Divine Capacity vs. Function vs. Ability vs. Performance
Jeremiah 31:33 "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts."
Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of ministries, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of operations, but the same God."
Ephesians 4:12-13 "To equip the saints for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith."
Aspect |
Divine Capacity |
Function |
Ability |
Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Meaning |
Operating power of inner life law, expressing divine life |
Role or operation that a part/member can perform |
Individual specialized skills and capabilities |
Actual effects and manifestation |
Distinction |
Originates from divine life, fundamental power |
Concrete manifestation of capacity |
Specific expression of function |
Results of ability being exercised |
Description |
Contains all divine attributes except deity, enables believers to be constituted with God |
Performs specialized roles according to position |
Personal specialized skills |
Actual effectiveness and impact |
Examples |
Enables believers to live out God's life, express God |
Service roles like apostles, prophets |
Specific gifts like teaching, evangelizing |
Results like church building, life supply |
Application |
Becoming the same as God in life and nature |
Fulfilling roles in the Body |
Serving with personal expertise |
Achieving concrete results of God's will |
Related Verses |
- Jer 31:33 "I will put my law within them" - Rom 8:2 "The law of the Spirit of life" - 2 Cor 3:18 "Being transformed into the same image" |
- Eph 4:11 "He gave some as apostles" - 1 Cor 12:28 "God has appointed in the church" - Eph 4:16 "Each individual part" |
- Rom 12:6-8 "Gifts that differ according to the grace" - 1 Cor 12:4-6 "Varieties of gifts" |
- Eph 4:12-13 "For building up the body" - Col 1:29 "Striving according to His power" - Phil 2:13 "God who works in you" |
Key points of relevant scriptures:
- 1. "And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11) - About Function
- 2. "The growth of the body, the building up of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16) - About Effectiveness
- 3. "According to the grace each of us has received" (Rom 12:6) - About talents
- 4. "The law of God is within me" (Jeremiah 31:33) - About Performance
Conclusion:
These four elements form a complete operating system: Divine capacity is the source, manifested through various functions, operated through different abilities, ultimately producing spiritual performance. This reflects God's complete work in believers' lives.
*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 14 Christ as the Liberator and the One Who Makes Us More Than a Victor