16 passages · Jesus and the church
Paul urges humility and describes the church as one body with many members, each with different gifts such as prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy, to be used faithfully.
Paul thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthians, noting they lack no spiritual gift as they await Christ's return, and affirms that God is faithful to sustain them.
Paul begins the topic of spiritual gifts, reminding them of their pagan past and saying that no one speaking by God's Spirit curses Jesus, and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit.
Paul says there are varieties of gifts, ministries, and workings but the same Spirit, Lord, and God. Each person receives a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good, as the Spirit determines.
Paul compares the church to a human body with many parts, all needed, where weaker parts are indispensable and members share each other's suffering and honor.
Paul says the Corinthians are the body of Christ, lists roles God has appointed, and asks whether all have the same gift. He urges them to desire the greater gifts and promises to show a more excellent way.
Paul says that even speaking in tongues, prophecy, great knowledge, faith, or generous giving amounts to nothing if there is no love.
Paul says love never fails, while prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are partial and will pass away when the perfect comes. Now we see dimly, then face to face, and faith, hope, and love remain, the greatest being love.
Paul urges them to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Speaking in a tongue addresses God and edifies oneself, while prophecy strengthens the church.
Paul illustrates with instruments and foreign languages that unclear sounds help no one. They should seek gifts that build up the church.
Paul says one who speaks in a tongue should pray to interpret, and he will pray and sing with both spirit and mind. In church he would rather speak five understandable words than ten thousand in a tongue.
Paul urges mature thinking, quotes the Law about foreign tongues, and says tongues are a sign for unbelievers while prophecy is for believers. Visitors would think them mad if all spoke in tongues, but prophecy can lead them to worship.
Christ gives gifts to each believer, including apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastors-teachers, to equip the church. The aim is maturity, so the body grows in love as each part works.
Paul tells Timothy to command and teach, not letting anyone despise his youth. He is to be an example, read Scripture publicly, use his gift and watch his life and teaching closely.
Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle the gift of God he received through the laying on of hands, because God gives power, love, and self-control rather than fear.
Since the end is near, Peter tells them to be clear-minded, pray, love deeply and be hospitable. Each should use his gift to serve others so that God is glorified in everything.