Second Sunday after the Epiphany (C) – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Focus:  Gifts for the Common Good

word of life  

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NRSV)

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Paul writes to a conflicted church in Corinth, knowing the practical use of spiritual gifts is a major concern.  In fact, Paul devotes a significant amount of this letter (chapters 12-14) to clarify the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It seems the ability to speak in tongues (using languages never studied or heard) is considered by many in the Corinth church to be the greatest of all gifts given by God. 

1.       Have you experienced someone speaking in tongues?  If so, describe the setting.

2.       What would that be like to speak in foreign languages which you never studied?

Paul writes to inform the church of Corinth about spiritual gifts.  No matter the language used, one cannot confess “Jesus is Lord” except through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although speaking in tongues is a unique and public gift, it is only one gift.  Without someone who has knowledge about the language and who can interpret the spoken words, what value is that particular gift?  (See 1 Corinthians 14)  

The ultimate source of a spiritual gift, including the gift of speaking in tongues, is God alone.

It is God’s Holy Spirit who activates a variety of spiritual gifts within the Christian community.  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Coirnthians12:4-5 NRSV)

3.       Name spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit.

4.       How does God activate spiritual gifts?

Paul methodically connects the spiritual gifts—though the gifts many be diverse—to the same Holy Spirit, to the same Lord, and to the same God.  There is no need to consider oneself superior based on receiving a particular gift by the Spirit. Gifts given by the Spirit are intended not for private glory or personal gain, but for the common good.

5.       Give an example of someone who might use a spiritual gift for personal gain.

6.       Given examples of using spiritual gifts for the common good.

Gifts are distributed “to one . . . and to another” until all are given a gift chosen by the Spirit.  Gifts vary from wisdom, faith, healing, performance of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.  Notice the last two spiritual gifts mentioned on Paul’s list have to do with tongues.  Rather than focusing on the gift, Paul instead emphasizes the Giver of the gifts is the same One who activates and encourages the use of spiritual gifts. People do not get to choose or hoard their gifts, but use their gifts for others.

Word among us

First-century Corinth was a large thriving community and important stop in the Mediterranean trade route.  Merchants came from a variety of countries, speaking diverse languages.  It is easy to imagine the early church members getting puffed up with pride when they realized their spiritual gift was speaking in tongues.  There must have been something fascinating about being able to speak in foreign languages which they had never studied.  But pride in their specific gifts was causing division and strife.

Take a moment to fast-forward to today’s church.

1.       If Paul were writing a letter to your congregation concerning spiritual gifts, what would he write to you?

2.       What is often misunderstood about the use of spiritual gifts?

Take a moment to reflect on your own personal journey of discovering the spiritual gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit. (If you can’t identify your spiritual gifts, consider who might guide you in a discernment process.)

3.       What circumstances or people prompted you (or encouraged you) to claim your spiritual gifts?

4.       How might we help each other discover our spiritual gifts?

Paul emphasizes a variety of gifts, but the singleness of the Giver of the gifts.  It is the same Lord, same God, and same Spirit who activates the gifts. No matter the gift, the Giver expects the manifestation of the gift to be for the common good. 

5.       Reflect on the ways individuals use (or do not use) their gifts for the common good of all.

6.       How might we encourage each other to use our gifts for the common good?

If reflecting on your spiritual gifts is a new concept, then you might want to make plans to explore spiritual gifts in greater detail.  The next two weeks of the lectionary continue with Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and focuses on spiritual gifts.

faith practice in daily life

Hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper

Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts, but the unity of purpose.

The spiritual gifts given to us by God are not for our own self-interest, but for the common good. This passage is really about what it means to live in Christian community.  Our lives are not our own. The community needs our particular gift. 

7.       If we take seriously the words of Paul about using our gifts for the common good, what repercussions might that have for us?

8.       How do you hope to share your gift from the Holy Spirit for the common good?

Prayer

Giver of all, activate our gifts so that the community might be blessed.  Amen

last word

This week,

write down on a piece of paper your spiritual gifts

and ways to offer those gifts for the common good. 

Daily Faith Practices Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade Copyright © 2012 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included. www.elca.org/dailyfaithpractices                                                                                                      2 Epiphany  (C) Faith Practices      Page 2 of 2

Baptism of our Lord (C) – Acts 8:14-17

Focus:  The Gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism

word of life  

“Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 8:17 NRSV)

Read Acts 8:14 -17

The book in the Bible called The Acts of the Apostles is true to its name.  This book is full of compelling stories of the early church struggling to discover its mission without the physical presence of Jesus.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostles provide leadership and guidance to the early church.

