Footsteps #129

In ! Corinthians Chapter 12 Paul begins his metaphorical (body of Christ) treatment of the theme of spiritual gifts which continues to chapter 14.  In chapter 12 he underlines the need for a diversity of gifts and ministries, all of which are given to the church by the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.  Then he points his readers to “the most excellent way” (12:31) of love and compares the relatively passing nature of spiritual gifts with the eternal durability of love (chapter 13).  In chapter 14, Paul turns to the gift that had proved especially problematic in Corinth–the gift of unlearned languages (NLT, NIV footnote glossalalia) (KJV=Tongues).  Paul 3 times lists the gifts and ministries. Notice what remains consistent and what changes in vs8-10, v28, and vs29-30. These lists are not complete. Paul includes two other lists in Rom.12:3-8 and Eph.4:11 both of which do not contain languages and their interpretation. Paul’s concern is not to give an exhaustive list of gifts.  His concern is that the Christians in Corinth avail themselves of the Holy Spirit’s rich variety of gifts that will fully equip the church for ministry.  There will always be some differences among church members, yet that should not hinder their unity in labouring for Christ. 

Paul writes to troubled Corinthian Christians who are experiencing difficulties with spiritual gifts.  We can be grateful for Paul’s treatment of those ancient problems, for they leave us with many helpful concepts.  Among the ideas especially important today are: 1. All members of God’s church are gifted (vs11-13;Rom12:4-8;Eph.47,16); 2. It is presumed that the church as a body will be healthiest when each part is working in the way God designed (v18).  An important implication of these thoughts is that we should make an effort to determine how God has gifted us to function in the church.   ” Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives” (1 Cor.14: 1, NLT).  

Unity and diversity are not two opposites; they must be held in  delicate balance. The human body (as Paul uses the analogy) is incredibly diverse but marvellously unified. So is the body of Christ to be!