1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XVIII)

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part One)(12:1-12)

Neal Pollard

When we get to 1 Corinthians 12, we see one of Paul’s transitional cues. He uses his phrase, “Now concerning,” indicating a change of subject. He will address “spiritual gifts” from here until he changes subjects again, saying, “Now I make known…” (15:1) to begin his discussion of the resurrection. 

We are going to see that God used miraculous spiritual gifts in His work of confirming His Word (12:28-13:13; 14:22), but each Christian was given a spiritual gift (7). As we go through this section, I want us to consider this by way of application: we each have been blessed with abilities which, as these gifts were, are to be used “as He wills” (11). Notice a few ideas he emphasizes as he introduces this subject.

DO NOT BE UNAWARE (1-3)

Things are different in Christ and are not like they were before you became a Christian. Your function, role, and purpose have been exalted for divine use. We are seeking to be used by God to accomplish His will.

THESE GIFTS ARE VARIED (4-6)

He says there are varieties of gifts, ministries, and effects, but they come from one source. It is a divine source. He works all things in all persons (6). Be careful about disparaging your work or talent. God gave it. Don’t boast about it (a problem the Corinthians had), but don’t hide it under a basket either (Mat. 5:13-16). 

TO EACH IS GIVEN FOR THE COMMON GOOD (7-11)

He identifies the categories of miraculous spiritual gifts here: wisdom (8), the word of knowledge (8), faith (9), gifts of healing (9), miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongue-speaking, and interpretation (10). Each of these were exercised miraculously. But all of them had the same end in mind–“the common good” (7). God distributes these as He wills (11). Consider this even as we do not exercise these gifts miraculously today. God still endows each of us with unique abilities (some have great people skills, some excel in teaching, some are wonderful encouragers, some are skilled with their hands, etc.). Why do we have those gifts? For the common good! No ability is greater or better than another. To think that way is to miss Paul’s point here.