1 Corinthians
14:12-20 – A manifestation of the Spirit builds up the church
We continue in a series of readings dealing with the
activity of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is to edify and build
up the body of Christ known as the church. The church will grow not by human
means, by cunning ways, by programs, or building structures. The kingdom comes
and grows by the Holy Spirit actively working in the lives of people.
The Spirit comes through those means of grace that God has
given us. May we call upon the Spirit to build us up to be His church. Paul
urges that the Spirit’s gifts should edify.
Both the Gospel (Luke 5:1-11) and the Old Testament lesson
(Isaiah 6:1-8) for this coming Sunday are concerned with becoming servants of
God. Paul urges in our lesson for today that even in worship, a person’s personal
needs must not take precedent. Serving the people by building them up in their faith
and love of God is paramount. Worship is not for the individual. If so, we are
only consumers. The focus must always be for the building up of the body of
Christ and for the mutual benefit of all.
O Lord, keep
your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope
of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power;
O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers, which surround
us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that with your help, we may be able to
overcome the weakness that our sins have brought upon us.[2] – 03 February, 2022
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