Concerning Spiritual Gifts

Matt. 22- The greatest commandment is to love God, this is an upward, vertical obedience, then the second is like unto the first, in that it is still selfless, it should be extended horizontally, socially, in our friendships, to our neighbors all who we come into contact with.

likewise we should Let all gifts, and exercising of those gifts be covered by Pauls later words in Chapter 13-

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 13

Love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous, it does not boast, it does not become conceited,

5 it does not behave dishonorably, it is not selfish, it does not become angry, it does not keep a record of wrongs,

lets begin the lesson by reading 1 Cor. 12:1-11...

Verses 1-11,

Verses 1-2 Spiritual Gifts from God, not Emotion

Here in verse 1, the word gifts is implied because of the context of 1 Cor. 12. Though the word is not here in the original, the sentence can be rendered literally by saying this: (concerning the spiritual)

However, we can confidently apply the word ‘gift’ here as the remaining portion of this chapter and the following 2 deal entirely with specific gifts within the church.

The gifts and manifestations of these gifts is a vitally important subject to both the Corinthians and us today. The false religion situation in Corinth had produced counterfeit spiritual outpourings that needed to be confronted. Who better to teach the appropriate use and measure of these gifts then the apostle Paul?

all gifts must be regulated by the truth and by the Spirit itself

Spiritual Gifts- “pertaining to the spirit” qualities or characteristics of the Spirit that are evident in the believer.

The gifts of the Spirit are to be distinguished from any mystical experience false religions had to offer that day. revelation, dreams, visions, sensuous experiences… etc Corinth was filled with pagan worship, where people claimed spiritual experiences through visions, emotional highs, ecstatic speech, and ritual practices. Many in the church had come out of these backgrounds, where spirituality was measured by how intense or overwhelming the experience felt.

Paul reminds them that before Christ they were “carried away” by dumb idols—led by feelings and impulses rather than truth. He is warning the church not to bring those old ways into Christian worship.

The Holy Spirit does not cause confusion, loss of control, or chaotic behavior. True spiritual gifts are guided by truth, centered on Christ, and used to build up the church—not to stir emotions or draw attention to self.

We understand NT teaching on Spiritual gifts to be divine enablements for use in the ministry by the believer....these gifts are to be under control of the Holy Spirit and used to build the body of Christ.

as paul writes to Rome-

Romans 12:5–8 LEB

5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, 6 but having different gifts according to the grace given to us: if it is prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if it is service, by service; if it is one who teaches, by teaching; 8 if it is one who exhorts, by exhortation; one who gives, with sincerity; one who leads, with diligence; one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

In contrast to their former pagan lives, these spiritual gifts are graciously given by God to different believers, not for personal display, but so that each member may serve, strengthen, and build up the one body of Christ in unity.

Verse 3 — The Test of True Spiritual Gifts

Evidently, some unbelievers in Corinth had entered trances or ecstatic states where they were influenced or controlled by demonic powers. In those moments, they spoke against Christ—even cursing His name. This is evil in its boldest form, and Paul warns the church because some were wrongly treating dramatic spiritual experiences as proof of conversion.

The Corinthians had begun judging what is spiritual by experience, rather than by truth. (they were guilty of emotionalism)

Paul corrects this by giving a clear test: the Holy Spirit always honors Christ. Satan’s work always attacks the person and work of Christ. Therefore, no one speaking by the Spirit of God will ever curse Jesus, and no one can truly confess “Jesus is Lord” apart from the Holy Spirit.

This agrees with Paul’s warning in Galatians that even if a man or an angel brings a different gospel, he is to be accursed. Any spiritual activity that denies Christ, distorts the gospel, or diminishes His lordship—no matter how powerful or emotional it appears— it is not from God.

Paul’s statement that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” must not be reduced to a mere verbal confession. Scripture is clear that simply saying the right words does not equal regeneration. Jesus Himself warns, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name?’… and I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’” A profession without submission is empty.

Yet Paul’s concern here is not to give a full doctrine of conversion, but to establish a test for genuine spiritual activity. In the context of spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit does more than enable speech—He produces a life that bows to Christ’s authority. To confess “Jesus is Lord” in the Spirit is to affirm His supremacy, submit to His rule, and live in a way that reflects His lordship.

Therefore, true spiritual gifts cannot exist apart from a life ordered under Christ. Those who truly exercise the gifts of the Spirit do so while living as servants of Christ, not as those who merely claim His name.

Where the Spirit is at work, Christ is honored not only by words, but by obedience, truth, and submission.

Verses 4-7 There are many gifts, but only one Spirit.

Paul teaches that there are many different gifts, but only one Spirit. These spiritual gifts must be distinguished from natural talents or abilities.

