Bible Study 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Unified Church and Diverse Spiritual Gifts

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Clarity of the Holy Spirit’s Work vv. 1-3

Undoubtedly, the Corinthians had not had a full break from their pagan past. Paul stated in no uncertain words:

Let me remind you of something. Your former life had influence. You saw in your time of worshiping pagan gods the use of tongues and prophecy. We can only assume that in their prior Greek-Roman rituals they participated in inspired utterances. We can only imagine that this worship style if you want to call it that became habit.

We see even in the Christian community varying ways of worship that is characteristic of denominational influence. Charismatics or Pentecostals will be more verbal in worship. More carefree in their worship styles.

On the other hand, Catholics or Episcopals can be more liturgical and reserved in worship style.

V. 3 Paul specifically wants clarity in this matter. If anyone accursed the Lord they are not a true believer. In other words, If anyone talks against Jesus, they are not a true believer.

Romans 10:9–10 “9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

The counter to that is found in the latter part of verse 3. Christians, those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit can call Jesus Lord.

One Spirit-Different Gifts v. 4

Gifts are not related to one’s spirituality, but by the sovereignty of God.

The topic moves to this unity and yet diversity of the gifts.

“diversities” -Distinctions or variety

Could you imagine in the church if we all had the same gift?

In vv. 6-8 we read more details of the varying gifts.

Ephesians 4:11–12 “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,”

1 Peter 4:10–11 “10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

We’ve never administered any spiritual gifts inventory or surveys since I have been your pastor. It is vitally important that you understand what your spiritual gift is so that can be using it.

Who would be willing to share what you think your spiritual gifts are?

The title gives heed to the fact we did not earn the spiritual gift-it was just that, it was a gift from the Holy Spirit.

By the fact it’s a gift, we should not become arrogant or prideful of our gift because it is not ours. We were intrusted with it. He shared it it with us.

Different ministries, same Goal for the glory of the Lord V. 5

Different ministry activities, but the same God at work in all the gits, all the ministry areas, all the activities. vv. 6-7

-It is the same God that works in me in the pulpit, the same God guiding the music ministry, the same God handling the administrative matters, teaching classes, serving as Deacon’s, gifts of compassion and mercy in visiting the sick, etc.

In 1 Corinthians 12:8, Paul mentions both the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge as spiritual gifts. While they are related, they have distinct functions within the body of Christ. Here’s how I would differentiate and define them:

1. Word of Knowledge (Gk. logos gnōseōs) – The Gift of Understanding

Definition: The supernatural ability to understand and communicate divine truth, especially concerning God, His Word, and spiritual matters.

Distinction: This gift involves insight into truth—both scriptural truth and sometimes insight into specific circumstances that God reveals. It often involves a deep comprehension of the mysteries of God (Col. 1:9-10) and a capacity to recall and articulate knowledge for the edification of others.

Example in Scripture:

Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:16-19) – Jesus had supernatural knowledge about her life.

Peter’s discernment of Ananias and Sapphira’s deception (Acts 5:1-11).

2. Word of Wisdom (Gk. logos sophias) – The Gift of Application

Definition: The supernatural ability to apply divine truth to life situations with discernment and skill, especially in making godly decisions and guiding others in righteousness.

Distinction: Whereas knowledge is understanding divine truth, wisdom is applying it correctly. This gift involves insight into how to act in various situations according to God's will.

Example in Scripture:

Solomon’s ruling between the two women claiming to be the mother of the same baby (1 Kings 3:16-28).

James encourages believers to seek wisdom from God when facing trials (James 1:5).

Key Difference in Practical Terms:

Knowledge is the ability to know and understand the truth; wisdom is the ability to rightly apply that truth.

Knowledge deals with information and insight; wisdom deals with decisions and actions.

Knowledge answers the “what”; wisdom answers the “how.”

Both gifts are essential to the church, as knowledge without wisdom can be cold and impractical, while wisdom without knowledge lacks a foundation in truth. Ideally, they work together in the life of a believer and in the church’s ministry.