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"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Twelve
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To be aware of the many different spiritual gifts enjoyed by the
early church
2) To appreciate the interdependence of the members of the Body of
Christ
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul begins to address the issue of spiritual gifts.
From what we read later in chapter fourteen, it appears the jealousy
and envy that characterized their division mentioned earlier also
expressed itself in their use (and abuse) of certain spiritual gifts.
Expressing his concern that they be not ignorant about these matters,
Paul first emphasizes that spiritual gifts, though diverse, come from
the same Spirit and are to be used for the benefit of all (1-11). To
demonstrate that every person (and spiritual gift) is important, He
compares the church to a body with many different yet essential members
(12-27). The chapter closes with Paul pointing out that not all serve
the same function and have the same gifts, encouraging them to
earnestly desire the best gifts, and preparing to show them a more
excellent way in the next chapter (28-31).
OUTLINE
I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: UNITY IN DIVERSITY (1-11)
A. IMPORTANCE OF PROPER KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS (1-3)
1. Paul does not want them to be ignorant concerning spiritual
gifts (1)
2. For as Gentiles they had been misled by dumb idols (2)
3. Two general principles to bear in mind:
a. No one speaking by the Spirit of God will call Jesus
accursed (3a)
b. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit
(3b)
B. THOUGH DIVERSE, THERE IS UNITY OF ORIGIN AND PURPOSE IN
SPIRITUAL GIFTS (4-11)
1. They all come from the same Spirit (4)
a. Just as there are different ministries, but the same Lord
(5)
b. Just as diverse activities proceed from the same God (6)
2. Each "manifestation" (spiritual gift), though given to one, is
to benefit all (7)
3. A summary of the different spiritual gifts (8-10)
a. The word of wisdom
b. The word of knowledge
c. Faith
d. Gifts of healing
e. Working of miracles
f. Prophecy
g. Discerning of spirits
h. Different kinds of tongues
i. Interpretation of tongues
4. But it is the same Spirit who works all these things,
distributing to each one as He wills (11)
II. THE NEED FOR DIVERSITY IN ONE BODY (12-31)
A. ILLUSTRATED BY THE FIGURE OF A BODY AND ITS MEMBERS (12-26)
1. Just like the human body, the body of Christ with its many
members are yet one (12)
a. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (13a)
b. And we have all been made to drink into one Spirit (13b)
2. No member can say that they are not important (14-19)
a. The body is not one member, but many (14)
b. As illustrated with parts of the human body (15-19)
3. No member can say that others are not important (20-26)
a. Though many members, yet one body (20)
b. As illustrated with parts of the human body (21-24a)
c. God has composed the body to be one, and its members to
have mutual concern for each other (24b-26)
B. SUMMARY APPLICATION OF THE ILLUSTRATION (27-31)
1. You are the body of Christ, and individually are members of it
(27)
2. God has appointed various functions in the church (28)
3. Rhetorical questions to illustrate that not everyone has the
same function (29-30)
4. Certainly it was proper to desire the best gifts, yet Paul
will show them a more excellent way (31)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- Spiritual Gifts: Unity In Diversity (1-11)
- The Need For Diversity In One Body (12-31)
2) Why were the "manifestations" (spiritual gifts) of the Spirit given?
(7)
- For the profit of all
3) Who determined who received what gift? (11)
- The Spirit distributed to each one as He willed
4) What part does the Holy Spirit play in our conversion and
sanctification? (13)
- By the Spirit we are all baptized into one body
- We have all been made to drink of the Spirit
5) Can any member of the body say that they are not important? (15-19)
- No!
6) Can any member of the body say others are not important? (21-22)
- No!
7) What indication is there in this chapter that at least some of the
spiritual gifts or functions were temporary? (29)
- The reference to "apostles"; even most charismatics would agree
that the office of apostle does not exist today, that it was only
a temporary but necessary part of the establishment of the Lord's
church (Ep 2:20-22)
8) Was there anything wrong with the Corinthians desiring the "best
gifts"? (31)
- No, Paul encouraged them to do so, yet he would have them know a
more excellent way (the way of love as expounded in chapter
thirteen)
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© Mark A. Copeland, 2001
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