1 CORINTHIANS 12 - UNITY IN DIVERSITY

 

1 Corinthians 12 

explains that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, not for personal pride but for the common good. 

Paul emphasized three points in this chapter:

1. Spiritual gifts (v1-3) - we can judge things if it is a spiritual gift if they relate to Jesus - if                                 they are meant to glorify Jesus. 
                           - the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not to promote anyone but Jesus alone.

2. Diversity and unity of the gifts (v4-6) - God displays and pour out His power in different                                     ways - given by the same God.

3. Varieties of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (v7-11)

                    - the Holy Spirit is always present in and any Christian

                    - the purpose of this manifestation is to benefit the whole church and all it's                                     believers.

    THE GIFTS:

        1. wisdom - unique ability to speak forth the wisdom of God especially in important                                         situation (example: Stephen)

        2. knowledge - ability to declare knowledge that is revealed supernaturally (like you have                                 back pain.. problem... etc)

        3. faith - ability to trust God against all circumstances (like Peter walking on water)

        4. Healing - it is given and received, it is given in extraordinary occassions to display                                       God's power.

        5. Miracles - "acts of Power" when the Holy Spirit overide the laws of nature

        6. prophecy - telling forth of God's message - always in accord with His Words.

        7. Discernment - ability to tell between true and false doctrine and between what is the                                     Holy Spirit and what is not.

        8. Tongues - personal language prayer given by God to communicate with Him beyond                                 the knowledge and understanding

        9. interpretation - it must benefit the church

In summary, Paul emphasized to Corinthians that one and the same spirit works all these things - to unite them not to be competetive because :

            - NO GIFT IS SUPERIOR: ALL ARE PURPOSEFUL

            - Gifts are not earned they are entrusted

            - Christian life is not a solo - it is communal

            - DIFFERENT GIFTS. ONE SPIRIT. ONE BODY. ONE PURPOSE - for the Glory of                     God.

Let us reflect : 
        DO YOU:

            - feel overlooked? - God sees you!
            - feel proud? - God calls you to humility!

            - feel disconnected? - God reminds you, you belong.

SPIRITUAL MATURITY PRODUCES HUMILITY AND CARE.....

Let us pray: 

Lord, thank You for making me part of the Body of Christ. Help me honor the gifts of others and walk humbly in the gift You've given me. Remove pride, insecurity, and comaprison from my heart. 

Teach me to serve in love, unity and faithfulness. Amen.