Daily Bible Study

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Day 121 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it, therefore, not of the body? 16 If the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 Now, indeed, there are many members, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 Those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Earnestly desire the best gifts. Yet I will show you a more excellent way. When people gather together, they seek out people they have something in common with and avoid everyone beneath them. In doing so, they cause people to feel unimportant. They don’t fit in with the group. No matter how hard they try, they will never fit in with those who have inflated egos who think they are better than everyone else. Paul told the Corinthian church that everyone was important. There were no insignificant people in the body of Christ. God put everyone in the body with a purpose. Each had an important gift for the body, so that no one could say they were more important or that some members were unnecessary. Many Christians feel insignificant. When they attend church, no one says anything to them. They aren’t made welcome, and they drift from one church to another until they find a place they belong. Or they stop going to church because they were made to feel they have nothing to offer the ministry. Are you one of those people who have drifted from church to church looking for acceptance? Paul said you are important. You belong to the body of Christ. He has a special purpose for you. Don’t let anyone make you feel insignificant. What are your gifts and callings in the body of Christ? Which of the gifts do you excel in? Do it with all your heart, giving glory to God. When the clipboard comes around to you, put your name on it in the place where your greatest strength is, even if your greatest strength is cleaning the bathroom. Someone needs to do it. Maybe you have administrative skills. Let people know what your strengths are in the body of Christ. God gave you your gifts. Use them to His glory and watch God work in you. God called you. He gave you a purpose. Do everything for His glory. Remember you’re in this together. When one person hurts, everyone hurts. When one person rejoices, everyone rejoices. Rejoice in your calling and honor God who gave you your gifts. Let’s pray: Father, show me where I fit in within the body of Christ. Let me know Your purpose and work in Your purpose to the best of my ability and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 14 November 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.