Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12-13

Pastor’s Note: I was born-again in a Pentecostal Church, but as the Lord directed my wife and myself to serve where He leads, I followed less denominations and more closely to Charismatic theology. Over the years as my study has grown and I have seen the extremism and divisiveness of many (not all) denominations, I have tried to follow the balanced principles of the WHOLE counsel of God. This has led me to a path of teaching and study that does NOT embrace extremism of theology in any way. That is not to say I have compromised the teaching of the Word, at least to the best of my ability with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is a sad commentary that so many of my brothers, sisters, and peers, feel that if you don’t agree one-hundred percent with their theology, then there is a problem with you. I truly pray, that as the coming of our Lord and Savior draws closer, our hearts and spirits will also draw closer as the Apostle Paul wrote:

“With longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit . . .” (Ephesians 4:2-4).

I have always taught and believe that there is an over emphasis on titles and on the name of gifts a person manifests under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. My motto is this and it bears witness in experience and fact; you are what you do as God gives you the ability. There is no need to lift yourself up with a supposed title. Like any of God’s servants, your fruit will demonstrate your works.

To be clear, the following teaching is an adapted and modified teaching of Pastor Warren W. Wiersbe, of whom I agree with in most areas, theologically. I hope it blesses, encourages and instructs as you pursue the Lord’s direction and will in your life.

Be Wise About the Church Body

One of the marks of an individual’s maturity is a growing understanding of, and appreciation for, his own body. There is a parallel in the spiritual life: as we mature in Christ, we gain a better understanding of the church, which is Christ’s body. The emphasis in recent years on “body life” has been a good one. It has helped to counteract the wrong emphasis on “individual Christianity” that can lead to isolation from the local church.

Of course, the image of the “body” is not the only one Paul used in discussing the church, and we must be careful not to press it too far. The church is also a family, an army, a temple, and even a bride; and each image has important lessons to teach us. However, in three of his letters, Paul gave emphasis to the church as a body; and, in each of these passages, he brought out the same three important truths: unity, diversity, and maturity. The chart below makes this clear.

It is impossible to discuss the body without also discussing the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

It was the Spirit who gave birth to the body at Pentecost and who ministers in and through the body. In the Corinthian church, unfortunately, the members were grieving the Holy Spirit by the carnal ways in which they were using spiritual gifts. They were like children with toys instead of adults with valuable tools, and they needed to mature.

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 1.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.