September 11, 2024

1 Corinthians 12:27-31  (HCSB)
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in other languages? Do all interpret? 31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

Jason Ricciardi
We’ve already discussed 2 major passages that cover spiritual gifts this week –Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Today we will add 1 Corinthians 12:28. Again, the larger context of this passage is the same as 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. However, it is worth mentioning that Paul, again, sets this within what should be a healthy and functioning local body of believers (vss. 12-26). Here, “Apostles” are added to the spiritual gifts we’ve already mentioned. Paul actually mentions 8 but 7 fall into gifts already discussed. The 12 Apostles were given their roles by Jesus and they saw the resurrected Christ. Beyond these specific individuals, we also see Barnabas (Acts 13:2, 14:14), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), Titus (2 Cor. 8:23), and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25) being called by the word typically translated “apostle.” What is unique about this passage is that we see not just gifts used in a church but specific positions within the church that are often linked to certain spiritual gifts. Here we see people using their gifts in a specific position in a church so that the church can function –both spiritually and day-to-day. In closing, it is interesting to note that 1 Corinthians 13 –a chapter we often associate with weddings –is set in the context of a healthy, functioning church. Why does God give us gifts? It is for both believers and for nonbelievers.  By utilizing your spiritual gifts with others in the church, we can make Him known in a lost and dying world.  Your life will be meaningless, to a degree, until you discover and use your spiritual gift.  God wants you to use your gift so that HIS name will be praised in all the Earth.