1 Corinthians 12
by Philip Layton
Spiritual gifts and their interdependence
Click here to read 1 Corinthians 12
Discussion Questions
-
Can you identify nine gifts of the Holy Spirit that Paul lists by way of example (vv 8-10)?
-
How would you summarise the teaching of Paul in this chapter?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
What are your spiritual gifts? Some have one. Some, a few. God gives according to his plan and purpose. We do not get to choose. Perhaps you have taken a spiritual gift inventory. Or maybe someone has told you what your God-given gift is. The important thing to know is that everyone has a gift. And we should all know what it is. Then be willing to develop other gifts that may be ours. After all, it is for the extension of God’s Kingdom.
There are a variety of gifts, mainly because we are all very different, but they are to be used only for one purpose:
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (v 7).
Whether it’s the gift of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation, teaching, preaching, hospitality, giving, mercy, administration, craftsmanship – or even something else – we have a responsibility to use our gifts for the cause of Christ. It’s also imperative that we realise no gift is better or more important than another.
Sadly, many people think they don’t have a gift – therefore have nothing to offer to their church. But if we say this we’re suggesting the Spirit has not fulfilled his duty in distributing gifts to everyone – in order to produce spiritual results. The gifts, as Paul emphasises, are distributed according to the Spirit’s will:
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines (v 11).
Today, let us thank God for the gift he has given to us – offering ourselves afresh to be used however and wherever needed. Then let’s affirm the gift given to at least one other person. Finally, let’s thank God for the variety of gifts used to edify our church, and the Church universal. All for his glory!
Beverly Ivany
Tags: 1 Corinthians