Someone called me out on a statement in yesterday’s post:

To my way of thinking, understanding that charismata are ministries helps us see that they are always for building up the body and never merely for personal edification. That’s stated clearly in the New Testament, but seems all the more obvious when we realize that we’re looking for an activity or a ministry and not just some mysterious ability.

They rightly noted that’s saying that the Bible “clearly” says something is a dangerous practice. He said that he didn’t disagree with me, just would have like to see some citations.

He’s correct. I should have provided references. In my defense, as we’ve gone through this study we’ve been focusing on 4 passages: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. My mind flashed to statements in those chapters, which probably explains why I didn’t think to cite them. But I should have and will correct that:

1 Corinthians 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

I’ll go on to say that I think spiritual formation is too often thought of in individual terms, when it’s healthier to view it corporately. The body grows, and therein the individuals that make up that body grow as well.