EGW Writings1 Corinthians 12
Ellen G. White
Read 1 Corinthians 12 in the Bible1 Corinthians 12:1-7
The Faith I Live By
The Gifts of the Spirit, October 13
FLB 292.1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.... The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7.1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Ye Shall Receive Power
Beauty in Diversity, July 1
YRP 191.1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.... Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:1-6.YRP 191.2
The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. “To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)....1 Corinthians 12:1-31
Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3
Spiritual Gifts
3SG 13.2
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, has spoken very definitely upon the subject of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:1, he says: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” He regarded this subject as one of the highest importance, and urges an understanding of it. But in all he has said relative to it, he has not once intimated that the gifts were to cease before the perfect day of glory should come. The apostle proposes to instruct the Corinthians on the subject. He would not have them ignorant in regard to it. Therefore if the gifts were designed for the first Christians only, we might expect to find somewhere in his epistles to them, some instruction on the point. We affirm that there is not an intimation of the kind to be found in his letters to them. But Paul does clearly point out the time when the gifts will cease. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12. “Charity [agape—love,] never faileth: but whether there beprophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known.”3SG 15.1
The apostle presents the gifts more fully in 1 Corinthians 12:28. “And God set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”3SG 15.2
God set them in the church. And where is the text that declares that they have been set out of the church? Here are eight gifts mentioned, and given in their order of importance. That “first,” “secondarily,” “thirdly,” and so on, refer to importance, and not to time, is evident from the fact that Paul in this connection dwells largely upon the relative value of some of the gifts, and in verse 31 says, “Covet earnestly the best gifts.”Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 905—Gifts of the Spirit
11MR 275.1
Members of Christ’s Body Given Such Gifts as Will Best Advance His Kingdom—God will use you when you are willing to be used in His appointed way. Remember that the church of believers constitutes the body of Christ, and “that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25). God calls upon you to unite with your brethren. He has assigned different gifts to the different members of His body. He has given them such talents and opportunities as will best promote His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. He is put to shame when the members of His body work contrary one to the other.—Letter 19, 1901, p. 16. (To E. E. Franke, January, 1901; copied, January 29, 1901.)11MR 276.1
Members to Respect Each Other’s Gifts—What a lesson this scripture [1 Corinthians 12] teaches! There is to be an active exercise of the various gifts in one body, the head of which is Jesus Christ. Let no member of Christ’s body entertain a spirit of self-sufficiency. Because two members do not act the same part, let not one member say to another member, I have no need of thee. Among the members of the body there is to be no crowding, no judging, no measuring of one gift by another. Many gifts are called for, yet all are members of one body.—Manuscript 128, 1901, 4. (“The Principles That Should Control the Lord’s Workers,” December 24, 1901.)From Trials to Triumph
The Race Where Everyone Can Win
TT 166.4
Paul realized that his conversation, his influence, his refusal to yield to self-gratification, must show that his religion was not a profession merely, but a daily, living connection with God. One goal he ever strove earnestly to reach—“the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” Philippians 3:9, RSV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 158, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 24
Please study the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians. “Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts.” [Verses 27-31.] The Lord would have his church a power of consistency, each part adapted to the other part, growing unto an holy temple in the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 82, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 31
The 12th and 13th chapters of First Corinthians should be committed to memory, written in the mind and heart. Through His servant Paul, the Lord has placed before us these subjects for our consideration, and those who have the privilege of being brought together in church capacity will be united, understandingly and intelligently. The figure of the members which compose the body represents the church of God and the relation its members should sustain to one another. Is this chapter studied and digested or is it ignored by the professed people of God who are brought together in church capacity?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 167, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 34
Please read the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of First Corinthians. “And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” [1 Corinthians 13:13.] Let us wash our robes of character. Let us no longer bite and devour one another. Let those who claim to be Christians practice the words of Christ. “Watch ye therefore, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong.” “Let all things be done with charity.” [1 Corinthians 16:13, 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 14, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 14, 1899, par. 17
The Lord designs that we shall care for the interests of our brethren and sisters. The apostle Paul gives us an illustration of this. Addressing the church at Rome he says, “I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also. Greet Aquila and Priscilla my helpers in Christ Jesus.” [Romans 16:1-3.] Read also the twelfth chapter of I Corinthians.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 19, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 19, 1901, par. 39
The twelfth chapter of first Corinthians contains instruction for all who minister before God. The apostle says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. ... For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.” [Verses 4-6, 12.]16LtMs, Lt 19, 1901, par. 41
God will use you when you are willing to be used in His appointed way. Remember that the church of believers constitutes the body of Christ and “that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” [Verse 25.] God calls upon you to unite with your brethren. He has assigned different gifts to the different members of His body. He has given them such talents and opportunities as will best promote His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. He is put to shame when the members of His body work contrary one to the other.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 128, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 1
In the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians is taught a lesson that we must all learn, for we are probationers. As the chapter is read, let every one consider the meaning of every word.16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 2
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.” [Verses 4, 5.]16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 7
Let all be cautious in regard to judging and condemning others. Those who are themselves far out of the right way often express unkind opinions in regard to the work and motives of others. In such cases “silence is eloquence.” Keep your lips from speaking guile, and bear in mind that “there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” [Verses 6, 7.]16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 8
In this Scripture a variety of gifts is specified. “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” [Verses 8-31.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 80, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 80, 1902, par. 1
I have read your last letter to me, and the copy of your letter to Brother Shireman. I hope that Brother Shireman will listen to the counsel of his brethren. This will be his safety and his strength. The Lord has not qualified any one of us to bear the burden of the work alone. He has associated together men of different minds, that they may counsel with and assist one another. In this way the deficiency in the experience and the abilities of one is supplied by the experience and the abilities of another. We should all study carefully the instruction given in Corinthians and Ephesians regarding our relation to one another as members of the body of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 141, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 19
Please read the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of first Corinthians. This is God’s message to us. The Lord’s tenderness to His people is unceasing, and He desires them to reveal the same tenderness in their dealings with one another. But in our self-confidence we are inclined to stand apart. Genuine Christians, those who are true to faith and duty, unite with one another in service, and jealously guard one another’s interests, even though mistakes are made.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 202, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 202, 1902, par. 8
We are being tried and tested. May the Lord of heaven shut us in with Him, that the wicked one may have no power over us. The twelfth and thirteenth chapters of first Corinthians should have more weight with us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 59, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 39
Read the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of First Corinthians. Notice especially the instruction of the thirteenth chapter. Will you not believe and obey these words? What kind of a witness is borne to the truth when those who believe it separate into factions? Does such a witness testify to the power of the truth?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 141, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 141, 1904, par. 2
Thank the Lord this morning I have had better rest and sleep the past night, Thursday, than several nights past. I praise the Lord for His great goodness and mercy to me. I open to 1 Corinthians this morning. In this is a lesson for every household and every church. May the words of the apostle encourage us to meet and be thankful that it is our privilege to place ourselves in right relation to God. The letter written by the great apostle Paul comes down the line to our time.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 354, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 354, 1905, par. 14
