Devotions

Proclaim the Gospel in the Regions That lie Beyond

by  • 

There is a natural fleshly desire for power that operates in the world and we see it in government, religion, business, but Paul puts the focus on the work we have to do “according to our assignment”. He says “we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but powerful to God for the tearing down of fortresses, tearing down arguments 5 and all pride that is raised up against the knowledge of God”. There is natural, worldly knowledge and there are natural worldly desires that consume people turning their attention from “the knowledge of God”. This is where our battle is, “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” so that we can go foward proclaiming the gospel. 

Just as Christ Himself Is, So Also are We

2 Corinthians 10:1–10
There is a natural fleshly way of operating that boasts itself and dominates by overpowering and suppressing. This is driven by personal agenda and fulfillment of self desires for self promotion. And we often find people pursuing power through government, religious, and business organizations. Paul recognizes these fleshly human struggles for power and says in

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (LEB) For although we are living in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but powerful to God for the tearing down of fortresses, tearing down arguments 5 and all pride that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

There is a different authority, an authority that comes from the Lord. In that authority, we stand together with Christ, in 2 Corinthians 10:7 “just as Christ himself is, so also are we”. No different message, no different agenda. Not needing to take anything from them, but for this purpose in 2 Corinthians 10:8 “for building you up and not for tearing you down”. 

Proclaim the Gospel in the Regions That lie Beyond

2 Corinthians 10:11–18
There are those that boast of their accomplishments but that is not our place as Christians. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:13-16 puts his work in context:

  • “we will not boast beyond limits”, “but according to the measure of the assignment that God has assigned to us”, “we have reached even as far as you with the gospel of Christ”.
  • “but having hope”, “according to our assignment”, “that we may proclaim the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you”.

And whatever success we may have “according to our assignment”, it is not for us to judge or proclaim because in

2 Corinthians 10:18 (LEB) For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

The Sincerity and the Purity of Devotion to Christ

2 Corinthians 11:1–15

If It Is Necessary to Boast

2 Corinthians 11:16–33 

The Extraordinary Degree of the Revelations

2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Paul spends a good deal of time on this subject of boasting and here in 2 Corinthians 12:1 he says, “It is necessary to boast; it is not profitable, but I will proceed”. If anyone could boast, it would be Paul and he has described his heritage and training, and calling. But all of this kind of conversation tends to degrade into self promotion or self defense and these are not “profitable”. What is profitable is the work of God. Teaching, sharing, encouraging, these have value. So here, Paul does boast in his experience in heaven, the “visions and revelations of the Lord” he had been given that are helpful and encouraging to others.

But there was also a thorn in his flesh to prevent him from exalting himself and it is in his physical weakness that the power of God is seen through him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (LEB) And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because the power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me.

We Are Speaking in Christ Before God

2 Corinthians 12:11–21

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
  • 2 Corinthians 11:1-33
  • 2 Corinthians 12:1-21
Devotions

Now is the Day of Salvation

by  • 

The gospel has been and is being preached in the streets. Many have believed, but there are tactics used by our enemy to distract and divide. Offense is one tactic and it can happen because of something we have done or not done so we must seek ourselves, to live for God and to avoid any offense. Another tactic is to appeal to our affections, our natural desires and we then fall short of the great things God has for us. But we can “cleanse ourselves … accomplishing holiness in the fear of the Lord” and fulfill all of God’s plan for our lives. 

Now is the Day of Salvation

2 Corinthians 6:1–13
The gospel is spoken freely, and to everyone that calls on the Lord, in 2 Corinthians 6:2 he hears and helps. Now Paul says in

2 Corinthians 6:3 We are giving no one an occasion for taking offense in anything, in order that our ministry will not have fault found with it,

This is one of the tactics of the enemy, a failure or short coming in a Christian leader. But, Paul wants them to know the injustice, the persecution, the suffering he has faced and he has stayed in love, and kindness and patience, and he has lived by the fruit of the Holy Spirit to avoid any offense that might alienate any believer.

Then, Paul comes to the second tactic used to divide and separate believers. They have heard the gospel in 2 Corinthians 6:11-12 “We have spoken freely and openly” so Paul has not held anything back from them, nor has God, “our heart is open wide. 12 You are not restricted by us”. The door to salvation and eternal life with God is wide open for them. There should not be any hindrance, “but you are restricted in your affections”. They have natural desires that have taken precedence and they are walking like the world. 

I Will Walk About Among Them

2 Corinthians 6:14–18
God is calling us to a Holy life, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers”. Certainly we are in the world, but we are here to influence the world for God and not for us to be influenced by the world. God’s desire to walk with us (believers) is not a new concept here. This has been from the beginning, ‘“even as God said.” Quotation from Le 26:12; Je 31:33; 32:38; Ez 37:26, 27; compare Mt 28:20; Jn 14:23’.1 

Accomplishing Holiness in the Fear of God

2 Corinthians 7:1–7
Now Paul says, in 2 Corinthians 7:1 “since we have these promises” (that we are new creatures in Christ, that God has reconciled us to himself, that God will live in us and walk among us) “let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit”. Paul says that we should cleanse ourselves. But, you say, didn’t Jesus forgive me of my sin? Yes, but I say, now live for Him.

This is one of the toughest areas of Christian life because we can easily get caught up in works, religious acts, to try to please God. And the truth is, we can never do enough. The key though, is right here in 2 Corinthians 7:1 “accomplishing holiness in the fear of God”. When we have a right understanding of the love of God (and that has been well preached) and also understand that God is a consuming fire, we have the right incentive to live a holy life. As it says in

1 Peter 1:15–16 (LEB) but as the one who called you is holy, you yourselves be holy in all your conduct, 16 for it is written, “You will be holy, because I am holy.”

It is always amazing to me how God works. This morning we read these passages in our prayer time and I would have told you the love of God is enough, God is working in us to take us from Glory to Glory. You may know the things we Christians say to excuse the influence of the world in the Church and even in our own lives. But the Bible Study message in our Church group this evening was “The Fear of the Lord” by John Bevere. And in this series, he begins by reminding us of Gods character and nature, He is Holy, He is a consuming fire, and it is important for us to “cleanse ourselves … accomplishing holiness in the fear of the Lord”.

You Were Grieved to Repentance

2 Corinthians 7:8–16
We are emotional beings and our emotions can sometimes work against us, but here, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:9 “you were grieved to repentance”. There had been one among them that needed correction. And, they were to give him over “for the destruction of the flesh”. In this case, they had been accepting what he was doing to the detriment of the Church. They did take action and as difficult as it was, they established righteousness again in their midst. As Paul says in

2 Corinthians 7:10 (LEB) For grief according to the will of God brings about a repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but worldly grief brings about death.

Proving the Genuineness of Your Love

2 Corinthians 8:1–15

They are Messengers of the Churches

2 Corinthians 8:16–24

Your Zeal has Stirred up the Majority

2 Corinthians 9:1–15

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1-18
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1-16
  • 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 311). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Devotions

Anyone in Christ is a New Creation

by  • 

Paul is getting to some more mature explanation of what it means to be a Christian. It isn’t just what you say, but how you live that matters. And we shouldn’t expect that life will be easier for us, in fact, we have a responsibility to the gospel to carry it forward to a world where “the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they would not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ”. It takes effort, there is resistance. But we know where our future takes us and it is a good trade, our light affliction for an eternal weight of glory. So, in this world, “we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as if God were imploring you through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”. 

You Are Our Letter, Inscribed on Our Hearts

2 Corinthians 3:1–8
In the world, people need a letter of introduction, a resume or CV, a degree or certification to demonstrate their qualifications. But in the Church, the evidence is not written on tablets of stone as the commandments were with Moses, but the revelation of who God is in Christ is made evident by the hearts and minds of God’s servants, those that are filled with His Spirit. As we are changed and demonstrate the love of God to those around us, we are the letter, the recommendation as it says in

2 Corinthians 3:3 (LEB) revealing that you are a letter of Christ, delivered by us, inscribed not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets but on tablets of human hearts.

 

A Veil Lies Upon Their Heart

2 Corinthians 3:9–18
After Moses had been in the presence of God, he carried the glory of God into the camp but the people could not look at him. Moses covered his face to hide the glory. And this was only the glory of the Law. As it says in

2 Corinthians 3:14–16 (LEB) But their minds were hardened. For until this very day, the same veil remains upon the reading of the old covenant, not being uncovered, because it is done away with in Christ. 15 But until today, whenever Moses is read aloud, a veil lies upon their heart, 16 but whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

And if we will turn to the Lord, there is glory, righteousness, holiness, freedom and power to transform as it says in

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (LEB) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory into glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

The Glory of God in the Face of Christ

2 Corinthians 4:1–6
As a minister of the gospel, and that includes everyone of us as born again children of God, we are to deliver, in 2 Corinthians 4:2 “the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person’s conscience before God”. But we also know that, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 “the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they would not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” It is “the glory of God in the face of Christ” that “has shined in our hearts”.

We Have This Treasure in Earthenware Jars

2 Corinthians 4:7–18
God knows our frame, and He has chosen to work through us as a demonstration of His power. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 he says we are”

  • afflicted, not crushed
  • perplexed, not despairing
  • persecuted, not abandoned
  • struck down, not destroyed

We have the formula here in 2 Corinthians 4:12 “death is at work in us, but life in you”. In other words, if we will give ourselves to the gospel, to declaring the name of Jesus Christ and put to death our personal desires, people will hear and respond and receive eternal life. Or the way Paul says it in

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (LEB) For our momentary light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure and proportion, 18 because we are not looking at what is seen, but what is not seen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is not seen is eternal.

We Live by Faith, Not by Sight

2 Corinthians 5:1–10
We have a strong desire to live this natural life even though we “groan, being burdened” in 2 Corinthians 5:4. And from our natural perspective, we would say we will die but this verse says “that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life”. This is God’s perspective and in

2 Corinthians 5:5 (LEB) Now the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the down payment, the Spirit.

 

If Anyone is in Christ, He is a New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:11–21
Many people struggle with this phrase in 2 Corinthians 5:11 “the fear of the Lord” because they have a concept of God as great and powerful but demanding and aloof. For these, God is able to do anything and might destroy us on a whim. For others, God is far off, and not involved so what does it matter what God thinks? Paul puts this statement, “the fear of the Lord”, in perspective because God may seem far off, but He absolutely will judge the world and every action by every person.

So, Paul says “we are attempting to persuade people”. And this is the message, that all face the judgment of God. But Christ died for all, in 2 Corinthians 5:19 “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation”. God is not far off, but very near and “imploring you” to “be reconciled” in

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (LEB) Therefore we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as if God were imploring you through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin on our behalf, in order that we could become the righteousness of God in him.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
  • 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
  • 2 Corinthians 5:1-21
Devotions

That We May Not be Exploited

by  • 

Living the Christian life isn’t always easy. We have our own personal relationship with God to give attention to. Then we have other believers that may or may not be walking in the way so sometimes offense has occurred and even if it hasn’t, there may be difficult correction. There is also the unbelieving world that may be persecuting us for the gospel. And satan and his fallen angels looking to take advantage. Yet, in the midst of all of this, in the midst of affliction and suffering, Paul writes, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in all affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” and then he writes in 2 Corinthians 2:12,14 “a door was opened for me by the Lord … 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and who reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of him through us in every place”. When we face resistance meant to wear us out, break us down, overwhelm us, and stop us, God’s comfort comes. His mercy comes and a door opens for us.

Paul Ministers Through Macedonia and Greece

Acts 20:1-6

2 Corinthians Introduction

There was great work accomplished in Macedonia as is described in 2 Corinthians 2:12 and “Macedonia was THE PLACE from which it (this letter) was written (2 Co 9:2 … In Asia (Lydian Asia) he had undergone some great peril of his life (2 Co 1:8, 9), whether the reference be [PALEY] to the tumult at Ephesus (Ac 19:23–41), or, as ALFORD thinks, to a dangerous illness in which he despaired of life”.1

Paul writes this because, “he had said that he would come to them, but after a long interval he had not appeared but was still delaying, since the Spirit was keeping him busy (in Macedonia) … (also,) The Corinthians had been corrected by the first epistle (and Paul wrote more about this) … In addition, they had collected the money which he had asked for and shown great kindness to Titus when he visited them”2 and Paul wanted to thank and encourage them. 

