HE GAVE GIFTS

“When [Jesus] ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8, ESV).

Think of it! When we surrendered our lives to Jesus and to the work He did for us on the cross, He gave us gifts — every single one of us. So what is accessed at the cross is not just for our forgiveness or our righteousness or our acceptance into the family of God. These gifts from Jesus to His church are empowered gifts — amazing and powerful.

1 Corinthians 12:7 talks about the different manifestations of the Spirit:

“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

Isn’t this a good verse? It says, “To each one.” He has given you personally the power to function in the gifts.

GIFTS THAT PROFIT

There is going to be a greater manifestation of the Holy Spirit “for the common good.” This means that these empowered gifts were given so that everyone who comes in contact with you will profit from them in your life.

Ephesians 4:8 said, “He gave” when speaking of the gifts, so it is past tense. You are to employ the gift He has put within you. You may not know what it is, but He is going to unfold it to you. This power is going to come in a greater fashion in your life and He will develop it and cause it to increase in you.