In this chapter, Paul is continuing to deal with disunity within the local church. It is apparent that division had occurred regarding spiritual gifts. Paul not only identified the diversity of gifts, but he also explained their importance and purpose in I Cor 12:1, 4-5, 18-20, 22, 25-26.
1. The One who gave us gifts is more important than the gifts themselves.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”
2. It is God who decides which gift I have and in which church it will be utilized, not me.
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.”
3. All the members of a church have a role to play, so none are more important than others.
“Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:”
4. Unity among members is essential for the body to work properly to reach it’s God appointed goal.
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
LESSON - Diversity in a church is good, but disunity within a church occurs when people become prideful and start focusing upon their own agendas. Our focus should be glorifying God, loving each other, and working together to reach the lost for Christ. Do you have your own agenda? Help, don’t hinder.
~Mike
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