7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
Corinth was a hub of commerce. It was a wealthy city. The church may have been wealthy as well.
7 But as you abound [excel] in everything—
The Corinthian church excelled in four categories of spiritual gifts (1 Co 1:4-7; 12:8-10).
in faith,
“Faith” here is daily faith, a faith that trusts God continually. This is a faith by which the Christian lives every day; it is an operative faith in God who sovereignly cares for the believer.
in speech,
Many Christians in Corinth were gifted speakers (1 Co 1:4, 5).
in knowledge,
Many also had the gift of “knowledge” (1 Co 1:5). In the Bible, “knowledge” is the accumulation of facts.
in all diligence [eagerness, zeal],
“Diligence” is the application of truth to experience.
and in your love for us—
The Corinthian church’s love for Paul’s team was apparent.
see that you abound [excel] in this grace also.
“Grace” in this context refers to the generosity of giving financially to others.
If the Corinthian church excelled in the four outstanding gifts above, they ought to have stood out in giving.
PRINCIPLE:
Spiritual gifts can be static or dynamic.
APPLICATION:
Giving takes place in relation to other spiritual gifts. All of it is ministry. Giving is a ministry. Giving is the outflow of the inflow of grace. This is faith in action.
