To Profit Withal
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 09/07/2025
Foundation Scripture:
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV
1. Every Man.
a. The manifestations of the Spirit are given by God to profit and be a blessing to every person.
b. The gifts are distributed according to His will, not based on our merit.
c. Not every believer operates in all the gifts of the Spirit.
d. The gifts are given by God, and they operate and function as the Spirit wills.
e. They also operate and function according to the call and anointing on a particular believer’s life.
f. But they are given to be a blessing to everyone.
g. 1 Corinthians 12:11 KJV –– But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
h. Romans 12:6 KJV –– Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…
i. We are blessed when and if the Lord uses us in any spiritual gift.
j. And so also are the people who benefit from the operation of the gift/s through us.
2. The Gifts are a Manifestation of the Spirit.
a. The gifts of the Spirit are not natural abilities.
b. They are supernatural manifestations of the Spirit.
c. Manifestation means “to make visible.”
d. We can’t see the Spirit with the natural eye, but we can see what He does.
e. For example:
f. A word of wisdom that solves a problem beyond human reasoning.
g. A gift of healing that doctors cannot explain.
h. Tongues and interpretation, or prophecy, that reveal God’s will.
i. Think of electricity.
j. You can’t see it, but you see the light bulb glow when it flows.
k. The gifts are like the light bulbs that reveal the unseen power of the Spirit.
l. John 16:14 KJV –– He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
3. The Purpose is Profit.
a. The gifts are given to profit withal.
b. To profit withal, means: to bear together; bring together; to collect or to contribute an advantage; to be better for; be expedient; be good, be profitable (for).
c. It is the same word Jesus used, when He explained that it would be expedient (profitable) for Him to depart so the Comforter (Holy Spirit) could come (John 16:7).
d. If we do not have these gifts, we are running at a loss.
e. The purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is to be a blessing to all.
f. They are given for the edification of the Church—for building up the body of Christ.
g. Ephesians 4:12 KJV –– For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
h. 1 Peter 4:10 KJV –– As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
i. The gifts are given “to profit withal.”
j. They are given for the edification of the Church, and not for personal gain.
4. Stewardship of the Gifts.
a. Gifts are not ornaments but tools.
b. They must be used.
c. To neglect a gift is to rob the Church of God’s intended blessing.
d. If God has given you a spiritual gift, then you ought to operate in it as He wills and in obedience to Him.
e. So, stir up the gift that God has given you.
f. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV –– Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you… 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
g. The gifts are given to bless and to meet the needs of people.
h. 1 Corinthians 12:31a KJV –– But covet earnestly the best gifts…
i. The best gift is the more useful, more serviceable, more advantageous, or more excellent gift.
j. The best gift is the one that is needed at the time.
k. There are many gifts, but they operate by one Spirit.
l. The body has many parts, but each is necessary.
m. We are to flow together and allow God to use us to meet the needs of people and to bring God glory.
5. Love is the Greatest Expression.
a. 1 Corinthians 12:31 KJV –– But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
b. 1 Corinthians 13:1 KJV –– Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
c. Love is the more excellent way.
d. Love is the greatest expression of all God’s gifts to man.
e. The gifts without love are empty.
f. Love is the oil that makes them work.
g. Faith is required for you to operate in the gifts.
h. And faith works by love (Gal. 5:6).
6. For the Glory of God.
a. God is the source of the gifts.
b. These gifts are grace-gifts (charismata) and are unearned and undeserved.
c. We cannot boast in them; we can only glorify God through them
(1 Cor. 1:31).
d. Are you using the gift God has placed in you?
e. Are you seeking to build up others in love?
f. Prove yourself faithful and trustworthy and allow God to use you as He sees fit.
g. 1 Peter 4:11 KJV –– If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ…