"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                             Chapter Twelve

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To be aware of the many different spiritual gifts enjoyed by the
   early church

2) To appreciate the interdependence of the members of the Body of
   Christ

SUMMARY

In this chapter Paul begins to address the issue of spiritual gifts.
From what we read later in chapter fourteen, it appears the jealousy
and envy that characterized their division mentioned earlier also
expressed itself in their use (and abuse) of certain spiritual gifts.
Expressing his concern that they be not ignorant about these matters,
Paul first emphasizes that spiritual gifts, though diverse, come from
the same Spirit and are to be used for the benefit of all (1-11).  To
demonstrate that every person (and spiritual gift) is important, He
compares the church to a body with many different, yet essential,
members (12-27).  The chapter closes with Paul pointing out that not
all serve the same function and have the same gifts, encouraging them
to earnestly desire the best gifts, and preparing to show them a more
excellent way in the next chapter (28-31).

OUTLINE

I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  UNITY IN DIVERSITY (1-11)

   A. IMPORTANCE OF PROPER KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS (1-3)
      1. Paul does not want them to be ignorant concerning spiritual
         gifts (1)
      2. For as Gentiles they had been misled by dumb idols (2)
      3. Two general principles to bear in mind:
         a. No one speaking by the Spirit of God will call Jesus
            accursed (3a)
         b. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit
            (3b)

   B. THOUGH DIVERSE, THERE IS UNITY OF ORIGIN AND PURPOSE IN
      SPIRITUAL GIFTS (4-11)
      1. They all come from the same Spirit (4)
         a. Just as there are different ministries, but the same Lord
            (5)
         b. Just as diverse activities proceed from the same God (6)
      2. Each "manifestation" (spiritual gift), though given to one, is
         to benefit all (7)
      3. A summary of the different spiritual gifts (8-10)
         a. The word of wisdom
         b. The word of knowledge
         c. Faith
         d. Gifts of healing
         e. Working of miracles
         f. Prophecy
         g. Discerning of spirits
         h. Different kinds of tongues
         i. Interpretation of tongues
      4. But it is the same Spirit who works all these things,
         distributing to each one as He wills (11)

II. THE NEED FOR DIVERSITY IN ONE BODY (12-31)

   A. ILLUSTRATED BY THE FIGURE OF A BODY AND ITS MEMBERS (12-26)
      1. Just like the human body, the body of Christ with its many
         members are yet one (12)
         a. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (13a)
         b. And we have all been made to drink into one Spirit (13b)
      2. No member can say that they are not important (14-19)
         a. The body is not one member, but many (14)
         b. As illustrated with parts of the human body (15-19)
      3. No member can say that others are not important (20-26)
         a. Though many members, yet one body (20)
         b. As illustrated with parts of the human body (21-24a)
         c. God has composed the body to be one, and its members to
            have mutual concern for each other (24b-26)

   B. SUMMARY APPLICATION OF THE ILLUSTRATION (27-31)
      1. You are the body of Christ, and individually are members of it
         (27)
      2. God has appointed various functions in the church (28)
      3. Rhetorical questions to illustrate that not everyone has the
         same function (29-30)
      4. Certainly it was proper to desire the best gifts, yet Paul
         will show them a more excellent way (31)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
Move your mouse pointer underneath each question to see the answer.

1) List the main points of this chapter.




2) Why were the "manifestations" (spiritual gifts) of the Spirit given?
   (7)



3) Who determined who received what gift? (11)



4) What part does the Holy Spirit play in our conversion and
   sanctification? (13)




5) Can any member of the body say that they are not important? (15-19)



6) Can any member of the body say others are not important? (21-22)



7) What indication is there in this chapter that spiritual gifts
   were temporary? (29; see also Ep 2:20-22)







8) Was there anything wrong with the Corinthians desiring the "best
   gifts"? (31)