April 14, 2024
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
“Dare To Be Great”
Service Overview: Being great in Christ’s kingdom means using the gifts you’ve been given for his glory. Not everyone has the same gift, so it is vital we work together; using the gifts God has given to partner with him in building his Kingdom.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- “Apostles” in Paul’s usage include not merely the Twelve but himself (1:1), Titus (2 Cor. 8:23), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25), James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19), and Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7), the latter probably a woman’s name. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 329)
- The apostles include the eleven men Jesus called (without Judas Iscariot), plus others who are called apostles—such as Paul himself (Romans 1:1), Matthias (Acts 1:26), Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Jesus’ brother James (Galatians 1:19), Silas (1 Thessalonians 2:6), and Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7). It seems that the qualifications for being an apostle were to have seen the risen Christ, to have been sent out by Christ to preach the gospel, and to work on behalf of the kingdom, building its foundation. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 178)
- Paul is writing to correct the behavior of some haughty Corinthians whose undisciplined flaunting of spiritual gifts has caused the weaker and less honorable members of the community to feel despised and even ostracized from the body because they do not have the same exalted spiritual experiences (vv. 15–16). It is likely, though not certain, that this split with the community reflects the same social and economic differences that we have seen with regard to other problems in the letter, such as the use of law courts (6:1–8) and the abuse of the Lord’s Supper (11:17–34). (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 220)
- Apparently, some believers in Corinth were discouraged that they did not have a particular gift—probably one of the more spectacular gifts, such as the gift of tongues—so they believed that they could not truly be a part of the body unless they experienced that particular gift. But Paul explains, through this metaphor, that all the different gifts given by the Spirit to believers must be utilized in order for the church to function well. (Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 174)
- Based on this passage as well as a few others (Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), we can observe the great diversity of gifts given to the church for its edification. These could be categorized into “support gifts” (apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoring, teaching), “service gifts” (administrations, exhortation, faith, giving, helps, mercy), and “sign gifts” (discerning spirits, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues). Paul emphasizes how these various gifts are meant to function together harmoniously for the common good. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 182)
What would Paul say is key for a church to experience health and success in light of this chapter?
- For its people to discover and deploy the gifts they’ve been given.
(Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
Christians are not assembly-line productions, with every unit being exactly like every other unit. Consequently, no Christian can replace another in God’s plan. He has His own individualized plan for each of us and has individually gifted us accordingly. We are not interchangeable parts in Christ’s Body. (John MacArthur, Ephesians, 137)
Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the LORD. (Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over the Darkness, 146)
- For its people to encourage, honor, and uplift those with gifts they have not been given.
(Exodus 31:1-6; Romans 12:4-13; Ephesians 4:29 ; Philippians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In a land still heavily influenced by a heritage of rugged individualism, believers need to work ever harder to demonstrate that Christianity is not a merely personal religion but fundamentally corporate. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 339)
Verses 27–31 complete this chapter with one final restatement of the body metaphor and another listing of sample gifts. But this time Paul’s main point is that not one of the gifts is intended for all believers. The rhetorical questions in verses 29–30 all employ the Greek word me, which demonstrates that the implied answer to each question is, “No.” (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 329)
- For its people to devote themselves to the relentless pursuit of unity despite their diversity.
(Rom. 1:11; 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 1:10; 12:7; 13:2; 16:14; Eph. 4:3; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8)
Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it. (Joni Eareckson Tada, “Spontaneous Compassion”, Tabletalk, November, 2008, 68)
There is nothing wrong with being different. There is, however, something wrong with being divided. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 254)
God’s desire is that there be no division (“schism”) in the church. Diversity leads to disunity when the members compete with one another; but diversity leads to unity when the members care for one another. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 141)
Only in its functional diversity can a unified body have ongoing health and genuine growth. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 186)
Conclusion… How can we become a counter-cultural church in light of these things?
