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SEPTEMBER 3
head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, one member is honored, all the members
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much rather, those members of the body rejoice with it.
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which seem to be weaker are necessary. And 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and mem-
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those members of the body which we think to bers individually. And God has appointed
be less honorable, on these we bestow greater these in the church: first apostles, second
honor; and our unpresentable parts have prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,
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greater modesty, but our presentable parts then gifts of healings, helps, administrations,
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have no need. But God composed the body, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all
having given greater honor to that part which prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of
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lacks it, that there should be no schism in the miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all
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body, but that the members should have the speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But ear-
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same care for one another. And if one mem- nestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you
ber suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if a more excellent way.
DAY 2: How does Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians help resolve the controversy
over the sign gifts discussed in chapters 12–14?
Three chapters in this letter are devoted to the subject of spiritual gifts in the church. Paul
knew that the subject was controversial but vital to a healthy church.The atmosphere of false reli-
gions that abounded in Corinth caused counterfeit spiritual manifestations that had to be con-
fronted. Paul informed the church and challenged the believers in Corinth to regulate their behav-
ior by the truth and the Spirit.
The categories of giftedness in these verses do not refer to natural talents, skills, or abilities.
Believers and unbelievers alike possess such resources. No, these gifts are sovereignly and super-
naturally bestowed by the Holy Spirit on all believers (12:7,11), enabling them to spiritually edify
each other effectively and thus honor the Lord.
The varieties of spiritual gifts fall roughly into two general types:1) speaking gifts,and 2) serv-
ing gifts (12:8–10; Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Pet. 4:10,11). The speaking or verbal gifts (prophecy, knowledge,
wisdom, teaching, and exhortation) and the serving, nonverbal gifts (leadership, helps, giving,
mercy, faith, and discernment) are all permanent and will operate throughout the church age.Their
purpose is to build up the church and glorify God.The list here and in Romans 12:3–8 is best seen as
representative of categories of giftedness from which the Holy Spirit draws to give each believer
whatever kind or combination of kinds He chooses (12:11). Some believers may be gifted in similar
ways to others but are personally unique because the Spirit suits each grace gift to the individual.
A special category made up of miracles, healing, languages, and the interpretation of lan-
guages, served as a set of temporary sign gifts limited to the apostolic age and have, therefore,
ceased.Their purpose was to authenticate the apostles and their message as the true word of God.
Once God’s Word was complete and became self-authenticating, they were no longer required.

(TO HIS FRIENDS)
September 3 Eat, O friends!
Drink, yes, drink deeply,
O beloved ones!
Song of Solomon 5:1–6:13
THE BELOVED
5:1 I have. While the guests feasted, the cou-
5 I have come to my garden, ple consummated their marriage (Gen. 29:23;
my sister, my spouse;
Deut. 22:13–21) and Solomon announced the
I have gathered my myrrh with my blessing (Gen. 2:25). Eat, O friends! Given the
spice; intimate and private nature of sexual union, it
I have eaten my honeycomb with seems difficult to understand anyone but God
speaking these words (Prov. 5:21). This is the
my honey; divine affirmation of sexual love between hus-
I have drunk my wine with band and wife as holy and beautiful.
my milk.

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