Spiritual manifestations were popular in the church in Corinth and they still are today. Paul does not want us to be uninformed. How can we get a godly balance in regard to unique skills given by the Spirit?
Spiritual gift tests probably still make the rounds of churches. They are simplistic and tend to assume that the gifts listed here are all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A good background to this chapter is Exodus 31:1-5, where we see more gifts of the Spirit. Those listed here must then just be examples. What other gifts may the Holy Spirit give? What about hospitality, music, listening, or encouragement?
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
The word “gifts” is not in the original, though it is implied in the later word charismata, meaning spiritual endowments, and is used several times in this chapter. The topic is the “spiritual” or “spiritual things.” Could their previous counterfeit gods speak as God speaks into our hearts through the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
We too were once deceived by the things of this world. What is one sign that someone’s words can be trusted or not?
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed [anathema]: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Were some things which Jesus and the Apostles allowed for conscience’s sake later called anathema by spiritually abusive church leaders? Are those who confess Jesus as Lord uniform or diverse in abilities?
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are diversities of:
1) charismata, literally “grace-endowments.” Should we divide over such issues, or do we have the same Lord?
1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
2) administrations, literally “services.” Do we all work the same way?
1 Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
3) operations or workings. When we look around our local church are we blind to the endowment, services and works which are from the Holy Spirit, or do we just find fault with people? Are the manifestations of the Spirit for self-glory or for the good of all?
1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
What is the first and potentially most overlooked manifestation of the Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Wisdom is needed in teaching, exhortation and comforting. Knowledge of scripture, doctrine, and mysteries is needed. Are some given an extra measure of faith?
1 Corinthians 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
All Christians need a certain measure of faith for salvation. This is speaking of extraordinary faith to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Gifts of healing are plural. This could therefore include both miraculous and physical means. Why do some seem to focus more on some manifestations than others?
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Counterfeit miracles and false prophecies abound (Deuteronomy 13). Tongues can come from God, mere human emotionalism and even the devil. Many non-Christian religions speak in tongues and their source is often emotionalism and mass hypnosis. What if God does not give us a gift that we want? Who makes the decision about giving these manifestations?
1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
As Jesus prayed so should we, not my will but Yours be done. Who are these manifestations of the Spirit for?
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Do Christians with different manifestations all have the same Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
How many members of a human body are there?
1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
Are some manifestations of less value?
1 Corinthians 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
Are those with very different abilities still in the body?
1 Corinthians 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
How useless would a church be if we all had the same abilities?
1 Corinthians 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
What do we often overlook when we are frustrated by differences between church members?
1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
How useless would a body be if composed of only one part?
1 Corinthians 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
How wonderful is the diversity of heavenly gifts?
1 Corinthians 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Do we need each other?
1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
What about those whose contribution seems small?
1 Corinthians 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
What about those whose contribution is hidden behind the scenes?
1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
Applause is addictive, and some contributions don’t get much public praise. Are anonymous jobs often given greater honor by heaven than those which receive more frequent public acclamation?
1 Corinthians 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
What should we realize about our place in the local church?
1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
How should we feel about those who suffer or are honored in our local church?
1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Are we all important parts of the team?
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
What are some ways that people serve in the church?
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all sent on missions? Do all speak and teach God’s word or perform miracles?
1 Corinthians 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Are all used to heal or work with languages?
1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
What are the most helpful endowments of grace (charismata)? Which gifts are most useful for a particular church at a particular time?
1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
This more excellent way introduces the topic of love, often overlooked in ego-driven church politics. Let’s recognize and treasure the extraordinary manifestations of the Holy Spirit in each person’s life. Let’s remember to thank those faithfully serving in hidden duties. They may be the ones who receive the greatest reward in eternity.
