Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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I Corinthians 12:1-3
Jesus Is Lord
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be ignorant.”Vs.1
Corinth was an important and wealthy city on the isthmus separating Northern and Southern Greece. Paul spent 18 months there on his Second Missionary Journey and established a church there. Acts 18 gives us considerable detail about Paul’s work in Corinth during that time.

Considering God’s gifts, Paul says, that the central “gift” of the Spirit is our common confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. This confession, empowered by the event of the cross and resurrection, binds this community and all Christian communities together in a unity that overarches all our differences.

In Vs.1 Paul addresses the spirituals, after discussing all the areas of Corinthian carnality. The Corinthian Christians are given a reminder about their ignorance regarding spiritual gifts.

In Vs.2 Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians to remember that their past of pagan idolatry did not prepare them for an accurate understanding of spiritual gifts. He did not want them to be ignorant.

 In Vs.3 Paul lays down a broad principle for discerning matters regarding spiritual gifts: judge things by how they relate to Jesus Christ. Does a supposed spiritual gift glorify Jesus?

Jesus made it plain, saying that when the Holy Spirit would come, He will testify of Me (John 15:26), and He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you (John 16:14). The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not to promote Himself or any man, but to glorify and represent the nature of Jesus.
 Thought for the day

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer
Almighty God, help us to confess that Jesus is Lord and discern your plan for us and be aware of the spiritual gifts you have bestowed on us. AMEN


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