Earnestly Desire the Greater Things

[전승훈2]

Summary:

In this passage, Paul lists various roles and gifts that God has appointed in the church: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, administration, and various kinds of tongues. He emphasizes that not all believers have the same gifts or callings—just as different parts of the body have different functions.

Paul uses rhetorical questions (“All are not apostles, are they?” etc.) to stress that diversity of gifts is essential and intentional. Yet, he urges believers to “earnestly desire the greater gifts”—those that most effectively build up the church—while preparing to show them “a still more excellent way.”

Teaching

Church work is different from worldly life — no matter how much we desire it or how passionate and zealous we are, it cannot be accomplished by our own effort alone. As we have learned, we must learn the words of the Holy Spirit, be taught by the Holy Spirit, and obey His guidance. Only when we act according to the Spirit can all these things become possible.

Excerpt from the sermon by Deacon 안규원, Nov 10, 2025

1 Corinthian 12:18-21