Gracious Gifts by Larry Perry
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 English Standard Version
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
The term gracious gift is applied here to the manifestation of gifts regardless of any other ministry. They may be graciously imparted to anyone, at any time because it serves God to do so. These gifts may appear to anyone of any age, experience, maturity, training or title. The issue here is common good. If the will of God was dependent upon the appearance of an apostle, pastor, or teacher, what does that say about God’s ability to be sovereign?
God’s sovereign will is not dependent upon mankind. He does not need us to be sovereign.
The Greek word for apportions in verse 11 is diaireō with a definition of distribution. This is like a distributor for a car where a spark is applied to different wires in turn to go where the power is needed. It does so in turn according to the connections made by us to those in need.
This is yet another reason for us to continue to remain in fellowship with those who have placed their faith in Christ.