[:en]SPIRITUAL GIFTS (vs. 1-11)
The issue of spiritual gifts was splitting the Corinthian church. It had become symbol of spiritual power causing rivalries. Some people developed spiritual pride thinking that they were more spiritual than others because of their gifts. They used their gifts to manipulate others and served their own self-interest. The misuse of spiritual gift had caused division in the church.
Paul warned the believers to discern false teachers who claimed to speak for God yet they did not confess Christ as Lord. (v. 3) There are different kinds of gifts, different kinds of service and different kinds of workings betwen the same spirit, the same Lord and the same God working together in all men (vs. 4-6). Gifts coming from the spirit are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous power, prophesy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues and the interpretaion of tongues. The same spirit gives to each one just as He determines.
ONE BODY, MANY PARTS (vs. 12-31)
Paul gave an analogy of the body of Christ to a human body. Each part is different which has a specific function and purpose working together. Chrisians must avoid comparing their gifts. Instead, they should use their gifts together to spread the Good News of Salvation.
The church is composed of many types of people from different backgrounds and cultures. All are baptized by one Holy Spirit into the body of Christ – the church, and are united by the Spirit into one spiritual body.
Each has different gifts and abilities. But one must not think that his gift is more important than someone selse. We should not look down on those who seem unimportant and we should also not to be jealous of others who have more visible gifts. Each should encourage one another to use his gifts for the glory of God. As a matter of fact, Paul said that those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. Those parts that we think are less honorable must be treated with special honor. Those parts that are unpresentable must be treated with special modesty. (vs. 22-23) . There should be no division in the body but its parts should have equal concern for each other. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (v. 26)
In the church, the body is composed of Apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, those with gifts of healing, those who help others, administrators and those speaking in tongues. We must use what gifts God has given us to serve the body of Christ and enhance the spirtual growth of the body of believers (vs. 27-28)
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