First Corinthians 12:1-11

Paul now turns his thoughts to the Holy Spirit--an issue that the Corinthians are concerned about, and a topic that will again direct the conversation back to worship.

For now, though, Paul's emphasis is on the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts themselves are unique aspects of our Christian character that did not appear before our conversion. The gifts cover various aspects of the work of the church, and every believer is equipped to serve in the body by the Spirit.

Thus, the Spirit controls the gifts. The gifts also are intended to unify the body, not divide it, because it is the One Spirit that gives the gift. Also, no one has every gift. Therefore we must depend on each other--the design of the Spirit for unity through humility. The Spirit exalts the name of Christ through the giving of the gifts, and the Church should exalt God through the exercising of the gifts God has given.

So, what gift(s) do you have, and are you able to fulfill your giftedness through your local church?