians 4:12-16¹ tells us why the Father gave these gifts.

1. to help us know how to serve God.
2. we need the different ministries to become Spiritually mature.
3. they help us become strong as the united body of Christ.

Each one of us has been given the special gift of grace [grace; or gift], showing how generous Christ is [or in proportion to Christ’s gift; according to the measure of Christ’s gift]. 8 That is why it says in the Scriptures,

“When he went up [ascended] to the heights, he led a parade of captives [or took captives into captivity], and he gave gifts to people [Psalms 68:18].” Ephesians 4:7-8 (EXB)

Gifts from God – Conclusion

1. To some people the Spirit gives a message of wisdom.

2. To others the same Spirit gives a message of knowledge.

3. To others the same Spirit gives [wonder working; see 1 Corinthians 13:2 and Matthew 17:20] faith.

4. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing.

5. To others he gives the power to do miracles.

6. To others he gives the ability to prophesy.

7. To others he gives the ability to tell the spirits apart.

8. To others he gives the ability to speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before.

9. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages.

All the gifts are produced by one and the same Spirit. He gives gifts to each person, just as he decides. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 (NIRV)

Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:38 (NHEB)].

So, we just read 9 of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 see if you can find others in verses 12-31. Once you find them, please share them in the comments.

Strong spiritual and mental health

The holy spirit, amongst all of the spiritual gifts, can have positive effects on your mental health. That is because of the following qualities:

• Love (unconditional; unselfish concern for others).
• Joy (gladness; happy).
• Peace (inner peace; peaceful).
• Patience (not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting).
• Kindness (kind; sympathy arising from a kind heart).
• Goodness (mindset to do good; generosity; well-doing).
• Faithfulness (faithful; reliability).
• Gentleness (meekness, humility, lack of false pride).
• Self-control (self-restraint, or abstinence, especially in regard to sexual activity; temperance; moderation; keeping the body under control).

I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible lesson. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

Fruit of the Spirit; Helpful Qualities Just For You! – an estimated 19-minute read.

Trust God; Build Your Hope And Depend on God – an estimated 17-minute read.

We Found 15 Special Gifts; Spiritual Gifts From God – an estimated 29-minute read.

3 True Facts About Hallelujah That’ll Change Your Praise – an estimated 15-minute read.

The Holy Spirit; 2 Valuable Truths You Should Know – an estimated 5-minute read.

Self-control; Take Control Now with This Gift From God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Scriptures to read/study

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (8-11) and 14:1-5; Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 (13) and 5:8-20 (18-20). Matthew 7:7-12 (11) and Luke 11:9-13 (13). Romans 6:15-23 (23);  ¹ Ephesians 4:7-24 (7 and 11-16).

♥ Question for Gifts From God: Have you received a gift from God?

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.