Corrective & Description -Paul lays down a ground rule for post-pagan Christians (“. . . no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says . . .” v 3) and then describes the variety of ways that the Spirit works through them (vs 4-10). Paul follows up with a summary on the diversity-within-unity relationship of Christ and the community of Christians (vs 12-13).

What’s the Question? - “Doesn’t spiritual gifts determine status?” Such may have been the question of the pneumatikoi, a coterie of persons with esteemed and quite visible spiritual gifts. A “yes” would assure their high status and leadership among the community.

Paul’s Response - The Spirit inspires the common Christian confession (“Jesus is Lord,” v 3b), works for the common good (v 7), and is the repository for all giftings for Christian worship and service in the world (vs 8-10). Not only that, but the Spirit is the unifying force within the body of Christ (vs 11-13).

What work or task have you done that when you’re doing it feels like Christmas all over again?

• When have you been part of a group in which each one did their “thing,” but together the group achieved something greater and grander than any of the parts?
• What sports require each one doing their part, but yet dependent upon the team? What sports are individual efforts?
• Verses 4-6 suggest that some Corinthians felt that some spiritual gifts were better than others. Have you ever encountered that attitude among Christians? In yourself?
• Of the spiritual gifts enumerated, which one/s do you seem to have? How do you use this gift for the common good?

Use this Sunday as an opportunity to teach on how the Christian community functions when the Spirit is in the driver’s seat; or you might want to review Cordeiro’s excellent book, Doing Church as a Team.

• Also refer to the DPS homily for January 14 & January 21, 2001, entitled, “Spiritual Gifts.”