Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1–3
God had Paul wrap things up by having Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 12:27–31, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.” God had Paul lay out other gifts the Holy Spirit gives as God calls people to serve within His body. Obviously, some of the believers in Corinth were desiring positions God had not called them to fulfill, but nonetheless, they still desired those positions. God had Paul ask them the questions to help them understand that not everyone is called to have all of those gifts, but because they desired them, God led Paul to strongly encourage them to desire the greater gifts. God had Paul tell the Christians in Corinth, in verse 31, “But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal]. And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]” (Amplified Bible). God’s love is the greatest gift given (Romans 5:5).
Challenge & Application
According to what God taught us today, how can we know for sure if a gift is of the Holy Spirit?
What gift or gifts has the Holy Spirit given you and how are you using them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!