Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.
1 Corinthians 12:1 ESV
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV
The gathering of the saints is designed to be so much more than we often experience. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be informed about the various manifestations of the Spirit, which were apparently abounding in their gatherings. He spent three chapters instructing them on the variety, the necessity, the nature, and the ordering of spiritual gifts. He never indicated in any way that they should be curtailed, only that they should be ordered in a way that would bring edification to all.
I’m struck by the phrase “when you come together.” He uses variations on that theme repeatedly. He never says, “if you come together.” His assumption is that the called-out ones, the church, will certainly assemble. When they do, because the Spirit gives gifts to everyone, everyone could have something to share with the rest of the assembly. The methods are multiple, but the purpose is always to build up the church. As we gather today, if you’re lacking in knowledge concerning spiritual gifts, seek to learn. Expect the Spirit to speak, to move in the midst of the congregation. God provided ways for us all to be built up specifically when we gather. Let’s take advantage of it.
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