Reading Plan:
1 Corinthians 12

Our Thoughts:
Thinking back on my years of formal education from kindergarten all the way into college, I've had my fair share of good teachers, bad teachers, those who were somewhere in between, and others who broke the scale on one side or the other. However, I'm unsure if I ever had any teacher who could measure up to the likes of the Apostle Paul. As you read through some of his writings, it is easy to see how incredibly straightforward and powerful he was as a teacher.
In the twelfth chapter of his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul takes a look at spiritual gifts and how they relate to the unity of God's people.
So, what is a spiritual gift? Take a look at verses 8-10. Each one of the gifts listed in these verses is an example of an ability that serves a specific purpose, which is the mission of God given by Christ to the Church (Matt. 28:18-20). Some people are given the gift of being able to explain God's word in a manner that makes sense to unchurched people. Others are given the gift of a servant's heart so that the will of God is accomplished through His people. Still, others are given the ability to learn various languages in order to bring God's Word to unreached people groups.
Where do spiritual gifts come from? We discover the answer in verses 4-7. If you're a Bible nerd, then you might notice the doctrine of the Trinity laid out in how Paul structures these verses. But if you're more like me, you probably didn't see it at first. Don't worry, that's okay, we can be in this together!
What do you notice about verse 4? It seems that the phrase "diversity of gifts" is connected to the "Spirit" Person of the Trinity. While the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are certainly three in one, there are distinctions to be made between the Three. One of these distinctions is that spiritual gifts do come from the Holy Spirit.
What does all of this have to do with the Church? I'm so glad you asked! Paul goes on in verses 12-26 to explain that although we are incredibly diverse in our spiritual gifts, as a Church we should be unified by those gifts. Think of the Church as a body. As I'm sure you know, the body is made up of many different organs, tissues, and pieces; yet, for the body to operate as it was meant to by its Creator, each one of these parts must work together with the others so that it can accomplish the purpose that was given to the Body by the Head (i.e., Jesus).
Now, take a look at verse 27.
Have you ever stubbed your toe on one of those pesky corner tables in your living room? Didn't it seem as if your entire body was being destroyed as you bunny-hopped while doing your best to hold your tongue? We've all been there.
Just as one part suffers or rejoices, so should the other parts. The Church is meant to be a melting pot of different skill sets, of different gifts. Unity through diversity creates a well-rounded and well-prepared people who, when accompanied by the Holy Spirit, can move mountains.
I'm sure you've heard the phrase "iron sharpens iron" (Prov. 27:17). Fellowship and unity with other believers are what makes the Church a victorious weapon of light in a very dark world. If you're like me, you read ahead. In chapter 13, Paul goes on to explain "the more excellent way," as mentioned in verse 31. Spiritual gifts unaccompanied by love (a gift we can take possession of as a result of Christ's work on the cross) are meaningless. When our heart is directed toward God and lovingly ushers the lost toward Him, unchurched people are brought into his marvelous light, and He is glorified above all.

More Questions:
What are your spiritual gifts, and how are you utilizing them to further the kingdom of God?
Are you a "lone wolf," or are you in fellowship with other believers? If "iron sharpens iron," what are some ways that you can use your gifts to help others realize and use theirs?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the unity that I am able to share with other believers, a unity that comes by grace through faith in the work that You accomplished on the cross. May your Church be unified and put on mission, so that Your will may be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Author: Bailey Woods