God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:1–11
Though there was a great work happening in Macedonia, Paul faced challenging persecution, yet he begins this second letter talking about the comfort of God. In fact, we find comfort ten times in 2 Corinthians 1:3-8 from two Greek words. One might be translated as urge, implore, exhort and the other as comfort, encouragement, exhortation.

This comfort came in the midst of affliction and suffering that Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 as “we were burdened to an extraordinary degree, beyond our strength, so that we were in despair even of living. 9 But we ourselves had the sentence of death in ourselves”. Paul says these things in 2 Corinthians 2:9-10 to build their confidence “in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a risk of death, and will deliver us”.

Purity of Motive from God

2 Corinthians 1:12–14
Now, if there is anything that Paul wants them to understand about his actions, it is here in 2 Corinthians 1:12 “we conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and purity of motive from God, not in merely human wisdom, but by the grace of God”.

But God is Faithful

2 Corinthians 1:15–24
Paul belabors the point that he wanted to go through Corinth going and coming from Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 1:15 “in order that you may have a second proof of my goodwill” but it isn’t our word or proof of our faithfulness to people that matters. As Paul says in

2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (LEB) Now the one who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anoints us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

and it is God who is faithful and the proof of our faithfulness is to Him. Paul was where he was meant to be, in Macedonia.

I Have Confidence About You All

2 Corinthians 2:1–4
The sternness of Paul’s first letter has passed. He has a good report from Corinth, and now Paul wants to come to them to share the joy of their salvation. 

That We May Not be Exploited by Satan

2 Corinthians 2:5–11
Paul’s earlier letter brought strong correction and it apparently was to one that was well known and maybe even well liked in the Church. It seems there has been repentance so Paul tells them to offer reconciliation. Paul begins by saying in 2 Corinthians 2:5 “if anyone has caused sorrow”, but it was the one that committed sin that caused the sorrow. The poor choice of one caused grief for Paul, and, as he says, “to all of you”. But the discipline of the Lord id not vindictive or punitive, it is simply sufficient to address the wrong. So now, in 2 Corinthians 2:6 Paul says “This punishment by the majority is sufficient” with this remedy in

2 Corinthians 2:7 (LEB) So then, you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest somehow this person should be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

Reconciliation is important, and it is not only good to restore, but we should make every effort to restore as it says in

James 5:19–20 (LEB) My brothers, if anyone among you should wander away from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save that person’s soul from death, and will cover over a great number of sins.

We, though, must also remember that righteousness is the standard and we must raise our character to meet it. So correction is not just for when we “wander away from the truth”, it is also a showing forth of our character as Paul says in

2 Corinthians 2:9 (LEB) Because for this reason also I wrote, in order that I could know your proven character, whether you are obedient in everything.

 

A Door Was Opened for Me by the Lord

2 Corinthians 2:12–17
Even though Paul was called by Jesus and baptised in the Holy Spirit, his missionary journey’s didn’t always go as he wanted them to. Paul had wanted to travel through Corinth twice and didn’t. Paul wanted Titus to be in Troas to meet him but he wasn’t. As it says in

Proverbs 16:9 (LEB) The mind of a person will plan his ways, and Yahweh will direct his steps.

These apparent disconnects didn’t in any way change the work that god had for Paul in

2 Corinthians 2:12 (LEB) Now when I arrived in Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened for me by the Lord,

Paul not only went through the door but clearly describes the fruit that was produced in

2 Corinthians 2:14–15 (LEB) But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and who reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of him through us in every place. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 1:1-24
  • 2 Corinthians 2:1-17
  • 2 Corinthians 3:1-8

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 299). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. Bray, G. L. (Ed.). (1999). 1–2 Corinthians (p. 191). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Devotions

In Christ All Will be Made Alive

by  • 

Paul finishes this letter to the Corinthians reminding them of the gospel he had proclaimed to them. They should be alert, stand Firm in the faith, act courageously, be strong. The work Jesus Christ began to do was not finished, but they now have their part as witnesses to the world around them. They know that Christ was raised from the dead, and so will all those that have fallen asleep in Him. Jesus has been raised, the last Adam, a life giving spirit. so they should stand until tha last enemy of Christ is put under foot. 

