Ephesians 4:7&11 to each one of us grace was given according to the (full) measure of Christ's gift...
He gave (granted) some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, some to be shepherds and teachers...
Gal 1:6, 1:15, Romans 1:5,12:16, I Cor 15:1, IICor 8:9, Eph 3:7&8, II Tim 1:9, Jms 4:6, IPet4:10-11,
These gifts are grace gifts: Charis is a favor done without expectation of return; absolute freeness of the lovingkindness of God to men, finding its only motive in the bounty and free heartedness of the Giver.
Charisma indicates the result of the grace.
If of grace - unmerited by the recipient- then it is not earned.Salvation is by grace. We do not see ourselves as having done something or somewhat to receive it. Why is it that when it comes to the gifts as it relates to the Body are we not also overcome with the grace? If by grace you are a healer, giver, apostle or prophet, why think that it is some part of your own doing?
The same grace that saves us is the same grace that gives us a part to play in this " business" of ministry. It is all God in Jesus Christ. The test of the genuineness of the gift is thus: humility. True humility knows that it is nothing of self but all that has been given to us by God.
If it is a gift, received whether we deserve it or not, where is arrogance and boasting then? In the flesh. This very thing, the flesh, is what makes us less effective in the Kingdom of God.
How can we preach grace laced with self? It would be heresy. How can we also serve a gift laced with self and the flesh? Would this not also be heresy?
The gift and the Giver, the man and the ministry, it is all by grace. If by grace then not by works and not by boasting.
By grace, Paul says, I am what I am. Not by works, not by lineage, not by any other process of selection; just Grace. And if it is Grace then it is just the Father's good [pleasure. Just because He wanted to.
It is great! It is all HIM!
