1 Corinthians 12:4–13, 18–19, 27–31; 14:1, 39–40

1 Corinthians 12:4–13, 18–19, 27–31; 14:1, 39–40

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

What Spiritual Gifts Can I Use?
1 Corinthians 12:4–13, 18–19, 27–31; 14:1, 39–40

We All Have Gifts (12:4–10)
The Corinthian church had questions regarding spiritual gifts. Apparently this issue had caused division within the church, and Paul wrote to heal this developing schism. It seems as if the issue of speaking in different kinds of languages was causing problems, so Paul addressed the entire spectrum of spiritual gifts. Paul’s point was not to try to draw a definitive list of gifts but to focus on the source, God, and the diversity of gifts and affirm that each believer has at least one spiritual gift. Therefore, because the Holy Spirit is the source of each gift, every gift is equally important. We should not look at other believers as being more “special” because of the gift they have. Likewise we should not think of ourselves as better than another believer because of the gift we have. Each believer has a gift for the purpose of helping the church. Therefore whatever gift or gifts a believer has should be utilized for the purpose of helping the body of believers. The gift of speaking in different languages is listed among the other gifts, making it no more important than them. Whether this refers to speaking in unknown languages (like the modern understanding of the gift) or just speaking in foreign languages is irrelevant. Paul refuted the Corinthian idea that the gift of speaking in different languages is better than any other spiritual gift; therefore there was no reason to be divided over this issue.

We Are Important to the Church (12:11–13, 18–19)
Paul pointed out that it is the Holy Spirit who gives gifts and determines which gifts each member should have; this is not for us to decide. Therefore believers should not try to force others to have gifts that they do not have. Furthermore they should not look down on those whose gifts are different from their own. Paul used the analogy of the human body, comparing the church to a body with many parts, each one different but essential for the overall health of the body. If the church emphasizes one gift over another, no matter how noble the gift, then there will be a part of the body that suffers. The reason the Holy Spirit is the one who gives out gifts is to ensure that the entire body is nourished with those gifts. Each one of us is essential for the church to function as intended.

We Have Gifts for the Church (12:27–30)
Paul continued his emphasis on the need for each member of the church to use his or her gift (or gifts) for the good of the entire body. He gave a list of offices and gifts and showed that not every believer has all of these gifts, which again showed the need for each believer to use his gift so that no part of the body is lacking. It is significant that Paul put speaking in various kinds of languages at the bottom of the list since this is the gift that is being emphasized by the Corinthian believers. Paul placed this gift last to show that it is, in fact, no more important than the other gifts so that those who claim its superiority can be shown that the emphasis on this one gift is wrong. All Christians’ gifts are important and need to be used for the church to flourish and fulfill God’s design for it.

We Are to Use Gifts Unselfishly (12:31; 14:1, 39–40)
Paul indicated that we can desire to have other gifts but we need to recognize God’s right to refuse us one or more of these gifts. Paul even highlighted the gift of prophecy, demonstrating that the proclamation of God’s message is one gift we ought to seek. This does not mean that we should neglect the gifts we do have while waiting and praying for more gifts. We must be using our gifts as given by the Holy Spirit but may also ask for more. In fact, we need to be using our gifts out of love, not selfishness or a desire to lord them over others. Believers need to act in love and in an orderly manner for the church to benefit from the gifts. Therefore Paul did not forbid the gift of speaking in different languages, but it is not by any means the greatest gift to seek. Whatever our spiritual gift or gifts, we are to use each in ways that build up one another and the church as a whole.