The Gospel I Proclaimed to You

1 Corinthians 15:1–11
Paul had brought the gospel to these people so he had already given them the gospel. He knows that he is writing to the church, to those that are saved. Even so, he doesn’t close this letter without rehearsing the full gospel to them again here.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Now I make known to you, brothers, the gospel which I proclaimed to you, which you have also received, in which you also stand,

He says, “The gospel I Proclaimed to You”, “in which you also stand”, “by which you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the message”. We have a life to live after accepting Christ, and it requires that we stand and hold on to the message we were given. 

One Born At The Wrong Time

There is also another message that follows. Paul is preparing to talk to them about the resurrection because some of their friends and loved ones have fallen asleep, so he prepares them for this by saying in 1 Corinthians 15:4 after he says “that he was raised up on the third day according to the scriptures”. Then Paul interjects his other message, he recounts in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 Jesus appearance to “Cephas” (Peter), “the twelve”, “more than five hundred”, “James, then to all the apostles”. It was after these appearances that Jesus went up into heaven. This was the end of the what we call the gospels. And, it was the beginning of what we call “the Acts of the Apostles”.

Now Paul separates himself saying in 1 Corinthians 15:8 “and last of all, as it were to one born at the wrong time, he appeared also to me”. Paul is part of a different era, some would say he is part of a different dispensation, this age of grace that we live in. And in 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul says “I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called”.

The message Paul is signaling here, is that Jesus finished His work at the cross, but He didn’t finish His work with the Church. We sometimes look back at Jesus and the lives of the Apostles after him as if that was the end of the work God was doing. But when Jesus prayed before then end of His ministry, He prayed not only for the disciples but also for all who would hear their words. You may feel like Paul did that you are the least, that you are not worthy to be called. You may feel that you are as one born at the wrong time. But God has a plan for today. We have been born for this time, for this generation. The gospel message is not finished and we are the ones that will deliver it in our time.

Take Paul’s words and make them your own, from 1 Corinthians 15:10 “by the grace of God I am what I am”. God knows who you are and he knows what He made you to be. His grace is to you is not in vain. His grace is with you.

Christ Has Been Raised From the Dead

1 Corinthians 15:12–21
And if we have confidence in the gospel, that in 1 Corinthians 15:20 “Christ has been raised from the dead” then we can know that He is “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” and they will also be raised. 

In Christ All Will be Made Alive

1 Corinthians 15:22–34
There is a clear promise from God in 1 Corinthians 15:22 that “in Christ all will be made alive”. And it will happen in God’s order in

1 Corinthians 15:23–24 (LEB) But each in his own group: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s at his coming, 24 then the end, when he hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when he has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

 

The Last Adam Became a Life-giving Spirit

1 Corinthians 15:35–45
We understand the natural process of planting a seed and we have seen the results, as Paul relates in 1 Corinthians 15:37 “what you sow is not the body which it will become”. We plant a seed that looks like nothing yet out of the ground come a tree or a plant or grain for food. So, we shouldn’t think it strange that our bodies in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 are “sown in corruption” and “raised in incorruption”. Our bodies are “sown in weakness” and “raised in power”. Our body “is sown a natural body” and “raised a spiritual body”. Just as Jesus, “the last Adam became a life-giving spirit”, we have the words of life for all who will hear us.

Flesh and Blood is Not Able to Inherit the Kingdom of God

1 Corinthians 15:46–58

A Great and Effective Door Has Opened

1 Corinthians 16:1–12

Stand Firm in the Faith, Act Courageously, be Strong

1 Corinthians 16:13–24

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-58
  • 1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Devotions

Now You Are the Body of Christ

by  • 

This letter has brought correction and dealt with the influence of their local culture on the people in the Church. Now Paul establishes a vision for them of who they are in Christ. They are His body in the earth. And just as our body has many different parts, so also in the Church there are people with many different gifts. We often confuse unity and uniformity, I think because we easily identify with people that are like us. But God didn’t make everything uniform, did he? Just as we appreciate the beauty and variety in nature, we also should appreciate the different people and gifts in the Church, the body of Christ. Our victory is not in making everyone be like we are, it is in creating space so that every joint, every person can supply. 

