Scriptures: Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 36:5–10; I Corinthians 12:1–11; John 2:1–11; Moroni 10:8–13; Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a

Prelude

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Psalm of Praise: Psalm 36:5–9

*Hymn of Praise: “Let Us Give Praise to the God of Creation” HS 398
OR “Weave” NS 51
OR “We All Bow Down,” a video from iWorship@home, DVD 1.

*Prayer of Praise

Scripture Focus: I Corinthians 12:1–11

Hymn: “Christ Has Called Us to New Visions” SP 38
OR “What Does the Lord Require of You?” NS 52
OR Ministry of Music

Ministry of the Word Based on I Corinthians 12:1–11

Scripture for Confessional Reflection: Moroni 10:8–13

Disciples’ Generous Response

*Hymn: “Let Justice Roll Like a River” NS 28

OR “Take the Path of the Disciple” R-19
OR “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” HS 17

*Prayer of Blessing

*Postlude

Scriptures: Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 36:5–10;
I Corinthians 12:1–11; John 2:1–11

This well-known passage from I Corinthians 12 is noted for its emphasis on spiritual gifts; however, its real focus is on the work of the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 affirms that without the testimony of the Spirit, one cannot affirm that Jesus is Lord, and conversely that one who is speaking by the Spirit, cannot curse Jesus. (Might we add—or curse one another either!)

So with this grounding in the Spirit, Paul moves on to talk about gifts. Several things are vital here: First, gifts are diverse. There are varieties of gifts, some of which are described in subsequent verses. Second, all gifts come from God. Verses 4 through 6 constitute what one might view as a Trinitarian affirmation of the root of giftedness, attributing the varieties of gifts first to the Spirit (v. 4), then to the Lord (v. 5), and finally to God (v. 6). This double reaffirmation of the divine origin of giftedness also serves to emphasize the apostle’s point.

Verse 7 makes another vital point: Each gift (defined here as a manifestation of the Spirit) is given not for self-edification or for the boosting of one’s ego, but rather “for the common good.” Here the nature of the Christian call to discipleship is expressed not as individual accomplishment, but for the good of community—for the kingdom of God. We are not to be prideful about our gifts, but humbly accept them as given to us for the purpose of helping others—for the community. In this passage it is possible to anticipate Paul’s address to the Corinthian saints later in the chapter where he emphasizes the equality of all (referring to parts of the body). Here the implication is that no one’s gift is any better or more favored than anyone else’s. There is no basis for boasting of one’s gift or judging it to be inferior or superior to another’s.

After describing some of the gifts that are given to people (“to one,” “to another,” etc.), the passage concludes with yet another affirmation of where these gifts come from: “All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses” (v. 11).

Note how, in the NRSV, the word “activates” is first used in verse 6. We can understand from this that the Spirit not only decides which gifts are given to each person (“allots…as the Spirit chooses”), but is the means by which our gifts are brought alive and expressed (“activated”).

This emphasis on our calling and gifts is appropriate on this day identified in Community of Christ as Racial Justice Day. Justice is God’s will for how we live together in society. Our call is to use our gifts, specifically on this day, to help bring about justice among the races of the world. We are gifted by the Spirit “for the common good” (v. 7).