What Are “The Spirituals”? (Biblical Language)
September 1
Focus Scripture:
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:1
What You Will Walk Away With
- “The spirituals” refers to spiritual matters and realities that belong to the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Spiritual gifts are God’s provision for the good of His people, not tools for personal status or spiritual competition.
- Biblical understanding must govern how believers understand and practice spiritual manifestations.
The Foundation of Understanding
Paul begins his teaching on spiritual gifts by addressing something fundamental: understanding. He tells the Corinthian believers, “I would not have you ignorant.” This immediately establishes an important principle for our study of the miraculous—God does not call His people to blind fascination with spiritual experiences. He wants them to understand what He has provided and how it should function within the Church.
The expression translated “spiritual gifts” in many English translations comes from the Greek expression pneumatikōn, meaning spiritual things or spiritual matters. Paul is therefore opening a broader discussion concerning the things of the Spirit. The subject is not merely extraordinary experiences; it concerns the activity of the Holy Spirit among God’s people.
This distinction is important because the word “spiritual” can easily become associated with anything mysterious, supernatural, or spectacular. Scripture gives us a more disciplined framework. Something is not necessarily from the Holy Spirit simply because it appears supernatural. Spiritual matters must be understood according to God’s revelation and tested by His truth.
The Divine Purpose of Spiritual Manifestations
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12–14 shows that spiritual manifestations have a divine purpose. God gives different manifestations and gifts to His people, but they do not exist to create spiritual celebrities or establish personal superiority. The Spirit distributes them according to His will, and their proper use is connected to the strengthening of the body of Christ.
This means believers should neither be ignorant of spiritual things nor become obsessed with them. Biblical balance avoids two opposite errors:
- Denying what Scripture teaches about the Spirit and His gifts
- Pursuing manifestations without biblical understanding and discernment
The Corinthian church had abundant spiritual activity, yet Paul still needed to correct their understanding and practice. This teaches us that experiencing spiritual manifestations does not automatically mean spiritual maturity. A believer can be enthusiastic about spiritual gifts and still need significant growth in love, order, discernment, and Christlike character.
Keeping Christ at the Center
The spirituals must therefore be understood within the larger purpose of God’s redemptive work. The Holy Spirit does not draw attention away from Christ. He glorifies Christ. Spiritual gifts do not replace the gospel, Scripture, holiness, or love. They function within God’s purpose of building up His people and advancing the message of Christ.
As we begin this month’s study, our goal is therefore not simply to learn about miracles or spiritual gifts. We want to understand what Scripture teaches, why God gives these manifestations, how they should operate, and how believers can remain discerning and Christ-centered in their pursuit of the things of the Spirit.
The miraculous is real, but it is not the center.
Christ is the center.
And everything genuinely from the Holy Spirit will ultimately serve His glory.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit and for making known the things that belong to the spiritual life. Give me understanding and discernment. Keep me from ignorance, error, and unhealthy fascination with manifestations. Teach me to recognize the work of Your Spirit and to keep Jesus Christ at the center of everything. Amen.
Declaration
I DECLARE:
- I will not be ignorant concerning spiritual things.
- I am grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
- I welcome the work of the Holy Spirit with wisdom and discernment.
- Christ remains the center of my spiritual life.
Action Points
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 and observe what Paul teaches about spiritual manifestations.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment concerning spiritual matters.
- Examine your heart and make sure your desire for spiritual experiences remains centered on Christ and the edification of His Church.
Memory Verse (Optional)
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:1
Written by: Dr. Abraham Peter