The twelfth and thirteenth chapters of First Corinthians are in need of study and application to the members of the church, for the continuous humbling of individual self and taking self critically in hand. This is the beginning—self-examination. The very first step is to heed the words of Christ, “Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross” (Mark 8:34), not lay his cross on somebody else to carry. Each is to bear his own cross of self-denial and self-humiliation and self-sacrifice.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 128, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, par. 1
On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell spoke to our people in the old Oakland church building, which was mercifully spared us. Sister Haskell spoke to a company assembled at Alameda. Brother Dores Robinson spoke to the Berkeley church. In the afternoon I filled an appointment in Oakland. We had a large, commodious meeting room, which was well filled. I brought before the hearers lessons from the First Epistle to the Corinthians.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 129, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 129, 1907, par. 1
On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell spoke to our people in the old Oakland church building, which was mercifully spared us. Sister Haskell spoke to a company assembled at Alameda. Brother Dores Robinson spoke to the Berkeley church. In the afternoon I filled an appointment in Oakland. We had a large, commodious meeting room, which was well filled. I brought before the hearers lessons from the first epistle to the Corinthians.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 178, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 178, 1909, par. 15
Simple organization and church order are set forth in the New Testament Scriptures, and the Lord has ordained these for the unity and perfection of the church. The man who holds office in the church should stand as a leader, as an adviser and a counselor and helper in carrying the burdens of the work. He should be a leader in offering thanksgiving to God. But he is not appointed to order and command <the Lord’s laborers.> The Lord is over His heritage. He will lead His people if they will be led <of the Lord in the place of assuming powers God has not given them.> Let us study the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of First Corinthians, and the fifteenth chapter of Acts.Patriarchs and Prophets
Introduction
PP 20.1
To show how this promise was to be fulfilled to the church, the apostle Paul, in two of his epistles, presents formal declaration that certain gifts of the Spirit have been placed in the Church for its edification and instruction to the end of time. 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:8-13; Matthew 28:20 Nor is this all: a number of clear and explicit prophecies declare that in the last days there will be a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that the church at the time of Christ’s appearing will have had, during its closing experience, “the testimony of Jesus,” which is the spirit of prophecy. Acts 2:17-20, 39; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10. In these facts we see an evidence of God’s care and love for His people; for the presence of the Holy Spirit as a comforter, teacher, and guide, not only in its ordinary, but in its extraordinary, methods of operation, certainly is needed by the church as it enters the perils of the last days, more than in any other part of its experience.PP 23.2
Twenty-eight years later in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul set before that church a formal argument on the question. He says (1 Corinthians 12:1), “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant”—so important did he deem it that this subject should be understood in the Christian church. After stating that though the Spirit is one it has diversities of operation, and explaining what those diversities are, he introduces the figure of the human body, with its various members, to show how the church is constituted with its different offices and gifts. And as the body has its various members, each having itsparticular office to fill, and all working together in unity of purpose to constitute one harmonious whole, so the Spirit was to operate through various channels in the church to constitute a perfect religious body. Paul then continues in these words: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”PP 27.2
Revelation 12:17 has been referred to as a prophecy that the gifts would be restored in the last days. An examination of its testimony will confirm this view. The text speaks of the remnant of the woman’s seed. The woman being a symbol of the church, her seed would be the individual members composing the church at any one time; and the “remnant” of her seed would be the last generation of Christians, or those living on the earth at the second coming of Christ. The text further declares that these “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ;” and the “testimony of Jesus” is explained in chapter 19:10 to be “the spirit of prophecy,” which must be understood as that which among the gifts is called “the gift of prophecy.” 1 Corinthians 12:9, 10.PP 27.3
The setting of the gifts in the church does not imply that every individual was to have them in exercise. On this point the apostle (1 Corinthians 12:29) says, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?” etc. the implied answer is no; not all are; but the gifts are divided among the members as it pleasesGod. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11. Yet these gifts are said to be “set in the church,” and if a gift is bestowed upon even one member of the church, it may be said that that gift is “in the church,” or that the church “has” it. So the last generation was to have, and it is believed does now have, the testimony of Jesus, or the gift of prophecy.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 30—Called to Reach a Higher Standard
AA 309.1
In the hope of impressing vividly upon the minds of the Corinthian believers the importance of firm self-control, strict temperance, and unflagging zeal in the service of Christ, Paul in his letter to them made a striking comparison between the Christian warfare and the celebrated foot races held at stated intervals near Corinth. Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the foot races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed. They were witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen. Young men of rank and wealth took part in them and shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the prize.AA 309.2
The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigor, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.AA 310.1
As the contestants in the race made their appearance before the waiting multitude, their names were heralded, and the rules of the race were distinctly stated. Then they all started together, the fixed attention of the spectators inspiring them with a determination to win. The judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from its beginning to its close and give the prize to the true victor. If a man reached the goal first by taking an unlawful advantage, he was not awarded the prize.AA 310.2
In these contests great risks were run. Some never recovered from the terrible physical strain. It was not unusual for men to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to seize the prize. But the possibility of lifelong injury or of death was not looked upon as too great a risk to run for the sake of the honor awarded the successful contestant.AA 310.3
As the winner reached the goal, the applause of the vast multitude of onlookers rent the air and awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains. In full view of the spectators, the judge presented him with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his right hand. His praise was sung throughout the land; his parents received their share of honor; and even the city in which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.AA 311.1
In referring to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized the preparation necessary to the success of the contestants in the race—the preliminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the necessity for temperance. “Every man that striveth for the mastery,” he declared, “is temperate in all things.” The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers, and by severe and continuous discipline trained their muscles to strength and endurance, that when the day of the contest should arrive, they might put the heaviest tax upon their powers. How much more important that the Christian, whose eternal interests are at stake, bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. All his habits and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. Reason, enlightened by the teachings of God’s word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control.AA 311.2
And after this has been done, the Christian must put forth the utmost exertion in order to gain the victory. In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more zeal and determination than at the first of his course.AA 311.3
Paul presents the contrast between the chaplet of fading laurel received by the victor in the foot races, and the crown of immortal glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian race. “They do it,” he declares, “to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” To win a perishable prize, the Grecian runners spared themselves no toil or discipline. We are striving for a prize infinitely more valuable, even the crown of everlasting life. How much more careful should be our striving, how much more willing our sacrifice and self-denial!AA 312.1
In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.AA 312.2
“If thy hand cause thee to stumble,” the Saviour said, “Cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell.” Mark 9:43-45, R.V. If to save the body from death, the foot or the hand should be cut off, or even the eye plucked out, how much more earnest should the Christian be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul!AA 313.1
The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of the victory. “Know ye not,” Paul asked, “that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” However eagerly and earnestly the runners might strive, the prize could be awarded to but one. One hand only could grasp the coveted garland. Some might put forth the utmost effort to obtain the prize, but as they reached forth the hand to secure it, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure.AA 313.2
Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. Not one who is earnest and persevering will fail of success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. All may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of Christ. The practice, in the details of life, of the principles laid down in God’s word, is too often looked upon as unimportant—a matter too trivial to demand attention. But in view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life’s victory or defeat. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.AA 314.1
