First Corinthians 12 Part 11 Using Our Spiritual Gifts As God Wants Us To Do

Remember that God is the One giving gifts in His church.

1 Corinthians 12:24-26  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25)  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26)  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 

The comely body parts Paul speaks of refers to the frontal or prominent ministry such as preaching, teaching, leading worship. 

These correspond to our external features, our face, noses, mouths, eyes, ears, hair and so on.

Unseen body parts such as our various systems and bones and organs are covered so that they can function as God intended.

These correspond to all those who carry out behind the scenes tasks that we previously mentioned. 

It is God who "tempered" all of the external and internal body parts together in each of us and in His church. 

The word "tempered" means mixing various things together like in making concrete or preparing a two part epoxy coating.

The Holy Spirit guided Paul to remind us that God puts all Christians into each local church as He deems best. 

What does this teach us?

First, that each Christian is a necessary part of his or her local church. The kind of ministry (prominent or behind the scenes) is not what is important. 

What is important is that each Christian uses their gift(s) as God intended them to be used. 

Second, that each Christian should rejoice in the gifts God has given to the church. 

There should be no competition or divisions over who may have a more "important" spiritual gift, for God put it together as it pleases Him.

Loving one another produces mutual ministry in the body of Christ. 

Romans 12:9-16  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10)  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15)  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 

The apostle was guided by the Spirit to encourage the Roman Christians in a similar manner. 

This is the evidence of spiritual gifts being used properly.

Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us and Paul provides a description of what this looks like, practically speaking. 

When the Spirit of God is having His way in our heart we will put other's needs before our own. 

We will help those in need and open our homes to enjoy Christian fellowship.

We will rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are rejoicing over something God is doing in their lives. 

We will weep with those who are grieving over the afflictions and burdens of this life. 

The goal of spiritual gifts is so that mutual ministry within and outside the local church functions rightly.

We learn to care for each other and when a brother or sister has needs those who are able step up to meet those needs.

Distinctions in status or race or gender will not interrupt our desire to minister to each other within the body of Christ. 

We will not be condescending toward others, by thinking more highly of ourselves that we ought to think.

God tells us that it is our duty to bear one another's burdens, helping as we are able and praying always for each other. 

God set all members into Christ's body for His purposes and for our good.

1 Corinthians 12:27-28  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28)  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

Paul is bringing us to a conclusion about spiritual gifts and he is setting up the next aspect of them that he wants to expound upon.

One final reminder that each Christian is a valued and necessary member of Christ's body.

Paul then lists eight spiritual gifts in descending order of importance.

Preaching and teaching gifts come first and this shows that each church must place a strong emphasis upon preaching and teaching the Word of God.

The role of apostles and prophets ceased long ago. The pastor and teacher gifts are still given to us, for which we can thank God.

Miracles and healings administered by the apostles and others laying on hands do not exist as a spiritual gift today.  

God is still doing miracles in people's lives and He is still healing people as we pray for them.

The gift of helps is evident today and is manifest most often in behind the scenes ministry and in people's willingness to provide help as needed. 

The word "governments" refers to the organized administration of a local church or a church connected with a large denomination.

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

This text illustrates the word "governments" and could also correspond with Acts 6 and how the apostles deal with the widows who were neglected in the daily ministry.

Be content with our gifts and faithfully  use them as a body member. 

1 Corinthians 12:29-31  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30)  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31)  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 

Paul asks seven rhetorical questions that demand the answer "No." He is addressing petty jealousies as many Corinthians wanted prominent spiritual gifts.

Not everyone can be an apostle. 

Not everyone is called to preach or teach. 

Not everyone was gifted to do healing or perform miracles.

Not everyone was singled out to speak in tongues or to interpret them. 

It is vital for Christians in every place to know that God set people in order and gave gifts according to His good pleasure.

Paul is going to show us the more excellent way in the next chapter. This is the great chapter on the love of God in the heart of man. 

May the spirit of God grant us understanding in these matters. 

May we respond with joy as we seek to use our gifts and talents for the Lord.

Bob