1 Corinthians 12: Body of Christ

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of 1 Corinthians.

The church today has enormous frozen assets. Only when we thaw these assets and release every member for ministry can the work of God be done in the world. After several decades of "gift" teaching, we have made surprisingly little progress. One reason is that gifts have been co-opted by the human potential movement. We view our gifts as part of our development and fulfillment rather than as one more glorious way to be interdependent in Christ. This passage focuses on the true nature and purpose of spiritual gifts.

Warming Up to God

What has God shown you about your gifts and how you should use them in the church?

Read 1 Corinthians 12

Discovering the Word

• What particular problem in the Corinthian church may have led Paul to offer the "test" in verse 3?
• What clue does Paul's test give us about the ultimate goal of spiritual gifts?
• What do verses 4-6 reveal about the unity and diversity of spiritual gifts?
• What might make some members of your church feel useless or envious of other parts of the body (vv. 12-26)?
• According to Paul, how can we make every part of the body feel special (vv. 21-26)?
• Paul does not give us a complete list of gifts in this chapter. What might the words first, second, third andthen (v. 28) indicate?

Applying the Word

• What can you do to help others in your group or church to discover their giftedness?
• How would you like to develop and exercise your spiritual gifts?

Responding in Prayer

Pray that both you and those you know would use your gifts to God's glory.