Both believers and unbelievers can possess skills, talents, intelligence, and leadership ability. But spiritual gifts are supernatural in nature—sovereignly given by God and only possessed by believers.

According to verses 7 and 11, every believer receives at least one spiritual gift. God alone determines which gift is given to which believer. Some gifts involve speaking—such as prophecy, teaching, wisdom, knowledge, exhortation, and discernment. Others are non-verbal—such as service, leadership, giving, mercy, faith, and helps. Together, both speaking and non-speaking gifts are necessary for the life of the church, these gifts remain useful throughout the church age.

Though the gifts differ, the source is the same Spirit. There are different ministries and different effects, but only one Lord and one God at work. God orders His church in unity, not competition. He calls the believer, assigns the task, and then equips that believer with the gift needed to fulfill it. God never calls a servant to do something He does not also empower him to accomplish.

The “manifestation of the Spirit” means that no matter the gift, ministry, or result, every spiritual gift makes the Spirit known. Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit becomes visible and understandable in the life of the church and in its witness to the world.

Verses 8-11 Various Gifts for the Church

The gifts mentioned—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—demonstrate the variety of ways God equips His people. Some gifts involve speaking and revealing God’s truth, like prophecy or teaching. Others, like service, mercy, or giving, show the Spirit’s work in practical love.

Paul emphasizes that all gifts come from the same Spirit (v. 11) and are given according to His sovereign choice, for the building up of the body of Christ. Every gift, whether seen or unseen, spoken or acted, makes the Spirit’s presence and work evident in the church and points to God’s glory. Let’s look at them all a little closer.

verse 8

Word of Wisdom- this is the supernatural ability to apply God’s truth in specific situations. It is practical and discerning.

knowing how to act or speak according to God’s will. For example, it might guide a believer in giving counsel, resolving conflict, or proclaiming a message that brings clarity and direction. Wisdom is about application of truth in life and ministry

Word of Knowledge- This is the supernatural ability to understand or perceive facts or truths that are normally hidden or beyond human understanding.

It involves insight into God’s truth, people’s needs, or circumstances. Knowledge reveals what God wants known, often bringing understanding that points back to His Word and character. It’s more about knowing truth itself rather than applying it

verse 9-11

Faith- the Spirit’s empowering of a believer to fully trust in God, to rely on His promises, and to act with confidence in His power and provision.

I believe this Faith is in every believer unto salvation, however teh degree of faith to move mountains or pray over teh sick and expect healing, or call on God to move miraculously is a specific gift of faith.

Cessationism – The belief that certain sign gifts, such as tongues, healing, and prophecy(foretelling of events) , ceased with the closing of the biblical canon and were primarily for the apostolic age.

Continuationism – The belief that all sign gifts, including tongues, healing, miracles, and prophecy (foretelling/new revelation), continue to operate in the church today.

Healing – The ability to restore physical needs supernaturally by the Spirits power.

Miracles – Supernatural acts performed by God’s power through a believer to demonstrate His glory or intervene in human circumstances.

Prophecy – The Spirit enabled ability to proclaim God’s truth, reveal His will, or call people to obedience, always consistent with Scripture.

Tongues – The supernatural ability to speak in a language unknown to the speaker, in prayer, praise, or edification of the church when interpreted. (used in the NT as a means to reach the unbeliever)

Interpretation of Tongues – The Spirit given ability to understand and communicate the meaning of a message spoken in tongues, bringing clarity and edification to the congregation.

Verses 12-27 One Body - One Head

Love, Unity, and sacrifice within the body. We all are to use gifts to build up the church.

Verses 28–31 Gifts and Service in the Church

Paul lists certain roles and gifts that God has established in the church for its order and growth. First are apostles, those chosen by Christ Himself, who witnessed His resurrection and were sent to lay the foundation of the church.

Second are prophets, who proclaim God’s truth and reveal His will to the people.

Third are teachers, who carefully explain Scripture and help believers understand and apply God’s Word.

After these foundational roles, Paul mentions gifts such as miracles, healings, helps, administrations, and tongues. The way he presents them suggests a kind of practical ordering: some gifts establish and guide the church, while others serve, support, or demonstrate God’s power.

In verses 29–30, Paul makes it clear that not everyone receives every gift, and that speaking in tongues is not required to be a believer, countering the false notions in Corinth that dramatic experiences must happen to have a true faith.

Finally, in verse 31, Paul encourages believers to earnestly desire the best gifts, those that most effectively build up the body of Christ. But he immediately reminds them that love is the highest pursuit. Gifts are meant to serve God and others; without love, even the most spectacular gift is empty.