Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Corinthians
Warren Mueller
Christian Author & Lake Ecosystem Scientist. Manager Environmental Assessments at Ameren (Retired).
Spiritual Gifts (12:1-11)
Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you 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. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
1. There were Corinthian Christians who were under the influence of evil spirits associated with false gods. Paul says that they must stay away from false gods and practices. He offers a test to determine whether spiritual manifestations and influences are from God or demons. He says that those controlled by evil spirits curse Jesus, and they cannot say that Jesus is Lord.
2. Spiritual gifts are given to each born again Christian. These gifts are not for self -promotion but are for the benefit of other Christians. Therefore, they are to be humbly used, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to bring glory to Jesus and advance his kingdom.
3. Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. The Holy Spirit speaks to Christians through thoughts, that are words of knowledge, revealing his will or means to accomplish his purposes. What are some words of knowledge that the Holy Spirit has spoken to you? This can be as simple as promptings to pray for certain people or things.
4. Prophecy can be about future events or someone who accurately teaches the Bible. (Lk 1:67-79; Acts 11:27-28; 15:32; Eph 2:19-22)
5. Spiritual gifts are mentioned in various places of the Bible. It is important that each Christian discover and use their gifts. These gifts are to accomplish the good works which God has assigned to each Christian. Do you know your spiritual gifts? How are you using them? (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:28-30; Eph 2:10, 4:11-13)