Paul argues that while all believers have the same Spirit, God distributes different gifts to different believers on purpose. Paul’s point in this section is not to give a catalog of gifts, but examples of the diverse ways the Spirit works.
Contrary to the popular view, I understand spiritual gifts as roles and opportunities to serve, rather than supernaturally given talents. For example, if I have the “gift of teaching,” the gift is the opportunity to teach, not the talent to teach.
I hope thinking through the issues surrounding communion has been as meaningful for you as it has been for me. But I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next! 1Corinthians 12-14 has been on my bucket list of “things I want to teach” for a long time!
Paul starts the topic of spiritual gifts in 1Corinthians 12. The Corinthians are confused in thinking that speaking in tongues is the mark of true spirituality and that those who have not spoken in tongues are lesser Christians. Paul lays the foundation in 12:1-3 for his argument which will run through chapter 14.
What makes an apostle of Jesus Christ an apostle? There are 4 qualifications.
What does it mean to take communion in an unworthy manner? How are we to examine ourselves before participating? In this podcast, we look at what Paul found wrong with the way the Corinthians were handling the Lord’s Supper and what he wants them to do instead.
What’s the connection between Passover and Communion? Why are we suppose to celebrate the Lord’s Supper? In this podcast, we look at how Paul explains the significance of the Lord’s Supper.
Have you tried cooking without measuring devices? You may bake an edible cake, but it won’t be your best. Having the right tools makes the job better. On this one page, you’ll find links to the resources for sorted by book of the Bible.
Online resources to help you study: maps, charts, outlines, key words, etc. On this one page, you’ll find links to websites and Bible study software.
Did you know you can make an “app” (really a shortcut icon) on your mobile device so you can quickly access all the resources on Wednesday in the Word? It’s quick, easy and will give you a shortcut to all everything on the website. But you’ll still want to subscribe to the podcast for easy listening.
What’s the problem with the way the Corinthians are handling the Lord’s Supper? Some think the key issue is that they were profaning a holy ritual. Others think the key issue is mistreating the poor. I think the key issue is their lack of belief.
Thanks for the awesome feedback on the 1Corinthians 11 head covering passage! I hesitated to put my views out there given the controversial nature of the passage. But your feedback has been worth it! Now it’s on to the Lord’s Supper and then spiritual gifts. THANKS for listening!
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.