Read 1 Corinthians 12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12&version=NIV
12:1–3 The word Paul used for spiritual gifts in 12:1 is literally “spirituals,” that is, “spiritual things or matters.” In 12:4 he used the word “gifts,” a term that is sometimes translated “grace.” Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities for service. Every believer possesses a spiritual gift, but not all possess the same gift. Lists of spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:6–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8–10. These gifts are to be used in serving others (1 Pet. 4:10). The problem at Corinth was that certain spectacular gifts were emphasized and people were seeking the spectacular gifts for the sake of personal glory.
12:4–31 Believers are not to exalt one gift and despise another. The divine source of all the gifts determines their equal worth. All gifts are from God and therefore may have differing functions, but all are of equal worth. There is a unity of origin behind the variety of effects. The purpose, not the source, of the gifts is emphasized: the common good (12:7). Note the use of this concept in 6:12; 7:35; 10:23; 10:33. A spiritual gift is the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Spiritual gifts are given, not on the basis of merit, but according to God’s sovereign purposes (12:11).
Paul used the human body to illustrate how the church was to function—with a unified diversity of gifts (12:12–26). This takes up the themes of 12:7 (common good) and 12:11 (as he wills). Paul wanted the Corinthians to accept the diversity of gifts given by God. The Corinthian problem was living with this diversity. They sought a false unity that was based on everyone seeking the same gift. Such a quest was not the basis for true unity.
Using the illustration of the human body, Paul described the relation of the gifted believers to one another and to Christ and explained how each was necessary and important. By the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (12:13), believers were united with the universal body of Christ. The word “baptized” was used metaphorically here and carries the sense of “identification with.” The Spirit is the criterion for identifying God’s gifted people and for evaluating the worth of the gift. The worth is dictated by source, not function (12:15–26). Membership in God’s community is not based on the type of gift he has given.
All members are equal (12:19–26). The nature of the church demands a variety that leads to interdependence and appreciation, not division (cf. 12:14, 20). Some in Corinth had a foot-and-ear complex. They said or were told that they were not important. Others had an eye-and-hand complex. They boasted that they did not need anyone else. But Paul sought to show them that they all needed each other and were given diverse gifts so that they could care for each other (12:25).
Paul applied the illustration of the body to the Corinthian church (12:27–31). In 12:29–30 Paul used a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize the point that God never intended to give the same gifts to all believers. Paul was showing that the function of the spiritual gifts was to express and be driven by the all-encompassing nature of love (12:31). In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul would present a way of life superior to a life spent in seeking and displaying spiritual gifts.
Discussion question
Verses 4-6 indicate that some Corinthians felt certain spiritual gifts were better than others. Have you had this attitude toward other Christians? In yourself?
What spiritual gifts do you have?
For more information about spiritual gifts or to take the assessment go to http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355371/k.9501/Spiritual_Gifts.htm
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I think it might be easy to be jealous of someone else's spiritual gifts. And it would be easy to think that some gifts are better (or higher) than others. I think the key is to find your spiritual gift or gifts. As Paul says, each person is blessed with different gifts but everyone and their gifts is needed to work for the common good.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have had this attitude toward other Christians, but I have probably, at times, thought that it would be nice to have a trait that someone else possesses. However, I have come to realize, with the help of this passage and others, that the Holy Spirit has given me gifts that are unique to me and it is my job to use these gifts for the betterment of the body of Christ.
I just wonder if these are the same gifts given today...My first thought is to doubt prechers who heal people on Television. I believe that God does miracles but if people had these gifts they would be in the media and more people would believe as a result....I try not to be a pessimist and have strong faith. I just struggle with this type of thing since it is not as it is described during the early church....Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I normally put down anyone else's spiritual gifts even though I may not understand them or agree with them. But I think Paul is saying that we are all given different sprirtual gifts but they should be used in the same way . . to glorify God. For example, speaking in tongues is not something I understand or necessarily feel it is something I could do, but, I respect those that choose to worship the Lord in this manner. I would never put someone down because this is their spiritual gift. I believe the shame is if we choose not to use the gifts God has given us!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall ever putting down anyone's spiritual gifts. I have never experienced speaking in tongues or healing other people, but I personally know people who have. Since I know them to be deeply spiritual, I have no reason to question whether it is genuine, so I just leave that to God. I hope I have a little wisdom and knowledge.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think that I have. I have come to realize that not all have the same gifts or personality. I think each of us have certain gifts for the church. Whether financially or lending helping hands. Each person is blessed with talents & gifts & all should work for the good of the church.
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