by Timothy W. Burnett
The above quoted verses 4-6 are a change of subject from the previous verses. A special thing about these verses is that the causes and affects are tied together very nicely. There are three different verses with three different affects and respective sources that cause the affects. This helps greatly in a more exhaustive study of spiritual matters.
In verse 4 the word gifts was the Greek word charisma and actually referred to freely given gifts. E.W. Bullinger notes that charisma is rendered "gift" with the exception of Romans 5:15-16 where it is "free gifts" (KJV Companion Bible, appendix 184(1)(2)).
There are different kinds of freely given gifts by the spirit of God, but it is the one and same spirit of God. The spirit of God refers to the spirit that is from God and is in God's saints during the present spiritual administration. One example is gift of healing (1Corinthians 12:9).
In verse 5 the word services comes from the Greek word diakonia which referred to the active service of a servant. There are different ways to serve, but it is the same Lord who is served. This is fantastic information considering that we have our Lord Jesus Christ as the perfect example of how to serve. Moreover, when we are serving in a ministry, we are serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Later in chapter 12 we will learn that there are many different members in the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the head or captain of the body. There may be many members, but there is only one Lord.
In verse 6 the word operations and work come from the Greek word energema and energeo respectively. This word is the origin of our English word energy. A study of the various tenses of this word will shine light on the church dynamics. It is often used with the Greek word dunamis which referred to inherent power or ability to exert inherent powere without considering whether it is actually exerted.
Energema is used in Philippians 3:21, "Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." The word "able" was the Greek word dunamai which was simply another tense related to dunamis. The word working was the Greek word energeia. The ability to exert this inherent power originates from God who is the giver of His spirit.
As a side note, it is interesting how the above three verses distingush between God who is the giver and the spirit which is the gift. It also distinguishes between God and our Lord Jesus Christ. The gifts are directly related with the spirit that is from God, while the exerting of inherent power is related to and originates directly from God who is the giver of the spirit. Moreover, the different services are directly related to our ord Jesus Christ who is seated in heaven at the right hand of all authority from his Father who is the one true God.
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