A. As we each discover, develop, and deploy our gifts.
(Mark 10:45; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 14:26; Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 4:9-11)
God’s gifts are not given capriciously; neither are they given in such a way that the option for their use is left with us. As the gifts are discovered they are to be developed and used to the full in His service and to His glory. God distributes His gifts for His purposes and for the good of His people. His sovereign administration of these gifts must be acknowledged as right and proper by His people, even when they cannot see the good. (Jay Adams, Christian Living in the Home, 60)
Not to use our gift is an affront to God’s wisdom, a rebuff of His love and grace, and a loss to His church. We did not determine our gift, deserve it, or earn it. But we all have a gift from the Lord, and if we do not use it, His work is weakened and His heart is grieved. (John MacArthur, Ephesians, 137)
When we use our gifts together, we all benefit. If others don’t use their gifts, you get cheated, and if you don’t use your gifts, they get cheated. This is why we’re commanded to discover and develop our spiritual gifts. (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, 235)
No believer is unimportant—each one has a gift to share in order to make the body function that much more effectively. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 178)
B. As we strive to think and look beyond ourselves.
(Matthew 22:36-39; 23:11; Mark 9:35; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32; 5:21; Philippians 2:3; 1 John 3:18)
Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. (St. Francis of Assisi)
Believers in the church must see themselves, not as individual plants, but as an entire garden under the cultivation of God’s Spirit. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 179)
When we exercise the gifts which Christ has given us we are really saying to our fellow Christians and others: See how much the Lord Jesus Christ loves you and cares for you; He has sent me to serve you in this way; He is using my hands and feet, my lips and ears, to show His love. It is a tragic mistake if we think that the message is: See what a superb Christian I am; see the wonderful gifts I have… Gifts are for service, not self-advancement. (Sinclair Ferguson, Grow in Grace, 69)
there is no such thing as an exclusive gift in the body of Christ. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 186)
Gospel Connection…
In Christ, you play a vital part in His plan to save as you use the gifts He’s given you to be a gift to others.
(1 Samuel 12:24; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:9-13; Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22; 3:8; 4:10)
Unity and diversity must be balanced by maturity, and that maturity comes with love. It is not enough to have the gift of the Spirit and gifts from the Spirit. We must also have the graces of the Spirit as we use our gifts to serve one another. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 142)
Paul has already made it clear that one gift is not superior to another, but he urges believers to discover how they can serve Christ’s body with the gifts God has given them. Your spiritual gifts are not for your own self-advancement. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 180)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Why do we sometimes avoid working with certain people in the church? According to 1 Corinthians 12, what reasons do we have to work together?
- What is God’s purpose in giving Christians spiritual gifts?
- What kinds of gifts do you see being used at HFM?
- What kind of diversity is there among members of our church? How can we keep our diversity from becoming disunity?
Quotes to note…
In the climate of our modern church, it is essential for us to realize that God’s Word is the central gift Christ gives to the church. The major gifts of the New Testament era were given either to write that word (apostles), apply it (prophets) or teach it (pastors and teachers). Whenever we dislocate our own spiritual gift from this anchor we begin to flounder in a sea of instability. We must see to it that our gifts are fed on the teaching of Holy Scripture, so that they grow strong and are channeled in the right direction, and so bring glory to Christ. (Sinclair Ferguson, Grow in Grace, 71)
Ours is an age that delights to exalt Christian celebrities, to demand that our pastors entertain, have charismatic personalities, and display more spiritual gifts than any one Bible character ever had! Little wonder that burn-out from full-time ministry seems to be at an all-time high and that moral failure often results from the stress. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 342)
Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation. (C.H. Spurgeon)
Paul brilliantly uses the last few words of verse 31 to set up one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. It is, in fact, one of the greatest discourses of any kind concerning what makes the world go around as well as on what is truly the glue that holds any church together and makes its witness effective. That topic in not another spiritual gift but love. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 255)
The order of these gifts in this verse is important. The first three gifted people listed are those who proclaim the gospel and teach the truth—apostles, prophets, and teachers (see also Ephesians 4:11). These are important gifts, for there would be no church without those who bring the message and teach the truth. Thus Paul specifically ranked them as first, second, third to show their prime importance above all the other gifts. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 178)
Diversity in the body is an evidence of the wisdom of God. Each member needs the other members, and no member can afford to become independent. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 140)
verses 27–31 bring the chapter to a close with a second representative list of gifts which stresses that not one of them is given to all Christians. “The successive waves of Paul’s argument may be summed up as follows: (1) not disunity, but (2) unity; yet unity (3) not uniformity, but (4) of mutual concern and love.” (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 324)