◄ 1 Corinthians 12 Devotional Commentary ►

1 Corinthians 12:1

There were three things of which Paul did not want his Christian brethren to be ignorant. He did not want them to be uninformed about God's plan for Israel. He didn't want them to be unaware about the second coming of Christ and the eternal ages to come, and in this verse, we read, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant".

Paul did not want us to be ignorant of the spiritual gifts that read more...

1 Corinthians 12:3

More often than not we have to discard certain preconceived notions, acquired biases, legalistic practices, and even some cultural traditions when we become a Christian. We are to put off the old and put on the new, for if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

Oh, not all pre-salvation customs and activities are wrong, but read more...

1 Corinthians 12:11

Every believer is endowed with one or more spiritual gifts, graciously bestowed by the Holy Spirit according to His desire and as He wills. How blessed we are to know that the same Spirit Who brought all things into existence according to His mighty power, is the same Holy Spirit Who endows each of God's children with spiritual gifts - apportioning to each of us the gifts and grace of His choosing.

Paul noted in the first read more...

1 Corinthians 12:12

The human body consists of many different components but it is one unit. There are many hidden internal organs and a multiplicity of visible external members.

Each has its own unique function, and yet every single body-part needs to interact with every other member, and work together synergistically in order to maintain a strong, healthy, functioning body.

When one member does not work correctly, read more...

1 Corinthians 12:13

This verse is in a passage concerning the use and abuse of spiritual gifts, where Paul moves into an examination of the Christian Church and an explanation of our membership in the Body of Christ. He wants to show that each member of Christ's Body is unique in the sight of God and that this complete company of believers is God's chosen vehicle on earth, through which He makes Himself known to man.

We are God's representatives on read more...

1 Corinthians 12:27

As one reads through this epistle to the Corinthian Christians, it is evident that although these saints were enriched in all the gifts of the Spirit, they were demonstrably deficient in the fruit of the Spirit. Although they were gifted with the tongues of men and of angels, prophetic utterances, knowledge, and many benevolent actions, they lacked godly love and did not exhibit spiritual fruit. They were not growing in read more...

1 Corinthians 12:31

Spiritual gifts can be over-exaggerated by some Christians while being understated by others. While some elevate the importance of spiritual gifts above their great salvation, others can diminish the tremendous benefits that are ours through the spiritual gifts we receive from the Lord. But it is important that spiritual gifts are used as God determined. They are not to be abused, or used for self-gratification. Nor should someone exploit their gift, by trying to read more...