I Corinthians 12:31b “And yet I will show you a more excellent way.”

The Corinthians certainly had their problems. On the one hand, they were very interested in spiritual things. On the other hand, many of them were often engaged in carnality. Much of this carnality was rooted in selfishness of an extreme form. So Paul interrupts his discussion of spiritual gifts to remind the Corinthians that in all areas of discipleship, what truly matters is to be possessed of the spirit of Christ, which is the spirit of Love. All spiritual manifestations mean nothing if they are not accompanied by divine love. So too with contemporary discipleship – whether individual or corporate, it is an exercise in futility if it is not centered in the love of God, as expressed in the attitudes and actions of Christ. That love of God—objective and subjective – should be shed abroad in our hearts.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost, is provided for believers to be endued with power (Acts 1:8), to be and perform what Paul is speaking about. This is the first emphases of Jesus’ words, then the same power will greatly assist being witnesses.

How do you compare what Jesus said and what Paul wrote to the Corinthians with contemporary discipleship and Christian ministry?