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Scripture reading – 1 Corinthians 12-13

 

Today’s Scripture reading addresses several critical issues; however, the overriding subject is Spiritual Gifts.

1 Corinthians 12 draws a portrait of the early church and its diversity. Not only was there a variety of spiritual gifts present (1 Corinthians 12:4-10), but there was also a multi-cultural membership that included Jews and Gentiles, enslaved people and free (1 Corinthians 12:13). Understanding that differences can breed the potential of misunderstandings, Paul reminded believers that God has sovereignly “set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Corinthians 12:18) that He might bring unity and oneness.

To enjoy peace and unity and to function as God intended, it was important for believers to value each other in their place. To illustrate that truth, Paul gave an extended analogy using the physical body and its various members (hand and foot, ear and eye). He observed a parallel, symbiotic relationship between church members, whose function is dramatically different, yet in their place, they work in harmony to further the body as a whole (1 Corinthians 12:14-21).

One body, Many members

Paul observed that there are “many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble [weak], are necessary (1 Corinthians 12:20–22).

To avoid jealousy or division among the people, Paul observed that every member, attractive or unattractive, strong or weak, had a place and should be valued for their role and function (1 Corinthians 12:23-24). Each member has a necessary place in the body of Christ, for “God hath tempered the body together” (12:24).

All members of God’s family should have a loving bond with other members and evidence a sympathetic concern for others (1 Corinthians 12:25). When “one member suffer[s], all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Closing thoughts for 1 Corinthians 12 –

Let’s face it: we are different! We can allow our differences to divide us, or we can choose to love and appreciate one another as individual members of “the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Corinthians 12:27). In other words, we are to value every member for their place and function in God’s perfect plan. What about you? 

Are you a faithful and ministering member of the church?

Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith 

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