Sep. 4, 2021
Serving the Church with Your Gifts
The Preacher observes life under the sun and gives practical counsel for life in a fallen world. He shows that the heart of the problem is human sinfulness. Adam and Eve rebelled against God in Genesis 3 and men and women have been repeating the pattern ever since. The Preacher praises wisdom for its ability to withstand the test of time.
Paul corrects the Corinthian church over its divisions in corporate worship. The Corinthians were elevating some spiritual gifts above others, in this case, the gift of speaking in tongues. Paul affirms the gift of tongues and its value for the individual. But he shows that when the church is gathered, gifts like prophecy and teaching are more valuable because others can understand. We are called to put aside our rights and gifts if they are being used for our own glory and not for the benefit of others.