Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: In this chapter the apostle, I. Considers the case of spiritual gifts, which were very plentifully poured out on the Corinthian church. He considers their original, that they are from God; their variety and use, that they were all intended for one and the same general end, the advancement of Christianity and the church’s edification (v. 1-11). II. He illustrates this by an allusion to a human body, in which all the members have a mutual relation and subserviency, and each has its proper place and use (v. 12-26). III. He tells us that the church is the body of Christ, and the members are variously gifted for the benefit of the whole body, and each particular member (v. 27-30). And them, IV. Closes with an exhortation to seek somewhat more beneficial than these gifts (v. 31). I also recommend for a deeper introduction reading Gill’s Exposition INTRODUCTION TO 1 Corinthians 12.
Our main text for today is part of what Matthew Henry calls (v.12-26) an illustration of an illusion to a human body. The body is the church and the body parts are the saints that make up the church. you can read more of this in our devotional from 11/13/2022 below:
The umbrella heading or theme for Chapter 12, has long been associated with Spiritual gifts. First, let me be clear I believe that Spiritual gifts are given and to be utilized today. However, these gifts MUST be in FULL obedience to the Word of God. Using the same illustration as the Apostle Paul for the Word of God, we do not nor can not expect to cut off or cut out portions of the Holy Scripture to fit our desires and needs and claim we have no need of the rest.
Chopping up scripture to meet our personal needs, is a violation of God’s Holy Word. One (who does this) will never be complete in the eyes of God.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 Amplified Bible
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