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Paul turns to the Corinthians’ confusion about spiritual gifts—areas where pride, comparison, and misuse had fractured their unity (v. 1). He reminds them that the Holy Spirit never leads anyone to dishonor Jesus; rather, the Spirit enables believers to confess from the heart that “Jesus is Lord” (v. 3). From there, Paul lifts their eyes to the triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—who gives a rich variety of gifts but for one purpose: the common good of the church (vv. 4–7). Some believers are gifted to speak wisdom or knowledge, others with faith, healing, miracles, discernment, prophecy, tongues, or interpretation (vv. 8–10). Whatever the gift, each one is given sovereignly and intentionally by the Spirit “as he wills,” not for status but for service (v. 11).
To correct their rivalry, Paul gives the picture of the church as Christ’s body. By the Spirit, all believers—Jew or Greek, slave or free—have been brought into one body and made to drink of one Spirit (vv. 12–13). That means no Christian is unnecessary, inferior, or overlooked. A body cannot be all eye or all ear; every part is needed, and God Himself has arranged each member and each gift exactly as He intended (vv. 14–20). In Corinth, those with showy gifts were exalting themselves, while those with quieter gifts were discouraged. Paul insists that the “weaker” or less visible members are just as indispensable, worthy of honor and care (vv. 21–26). This vision of mutual concern reflects Christ’s heart for His church.
Paul closes by listing some of the church’s foundational roles—apostles, prophets, and teachers—along with other vital gifts like helping, leading, and tongues (v. 28). His series of rhetorical questions makes the point unmistakable: God never gave every gift to every person (vv. 29–30). Diversity is not a flaw but God’s design. And yet there is something more excellent than even the greatest gifts: love—the only attitude that makes any gift truly edifying (v. 31; cf. 13:1–3).
🌀 Reflection:
Do you ever look at your own gifts and feel jealous, discouraged, or proud? Take a moment to thank God for the particular ways He has equipped you—and for the brothers and sisters whose gifts complement yours. Ask Him to help you see your church family the way He does: one body, lovingly arranged for His glory.
💬 Mission Challenge:
Affirm a fellow believer’s gift today. Send a message, speak a word, or write a note that honors how God is using them in the body of Christ. Strengthen unity by strengthening someone’s courage.
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 
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