You Have Something Unique to Offer (1 Corinthians 11-12)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Have you ever wondered where you fit into God’s kingdom narrative? 

In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul addresses two primary issues concerning worship practices in the Corinthian church. First, he discusses head coverings during prayer and prophesying, instructing that women should cover their heads as a sign of authority and respect while men should not. Second, Paul confronts the improper manner in which the Corinthians observe the Lord's Supper. He urges believers to examine themselves and partake in a worthy manner to honor Christ and avoid judgment.

Then, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul shifts to the importance of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. It’s evident this is a significant problem. Stephen Um writes, “The members of the church are looking at one another and are placing value judgments on one another based on performance, competence, and charisma.”^[1]

Paul begins this chapter by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in lifting up the name of Jesus. Verse 1-3 state: ¹ “Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. ² You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”

Paul highlights that the Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus. As the Comforter sent by Jesus, the Spirit bears his name and continues his work. Whenever Christian leaders don’t do this, we can rest assured something is off.

Moreover, the Spirit is the giver of all gifts. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ⁴“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.” The repetition of the word same underscores that all spiritual gifts originate from the Holy Spirit, even though they manifest in diverse ways.

The purpose of these gifts is for the benefit of the entire community. Paul continues in verse 7 by saying, “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” These include gifts of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues, and so forth.  Each gift is a manifestation of the Spirit intended to build up the church. Whether it's wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, or any other gift, all are empowered by the same Spirit and distributed according to his will.

Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to illustrate the interconnectedness of believers. He writes in verse 12, “For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ.” Not only this, but as Paul goes on to note, each member is unique, each member needs others, each member is valuable, and each member should care for others. Not everyone will have the same gifts, but each is crucial for the church's mission.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for the unique gifts you've given me through your Spirit. Thank you for making me a part of the body of Christ, where each member is connected and valuable in your grand design.

Release | I confess that I've sometimes doubted my purpose and neglected the gifts you've placed within me. Forgive me for comparing myself to others and for any envy or pride that has crept into my heart.

Ask | Please help me recognize and embrace the spiritual gifts you entrusted me with. Guide me to use them for the common good, to serve others, and to honor Jesus in all that I do. Grant me clarity and purpose as I seek to align myself with your will.

Yield | I yield my life to you, trusting in your plan. Use me according to your purpose, and let me find fulfillment in contributing to your kingdom. I surrender my doubts and fears, knowing you are working through me.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