ROMANS 12:6

“However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;”

Whatever your talents and abilities are, you need to use them correctly. We will be looking at a list of several gifts that Paul mentions over the next few days. God-given gifts are not the same as one’s talents or abilities. I have heard way too many people say, “Boy, that guy is sure talented. If God could get ahold of him, he could really be used.” That is not necessarily true. You may be the most gifted singer, and God may have a totally different plan for your life. Don’t equate talents with gifts.

Paul begins this list of gifts, and we find a phrase that is not in the original text. The phrase “each of us is to use them properly” is not there. The NASB, which is what I use mostly, throws that in to add some clarity to what Paul is about to say. It’s an implied thought, but not in the original. That’s why it’s in italics. This is another reason to always go back to the original language if possible. Paul says that we all have different “grace gifts” that are different according to the “grace” given to us. These gifts are gifts given by God for a specific purpose. Let’s jump into the first one.

APPLICATION

The first “grace gift” Paul mentions is prophecy. The Topical Lexicon says this about this gift. “Unlike ecstatic tongues, prophecy is immediately intelligible, convicting unbelievers and strengthening believers.” In 1 Corinthians 14:22 we are told, “prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.” Some will argue that this “grace gift” is not present in the modern church, but I would argue if you hold to this strict definition of prophecy, it still has a place to help strengthen believers.

Ellicott’s Commentary this gift “was a kind of powerful and inspired preaching which, unlike the gift of tongues, was strictly within the control of the person who possessed it.” I’ve known people with this gift and have learned to listen closely when they speak forth from the Lord. These individuals have always been very humble and slow to speak unless they knew and had confirmed what they were about to share.

This “grace gift” when properly exercised is always meant to build up the body of Christ, never cause a division. It can mean to “declare the divine will; to interpret the purposes of God; or to make known in any way the truth of God.” (Barnes) Why would the Lord not use that gift in today’s church. Don’t we need that more than every? Sure, we do. I pray we have more believers making known the truth of God. Don’t you?

Lord, whatever our gifts, let us exercise them with humility knowing they from You and for You.

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