1 Corinthians 14:12- “So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is speaking to the Corinthian believers who were enthusiastic about spiritual gifts but were not always using them in ways that benefited others. Many were eager to speak in tongues, but they were not considering how their gifts could best serve the church.

Paul is telling them that it’s good to desire spiritual gifts, but the real goal should be to use those gifts to strengthen the church. Instead of seeking gifts just for personal spiritual experiences, believers should seek gifts that help the whole church grow—such as teaching, encouragement, and prophecy.

This verse serves as a reminder that spiritual gifts are not for personal glory or excitement, but for serving and building up others in the faith.

Historical Context

The church in Corinth was excited about spiritual gifts, but they were also experiencing disorder and confusion because of how they were using them. Many believers were speaking in tongues in ways that did not help others, creating a chaotic environment.

Paul wrote this letter to bring clarity and order to their worship. He didn’t discourage them from desiring spiritual gifts, but he redirected their focus—instead of seeking gifts that primarily benefited the individual, they should desire gifts that build up the entire church.

In the first-century church, spiritual gifts were essential for teaching, strengthening believers, and spreading the gospel. Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that gifts should always serve a greater purpose—helping others grow in their faith.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

1. Spiritual gifts are good, but they should serve a purpose – God gives gifts to His people so they can strengthen and encourage one another.
2. Serving others is more important than personal experiences – If a gift does not help others, it is not being used properly.
3. Faith is meant to be lived out in community – Christianity is not just about individual experiences with God; it’s about helping and strengthening the body of Christ.

Paul is showing that spiritual maturity is not about having impressive gifts, but about using them in love to build up others.

Literary Analysis

Paul structures this verse as a command and a redirection:

• “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit” – Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians desire spiritual gifts, which is good.
• “Try to excel in those that build up the church” – He shifts their focus from self-centered use of gifts to serving others.

This verse is a key turning point in 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul moves from correcting their misunderstandings to giving them clear guidance on how to use their gifts properly.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 12:7 – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (Spiritual gifts are meant to benefit the whole church, not just individuals.)
• Ephesians 4:11-12 – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Spiritual leadership is about building up others.)
• Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Believers should focus on strengthening and encouraging others.)
• 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (Gifts are to be used for service, not self-glorification.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse is a reminder that spiritual gifts are not about personal fulfillment but about serving others. Some key takeaways:

• We should desire spiritual gifts that help others grow – Instead of focusing on gifts that make us feel good, we should seek ways to encourage, teach, and serve others.
• Church worship should be focused on strengthening the body of Christ – Services should be structured in a way that helps everyone grow in their faith, not just a few individuals.
• Our mindset should be about serving, not seeking attention – The true measure of a spiritual life is not in how many gifts we have, but in how well we use them to bless others.

Paul challenges us to ask: Am I using my gifts for myself, or am I using them to build up the church?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s desire for His people to serve and strengthen one another:

1. God gives gifts so that His people can help each other – Spiritual gifts are not for personal pride but for building up the church.
2. God’s love is always outward-focused – He teaches His people to care for and encourage one another.
3. God wants the church to be strong and united – A healthy church is one where people use their gifts to serve each other in love.

God’s love is seen in how He equips His people with different gifts, so that everyone can play a part in strengthening the body of Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus perfectly modeled the heart of serving others with spiritual gifts:

• Jesus taught and strengthened His disciples – “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45).
• Jesus used His gifts to serve, not to seek attention – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45).
• Jesus empowered His followers to build up the church – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8).

Just as Paul encourages the Corinthians to use their gifts to build up the church, Jesus used His entire ministry to serve, teach, and strengthen others.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Am I seeking spiritual gifts for personal fulfillment, or to serve and encourage others?
2. How can I use my gifts to help build up the church?
3. Do I prioritize helping others grow in their faith, or do I focus more on my own experiences?
4. How can I encourage others to use their gifts in a way that benefits the whole church?
5. How does Jesus’ example of serving others challenge me in the way I use my gifts?

This verse is a call to shift our focus from ourselves to others. When we use our gifts to build up the church, we reflect the love and humility of Jesus, bringing glory to God.