Gifted to ServeExemplo

Paul expressed the most important priority of the church was to manifest the genuine love of God through the unifying power and giftings of the Holy Spirit. There were many ancient pagan religions with temples and idols in the region of Corinth. Much of the “worship” associated with these pagan religions involved outward, physical participation. Many of the members in the Corinthian church had come out of those religions and therefore were especially drawn to the outwardly visible gift of speaking in tongues. That visible gifting, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was to be used for edifying, or building up, the church. Sadly, that gift could also be mimicked by men. It was this sin that was occurring in Corinth, and rather than edifying the church, it was destructive.

“And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Luke 4:8).