The apostle compared himself to a man running in a race, straining every nerve to win the prize. “I therefore so run,” he says, “not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” That he might not run uncertainly or at random in the Christian race, Paul subjected himself to severe training. The words, “I keep under my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions.AA 314.2
Paul feared lest, having preached to others, he himself should be a castaway. He realized that if he did not carry out in his life the principles he believed and preached, his labors in behalf of others would avail him nothing. His conversation, his influence, his refusal to yield to self-gratification, must show that his religion was not a profession merely, but a daily, living connection with God. One goal he kept ever before him, and strove earnestly to reach—“the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.AA 314.3
Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so long as life should last. Ever he realized the need of putting a strict guard upon himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. With all his power he continued to strive against natural inclinations. Ever he kept before him the ideal to be attained, and this ideal he strove to reach by willing obedience to the law of God. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.AA 315.1
It was this singlehearted purpose to win the race for eternal life that Paul longed to see revealed in the lives of the Corinthian believers. He knew that in order to reach Christ’s ideal for them, they had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He entreated them to strive lawfully, day by day seeking for piety and moral excellence. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and to press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.AA 315.2
Paul pointed the Corinthians to the experience of ancient Israel, to the blessings that rewarded their obedience, and to the judgments that followed their transgressions. He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt under the protection of the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Thus they were safely conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, essaying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. By these acts God had acknowledged Israel as His church. They “did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews, in all their travels, had Christ as a leader. The smitten rock typified Christ, who was to be wounded for men’s transgressions, that the stream of salvation might flow to all.AA 315.3
Notwithstanding the favor that God showed to the Hebrews, yet because of their lust for the luxuries left behind in Egypt, and because of their sin and rebellion, the judgments of God came upon them. The apostle enjoined the Corinthian believers to heed the lesson contained in Israel’s experience. “Now these things were our examples,” he declared, “to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” He showed how love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the signal vengeance of God. It was when the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play, that they threw off the fear of God, which they had felt as they listened to the giving of the law; and, making a golden calf to represent God, they worshiped it. And it was after enjoying a luxurious feast connected with the worship of Baalpeor, that many of the Hebrews fell through licentiousness. The anger of God was aroused, and at His command “three and twenty thousand” were slain by the plague in one day.AA 316.1
The apostle adjured the Corinthians, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Should they become boastful and self-confident, neglecting to watch and pray, they would fall into grievous sin, calling down upon themselves the wrath of God. Yet Paul would not have them yield to despondency or discouragement. He gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”AA 316.2
Paul urged his brethren to ask themselves what influence their words and deeds would have upon others and to do nothing, however innocent in itself, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend the scruples of those who might be weak in the faith. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.”AA 317.1
The apostle’s words of warning to the Corinthian church are applicable to all time and are especially adapted to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion that seeks only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that sanctions self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ.AA 317.2
By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle aptly illustrated the close and harmonious relationship that should exist among all members of the church of Christ. “By one Spirit,” he wrote, “are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.... God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”AA 318.1
And then, in words which from that day to this have been to men and women a source of inspiration and encouragement, Paul set forth the importance of that love which should be cherished by the followers of Christ: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”AA 318.2
No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.AA 319.1
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will.AA 319.2
Charity “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” Christ-like love places the most favorable construction on the motives and acts of others. It does not needlessly expose their faults; it does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but seeks rather to bring to mind the good qualities of others.AA 319.3
Love “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” This love “never faileth.” It can never lose its value; it is a heavenly attribute. As a precious treasure, it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.AA 319.4
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”AA 319.5
In the lowering of the moral standard among the Corinthian believers, there were those who had given up some of the fundamental features of their faith. Some had gone so far as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul met this heresy with a very plain testimony regarding the unmistakable evidence of the resurrection of Christ. He declared that Christ, after His death, “rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” after which “He was seen of Cephas, then of the Twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also.”AA 320.1
With convincing power the apostle set forth the great truth of the resurrection. “If there be no resurrection of the dead,” he argued, “then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.”AA 320.2
The apostle carried the minds of the Corinthian brethren forward to the triumphs of the resurrection morn, when all the sleeping saints are to be raised, henceforth to live forever with their Lord. “Behold,” the apostle declared, “I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”AA 321.1
Glorious is the triumph awaiting the faithful. The apostle, realizing the possibilities before the Corinthian believers, sought to set before them that which uplifts from the selfish and the sensual, and glorifies life with the hope of immortality. Earnestly he exhorted them to be true to their high calling in Christ. “My beloved brethren,” he pleaded, “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”AA 321.2
Thus the apostle, in the most decided and impressive manner, endeavored to correct the false and dangerous ideas and practices that were prevailing in the Corinthian church. He spoke plainly, yet in love for their souls. In his warnings and reproofs, light from the throne of God was shining upon them, to reveal the hidden sins that were defiling their lives. How would it be received?AA 321.3
After the letter had been dispatched, Paul feared lest that which he had written might wound too deeply those whom he desired to benefit. He keenly dreaded a further alienation and sometimes longed to recall his words. Those who, like the apostle, have felt a responsibility for beloved churches or institutions, can best appreciate his depression of spirit and self-accusing. The servants of God who bear the burden of His work for this time know something of the same experience of labor, conflict, and anxious care that fell to the lot of the great apostle. Burdened by divisions in the church, meeting with ingratitude and betrayal from some to whom he looked for sympathy and support, realizing the peril of the churches that harbored iniquity, compelled to bear a close, searching testimony in reproof of sin, he was at the same time weighed down with fear that he might have dealt with too great severity. With trembling anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as to the reception of his message.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 29—A Message of Warning and Entreaty
AA 298.1
The first epistle to the Corinthian church was written by the apostle Paul during the latter part of his stay at Ephesus. For no others had he felt a deeper interest or put forth more untiring effort than for the believers in Corinth. For a year and a half he had labored among them, pointing them to a crucified and risen Saviour as the only means of salvation, and urging them to rely implicitly on the transforming power of His grace. Before accepting into church fellowship those who made a profession of Christianity, he had been careful to give them special instruction as to the privileges and duties of the Christian believer, and he had earnestly endeavored to help them to be faithful to their baptismal vows.AA 298.2
Paul had a keen sense of the conflict which every soul must wage with the agencies of evil that are continually seeking to deceive and ensnare, and he had worked untiringly to strengthen and confirm those who were young in the faith. He had entreated them to make an entire surrender to God; for he knew that when the soul fails to make this surrender, then sin is not forsaken, the appetites and passions still strive for the mastery, and temptations confuse the conscience.AA 299.1
The surrender must be complete. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in direct touch with agencies that enable him to overcome. Heaven is near to him, and he has the support and help of angels of mercy in every time of trial and need.AA 299.2
The members of the church at Corinth were surrounded by idolatry and sensuality of the most alluring form. While the apostle was with them, these influences had but little power over them. Paul’s firm faith, his fervent prayers and earnest words of instruction, and, above all, his godly life had helped them to deny self for Christ’s sake rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin.AA 299.3
