We are that Body

This is the fourth in the series, What are the Spiritual Gifts all about? We are continuing our study of 1 Corinthians, looking at chapter 12, verses 27-31:

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.

Last week we discussed the Church as the Body of Christ. We learned of the diversity as well as the unity of the church. This week we affirm that we are that body. The body of Christ is made up of believers -- all believers. In fact, not belong to the church is not an option. All Christians are a part of the church whether like it or not. This is part of the definition of Christian -- and the definition of church. Now, we can decide to stay away from an local expression of the church. Certainly if you are "Lost" on a Pacific Island you have no option to be a part of a local congregation. But, we are still a part of THE CHURCH. The gifting of people by the Holy Spirit and the use of those gifts are in the context of being part of a local congregation.
Once Paul has expressed this truth, he proceeds to deal with the issue of the diversity within the church in a little different way. He lists some of the positions defined by gifting as well as some giftings that are not connected to a position. He starts with Apostles. Now Paul was an Apostle. Usually we think of Apostles (note the capital A) as those who are a part of the 12 who had been with Jesus during his life on Earth. The word apostle in the Greek merely means "one sent out". This word is used for people like missionaries or church planters who have a foundational ministry. There are people who have positions of apostleship (note the small a) within the church and they hold this position because God has gifted them to fulfill this role. Second are Prophets. These are people who really function in the role of people who continually speak forth the word of God. We need these people in the church. Third are those who are teachers. Specifically here Paul is writing about those who are able to take the Word of God and explain it to the rest of the church. He goes on to talk of workers of miracles and healers. These are not necessarily positions, but they are people who are gifted and used of God to be channels of His power to heal and demonstrate His mighty works. He then moves on to those gifted to be helpers. This is just as it sounds, people who are able to be helpful to those in need. Then there are those with gifts of administration -- the are able to set things in order. Finally he lists speakers in tongues, those who speak mysteries only understood by God.
When we get to chapter 14 we will give a fuller discussion of the gift of tongues. It is an important gift, but it probably is listed last here because the People of Corinth acted as if it were the dividing line between those who we "spiritual" and those who were not. Paul makes it plain that this is not the sign of spirituality. But, he also doesn't downplay the importance of the gift.
After listing these diversities, Paul states that none of us are all of these parts. He does this by going through the entire list saying are all ______________? The Greek construction demands that the answer is "of course not." Therefore each of us is only a part of the whole and none of us is sufficiently gifted to be the church in and of ourselves. All of the parts are needed. None of us has it all.
Finally Paul tells us to seek the gifts. There are essentially three fallacious ways to look at the gifts of the Spirit:

• Look down on the gifts -- they aren't for today anyway. They ceased after the Apostolic Era. They aren't needed today, because we have doctors and education etc.
• Pride in our gifting -- My gifts better than your gift! I'm more spiritual than you. This was prevalent in Corinth.
• Guilt at not having certain gifts -- Many people feel this when taught that anyone filled with the Spirit will speak in tongues, for example.

What is the proper attitude toward the Gifts? Well, recognize that they are truly for today and that they are valuable. We need God's power working in us to really be effective as a church for today. Therefore seek the gifts, don't neglect them. But we must also appreciate the gifting we have. Don't have the attitude that says I can't serve because I don't have the gift of _________. Use what God has given you -- for the Glory of God.
Finally he gives us a peek at where he will go in the next chapter. There is something even more important than these gifts -- but that is for next week.