COVET EARNESTLY THE BEST GIFTS

One of the great themes of 1 Corinthians is the local church. Indeed, it could accurately be described as ‘the great New Testament blueprint for the local assembly’, D. J. Newell. One of the major topics Paul addresses is the exercise of spiritual gifts, obviously a problem area in Corinth. He teaches that the Spirit of God has equipped the people of God so that the local assembly can be built up, encouraged and strengthened in the spiritual realm. The main chapters devoted to this, chs. 12-14, provide vital instruction in the origin, purpose and proper functioning of spiritual gifts. He considers the categorisation of the gifts, ch. 12, the vital lubrication of the gifts, love, ch. 13, and the practical operation of the gifts in assembly gatherings, ch. 14. In chapter 12 Paul outlines the derivation, vv. 1-6, distribution, vv. 7-11, and diversity, vv. 12-31, of gifts. Every saint has at least one gift but not all possess the same, v. 11. Here he concentrates upon the work of the Holy Spirit in providing all the needed spiritual resources for the proper functioning of the assembly. When he deals with the subject in Romans chapter 12, it is the work of the Father which is in view, whereas in Ephesians chapter 4 it is the risen Christ who dispenses gifts. Paul uses the analogy of the body, 1 Cor. 12. 12-31, to highlight the variety that exists within one organism and to emphasise that every member of a local assembly has a part to play.

Paul lists the gifts according to a God-given order of priority, vv. 28-30; the apostles and prophets appear first because of their foundational ministry, Eph. 2. 20; teachers establish saints in the faith; after that come other gifts, needed from time to time to help the saints and build the assembly. It is important to note where Paul places the gift of tongues and interpretation! In writing to the Ephesians neither of these is included, a strong indication that the church was spiritually mature and no longer had need for them. As believers we are exhorted to desire the best for the assembly, not for us as individuals, and to remember that the purpose of all gifts is to glorify God. In chapter 13 Paul is to show us what is needed for that to be effective and profitable - love!