After the departure of Paul, however, unfavorable conditions arose; tares that had been sown by the enemy appeared among the wheat, and erelong these began to bring forth their evil fruit. This was a time of severe trial to the Corinthian church. The apostle was no longer with them to quicken their zeal and aid them in their endeavors to live in harmony with God, and little by little many became careless and indifferent, and allowed natural tastes and inclinations to control them. He who had so often urged them to high ideals of purity and uprightness was no longer with them, and not a few who, at the time of their conversion, had put away their evil habits, returned to the debasing sins of heathenism.AA 300.1
Paul had written briefly to the church, admonishing them “not to company” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many of the believers perverted the apostle’s meaning, quibbled over his words, and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction.AA 300.2
A letter was sent to Paul by the church, asking for counsel concerning various matters, but saying nothing of the grievous sins existing among them. The apostle was, however, forcibly impressed by the Holy Spirit that the true state of the church had been concealed and that this letter was an attempt to draw from him statements which the writers could construe to serve their own purposes.AA 300.3
About this time there came to Ephesus members of the household of Chloe, a Christian family of high repute in Corinth. Paul asked them regarding the condition of things, and they told him that the church was rent by divisions. The dissensions that had prevailed at the time of Apollos’s visit had greatly increased. False teachers were leading the members to despise the instructions of Paul. The doctrines and ordinances of the gospel had been perverted. Pride, idolatry, and sensualism, were steadily increasing among those who had once been zealous in the Christian life.AA 300.4
As this picture was presented before him, Paul saw that his worst fears were more than realized. But he did not because of this give way to the thought that his work had been a failure. With “anguish of heart” and with “many tears” he sought counsel from God. Gladly would he have visited Corinth at once, had this been the wisest course to pursue. But he knew that in their present condition the believers would not profit by his labors, and therefore he sent Titus to prepare the way for a visit from himself later on. Then, putting aside all personal feelings over the course of those whose conduct revealed such strange perverseness, and keeping his soul stayed upon God, the apostle wrote to the church at Corinth one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters.AA 301.1
With remarkable clearness he proceeded to answer the various questions brought forward by the church, and to lay down general principles, which, if heeded, would lead them to a higher spiritual plane. They were in peril, and he could not bear the thought of failing at this critical time to reach their hearts. Faithfully he warned them of their dangers and reproved them for their sins. He pointed them again to Christ and sought to kindle anew the fervor of their early devotion.AA 301.2
The apostle’s great love for the Corinthian believers was revealed in his tender greeting to the church. He referred to their experience in turning from idolatry to the worship and service of the true God. He reminded them of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which they had received, and showed that it was their privilege to make continual advancement in the Christian life until they should attain to the purity and holiness of Christ. “In everything ye are enriched by Him,” he wrote, “in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”AA 302.1
Paul spoke plainly of the dissensions that had arisen in the Corinthian church, and exhorted the members to cease from strife. “I beseech you, brethren,” he wrote, “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”AA 302.2
The apostle felt at liberty to mention how and by whom he had been informed of the divisions in the church. “It hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.”AA 302.3
Paul was an inspired apostle. The truths he taught to others he had received “by revelation;” yet the Lord did not directly reveal to him at all times just the condition of His people. In this instance those who were interested in the prosperity of the church at Corinth, and who had seen evils creeping in, had presented the matter before the apostle, and from divine revelations which he had formerly received he was prepared to judge of the character of these developments. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lord did not give him a new revelation for that special time, those who were really seeking for light accepted his message as expressing the mind of Christ. The Lord had shown him the difficulties and dangers which would arise in the churches, and, as these evils developed, the apostle recognized their significance. He had been set for the defense of the church. He was to watch for souls as one who must render account to God, and was it not consistent and right for him to take notice of the reports concerning the anarchy and divisions among them? Most assuredly; and the reproof he sent them was as certainly written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God as were any of his other epistles.AA 303.1
The apostle made no mention of the false teachers who were seeking to destroy the fruit of his labor. Because of the darkness and division in the church, he wisely forbore to irritate them by such references, for fear of turning some entirely from the truth. He called attention to his own work among them as that of “a wise master builder,” who had laid the foundation upon which others had built. But he did not thereby exalt himself; for he declared, “We are laborers together with God.” He claimed no wisdom of his own, but acknowledged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the truth in a manner pleasing to God. United with Christ, the greatest of all teachers, Paul had been enabled to communicate lessons of divine wisdom, which met the necessities of all classes, and which were to apply at all times, in all places, and under all conditions.AA 303.2
Among the more serious of the evils that had developed among the Corinthian believers, was that of a return to many of the debasing customs of heathenism. One former convert had so far backslidden that his licentious course was a violation of even the low standard of morality held by the Gentile world. The apostle pleaded with the church to put away from among them “that wicked person.” “Know ye not,” he admonished them, “that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.”AA 304.1
Another grave evil that had arisen in the church was that of brethren going to law against one another. Abundant provision had been made for the settlement of difficulties among believers. Christ Himself had given plain instruction as to how such matters were to be adjusted. “If thy brother shall trespass against thee,” the Saviour had counseled, “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:15-18.AA 304.2
To the Corinthian believers who had lost sight of this plain counsel, Paul wrote in no uncertain terms of admonition and rebuke. “Dare any of you,” he asked, “having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? ... Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”AA 305.1
Satan is constantly seeking to introduce distrust, alienation, and malice among God’s people. We shall often be tempted to feel that our rights are invaded, even when there is no real cause for such feelings. Those whose love for self is stronger than their love for Christ and His cause will place their own interests first and will resort to almost any expedient to guard and maintain them. Even many who appear to be conscientious Christians are hindered by pride and self-esteem from going privately to those whom they think in error, that they may talk with them in the spirit of Christ and pray together for one another. When they think themselves injured by their brethren, some will even go to law instead of following the Saviour’s rule.AA 305.2
Christians should not appeal to civil tribunals to settle differences that may arise among church members. Such differences should be settled among themselves, or by the church, in harmony with Christ’s instruction. Even though injustice may have been done, the follower of the meek and lowly Jesus will suffer himself “to be defrauded” rather than open before the world the sins of his brethren in the church.AA 306.1
Lawsuits between brethren are a reproach to the cause of truth. Christians who go to law with one another expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies and cause the powers of darkness to triumph. They are wounding Christ afresh and putting Him to open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave to the church its authority.AA 306.2
In this letter to the Corinthians Paul endeavored to show them Christ’s power to keep them from evil. He knew that if they would comply with the conditions laid down, they would be strong in the strength of the Mighty One. As a means of helping them to break away from the thralldom of sin and to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, Paul urged upon them the claims of Him to whom they had dedicated their lives at the time of their conversion. “Ye are Christ’s,” he declared. “Ye are not your own.... Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”AA 306.3
The apostle plainly outlined the result of turning from a life of purity and holiness to the corrupt practices of heathenism. “Be not deceived,” he wrote; “neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, ... nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” He begged them to control the lower passions and appetites. “Know ye not,” he asked, “that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?”AA 307.1
While Paul possessed high intellectual endowments, his life revealed the power of a rarer wisdom, which gave him quickness of insight and sympathy of heart, and brought him into close touch with others, enabling him to arouse their better nature and inspire them to strive for a higher life. His heart was filled with an earnest love for the Corinthian believers. He longed to see them revealing an inward piety that would fortify them against temptation. He knew that at every step in the Christian pathway they would be opposed by the synagogue of Satan and that they would have to engage in conflicts daily. They would have to guard against the stealthy approach of the enemy, forcing back old habits and natural inclinations, and ever watching unto prayer. Paul knew that the higher Christian attainments can be reached only through much prayer and constant watchfulness, and this he tried to instill into their minds. But he knew also that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to convert the soul and divinely adapted to enable them to resist all temptations to evil. With faith in God as their armor, and with His word as their weapon of warfare, they would be supplied with an inner power that would enable them to turn aside the attacks of the enemy.AA 307.2
