The NT epistle reading for Epiphany 2 in Year C is 1 Cor 12.1–11. Although well-known in some circles, this might be a less familiar reading in others.
It appears to be about ‘spiritual gifts’, but Paul redefines the discussion by casting it as teaching about what it means to be spiritual, and roots it in his theology of the Spirit of God as the one who enables us to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. And the language about the gifts holds together questions of grace, unity, truth, and diversity of contributions in the assembly.
Come and join Ian and James as they explore these questions!
The video discussion of the gospel reading of John 2.1–11 can be found here.
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Thanks so much for this inspiring and fertile discussion!
Good to be reminded of the significance of ‘peri de’ and the proto-trinitarian shape of Paul’s appeal.
I’m preaching on Sunday and will mull on deepening the (occasionally semi-pelagian?) idea that ‘we all have something to offer the church’. By a focus on obedience to Jesus as Lord, and the need to receive charismata as GRACE, not accomplishments or possessions.
I wondered if there is/could be a link to the Gospel? If Jesus is Lord you will ‘do what he tells you’ as Mary exhorts. And the outpouring of the Spirit paralleling the New Wine of the Kingdom. The apostles’ Spirit-filled behaviour in Acts 2 resembling a rather rousing party? (Acts 2, 13.15)
Great to have videos on the non-Gospel NT readings. Will there be a text to accompany the film? Hope so!
Thanks for your comments. Yes, that issue of Jesus as the Lord whose will is the important question is a connection.
Commentary following on today!
Don’t forget that the mini-section in which Paul first says “earnestly desire… that you may prophesy” ends with an exception clause in which he essentially negates his own prophecy / tongues (languages) hierarchy in the case where tongues (languages) are interpreted and when he summarises and make his last reference to prophesying in the letter, in the same breath he is upholding tongues (languages).
My experience is that prophesy and tongues with interpretation can equally well bless and serve other people, especially when the listener has an awareness of what is happening e.g. in terms of the reversal of Babel.
Maybe nothing more than a throwaway comment, but I’m not sure I agree with James’ “that’s the most powerful gift”.
In terms of your hanging question, Ian, maybe you want to come visit us down the road one week? We do our best in any given service to make space for all congregants to exercise these gifts, at least those that are relevant to gatherings (itself a distinction worth discussing).
I think we are still off the mark in a number of ways. e.g. going through the list, I’d suppose that the average congregant would have more understanding / experience of / ability to explain utterances of knowledge, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, various kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues and less of utterances of wisdom, faith (as a gift in this list), distinguishing between spirits. Maybe you could provide a useful outside perspective.
Where is ‘down the road’…?
I meant down the road from St Nic’s where we met last July. Your friendly neo-Pentecostal neighbours. We share a car park after all.
Here is a wonderful gift for us all at the beginning of a new departure towards perfection HEB 3 V 6
I {Paul} beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called, EPH 4 VS. 1&2
The passage has it’s genesis in our Lord’s Ascension and thus the provisions that he has made for the furtherance of the Gospel.
Wherefore he saith, “ When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”EPH 4 V 8
The Ascension, the ground alike of the founding, the preservation, and the perfection of the church,
He is exalted to give the Holy Ghost with all his gifts and graces.
The ministry is still the Lord’s gift to a wicked world, for he is still the Source of the inward life of the Church and of its authority. –
Of gifts and vocations {we are all called to a vocation}and mentoring of the same will depend on whether we are idol worshipers or members of Christs Body.
Idol worshipers are those who misrepresent God, a God who does not speak for the benefit of souls. “Clouds without water”
In some places it may be officers of the Church who arrest folks from growing up, preferring babies that they can mold to their own kind.
At our church we are blessed with a(God) inspired Vicar and several such lay ministers.
We are however taking but baby steps, but are encouraged to participate as the Spirit gives us utterance.
It takes some courage and commitment to launch out into the deep.
As to preaching on this passage may I suggest two excellent spring boards
“The Unity of the Church R.M. Edgar @
biblehub.com/sermons/auth/edgar/ the_unity_of_the_church.htm
And
The Source of All the Gifts
T. Croskery @
/biblehub.com/sermons/auth/croskery/the_source_of_all_the_gifts.htm
Eph 4:8
The same Lord who went about every day doing good upon earth, is now doing good every day in the fullness of spiritual blessings which he is dispensing from the throne of his ascension-glory.
Shalom.
Ps. Reinhard Bonnke, I feel, has written the best book I ever read on the Holy Spirit.
Mighty Manifestations: The Gifts and Power of the Holy Spirit
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Thank you so much for this video. Really clear.
Especially helpful your personal stories of eagerly desiring tongues. I shall show it to a friend who for years suffered from feeling ‘not spiritual’ and ‘not baptised in The Holy Spirit’ after receiving a rant from a leader “what’s wrong with you because you won’t receive the gift of tongues?”
Thanks for your banter too.