1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Paul opens by addressing the Corinthians’ questions about spiritual gifts, explaining that while the Spirit distributes different kinds of gifts, they all come from the same source. (1 Cor 12) He establishes a foundational criterion: genuine Spirit-speaking affirms Jesus as Lord, while anything cursing Jesus cannot come from God’s Spirit. (1 Cor 12)
The chapter catalogs various manifestations of the Spirit’s work—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. (1 Cor 12) Crucially, Paul emphasizes that each person receives these gifts “for the common good” (1 Cor 12), establishing that individual spiritual experiences serve communal benefit rather than personal status.
The second half shifts to the body metaphor. Just as a physical body contains many parts yet functions as one unified whole, so Christ’s body operates through diversity unified by baptism in the one Spirit. (1 Cor 12) Through hypothetical scenarios—a foot claiming it doesn’t belong because it isn’t a hand, or an ear claiming the same about not being an eye—Paul counters the notion that different roles diminish one’s membership in the body. (1 Cor 12) Paul emphasizes that God assigns greater honor to the weaker and less visible parts, challenging believers to adopt divine values rather than cultural hierarchies.
Paul insists that spectacular gifts don’t confer spiritual status; instead, the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes gifts for community benefit, with authenticity measured by whether a gift promotes Christ’s Lordship and builds up the whole community. The chapter concludes by listing various roles—apostles, prophets, and teachers—either ranked by importance or significance for establishing the church.
OPEN:
- What was the most fulfilling job you ever had?
- What was life like when you first began to believe that "Jesus is Lord"?
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 indicates that some Corinthians felt certain spiritual gifts were better than others. Have you ever encountered a similar attitude? In yourself?
- How is the diversity of the gifts related to the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- Of the spiritual gifts listed, which have you received? Is this list all-inclusive?
- How have you used your gift for the common good? Have you ever seen a spiritual gift not used for the common good?
Other Resources:
Using Our Spiritual Gifts - we look at how God has blessed us each with spiritual gifts, and we outline 4 steps we can take to put those gifts to work. = 1 Corinthians 12
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
How do we find out our spiritual gift(s)? A common approach is that we should examine ourselves, discern our God-given strengths and abilities, and dedicate these as gifts from the Spirit to service in God’s kingdom. Many even have Spiritual Gift Inventory tests that can be taken. These can be valuable, however, if this is the only way that we can find out our spiritual gifts, why didn’t God give us free of charge tests in His Word?
One mistake is to equate natural gifts with spiritual gifts. Most of us have things in our lives that are gifts that were evident from birth. Saw this in them from a young age. Most people were born with natural endowments, whether they are Christians or not. People can use these things for good or for evil, as seen throughout history. The fact that such inclinations, tendencies, or talents are present does not make them spiritual gifts. At best, we may call them providential gifts. God, in his general providence, has permitted such talents to be present and/or developed. This does not constitute spiritual giftedness.
One key to identifying one’s spiritual gift is to be called by the Spirit into a particular task, office, or area of service. In Bible times, when God gave direct revelation, such a calling was clear, like to Moses in Exodus 3, and Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9. People do not have natural abilities to do supernatural things. Moses did not grow up parting the Nile River.
Thought of the Day: Often, we can expect the Spirit to call someone who already has some ability in that area. When this happens, the role of the Spirit is to enhance, sharpen, and focus that talent for the task.
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