The Corinthian believers needed a deeper experience in the things of God. They did not know fully what it meant to behold His glory and to be changed from character to character. They had seen but the first rays of the early dawn of that glory. Paul’s desire for them was that they might be filled with all the fullness of God, following on to know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning, and continuing to learn of Him until they should come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.Loma Linda Messages
E. G. White to Leading Ministers in California, Dec. 6, 1909 (B. 178, 1909)
LLM 464.2
Simple organization and church order are set forth in the New Testament Scriptures, and the Lord has ordained these for the unity and perfection of the church. The man who holds office in the church should stand as a leader, as an adviser and a counselor and helper in carrying the burdens of the work. He should be a leader in offering thanksgiving to God. But he is not appointed to order and command the Lord’s laborers. The Lord is over His heritage. He will lead His people if they will be led of the Lord in the place of assuming a power God has not given them. Let us study the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of First Corinthians, and the fifteenth chapter of Acts.Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887
The Word and the Spirit
EGWE 245.1
Four years before sailing for Europe, J. N. Andrews wrote in the Review and Herald an article titled “Our Use of the Visions of Sister White.” He made clear that the work of the Holy Spirit did not cease with the writing of the last book of the Bible, and that the ministry of prophets was not intended to end with Bible times. He also made the point that since the Holy Scriptures describe the Holy Spirit’s work in bestowing spiritual gifts upon believers until the end of time (see 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, that these texts are a part of Scripture and cannot be ignored by those who oppose the visions of Ellen White. He wrote:EGWE 245.3
“Thus 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, which define the gifts of the Spirit of God, cannot really form a part of the rule of life of those who affirm that the Scriptures are so efficient in themselves that the gifts of the Spirit are unnecessary....Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)
Uriah Smith Answers Objections to the Visions
Seventh-day Adventists believe in the gifts of the Spirit. They believe that the varied operations of the Spirit of God, having been once expressly set in the church, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, were designed to continue therein to the end.... To them, the doctrine of spiritual gifts, as set forth in the chapters referred to, is as much a special doctrine of revelation as is the Sabbath, the sanctuary, the state of the dead, or the Second Advent. Taking the Scriptures to be in deed and in truth the Word of God, they cannot reject it. They can as easily explain away the Sabbath, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, as the doctrine of spiritual gifts, and hence believe that to reject it is to be guilty of error, and that to receive it is essential to the unity of the faith.—Ibid.
The Review and Herald
June 13, 1893
RH June 13, 1893, par. 6
At the foot of the cross our laborers must learn the lessons to be communicated to the people. Thus will they bring sheaves to Jesus Christ. In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul has given us instruction which every true laborer needs to study, especially the following verses: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Here is a lesson of special consequence to every worker in the vineyard of the Lord. It will not result in solid work for men to preach to please the ears of the people, while the truth is not held forth in a manner to bring them to the cross of Jesus Christ. The messenger of God must present eternal truths plainly, and keep in distinct view before the people their peril in neglecting eternal interests. While self is kept out of sight, Jesus Christ must be ever lifted up and exalted.The Review and Herald
November 5, 1901
RH November 5, 1901, par. 8
The first chapter of 1 Corinthians contains instruction which all who are workers together with God should follow. Paul heard that there was contention among the church-members at Corinth, and he wrote to them, saying, “I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Those who practice this instruction will reveal in their lives the purity of Christ, and will manifest His love in their dealings with one another.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 29—Lawsuits and Sexual Looseness Challenged
TT 159.1
For a year and a half Paul had labored among the believers in Corinth, pointing them to a crucified and risen Saviour and urging them to rely implicitly on the transforming power of His grace. Before accepting them into church fellowship he had been careful to instruct them as to the duties of the Christian believers, and he had endeavored to help them be faithful to their baptismal vows.TT 159.2
Paul had a keen sense of the conflict every soul must wage with the agencies of evil, and he had worked untiringly to strengthen those young in the faith. He had entreated them to make an entire surrender to God, for he knew that when the soul fails to make an entire surrender, sin is not forsaken, and temptations confuse the conscience. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in direct touch with agencies that enable him to overcome. He has the help of angels in every time of need.TT 159.3
The members of the church at Corinth were surrounded by idolatry and sensuality. While the apostle was with them, these influences had little power over them. Paul’s prayers, earnest words of instruction, and godly life helped them to deny self, for Christ’s sake, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin.TT 159.4
After the departure of Paul, however, little by little many became careless and allowed natural tastes and inclinations to control them. Not a few who at their conversion had put away evil habits returned to the debasing sins of heathenism. Paul had written briefly, admonishing them “not to associate” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many quibbled over his words and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction.TT 160.1
A letter was sent to Paul by the church, asking for counsel concerning various matters, but saying nothing of the grievous sins existing among them. The apostle was, however, impressed by the Holy Spirit that the true state of the church had been concealed.TT 160.2
About this time there came to Ephesus members of the household of Chloe, a Christian family in Corinth. They told Paul that the dissensions that had prevailed at the time of Apollos’s visit had greatly increased. False teachers were leading the members to despise the instructions of Paul. Pride, idolatry, and sensualism were steadily increasing.TT 160.3
Paul saw that his worst fears were more than realized. But he did not give way to the thought that his work had been a failure. With “anguish of heart” and with “many tears” (2 Corinthians 2:4) he sought counsel from God. Gladly would he have visited Corinth at once, but he knew that in their present condition the believers would not profit by his labors; therefore he sent Titus to prepare the way for a visit from himself later on. Then the apostle wrote to the church at Corinth one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters.TT 160.4
With remarkable clearness he answered questions and laid down general principles which, if heeded, would lead them to a higher spiritual plane. Faithfully he warned them of their dangers and reproved them for their sins. He reminded them of the gifts of the Holy Spirit they had received and showed them that it was their privilege to advance in the Christian life until they should attain to the purity and holiness of Christ.TT 160.5
Paul spoke plainly of the dissensions in the Corinthian church. “I appeal to you, brethren,” he wrote, “that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” “It has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you.”TT 161.1
Paul was an inspired apostle. The truth he taught he had received “by revelation”; yet the Lord did not directly reveal to him at all times the condition of His people. In this instance those who were interested in the church had presented the matter before the apostle, and from divine revelations he had formerly received he was prepared to judge these developments. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lord did not give him a new revelation for that special time, those who were seeking for light accepted his message as expressing the mind of Christ. As evils developed, the apostle recognized their significance. He had been set for the defense of the church. Was it not right for him to notice the reports concerning the divisions among them? Most assuredly; and the reproof he sent was as certainly written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God as were any of his other letters.TT 161.2
The apostle made no mention of the false teachers who were seeking to destroy the fruit of his labor. He wisely forebore to irritate them by such references. He called attention to his own work as “a skilled master builder” who had laid the foundation on which others had built. “We are God’s fellow workers.” He acknowledged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the truth in a manner pleasing to God. Paul had communicated lessons which were to apply at all times, in all places, and under all conditions.TT 161.3
One former convert had so far backslidden that his licentious course violated even the low standard of morality held by the Gentile world. The apostle pleaded with the church to put away from them this man. “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened.”TT 162.1
Another grave evil was that of brethren going to law against one another. Christ Himself had given instruction as to how such matters were to be adjusted: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” Matthew 18:15-17, RSV.TT 162.2
“When one of you,” Paul asked, “has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, matters pertaining to this life! ... I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no man among you wise enough to decide between members of the brotherhood, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong?”TT 162.3
Satan is constantly seeking to introduce distrust, alienation, and malice among God’s people. We shall often be tempted to feel that our rights are invaded, even when there is no real cause for such feelings. Those who will place their own interests first will resort to almost any expedient to maintain them. Many are hindered by pride and self-esteem from going privately to those whom they think in error, that they may talk with them in the spirit of Christ and pray together. When they think themselves injured by their brethren, some will even go to law instead of following the Saviour’s rule.TT 162.4
