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Have you ever wondered where you fit into God’s kingdom narrative? In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul addresses two primary issues concerning worship practices in the Corinthian church.
1 Corinthians 11-12
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever wondered where you fit into God’s kingdom narrative?
In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul addresses two primary issues concerning worship practices in the Corinthian church. First, he discusses head coverings during prayer and prophesying, instructing that women should cover their heads as a sign of authority and respect while men should not. Second, Paul confronts the improper manner in which the Corinthians observe the Lord's Supper. He urges believers to examine themselves and partake in a worthy manner to honor Christ and avoid judgment.
Then, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul shifts to the importance of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. It’s evident this is a significant problem. Stephen Um writes, “The members of the church are looking at one another and are placing value judgments on one another based on performance, competence, and charisma.”[1]
Paul begins this chapter by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in lifting up the name of Jesus. Verse 1-3 state: 1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
Paul highlights that the Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus. As the Comforter sent by Jesus, the Spirit bears his name and continues his work. Whenever Christian leaders don’t do this, we can rest assured something is off.
Moreover, the Spirit is the giver of all gifts. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 4“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.” The repetition of the word same underscores that all spiritual gifts originate from the Holy Spirit, even though they manifest in diverse ways.
