Spiritual Powers (1 Corinthians 12)

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?