Christians should not appeal to civil tribunals to settle differences among church members. Even though injustice may have been done, the follower of the meek and lowly Jesus will suffer himself “to be defrauded” rather than open before the world the sins of his brethren in the church.TT 163.1
Christians who go to law with one another expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies. They are wounding Christ afresh and putting Him to open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave the church its authority.TT 163.2
In this letter Paul endeavored to show the Corinthians Christ’s power to keep them from evil. To help them break from the thralldom of sin, Paul urged the claim of Him to whom they had dedicated their lives: “You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”TT 163.3
Paul begged them to control the lower passions and appetites. He aroused their better nature and inspired them to strive for a higher life. He knew that at every step in the Christian pathway the Corinthian believers would be opposed by Satan and that they would have to engage in conflicts daily. They would have to force back old habits and natural inclinations, ever watching unto prayer. But Paul knew also that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to enable them to resist all temptations to evil.TT 163.4
The Corinthian believers had seen but the first rays of the early dawn of God’s glory. Paul’s desire for them was that they might follow on to know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning, and learn of Him until they should come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 30—Paul Strengthens the Church for All Time
TT 164.1
Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the ancient foot races near Corinth were the most highly esteemed. They were witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen. Young men of rank and wealth took part and shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the prize.TT 164.2
The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired to enter had to undergo severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or anything that would lower mental or physical vigor, was forbidden. The muscles must be strong, and the nerves well under control. The physical powers must reach the highest mark.TT 164.3
As the contestants made their appearance before the waiting multitude, their names were heralded, and the rules of the race were distinctly stated. Then they all started together, the fixed attention of the spectators inspiring them with determination to win. The judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from beginning to end and give the prize to the true victor.TT 164.4
Great risks were run. Some contestants never recovered from the terrible physical strain. It was not unusual for men to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to seize the prize.TT 164.5
As the winner reached the goal, applause rent the air. The judge presented him with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his hand. His praise was sung throughout the land, his parents received their share of honor, and even the city in which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.TT 165.1
Paul referred to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare. “Every athlete,” he declared, “exercises self-control in all things.” The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers. How much more important that the Christian bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. Reason, enlightened by God’s Word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control.TT 165.2
In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more determination than at the first of his course.TT 165.3
Paul contrasts the chaplet of fading laurel received in the foot races, and the crown of immortal glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian race. “They do it,” he declares, “to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” The Grecian runners spared themselves no toil or discipline. How much more willing should be our sacrifice and self-denial!TT 165.4
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil-thinking, evil-speaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside. Every practice that brings dishonor on Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.TT 166.1
The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of victory. “In a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize.” One hand only could grasp the coveted garland. As some reached forth to secure the prize, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure.TT 166.2
In the Christian warfare, not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. The principles laid down in God’s Word are too often looked upon as unimportant—too trivial to demand attention. But nothing is small that will help or hinder. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.TT 166.3
The apostle compared himself to a man running in a race, straining every nerve to win. “I do not run aimlessly,” he says, “I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The words, “I pommel my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions.TT 166.5
Paul realized the need of putting a strict guard on himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. He continued to strive against natural inclinations. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.TT 166.6
Paul knew that the Corinthian believers had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.TT 167.1
He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt—they were conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, trying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. Israel “ate the same supernatural food and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews had Christ as leader. The smitten rock typified Him, wounded for men’s transgressions that the stream of salvation might flow to all.TT 167.2
Yet, because of the Hebrews’ lust for the luxuries left behind in Egypt, and because of their rebellion, the judgments of God came on them. “Now these things are warnings,” the apostle declared, “for us, not to desire evil as they did.” Love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the vengeance of God. When the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play, they threw off the fear of God. Making a golden calf, they worshiped it. And it was after a luxurious feast connected with the worship of Baal-peor that many Hebrews fell through licentiousness. The anger of God was aroused, and 23,000 were slain by the plague in one day.TT 167.3
If the Corinthians should become boastful and self-confident, they would fall into grievous sin. Yet Paul gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”TT 167.4
Paul urged his brethren to do nothing, however innocent, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend those who might be weak in the faith. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”TT 167.5
The apostle’s words are especially applicable to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A religion that sanctions self-indulgence is not the religion of Christ.TT 168.1
By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle illustrated the close relationship that should exist among all members of the church. “The body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body... . But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as He chose... . God has so adjusted the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”TT 168.2
And then Paul set forth the importance of love: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”TT 168.3
No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellowmen is not a true disciple of Christ. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.TT 168.4
“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful.” The noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will.TT 169.1
Love “is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” Christ-like love places the most favorable construction on the motives and acts of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but seeks to bring to mind the good qualities of others.TT 169.2
This love “never ends.” As a precious treasure, it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.TT 169.3
Among the Corinthian believers, some had gone so far as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul met this heresy with a very plain testimony regarding the unmistakable evidence of the resurrection of Christ. He was “raised on the third day,” after which “He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me.”TT 169.4
“If there is no resurrection of the dead,” Paul argued, “then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain and your faith is in vain... . For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life we who are in Christ have only hope, we are of all men most to be pitied.”TT 169.5
“I tell you a mystery,” he declared. “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality.”TT 169.6
The apostle sought to set before the Corinthian believers that which uplifts from the selfish and the sensual and glorifies life with the hope of immortality. “My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”TT 170.1
Thus the apostle spoke plainly, yet in love. Light from the throne of God was shining, to reveal the hidden sins that were defiling their lives. How would it be received?TT 170.2
Paul dreaded a further alienation and sometimes longed to recall his words. Those who have felt responsible for churches or institutions, can appreciate his depression and self-accusing. Servants of God who bear the burden of His work for this time know something of the same experience of labor, conflict, and anxious care. Burdened by divisions in the church, realizing the peril of churches that harbored iniquity, compelled to bear a searching testimony in reproof of sin, Paul was at the same time weighed down with fear that he might have dealt with too great severity. With anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as to the reception of his message.1 Corinthians 12:4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 47, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 47, 1902, par. 27
Unity of action is essential in the Lord’s work. His followers are to be of one heart and one mind, speaking the same thing. “There is a variety of gifts, but the same spirit.” [1 Corinthians 12:4.] In order for God’s servants to improve every talent as thy should, they must unite with one another in Christian service. Some will labor in one way and some in another. Some will preach the Word, and others will use their ability in writing and translating books. Translations are to be made in every tongue. The gospel is to be preached to every creature.1 Corinthians 12:4-5
To Be Like Jesus
Every Spiritual Gift Is Important, March 16
BLJ 84.1
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4, 5.1 Corinthians 12:4-6
This Day With God
Do All You Can Do, January 18
TDG 26.1
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6.TDG 26.4
