God has given us gifts of the Spirit that have great power. The challenge of great power is great problems: fighting, jealousy and comparison.
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
1 Corinthians 12:1
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
1 Corinthians 12:4
Differences often cause comparison and separation. Paul highlights that though the outward effects are different, we must remember that the source is the same. We have the same thing: the Spirit of God, but the Spirit is doing different things in different people.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7
The purpose of the gifts is to build one another up - the common good - not for just the good of the individual.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
The body comparison makes it clear that we all belong together even though each person may be very different I many ways.
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31 NIV
We can and should desire greater gifts but they should be desired so to bring help and benefit to the body and boot for personal benefit. We are to serve in love.
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