Chapter 8 begins with Saul’s approval of the killing of Stephen and the persecution of Christians, including throwing both men and women into prison.  Despite the persecution, followers of Jesus continue to preach, heal, baptize, and encourage the early church to continue to grow. 

Philip is one of many who preaches the good news of Jesus Christ, taking the gospel message to Samaria.  For centuries, there has been tension and division among the Jews from the north (Samaria) and the south (Judah).   Jews from the north were considered by many to be religiously impure and inferior.  When Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, he chose a Samaritan as one perceived to be the least likely to stop and help the wounded traveler.  No one would expect a Samaritan to be compassionate and helpful. 

1.       What else do you know about Samaritans?

2.       Is the good news of Jesus intended to be proclaimed to the Samaritans? Explain your answer.

The crowds in Samaria respond positively to the signs performed by Phillip. They not only believe Philip, but they want to be baptized by him.  Even a well-known magician named Simon is amazed at Philip and is baptized, following Philip as his constant companion. 

All seems to be going well with Philip’s work in Samaria, except there is one major problem.  The Holy Spirit has not come to the newly-converted in their baptism.  (See Acts 8:16.) 

3.       Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit not coming as expected?  If so, what was the situation?

4.       How might you explain the Holy Spirit not coming to the Samarians in baptism?

5.       Can the Holy Spirit come to a person who doesn’t desire the Spirit?

In response to the news of the Samaritans accepting the word of God, the apostles in Jerusalem send Peter and John to be with them and to pray for the Holy Spirit.  “Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 8:17 NRSV)

It is unclear as to the reasons why the Holy Spirit does not come to the newly baptized.  It might be a reflection of the popularity of magic and the strength of other belief systems at work in Samaria.  Perhaps it is a reflection of Philip’s limited understanding about baptism or the protocol of using the apostles.  It is clear, as the new mission field is begun in Samaria, the apostles are mobilized and effective. This story is a reminder of the tremendous, undeserved gift of the Holy Spirit given in baptism—not to be taken for granted.

Word among us

For a long time, Simon has amazed people with his magic. (Acts 8:9-13) But Simon himself becomes amazed by Philip and his ministry in Samaria. Thus, when Peter and John come to town in order to pray and baptize with the Holy Spirit, Simon knows he is witnessing something extraordinary.  As a popular magician, Simon recognizes power when he sees it.  (Read Acts 8:18-25)

Simon offers to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John. (Acts 8:18) He envisions all that could be done when the Holy Spirit’s power is mixed with his own magic tricks. But Peter will have nothing to do with this proposal and confronts Simon directly.  (See Acts 8:20-23.)  Peter is clear:  the Holy Spirit is not for sale.

1.       Describe how you envision Simon the magician.

2.       Who are modern-day magicians?

3.       How do people today try to control or manipulate the Holy Spirit?

In some ways, Simon the magician is similar to Simon, the disciple of Jesus who was re-named Peter.  Both men understood the gospel message, but not totally.  Both had difficulty applying the teachings of Jesus into daily life.  Both were enthusiastic and passionate, but both also had a tendency to put their foot in their mouths.  Both needed others for clarity and guidance.

4.       Can you relate to Simon the magician and Simon Peter? How so?

5.       When in your life have you needed another Christian to clarify and guide?

If Peter is empathetic to Simon’s misunderstanding, he does not show it. Instead, Peter reprimands him sternly for trying to manipulate the Holy Spirit.  Peter offers Simon tough love, but also teaches him about repentance, prayer, and forgiveness. Simon is moved by Peter’s words and responds with fear, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.”  (Acts.8:24 NRSV)

faith practice in daily life

Live among God’s faithful people

It is unclear why the Holy Spirit does not come to those whom Philip baptized, but does come when Peter and John laid hands upon the people of Samaria.  It can be a bit unsettling for us to hear this story, but we can be thankful for the “Peters and Johns” who go to where they are sent.

If nothing else, this passage reminds us of the gift of the Holy Spirit given in baptism. It is not a gift to be assumed or neglected.  As we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, let us also recognize and acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us in our own baptism.

6.       What does it mean for you to have received the gift of Holy Spirit in your baptism?

7.       What questions do you have about baptism?

8.       Who are the “Peters and Johns” in your community to consult?

9.       How might we thank and support those apostles among us who are still being sent to proclaim the gospel?

Prayer

Open us to accept your word, to receive the gift of Baptism, to grow in our faith, and to pray with others who are seeking to be baptized.  Amen

last word

Pause to ponder the significance of your baptism.

Daily Faith Practices Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade Copyright © 2012 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included. www.elca.org/dailyfaithpractices                                                                                       Baptism of our Lord  (C) Faith Practices