READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l An issue faced by the Corinthian church was they were judging each other by what spiritual gifts each had, rating some gifts as more important than others. Paul addressed this issue in three chapters including chapters 12 and 13. There are three principles for us to learn:
1. Pre-eminence of the Giver as Lord (12:1-3)
Paul contrasts the Holy Spirit, the Giver of spiritual gifts with that of spiritual experiences of pagans. It is not the gifts but the Giver that matters.
(a) The true Giver of spiritual gifts is our Lord who determined the distribution of these gifts. He gives them according to His sovereign purposes for His glory. The word for gift is Charismata, which reminds us that these are gifts of God’s grace. 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 8-11 highlight many times that it is the same God and same Spirit who gives these gifts. Let us not focus on the gifts. Instead, remember the Giver.
(b) God gives a variety of gifts (12:8-10). This list is not exhaustive. Other lists can be found in Rom.12:6-8; Eph. 4:7-11; 1Pet. 4:7-11. These lists illustrate the variety of gifts. In the 1 Cor. 12 list, we find the following gifts:
– wisdom and knowledge (12:8) which is the ability to bring spiritual insight in a timely, helpful way for a situation or context;
– faith (12:9) which does not refer to saving grace but rather the faith to believe God in what appears to be impossible in man’s eyes;
– healing (12:8), the supernatural ability from God for physical healing;
– miraculous powers (12:10) given to early apostles to work miracles, especially exorcisms;
– prophecy (12:10) which refers to both foretelling and forthtelling. The latter speaks God’s will for present circumstances, as opposed to the future;
– speaking in tongues (12:10) refers to speaking in a language unknown to the speaker or in a heavenly language. Both require interpretation. This gift enables us to draw close to God and is for personal edification.
There is no complete comprehensive list of spiritual gifts. We all have natural gifts and talents. When does a talent become a spiritual gift? We recall that a spiritual gift is given for the common good and the building up of the Body of Christ. As we surrender our talents to God, He uses them for the work of His Kingdom and to His glory. May He sanctify our motives as we use our gifts to bless others.
(c) the Giver appoints His servants (12:28-30). It is God who plans the systems and structures. Let us not confuse the gift with the office. Both are God-given. We can exercise a gift without an office or role.
2. Purpose of unity for the common good
Our unity as a Body of Christ reflects the unity of our Triune God. The metaphor of the body is useful in understanding the concept of unity.
(a) Unity in diversity (12:12-20). The body is one because it is made of many parts. If all parts were the same, there would be no need for unity. One-ness is only possible because of many-ness. Our diversity serves unity and our unity celebrates diversity. We need different and unique “ones”.
(b) Unity through interdependence (12:21-30). We need humility to have a true understanding of the Body of Christ. Paul refers to weaker (or unprotected) parts such as fingers and toes; less honorable parts such as internal organs; unpresenteble parts such as sexual organs. A hidden part of the body such as the liver may be indispensable unlike a visible part such as an eye. We have many church members who are serving behind the scenes. They are unseen but their service is indispensable.
(c) Mutual care (12:24-26). When one member suffers or is honored, the whole body suffers or rejoices. Together, we care for each other. We feel each other’s pain. May we have the compassion and empathy that enables us to serve in unity.
3. Priority of love in the use of gifts (1 Cor. 13)
This chapter is typically read at weddings. However, it is in the context of the use of spiritual gifts that Paul wrote this chapter. Character is more important than gifts.
(a) Consequence of lack of love is real (13:1-3). Regardless of how gifted we may be, without agape love, we produce nothing (13:1), we are nothing (12:2); we gain nothing (13:3).
(b) Transforming nature of love (13:4-6). True apage love is not a sentimental type of love but is sacrificial. It transforms us inwardly to be an outward blessing – in our kindness, patience and humility to others.
(c) Permanance of love (12:8-13). Love never ends (12:8). All other gifts will end, for when we reach perfection in our eternal home, the gifts will no longer be needed.
Three discipleship lessons
1. Know and use your gift, surrender all our gifts and talents to God for His use. The best way to use our gifts is to serve in ministry. Discover your SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Ability, Personality and Experience). Visit https://wesleymc.org/ministries/discipleship/discipleship-nurture for more details. Visit our ministry fair on the 7-8 October to discover where you can use your gifts. Let us be secure in our gifts. Trust the Giver of our gifts. Don’t envy others who have other gifts. God knows when we are ready for a gift. Use your gifts not just in church but also at home and in the workplace.
2. Humble yourself to need one another. We are members who need each other to complete God’s plan and purposes. Even when our gifts vary in quality, we still need each other when serving together. Do not disrespect the weaker or less talented person. Together, we are stronger.
3. Serve with love. Honour those behind the scene and those who are weaker and coping with stress. Let love be the measure of our service. It is not about how well we have done but how much love we show God and each other. Do not have self-seeking entitlement by expecting rewards and stating conditions to serve.
May God help us to be a real church, filled with agape love and serving each other humbly.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Why was it important for Paul to highlight the lordship of Christ when it comes down to spiritual gifts?
- Verses 8 to 10 highlight some spiritual gifts. Which of these gifts leave a deep impression? Why?
- How can a talent be a spiritual gift?
- How does the metaphor of the body illustrate unity in diversity of spiritual gifts?
- How is interdependence illustrated through the metaphor of the body?
- Why is it so important to show mutual care to one another as part of the body?
- Why is love so important for the use of the gifts? What are the 3 reasons given in the sermon?
- What gift do you have to serve God for the common good? What is God saying to you through the sermon?
- Reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How can you serve others with such love? What practical action do you need to take?
- Pray for each other to be faithful stewards of God’s spiritual gifts.
