What is the spiritual gift of helps?

The prophet is distinguished from the teacher, and occupies evidently a higher ground. As a permanent gift to the Church, it differs from vaticination, and seems to imply an impulsive outpouring of divine truth, in necessary harmony with Scripture, but not taking the form of simple exposition. This last is rather the office of a teacher. But of prophesying more hereafter.9 The first three gifts, as being nobler in degree and of more permanent effect, are divided, as a class, from those which follow. Among those which remain, we have two — "helps" and "governments" — not previously mentioned, and entitled therefore to our special notice here. The former, which, as a generic term,1 has a very wide acceptation, might apply with equal propriety to such help as Apollos gave by his gifted zeal to them in Achaia which had believed through grace,2 or to any species of practical aid and comfort which love might render in the hour of need; such as Phcebe, for example, gave, who was a succourer of many, and of Paul himself.3 And if it be asked why a term expressive of such varied service is here used as the designation of a particular gift, we may well presume that this intentional ambiguity was meant for the encouragement of those who, with hearts true to Christ, are yet little in their own eyes, and unconscious of those qualities which confer distinction in the sight of men. To such it is a boon to be reminded that God's work has need of helpers, and that no work of love is without its measure of effect in the edification of the body of Christ. A praying saint may be without name in the Church, but is a mighty helper in the Spirit's work. The apostle's own boast was to be a helper of his brethren's joy.4

Among the rest we read of "helps." That is a very nice little word, "helps." There are many persons who may be helps in the Assembly who may not he the possessors of any very great gift. It is very nice to be a "help," and it is very gracious that God allows us to be "helps" to one another, as well as to be His helpers. I was much struck the other day with a word in Judges 5. There was a great crisis in the history of Israel, and we see a certain company who did not rise to the occasion. "Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty" (Judges 5:23). It is a great thing to be always free, and fresh, and simple in heart, and ready to be in the hand of the Lord to do just what He would give one to do. Every one has his own little niche for God, and it is good to remember our Lord's word when He "left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch" (Mark 13:34). We can all be "helps." The Lord gives us each an opportunity in our little corner, to sweetly and simply serve Him and His people. This is open to every one.

But next we find what is called here "ministry;" and by ministry I apprehend is meant serving the saints — kindly, loving, self-denying interest in their difficulties, snares, sorrows, wants, and trials. It is not preaching nor teaching, but helping the saints otherwise. This is set down as a real gift. Do you not feel and know that there are those who teach admirably, to whom you would not think of going if in any strait? I am sure there are not a few who can preach and teach too, yet do not possess that kind of spiritual power needed to advise in case of any trouble or difficulty. It is part of the fallen state of the church to concentrate all in one; as on the other hand there is no disrespect if one simply own each according to what is given from above. Scripture alone gives the certain truth, and sanctions the right man for the right place.

In 1 Cor. 12:28, two of the departments of gift are apt to be overlooked as insignificant, viz., "helps" and "governments," yet they are very necessary to enable the Christians in any place to make progress or growth by the process of "self-edification in love." In the nature of things in the various little companies there cannot be much gift which appeals to the senses, but if that which is born of God gets free course it will make increase of itself in love. "Helps" may not rise higher as men say than cleaning the room where the Christians meet. For example, if a cobweb hang from lamp to lamp, it may serve to stimulate the study of the mathematical law of the catenary, even as Galileo was led to solve the pendulum "inverse square" problem by observing how the lamp supports of different lengths vibrated in church, but such phenomena are not conducive to happy fellowship. That cleanliness is next to godliness is a common idea, but "cleanliness" isgodliness when associated with the Lord's name. The term "governments" does not necessarily refer to anything in the nature of the Prime Minister's duties, but simply taking an oversight over the small affairs as well as the large affairs in the Lord's interests.

Verse 15 gives an interesting side-light on service. The household of Stephanus had "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints," or "devoted themselves to the saints for service." They laid themselves out to serve the saints realizing that thus they would be serving Christ in His members on earth. There might be a lot that was commonplace and humdrum in such work, but it was rendered to Christ. Such service is not very common, we fear. It receives mention and commendation in verse 16. It exemplifies, we judge, what is meant by "helps," mentioned amongst the gifts in 1 Cor. 12:28.

Other gifts, as helps and governments, remain in the assembly, and will remain to the end. This list shows the great variety of gifts bestowed. But the apostle shows they are not all apostles, they are not all prophets, They are distributed proportionately in number and quality. There is a variety to meet all the needs of the saints and to fulfil the purpose in God's mind for the help and blessing of the church.

Miracles" deal with the power to overcome obstacles that may hinder true blessing in the assembly. "Then gifts of healing," no doubt in Corinth literally present, are significant of spiritual healing of ruptures, discord, etc. "Helps" is next, no doubt unpretentious, yet of precious value. "Governments" would of course imply the sober wisdom and balance so necessary in keeping godly order among saints. And last of all, "diversities of tongues." It was these in particular that the Corinthians were emphasizing, and using to please themselves, yet God puts them in the last place. No doubt they have ceased today, literally speaking; but their significance of promoting godly understanding among those naturally separated has real meaning for us.

Finally a word of challenge and withal of encouragement. "And God has set some in the church" (1 Corinthians 12:28). Here we have the various gifts which are for the edifying of the body of Christ. Again the reflexive character of the verb engages our attention. Every gift, outstanding or obscure, is to be taken up with the glory of God in mind — He is to be glorified in the service — not the recipient of the gift. Even the apparently small, but yet wide-open gift of "helps" has the glory of God Himself in view. Beloved brethren, how many difficulties and sorrows could have been averted! Speaking to the elders of Ephesus Paul stressed two important points. First their service in relation to the Assembly — they were set there by God for His glory; secondly, those whom they were to shepherd were of immense value to God Himself — He had purchased them "with the blood of His own." Again we have a reflexive verb — "purchased" — the mighty transaction was of infinite cost to the blessed God, and He shall yet be glorified in every one of the unnumbered myriads so secured (Acts 20:28 N.T.). Let us seek grace to so regard the saints, each one of them reflecting glory upon the blessed God — and thus in true humility embrace the privilege of serving "God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

The guides show me the way from God's Word. Men with pastoral gift there are still to help the souls of the saints, specially in private. And we have teachers too for the saints inside. But let us never forget that all gifts are the common property of the Church. They belong to the whole, and not to some little section, and wherever I see a gifted man I claim him, as from the Lord, for the whole Church, and would to God that he would take his place in His Assembly as such.

Here you will observe the exercise of the sovereignty of the ascended Head in glory, who communicates a certain gift to you or to me, as He wills. All is His doing. If He has made you an evangelist, or a pastor, or a teacher, or if He has only made you a little help in the Assembly, it is all His doing, it all comes from Him. If you get anything that will help the saints, thank Him and use it. Remember there is something in every one. Do not let us forget that, because we are all here to help each other. "To every one of us is given grace."