Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

When Father Christmas finally breaks into Narnia in C. S. Lewis’s story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he gives Peter, Susan, and Lucy special gifts. Peter receives a sword and shield, Susan a bow and arrows and a horn, and Lucy a small dagger and a bottle filled with a healing cordial. These gifts have particular purposes that are revealed as the story continues.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts not for our personal enjoyment but for God’s particular purposes. Paul taught in today’s passage that the main purpose of spiritual gifts is to serve and edify the church (v. 7). Continuing important themes in this epistle, Paul addressed the question of order or propriety in worship as well as the issue of how to live in obedience to the gospel.

On our own, we cannot live like redeemed people should. This new way of life must be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit (vv. 1–3). The litmus test for spiritual regeneration is a person’s attitude toward Christ. Only the Spirit can enable people to confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. Within this new life, the diversity of spiritual gifts is from God (vv. 4–6). The Spirit distributes the gifts, the Son (as Head of the body) receives the service, and the Father is at work in and through it all.

Note that the list of spiritual gifts here is illuminating but not exhaustive (vv. 8–11). Some were apparently given on specific occasions for specific purposes. Debates continue over whether all these gifts can still be found in the church today. Paul will return specifically to the gift of tongues in chapter 14. What we do know is that they are gifts—not anything earned— freely given by the Spirit for His purposes, to bless the church and brng glory to God.

APPLY THE WORD

All spiritual gifts have the same source—the Spirit of God. And all spiritual gifts have the same purpose—the common good, to bless others. Thank the Lord for what He has given you, and then ask Him to show you how you can use that to bless someone this week. Spiritual gifts are not treasures to hoard but blessings to share.

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