By Timothy W. Burnett
Chapter 12 reveals that there is only one spirit and one Lord Jesus Christ. This one spirit includes various gift ministries, services and operations (or workings). We also learn that anybody can profit from the manifestation of holy spirit in nine different ways. God emphasizes that the body of Christ is one, and has many members who are all baptized into one body by one spirit. Each member in the body is uniquely important. From the most honorable to the least honorable member, all are important to God. And He wants each member to see the others in the same way.
In chapter 13, God emphasizes His love toward the whole world. If we have all believing so we could move mountains when God gives the word, and have not the love of God, then we are not walking according to God's will. This beautiful chapter points our undivided attention to God's love.
Chapter 14 teaches us to follow closely after God's love and to covet earnestly spiritual matters, but to prefer that we might prophesy. This chapter distinguishes between speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues in the context of who is being edified. Speaking in tongues is for the spiritual edification of the individual who is speaking. Interpretation of tongues and prophesy is for the edification of the assembly of believers. We learn from the context that speaking in tongues was commonly understood to be an essential part of the believer's life. This chapter reveals a great deal of information about speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues.
As workmen, let us rightly divide God's words of truth. If God gave us His word in 2Timothy 2:15, then that means He knows we can rightly divide His word. No matter what anybody else says, we have no need to be ashamed of His word. If God gave His word in 1Corinthians 14:15, "I will pray with the spirit..." then every single Christian should diligently search the scriptures to find out what it means, to the end that they are not only praying with their understanding but also with the spirit. 1Corinthians 12-14 sits like a treasure box filled with spiritual knowledge and wisdom. The next series of articles will dive into these spiritual treasures.
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