Some of them could talk several languages: and, wherever they went, they were able to speak the language of the people amongst whom they abode. Many of them could work miracles they could heal the sick, they could restore the lepers, they could work wonders by the supernatural gifts of the Holy Ghost. The Corinthians had more powers than any of us have. We ought to use our endowments as the Corinthians did not use theirs but as they ought to have done, in confirming the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul, in the commencement of his Epistle, very gently hints at the right use of gifts and talents and he tells us that they are sent to us, that we may “confirm the testimony of Christ.” If we do not use them for this purpose, we misuse them if we do not turn them to this account, we abuse them. This is the next lesson that is taught us, - let us never judge men by their talents, but by the use which they make of their powers, by the end to which they devote their talents, by the interest which they bring to those pounds which their Master has entrusted to them. He who buries his ten talents may well expect to be given over to the tormentor. Alas! it is worse than nothing good it is something evil, it is something dreadful, it is something terrible for a man to have these gifts, and yet to misuse them for they shall only furnish fuel for a fiercer flame than he would have endured had he not possessed such abilities. What should this teach us? Should it not show us that gifts are nothing, unless they are laid on the altar of God that it is nothing to have the gift of oratory that it is nothing to have the power of eloquence that it is nothing to have learning that it is nothing to have influence, unless they all be dedicated to God, and consecrated to his service? I said, “it is nothing ” I mean, it is nothing good.
Amongst the whole of them, you would not find another church sunk so low as this one, although it was the most gifted. They had many who understood much of the learning of the Greeks they were men of classic taste, and men of good understanding, men of profound knowledge and yet, in spiritual health, that church was one of the worst in all Greece, and perhaps in the world. The Corinthians were what we should call nowadays, judging them by the usual standard, a first-class church. Paul, in the opening of his Epistle, tells them that he thanks God always on their behalf for the grace of God given unto them by Christ Jesus, that in everything they were enriched in all utterance, and in all knowledge, so that they were behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such was the case with the church at Corinth.
A church may have many rich, influential, or learned members many that have the gift of utterance, and understand all sciences yet that church may be in an unhealthy condition. IT is not always the most gifted church which is in the most healthy state. *“This date is an approximation of when this sermon was delivered.”
“Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.” - 1 Cor.
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