God desires a different mold placed on His work. Let men go forth to labor, trusting in the Lord, and He will go with them, convicting and converting souls. One worker may be a ready speaker, another a ready writer, another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer, another the gift of singing. Another may have special power to explain the word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith. But all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, “but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6).1 Corinthians 12:4-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 69, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 69, 1901, par. 8
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ... And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh in us all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.” [1 Corinthians 12:4, 6-12.]1 Corinthians 12:4-18
Ye Shall Receive Power
Guidance Promised to Find Your Gift, July 30
YRP 220.1
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Corinthians 12:11.YRP 220.2
We are to be guided and controlled by the same Spirit, but in order for this to be, it is not necessary that we all have the same gifts. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6), to bring these different operations into perfect harmony. God hath “set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased Him” (verse 18). He has placed every man at his post of duty, assigning to him a given work. If you have any question as to your post of duty, pray to God for guidance, and your work will be assigned. God has told us expressly that He has placed every man at his post.YRP 220.3
“To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 170, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 4
We are to be guided and controlled by the same Spirit, but in order for this to be, it is not necessary that we all have the same gifts. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all,” to bring these different operations into perfect harmony. “God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him.” [1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 18.] He has placed every man at his post of duty, assigning to him a given work. If you have any question as to your post of duty, pray to God for guidance, and your work will be assigned. God has told us expressly that He has placed every man at his post.17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 5
“To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophesy, to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit.” [Verses 8-11.]1 Corinthians 12:4-25
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1556—Church Leader to Be Self-Denying and Humble, Not Proud and Dictatorial
21MR 276.2
The twelfth chapter of First Corinthians contains instruction for all who minister before God. The apostle says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.... For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12).21MR 276.4
God will use you when you are willing to be used in His appointed way. Remember that the church of believers constitutes the body of Christ and “that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (verse 25). God calls upon you to unite with your brethren. He has assigned different gifts to the different members of His body. He has given them such talents and opportunities as will best promote His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. He is put to shame when the members of His body work contrary one to the other.1 Corinthians 12:4-28
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 9—The Seven Deacons
AA 91.2
Later in the history of the early church, when in various parts of the world many groups of believers had been formed into churches, the organization of the church was further perfected, so that order and harmonious action might be maintained. Every member was exhorted to act well his part. Each was to make a wise use of the talents entrusted to him. Some were endowed by the Holy Spirit with special gifts—“first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28. But all these classes of workers were to labor in harmony.AA 92.1
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 31, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 5
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of administration, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretations of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.” [1 Corinthians 12:4-12.]17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 7
There are many members in the body, and all the members have not the same office, but each one is essential to the perfection of the work. “The body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body?” [Verses 14-19.]17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 8
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” [Verses 27, 28.]Christian Leadership
Importance of Organization
ChL 1.4
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”—1 Corinthians 12:4-7.ChL 1.5
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”—1 Corinthians 12:27-28.1 Corinthians 12:6
Evangelism
Unity in Diversity
Ev 99.3
Special Talents for Special Work—One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God, because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations; but “it is the same God which worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Unity in Diversity
GW 483.1
God has different ways of working, and He has different workmen to whom He entrusts varied gifts. One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God, because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations; but “it is the same God which worketh all in all.” [1 Corinthians 12:6.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts
10MR 222.3
Diversities of Gifts in City Work—One worker may be a ready speaker, another a ready writer, another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer, another the gift of singing. Another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith. But all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, “but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
Unity In Diversity
9T 144.4
One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, but “it is the same God which worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 1, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 1, 1902, par. 7
God desires a different mold placed on His work. Let men go forth to labor, trusting in the Lord, and He will go with them, convicting and converting souls. One worker may be a ready speaker, another a ready writer, another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer, another the gift of singing. Another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith. But all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, “but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” [1 Corinthians 12:6.]1 Corinthians 12:6-8
Ye Shall Receive Power
Used as a Power for God, July 4
YRP 194.1
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 8.YRP 194.2
One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, but “it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6).1 Corinthians 12:7
Christ’s Object Lessons
The Talent Removed
COL 364.1
Upon the slothful servant the sentence was, “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.” Here, as in the reward of the faithful worker, is indicated not merely the reward at the final judgment but the gradual process of retribution in this life. As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the law of life; idleness is death. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7. Employed to bless others, his gifts increase. Shut up to self-serving they diminish, and are finally withdrawn. He who refuses to impart that which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give. He is consenting to a process that surely dwarfs and finally destroys the faculties of the soul.1 Corinthians 12:8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 55, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 55, 1902, par. 15
Writing in regard to spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul says, “To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.” [1 Corinthians 12:8.] Wisdom is a reception of the Word by practical obedience and by imparting the Word to others. Knowledge is an understanding of the pure doctrines of Christianity.1 Corinthians 12:8-11
Christ’s Object Lessons
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
COL 327.1
The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. “To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised.COL 327.2
Before He left His disciples, Christ “breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:22. Again He said, “Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you.” Luke 24:49. But not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness. Not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working was the outpouring of the Spirit received. Then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of Christ. “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8. “Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ,” the Spirit “dividing to every man severally as He will.” Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:11. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.1 Corinthians 12:9
Ye Shall Receive Power
A God-given Faith, July 5
YRP 195.1
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:9.1 Corinthians 12:9-10
The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Publisher’s Preface
GC88 a.7
To the consideration of these great themes the following pages aredevoted; and we have the clearest assurance that the author possesses peculiar qualifications for such a work. From her childhood she has been noted for her reverence and love for the Word of God, and her piety and devotion to His service. Unbounded faith in the promises of the Holy Scriptures has been both an inducement and a means to enable her to live near to the Saviour. The blessing of the Holy Spirit has been vouchsafed to her in large measure. And as one of the offices of this Spirit was declared to be to show unto the followers of Christ “things to come” (John 16:13), working through that prescribed channel which, as one of the endowments of the church, is described as the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:9, 10; 14:1), so we believe she has been empowered by a divine illumination to speak of some past events which have thus been brought to her attention, with greater minuteness than is set forth in any existing records, and to read the future with more than human foresight. Those who know what it is to hold communion with our Heavenly Father, will, we think, as they read these pages, feel constrained to believe that the writer has drawn from the heavenly fountain, and received help from that throne of grace where Christ sitteth as our merciful High Priest, and whence He is ever ready to send forth assistance to the many sons whom He is bringing unto glory. Hebrews 2:10.1 Corinthians 12:11
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations
DA 823.2
