Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12

The gift of working of miracles, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10, is a fascinating and often debated aspect of the Christian faith. Our starting point must be the Bible itself. 1 Corinthians 12 provides a crucial list of spiritual gifts, amongst which we find "the working of miracles." This passage emphasises the divine origin of these gifts – they are given by the Holy Spirit, not earned or manufactured by individuals.

Furthermore, the Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills, highlighting His sovereignty and the importance of each gift within the body of Christ. The overall context stresses unity in diversity, with each gift contributing to the overall functioning and health of the church. While other passages, such as Romans 12 and Galatians 3, don't explicitly mention miracles, they contribute to our understanding of spiritual gifts in general, linking them to grace, faith, and the reception of the Holy Spirit.

So, why do miracles happen? The ultimate purpose is always to glorify God. Miracles point beyond themselves to God's power, His love, and His sovereignty over all creation. They are not about drawing attention to the individual performing the miracle, but rather to the God who empowers them. In the early church, miracles often served to confirm the Gospel message, acting as signs and wonders that validated the apostles' claims. They also play a vital role in edifying the church, strengthening the faith of believers and demonstrating God's active involvement in their lives. Finally, miracles frequently address human needs, whether physical healing, deliverance from spiritual oppression, or provision in times of scarcity. In this way, they reflect God's compassion and His desire to meet the needs of His people.

The Bible is replete with examples of miraculous interventions. Moses, empowered by God, parted the Red Sea and brought forth plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating God's power over creation and His commitment to delivering His people. Elijah, a powerful prophet, raised the widow's son from the dead and called down fire from heaven, showcasing God's power over life and death and His supremacy over false deities. Jesus, of course, is the ultimate example. His miracles – healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water, calming storms – demonstrated His divine authority and compassion. They were also signs pointing to His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. After Jesus' ascension, the apostles continued to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Peter and John healed the lame man at the temple, and Paul's ministry was marked by numerous miraculous events. These examples illustrate the continuation of God's power through the Holy Spirit and its availability to believers.

Moving to more contemporary accounts, we often hear stories of miraculous healings, deliverances, and provision. It is crucial to approach these accounts with a degree of discernment. Not every extraordinary event is necessarily a miracle. Some can be explained by natural causes, coincidence, or even, in rare cases, deception. We must always test everything by Scripture and maintain a healthy scepticism. Furthermore, genuine miracles always point to God, not to the individual involved. Be wary of those who emphasise themselves or seek personal gain through claims of miraculous powers.

Humility is the hallmark of those who have genuinely experienced or witnessed God's miraculous intervention. They understand that it is all of grace and that the focus should always be on God's glory. While it's impossible to validate every claim, such accounts can nonetheless be powerful testimonies of faith and reminders of God's continuing ability to act in extraordinary ways.

The question of whether the gift of working of miracles is still active today is a matter of ongoing debate amongst Christians. Some adhere to cessationism, believing that miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic age. Others hold to continuationism, believing that these gifts are still available to believers today. Regardless of one's view on this matter, certain principles remain paramount. God is sovereign and can still work miraculously today, even if the frequency or manifestation of miracles may differ from what we see in the Bible. Faith, a deep trust in God's character and promises, is essential for experiencing His power in any way. Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, is the most important gift and should motivate the exercise of all other gifts. And ultimately, our focus should always be on Christ and His Gospel, regardless of whether or not we personally witness miraculous events.

How To Receive The Gift of Working of Miracles

While the Bible doesn't provide a specific formula for receiving the gift of working of miracles, here are some insights based on scripture and Christian teachings:
* Desire the Greater Gifts: 1 Corinthians 14:1 encourages believers to "eagerly desire the greater gifts," including love, and while it doesn't specifically mention miracles in this verse, the broader context encourages the pursuit of spiritual gifts. A genuine desire for the gift, motivated by a desire to serve God and others, is important.
* Faith and Belief: Miracles are often associated with faith. Believing in God's power and trusting that He can work through you is essential. Hebrews 11:6 states that "without faith it is impossible to please God."
* Prayer and Supplication: Praying for the gift and seeking God's will is important. Ask God to reveal His gifts to you and to equip you for service.
* Yielding to the Holy Spirit: The gifts of the Spirit are given by the Holy Spirit as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Yielding to the Spirit's guidance and allowing Him to work through you is crucial. This involves surrendering your own desires and agendas to God's will.
* Study and Meditation: Immersing yourself in the Word of God and meditating on His promises can strengthen your faith and open your heart to receive His gifts.
* Serving and Ministering: Engaging in acts of service and ministry can create opportunities for God to manifest His power through you. As you serve others, you may discover and develop the gifts He has given you.
* Accountability and Guidance: Seeking guidance from mature Christians and leaders in the church can provide valuable insights and accountability as you seek to discern and develop your spiritual gifts.
* Humility and Dependence: Approaching the pursuit of spiritual gifts with humility and dependence on God is essential. Remember that the gifts are for God's glory and the edification of the church, not for personal gain or recognition.
It's important to note that the gifts of the Spirit are not something we can earn or manipulate. They are given by God according to His sovereign will. Our role is to desire them, seek them in faith, and be open to God's leading.

In conclusion, the gift of working of miracles is a powerful manifestation of God's grace and power. While its operation today is debated, the core principles of glorifying God, confirming the Gospel, building up the church, and ministering to human needs remain relevant for all believers. Whether we experience miracles ourselves or not, we can rest assured in God's unwavering love and faithfulness. Our prayer should be that we are open to His working in whatever way He chooses, always seeking to honour Him and serve others in the power of His Spirit.

God bless you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to give your lift to Christ, please say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Jesus name I pray, amen.

Congratulations!!!

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