5/8/10 1 Corinthians 12
Different but not Divided
Paul now addresses a misunderstanding the Corinthians had in relation to the spiritual (gifts). The Corinthians had put a wrong emphasis on the more spectacular gifts particularly the gift of tongues. Paul uses verse 4-11 to describe the variety of gifts but the same Spirit, Lord, and God. Each of these gifts are distributed as the Spirit wills (1 Cor 12:11). So there are a number of different gifts, but these gifts are not intended to be a divisive issue. Each is placed in the context of the church described as the body for the overall good. Paul has been addressing some of the major issues that have led to the division and fractions within the church at Corinth.
The area of spiritual gifts is intended to benefit the entire body for good not to set people apart as the have’s and the have not’s. This type of thinking is how the world operates, but the church is not to function as the world does. Everyone who is truly a member of the body has a specific gift and specific function in the body. There are members of the body that may take a more public and influential role, but this does not indicate a superior role. The members that have gifts that are unseen are just as important to the function of the body as those that are seen and heard. All members are to have the same care for one another. Any inclination of superiority on the one hand and self-pity on the other hand is to be rejected on the authority of scripture in this passage.
We are encouraged to desire the greater gifts 1 Cor 12:31 and what this means is that we are to seek those gifts that do the most to build up the church. For example (1 Cor 14:5) says that the gift of prophecy (not future telling, but truth telling) is greater than the gift of tongues, because the gift of tongues builds up oneself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church (1 Cor 14:4). This whole issue becomes rather knotty and I have just read some things on this passage that show me I need to study further this passage.
When one member negates or neglects his/her giftedness then the body is weakened and becomes unhealthy. So be thankful for how the Spirit has gifted you knowing that your giftedness makes a difference, but is not to cause division in the body.
Prayer: Father you are the creator of every living thing. You have created the church which is compared to a body and is a living and functional organism. I praise you for the creation of the church. I praise you for the many members that make up the church locally and universally. Lord, protect us from become divisive and having fractions and make us a healthy church that works for your honor and glory. We the world looks at the church I pray that they will see something vastly different from what they see in any other organization. Father bring yourself near to us, so we may have a heart like yours. Prepare us to reach our potential with our unique giftedness, in Jesus name. Amen.