When the Saviour said, “Go, ... teach all nations,” He said also, “These signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” The promise is as far-reaching as the commission. Not that all the gifts are imparted to each believer. The Spirit divides “to every man severally as He will.” 1 Corinthians 12:11. But the gifts of the Spirit are promised to every believer according to his need for the Lord’s work. The promise is just as strong and trustworthy now as in the days of the apostles. “These signs shall follow them that believe.” This is the privilege of God’s children, and faith should lay hold on all that it is possible to have as an indorsement of faith.1 Corinthians 12:12
This Day With God
Man-made Yokes, December 15
TDG 358.1
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12.1 Corinthians 12:12-27
This Day With God
Fidelity to the Father’s Family, May 18
TDG 147.1
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27.TDG 147.3
If one member of Christ’s household falls into temptation, the other members are to look after him with kindly interest, seeking to arrest the feet that are straying into false paths, and win him to a pure, holy life. This service God requires from every member of His church (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).1 Corinthians 12:13
The Upward Look
The Gospel Is Powerful, October 22
UL 309.5
To Jew and Gentile alike was the gospel preached under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The middle wall of partition that had separated the Jews was broken down in Christ Jesus. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).—Manuscript 111, October 22, 1906, “A Warning Against Formation.”1 Corinthians 12:13-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 111, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, par. 2
“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” [1 Corinthians 12:28.] Not all possess the same gifts. All these varied gifts are essential. But all need the meekness of Christ, or the natural man will swell to large proportions. Let each become a man of humility.21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, par. 11
To Jew and Gentile alike was the gospel preached under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The middle wall of partition that had separated the Jews was broken down in Christ Jesus. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” [1 Corinthians 12:13.]1 Corinthians 12:18-21
This Day With God
Christ Is Not Divided, September 10
TDG 262.1
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.... And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 1 Corinthians 12:18-21.1 Corinthians 12:18-26
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1414—Unity in the Church
19MR 370.1
“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.” “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.... And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you” [1 Corinthians 12:26, 18, 21].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 44, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 44, 1900, par. 34
“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.” “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ... And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” [1 Corinthians 12:26, 18, 21.]1 Corinthians 12:21-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 4
Be careful how you build, for it is for time and for eternity. Counsel together, have your seasons of prayer together; make no move independently or in opposition to one another. Christ is our living head, and we are members of His body, and all dependent upon the head. It is not our Lord’s plan that any member of His body shall suffer for want of proper exercise, for if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. If one member is <enlightened and> honored <of God,> all rejoice. Every member derives his life and working power from the same source, “even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” [Ephesians 4:15, 16.] “And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.” [1 Corinthians 12:21, 22.] “For ye are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Each worker is to use his God-given ability to the utmost for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom on the earth. We each have an individuality in manner and bearing, and this is as it should be; but this need not prevent our working together in perfect harmony.1 Corinthians 12:25
Homeward Bound
Press Together, Now, August 18
HB 255.1
There should be no schism in the body, but. . . the members should have the same care for one another.—1 Corinthians 12:25.1 Corinthians 12:26
Radiant Religion
In the Happiness of Others, June 3
RRe 156.1
Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26.1 Corinthians 12:26-27
In Heavenly Places
A Relationship of Interdependence, October 7
HP 287.1
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:26, 27.1 Corinthians 12:27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 79, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 79, 1908, par. 20
Let all draw in unity, their dependence placed upon Christ Jesus. “Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” [1 Corinthians 12:27.] The truth is a sanctifying, unifying power. We are baptized into one body, and united through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. In carrying forward the work of the lord, there will not be one indifferent member. If one member suffers, all the others will suffer with him. If one member receives a rich blessing, all the members will rejoice with him.1 Corinthians 12:28
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
In the Days of the Apostles
CET 240.2
The apostle Paul had visions of the glory of heaven. See 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. He wrote at length in the twelfth chapter of first Corinthians concerning the gifts of the spirit that were given, not for one age alone, but “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13. “God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28.Early Writings
Introduction
EW 135.2
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, we are informed that God hath set, placed, or fixed, certain spiritual gifts in the church. In the absence of any scriptural proof that He has removed or abolished them, we must conclude that they were intended to remain. Where is the proof then that they are abolished? In the same chapter where the Jewish Sabbath is abolished, and the Christian Sabbath instituted—a chapter in the acts of the mystery of iniquity and the man of sin. But the objector claims Bible proof that gifts were to cease, contained in the following text: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in partshall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: But when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1
Spiritual Gifts
1SG 7.3
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, we are informed that God hath set, placed or fixed, certain spiritual gifts in the church. In the absence of any scriptural proof that he has removed or abolished them, we must think they were intended to remain.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 9—Why the Seven Deacons Were Chosen
TT 49.3
When in various parts of the world many believers had been formed into churches, the organization was further perfected. Every member was to make a wise use of the talents entrusted to him. Some were endowed with special gifts—“first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28, RSV. But all were to labor in harmony.1 Corinthians 12:28-30
Testimony for the Church — No. 25
Leadership.
T25 186.1
The remedy, however, for these deplorable evils is found in the proper use of the simple organization, and church order set forth in the New Testament Scriptures, and in the means Christ has ordained for the unity and perfection of the church. That he has appointed officers, and also other means by which to lead his people, and for the good order, purity, and unity of the church is abundantly proved by such texts as 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11-13. And no man can show proof that these have been removed from the church by the authority that placed them there, or give any good reasons why they should be removed.1 Corinthians 12:31
Ye Shall Receive Power
Looking for a More Excellent Way, July 17
YRP 207.1
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 174a, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 174a, 1902, par. 18
Patient, cheerful contentment is one of the “best gifts.” [1 Corinthians 12:31.] So also is courage to follow in the path of duty, even when this path separates us from friends. You have much of this courage. And you have also a degree of stubbornness, which leads you to adhere to your own ideas. Watch unto prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 55, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 55, 1902, par. 22
We are to gain breadth and nobility where Paul gained them. He says, “Covet earnestly the best gifts.” [1 Corinthians 12:31.] Faith, hope, and charity are the best gifts that we can have, because they bring our hearts into harmony with the purposes of God. What a blessed thing it would be if we all felt an intense longing for these gifts. If we earnestly covet them, we shall, when we obtain them, use them in such a way that our influence will draw those around us nearer to Christ. In coveting these gifts, we are imparting to others the richest blessings. In cherishing these gifts, we increase in Christlikeness, in love, in self-denial, in generosity, in compassion. We shall find many things that have to be given up, because we would use them in such a way as to make them stumbling blocks. But if we have these best and highest gifts, their influence will make our experience wholesome and helpful.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 Corinthians 12:1
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1
The Spirit of Prophecy
1SP 12.2
The apostle to the Corinthians clearly sustains this position. He introduces the subject by stating, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” 1 Corinthians 12:1. He deemed the subject of too great importance to leave the church at Corinth in ignorance respecting it. He proposes to instruct them. We shall do well to avail ourselves of the benefit of his teachings.Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)
Uriah Smith’s Spirit of Prophecy Sermon
3BIO 483.2
The second Sabbath of the session, Uriah Smith gave the morning worship sermon. His topic was “The Spirit of Prophecy and Our Relation to It.” Choosing as his main text 1 Corinthians 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant,” he used scripture after scripture in presenting a strong Biblical basis for the position that the prophetic gift would appear in earth’s last days. He climaxed this phase of his address by introducing Revelation 12:17 as justification for accepting the position for this “operation of the Spirit” to be expected. He explained:From the Heart
Gifts of the Spirit, October 20
FH 305.1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1.