by Timothy W. Burnett
1Corinthians 12:7-11 lists nine different ways for all saints to profit from the manifestation of holy spirit. Verses 12-31 teach us about the one body of Christ comprised of uniquely individual people who are filled with the one and same spirit that is from God.
With in the body of Christ, some members are financially richer than others, receive more honor than others, and serve God in different ways. yet all members are commanded to give more honor to the least honored, to suffer with others who suffer, and rejoice with members who are honored.
God set different ministries in the church. All saints have the capacity to serve in all ways, while each can serve in the areas best suited for them according to individual strengths, skills and talents. According to chapter 13 they serve with God's love.
God's love suffers long. It is kind. It does not envy. God's love is not shown by vaunting with self-exaltation, and puffing oneself up as if to be more important or special than others. God's love does not act unseemly and is not provoked to anger. It thinks no evil and rejoices not in evil, but rejoices in truth. The love of God never fails.
Chapter 14 addressed three of the manifestations of holy spirit. Speaking in tongues is edifying for the spirit that is in each saint. Interpretation of tongues and prophecy are edifying for the saints during church gatherings. We also learned the importance of keeping things decent and in order.
1Corinthians chapter 15 launches into the resurrection of the dead and what it means for all of God's saints in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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