In 1 Corinthians 12-14 we have three most important points in connection with the subject of ministry in the assembly of God.
Chapter 12
In this chapter we have the only divine basis of ministry, namely, membership in the body, according to the will of God. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him” (vs. 18). This is the grand principle: “God hath set... as it hath pleased Him.” It is not a man setting himself or one man setting up another in any way. Such a thing finds no place in this divine treatise on ministry. “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” (vss. 4-6). The holy Trinity is here presented in connection with ministry. It is the gift of the Spirit, administered under the Lordship of the Son and rendered effectual by the Father. These three things are absolutely essential to all effectual ministry.
Chapter 13
In this chapter we have the motive spring of ministry, which is “love” (agape). A man may possess the most brilliant gift, but if it be not exercised in love if love be not the spring which sets it in motion it will profit nothing. One rising in the assembly to display his power of speaking with tongues, his gift of prophecy, his understanding of mysteries, his knowledge of doctrine or power of eloquence will not do one bit of good to the assembly or its individual members because love was not the motive of his service. This ought to search the hearts of all who engage in any ministry. The minister should ever try himself with this question: “Is it love that sets me in motion?”
Chapter 14
Finally we have the object or result of ministry, namely, “edification.” This is the end of all ministry. The Apostle “would rather speak five words” with this end in view, “than ten thousand” for self-display. “That the assembly may receive edification” is the special point pressed throughout this entire chapter. It is this object which love will ever seek to gain, let the gift be what it may. Love has no object but the good of others. It is obvious that no one could receive any profit from an unknown tongue unless there were an interpreter present. The same holds good with respect to an “unheard” tongue. If I cannot hear what a man says, in prayer or teaching, I am as little edified as though I could not understand his tongue.
Let us remember these three things: the basis, motive spring and end of true ministry. May we ponder them deeply, seek to understand them thoroughly and carry them out practically, to the glory of God and the good of His assembly.
Things New and Old