November 10, 2026 - 1 Corinthians 11-14

The spiritual gift section of Corinthians.  And the big point Paul seems to be making is that “the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. . . . God has so composed the body . . . that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.  If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (12:14,20,25).  The gifts are given by God for the building up of the body (14:3,4,5,12).  Sometimes, it seems to me, we get so caught up in our varied positions on the spiritual gifts (BTW, I do believe that there is a right position, rather than everyone being free to place his or her own private interpretation on these chapters.), that we forget that it’s all for the good and for the building up of the church.  Rather, we sometimes so adamantly insist on our understandings that we do anything but build up the church.  There is, however, "a still more excellent way" (12:30), that is, the way of love (chapter 13).

Among the saints on earth,

Let mutual love be found;

Heirs of the same inheritance,

With mutual blessings crowned.

Thus will the church below

Resemble that above;

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And every heart is love.   -- Benjamin Beddome (1769)