1. Writing to the Corinthian church to correct a problem. 1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”
A. Gifts were being used and abused in the Corinthian church because of their lack of understanding.
2. Warnings concerning spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 12:2-3 “You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.”
A. First Paul reminds them of their history. They were pagans who were lead astray by immorality and idolatry.
3. Who gives and gets spiritual gifts? I Corinthians 12:11 “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
A. The gifts are given by the Holy Spirit. Our gifts don’t belong to us, they aren’t for our benefit; they belong to the body of Christ.
4. What are spiritual gifts? I Cor 12:7 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” A. They are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. They are a God-given ability which enables a believer to effectively serve the body of Christ.
5. When are spiritual gifts given? I Corinthians 12:12 “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
A. The bible does not say specifically but it would seem we receive them when we are born anew.
6. Where are spiritual gifts to be used? I Corinthians 12:28 “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles...”
A. The gifts are in the church and given to equip and build up the church. However, some gifts like evangelism are used where people are gathered.
7. Why are spiritual gifts given? I Corinthians 12:7 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
A. For the common good of the body of Christ. This means for the collective benefit of everyone.