The Gifts of God

1 Corinthians 2:9-13

“9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 13 And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.”

Once we come into faith, God gives us His spirit.  It is through God’s Holy Spirit that we receive the hunger for God’s word, the need to search out God’s truth, and the power to live our lives in the example of Christ.  

Through these things we come to know God and our relationship with God grows ever deeper.  Gradually we are transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ over the course of our lifetime. Because of this transformation, our lives will reflect the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

For this transformation to happen, we must listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit over the voice of the world.  We must follow God’s spirit and not the spirit of the world.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)