Paul's Example, A Type of Christ

In my reading in 1 Cor. today, I found a theme of “prophets.”  How they are great examples to us, and much more on how they teach.  1 Cor. 11-14 are the chapters where we find discussion on spiritual gifts, the responsibility from having those gifts, and prophesying.  There is a lot you could find in these chapters, but I took the angle of prophets: how they teach, act, and that we should strive to follow what they do.

The verse that introduces this theme is 1 Cor. 11:1: “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ.”  Paul is a great example of Christ-like living, as are all of the other prophets.  Paul’s reminder to Corinth, and to us as readers of his epistles, is to look to the prophets to learn how to be like Christ.

Later in my reading, the spiritual gifts are presented.  I’ve read scripture blocks very similar to these multiple times, but I found something new in it today.  (I Love it when this happens.)  At the end of the spiritual gifts discussion, the concept of the “body of Christ” is discussed.  I Cor 12:27: “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”  The “body of Christ” is the church, or rather, its members.  When it says “members in particular,” it is referring to how each of us has a unique spiritual gift, and each serves a purpose in the church.  In fact, each person has a responsibility to use their gifts to benefit the other members.  1 Cor 13:2: states “And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understanding all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

Spiritual gifts and power are nothing without the Love of Christ.  We are to use our gifts to be charitable and benefit each other, fulfilling our part as a member of the body of Christ.

Paul goes on to discuss this, specifically in relation to prophesy.  1 Cor 14:4:” He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifyeth himself, but he that prophesieth edifyeth the church.”  Latter day prophets speak in our tongue – simply, in a way we can understand, so that we can be edified.  Paul presents this as an example of using our spiritual gifts to benefit the body of Christ.  Again, tying it back to how we should follow the example of prophets and live Christ-like lives.

To sum up all of these thoughts, 1 Cor 12:31+33 states: “For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted… for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”  Paul wants us to follow the prophets, benefit each other with our gifts, and be comforted as we understand the Gospel.  This is what Christ wants for us as well.

I Love finding themes in my reading. J