Spiritual Gifts
- Paul assumes everyone has a gift.
- The problem is not inactive gifts, but disobedient
- Gifts are for the common good (v.7), empowered by one Spirit.
Two Gift Problems in the Church
The Jealous Gift
(vv.15–20)
“Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.”
- More concerned with visibility over faithfulness.
- Tells God He got it wrong.
- Turns partners in ministry into competitors in calling.
- Worships self over God.
- Robs the church of purpose
- Jealousy leaves the body lame.
The Prideful Gift
(vv.21–24)
“I have no need of you.”
- Independence isn’t strength — it’s sabotage.
- You can’t build the body if you think you don’t need
- You are not the point of this place — just a part of it.
- When the gift becomes god, the church becomes a casualty.
Heart Check
- This isn’t a team recruitment drive.
- No sign-up sheet. No QR code.
- It’s about the Spirit of God and believing He meant what He said: You are part of the Body.
When jealousy and pride go uncorrected:
- Celebration dies.
- Honour becomes foreign.
- Resentment and self-sufficiency suffocate the Spirit’s work.
Result: Christ isn’t glorified.
- Dishonour the gift → dishonour the Giver.
Our Call
v.26 — If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
- Honour one another.
- See one another.
- Need one another.
Hands — Living It Out
- Identify your gift — not to compare or compete, but to contribute.
- Confess pride or jealousy that’s kept you from building up the body.
- Celebrate and honour others’ gifts.
Serve the body so Christ is seen and glorified.
