Theory question 107
Spiritual GiftsSection C (Themes from Selected Epistles)
Explain what Paul called Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians and how he likened them to the human body. What is the significance of this teaching to the Church?
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Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
There are varieties of gifts, service and working but the same Spirit, Lord and God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
They include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues and interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
The Spirit gives them to each one as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).
The body is one though it has many members; so is Christ; all were baptised by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
The foot cannot say it is not of the body because it is not a hand (1 Corinthians 12:15-16).
If the whole body were an eye, where would hearing be? God arranged the members as He chose (1 Corinthians 12:17-18).
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; weaker parts are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:21-22).
If one member suffers, all suffer; if one is honoured, all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Significance: unity in diversity; every member is important; no room for pride or envy; gifts are for service, not personal glory; members should care for one another; love is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13).
Define the gifts, explain the body analogy, then significance.