Three From Three

 DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

THREE FROM THREE

1 Cor 12:4-6

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

NIV

Right off the bat, we are seeing three words that we must explore in accordance with the text that will follow. These three words are gifts, service, and workings, however, we also note all three are each from a different person of the Godhead. Gifts of from the Spirit, service is from the Lord, and workings are from God, who implies the Father. Let us examine each of these words so that we have a better understanding of what is said here. The word gift is translated from the Greek word, Charisma. It can be seen in a couple of different ways. It is first rendered a gift of grace, which we receive without merit on our own, this would be that saving grace. The second way this word is translated as a gift which means a spiritual endowment, which is always received without any merit on our own, that is the gifts of the Spirit have nothing to do with our worthiness or any merit. We will see all these gifts enumerated in the verses to follow and will have the opportunity to examine each one. As far as these different kinds of service, again we refer to the Greek and find Diakonia, which we can clearly see our English word, Deacon. This Greek word carries several different applications. The first, those by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. It is used for the office of Moses, and of apostles, and prophets. But in the primitive church, it was used as the office of the deacon as well as those who prepare and present food.

In most cases, this Greek word is translated as ministries, or ministrations, such as the ministration of those who render to others the office of Christian affection. In essence, the deacons serve the people in the church, loving them, and bringing affection into the church. Of course, depending on denominationalism, the actual role of the Deacon can be a little different. In general, the Deacons take care of the physical needs of the people, while in some denominations there are Elders who assist in the Spiritual needs of the people. Yet according to the instructions given to Timothy, all the qualifications to serve as a deacon are outlined, which we will leave for some time later. The third word is translated as workings, or operations coming from the Greek word, energeema, which again we can see our English word, energy, or workings. However, here all this energy comes from God, or the Greek word Theos, the supreme divinity, or the Father. Here is where we can see that all our workings, callings, energy, and power to do all that is required of us come directly from God. That would imply to us that in and of ourselves we can do nothing, we have no workings, we have no service, and we have no gifts. We are solely dependent on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three come from the three.