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1–11
The Corinthians knew about idolatry and the influence of spirits, often for evil on the lives of people. Paul here though explains the Holy Spirit, the one that seals us as believers in Christ. It is this same Holy Spirit that is our teacher and guide. And, it is this Holy Spirit that manifests differently in us as we are endowed with these gifts of the Spirit that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

  • word of wisdom
  • word of knowledge
  • faith
  • gifts of healing
  • miraculous powers (working of miracles)
  • prophecy
  • distinguishing of spirits
  • tongues (diversities of tongues)
  • interpretation of tongues

This gift of faith is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:2 where Paul talks about “all faith” and this “Mountain-moving faith was “a proverbial expression for accomplishing something impossible in a miraculous way (see Matt. 17:19–20; 21:21; Mark 11:22–24; Luke 17:6”.1 

By One Spirit We Were All Baptized

1 Corinthians 12:12–20
Paul uses our body as an example of the diversity in the body of Christ. And it is a good example because we have many different parts that each have their own function, yet they all work together.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (LEB) For just as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of the body, although they are many, are one body, thus also Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free persons, and all were made to drink one Spirit.

The context is spiritual gifts but Paul’s use of “whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free” is not to limit his comments, but to extend them to includes every nationality, every language, every culture, every level of social standing. And he does not intend that these all bring their characteristics into the body of Christ to make it an amalgamation of every kind. Instead, he says, “all were made to drink one spirit” and by this, there is a transforming effect. Now, every person can become what God made them be, no longer conformed to what the world said they were. 

Now You Are the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:21–31
Paul goes on to describe the importance of each body part, that everyone has a valuable contribution to the whole. It would be absurd for us to think of an eye-rolling around on its own, and just as absurd for a prophet to be wandering around on his own. What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 is that “God composed the body … that there not be a division in the body, but the members would have the same concern for one another”. The message is that we should value every member for who and what God made them to be and not, as the world does, seek to be the head. Paul does go on to describe the way God intended leadership in the Church and I think something about their value and distribution.

1 Corinthians 12:27–28 (LEB) Now you are the body of Christ, and members of it individually, 28 and whom God has appointed in the church: first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.

Paul does not mention evangelists and pastors here where he is talking about the whole body of Christ unified by the Holy Spirit. He does include evangelists and pastors where the subject is more doctrinal building up and strengthening the body of Christ in

Ephesians 4:11–12 (LEB) And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers 12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Even here though Paul closes with a comment about the whole body together in

Ephesians 4:16 (LEB) from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

These Three Remain: Faith, Hope, and Love

1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Paul is correcting the Corinthian Church and explaining the use of the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are important, but there is something more important than these gifts. Our focus, our intention should first be on the giver of the gifts. We will come to a clear and perfect relationship, as he says in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “then face to face”. These are the most important for us in

1 Corinthians 13:13 (LEB) And now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Seek for the Edification of the Church

1 Corinthians 14:1–12
However we view these gifts, whatever gifts we have or not, whatever we do should be for this purpose, in 1 Corinthians 14:5 “that the church may receive edification”. And for the end goal in 1 Corinthians 14:12 “in order that you may abound”. Paul also explains a key difference between prophecy and tongues, in

1 Corinthians 14:3–4 (LEB) But the one who prophesies speaks to people edification and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

Prophecy is for “edification, encouragement and consolation” or in the King James, “edification, exhortation, and comfort”.

Speaking in tongues is to edify yourself. And I believe that we speak out wisdom from God for ourselves in a language we don’t understand because our mind has not yet comprehended what God is intending for us. The important point here though is that there is a personal edification that comes from speaking in tongues. There is also a spiritual gift of speaking in tongues with interpretation. This gift may be used in public without confusion.

Tongues Are for a Sign

1 Corinthians 14:13–25
Because God spoke to the children of Israel through the prophets in their own language and they refused and rebelled against them, God pronounced this as a sign. Yes, when people hear it, they are confused “Here the quotation is from Is 28:11, 12, where God virtually says of Israel, This people hear Me not, though I speak to. them in the language with which they are familiar; I will therefore speak to them in other tongues, namely, those of the foes whom I will send against them; but even then they will not hearken to Me; which Paul thus applies, Ye see that it is a penalty to be associated with men of a strange tongue, yet ye impose this on the Church [GROTIUS];”.2

Let All Things be Done Decently

1 Co 14:26–40

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  • 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

References

  • 1. Ciampa, R. E., & Rosner, B. S. (2010). The First Letter to the Corinthians (p. 632). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
  • 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 290). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.