1 corinthians 14:12 - So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
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What does "1 corinthians 14:12" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:12, is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 12-14 about spiritual gifts and their purpose within the church. Let's break it down:
"So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts..." Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians are eager to possess spiritual gifts. They desire these gifts, but Paul is concerned that they may be focusing on the gifts themselves rather than their intended purpose.
"...seek that you may abound..." Paul isn't discouraging them from wanting gifts. Instead, he redirects their focus. He urges them to seek to "abound" or excel in using those gifts.
"...to the building up of the assembly." This is the key point. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not for personal gratification or to show off spiritual superiority. Their primary aim is to contribute to the "building up" (edification, strengthening, development, growth) of the church or "assembly."
In essence, Paul is saying:
Because you are so enthusiastic about spiritual gifts, make sure your efforts are directed toward using those gifts in a way that benefits the entire church, helping it to grow stronger and more mature in faith.
Key Implications:
Focus on Others: The verse emphasizes that the use of spiritual gifts should be other-centered, not self-centered. The goal is to serve and benefit the community of believers.
Purposeful Use: Gifts are not for personal display, but for a specific purpose: to strengthen and build up the church.
Balance and Order: This verse is part of Paul's correction of the Corinthians' misuse of gifts, which was causing chaos and division in the church. He wanted them to understand that gifts should be exercised in an orderly and loving way for the common good.
Growth and Maturity: "Building up" implies spiritual growth, maturity, and unity within the church.
In modern terms, it means:
If you're excited about using your spiritual gifts, make sure you're channeling that energy into serving others in the church and helping the community grow stronger in faith and unity. Don't use the gifts just to show off or feel important.
It serves as a reminder that spiritual gifts are given to us as tools to serve the Church.
1 corinthians 14:12 - So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
What does "1 corinthians 14:12" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:12, is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 12-14 about spiritual gifts and their purpose within the church. Let's break it down:
"So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts..." Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians are eager to possess spiritual gifts. They desire these gifts, but Paul is concerned that they may be focusing on the gifts themselves rather than their intended purpose.
"...seek that you may abound..." Paul isn't discouraging them from wanting gifts. Instead, he redirects their focus. He urges them to seek to "abound" or excel in using those gifts.
"...to the building up of the assembly." This is the key point. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not for personal gratification or to show off spiritual superiority. Their primary aim is to contribute to the "building up" (edification, strengthening, development, growth) of the church or "assembly."
In essence, Paul is saying:
Because you are so enthusiastic about spiritual gifts, make sure your efforts are directed toward using those gifts in a way that benefits the entire church, helping it to grow stronger and more mature in faith.
Key Implications:
Focus on Others: The verse emphasizes that the use of spiritual gifts should be other-centered, not self-centered. The goal is to serve and benefit the community of believers.
Purposeful Use: Gifts are not for personal display, but for a specific purpose: to strengthen and build up the church.
Balance and Order: This verse is part of Paul's correction of the Corinthians' misuse of gifts, which was causing chaos and division in the church. He wanted them to understand that gifts should be exercised in an orderly and loving way for the common good.
Growth and Maturity: "Building up" implies spiritual growth, maturity, and unity within the church.
In modern terms, it means:
If you're excited about using your spiritual gifts, make sure you're channeling that energy into serving others in the church and helping the community grow stronger in faith and unity. Don't use the gifts just to show off or feel important.
It serves as a reminder that spiritual gifts are given to us as tools to serve the Church.