1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Concerning the matter of spiritual gifts, apparently those at the Corinthian church were mislead when they were pagans (v2). The first point he wants to make is this:

Therefore I want you to understand that no speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.

(v3, ESV)

So, if you were to ever say something bad about Jesus like that, you clearly are not speaking in the Spirit of God. However, if you were to attest that Jesus is Lord, then you can only do it in the Holy Spirit. This is under the assumption that you really mean it. Because anyone can just "say" those things, but it only matters if you actually mean it. With that in mind, I guess is a kind of test, even though some can say it and not mean it.

Verses 4 - 6 goes like this:

Let f(x, y) = "Now there are varieties of x, but the same y"

x = gifts, service, varieties of activities

y = Spirit, Lord, God who empowers them all in everyone

We can recognize that we have a specific gift or service and we may even recognize that other people have different ones as well. However, we must realize that it is from the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

(v7, ESV)

We need to recognize that these gifts aren't just for our own good, but for the good of others. We need to stop looking selfishly for our own needs and use our gifts to help others.

Verses 8-10 list a number of different gifts that are given by God. In addition, you can look to Romans 12:6-8 to see another similar list. In addition, there's the fruits of the spirit, which can be found in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul ends saying something similar to what was said in the beginning:

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

(v11, ESV)

Saying the same point again that it's all from the same Spirit. However, he adds that the Spirit gives to each one individually. It's not just a simple random handout to everyone, but to each for a reason specific to you.

Be happy and glad for your gift or gifts. Use your gifts for others and not just yourself.