The Ministry of Grace 

Beyond the events associated with the cross, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit participated equally, yet uniquely in the salvation and sanctification of sinners through the ministry of the church.  In His letter to the Galatians the Apostle Paul wrote, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

The ministry of grace in the church included the administration of spiritual gifts, and in the church at Corinth there was confusion over their use.  At the root of the problem was a misunderstanding of why God distributes gifts in the first place.  Since He does so for His own purpose and glory, those with more visible gifts should not think too highly of themselves and those with lesser gifts should not hide in the shadows.  The Godhead helps us avoid these polar positions as, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Following His resurrection, the triumphant Jesus gave gifts to His citizens and apportioned them as He wished (Ephesians 4:7).  The Spirit was manifested in them for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7), and God began to place those who were gifted exactly where He wanted them to be (1 Corinthians 12:18).

The Godhead is generous in all ways, showering us with grace in every form.  Some children are fortunate enough to have parents and grandparents who lavish them with love.  We have a Father, Son and Spirit, with infinite glory and power, pouring spiritual gifts into our lives continually.  No wonder we are disciplined in our faith.  Otherwise we would surely be spoiled rotten!