Epistles (written)

Thursday, 4 December 2014

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4

Paul returns back to the thought of verse 1 in order to continue his discourse on “gifts.” There he said, “Now concerning spiritual gifts…” after that, he made an explanation concerning the distinction between “dumb idols” and the Holy Spirit. Now, based on understanding the true workings of the Spirit, he notes that, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

The word “diversities” is used only three times in the New Testament and all three are found in verses 4, 5, and 6. Interestingly, the Spirit is noted in verse 4, Christ (the “Lord”) is noted in verse 5, and the Father (called “the same God”) in verse 6. Thus, this sequence of verses shows a purposeful expression of the doctrine of the Trinity. The “diversities” then are shown to be reflective of the different workings of the Trinity in the believer.

The process of salvation in the believer is always the same; it is by grace through faith. At the moment of salvation, the believer is sealed with the Spirit. However, from this point, different gifts are highlighted in individual believers, even though the Source of those gifts remains the same. When the sun shines on an individual, the result is the same as the light shining on another person; they both receive the same light. However, when light shines through a prism, the light goes off into a variety of colors. The same light is received, but it is diffused as God determined through the created order. Such is the nature of salvation in the believer followed by the expression of gifts given to and through the believer.

Life application: It is common to quote Jesus’ words from Matthew 5:16 which say, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The light that shines then should be a reflection of the person that you are as gifted by the Holy Spirit. Let the Light which has shone on you be displayed in a manner worthy of the gift which you have received.

Lord, I know You didn’t save me to continue on as I was before You saved me. And so change me, mold me, and refine me to reflect Your glory, to seek Your honor, and to lead others to You. What a tragedy it is when I waste the precious time You have given me on my old life and my old ways. Help me in this Lord. Old clothes are often more comfortable, but they have rips, stains, and stinky smells. Clothe me with pure garments of Your righteousness each morning as I arise and I will wear them to Your glory. Amen.

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3

This verse is commonly misunderstood because the context has been ignored. If this were a stand-alone verse, it would seem to say something completely different than is intended. But Paul begins with the word “therefore” to show us that the entire verse is dependent on what has already been said. He has been speaking of “spiritual gifts” as opposed to “dumb idols.” A true spiritual gift is one which is given by the true Spirit of God. As the Spirit is a member of the Godhead, then what issues forth from the Spirit will never contradict what the Godhead has proclaimed or ordained.

The Godhead is in full agreement in all things and so any gift which has come from the Spirit will be in line with that precept. Knowing this with all surety, Paul says, “Therefore I make known to you…” His words are given so that the Corinthians will be able to absolutely discern whether a supposed “gift” is really from the Spirit or not. This then must be in response to a matter raised in the letter written to him. Someone must have claimed to prophesy “in the Spirit” and what he prophesied was seemingly contrary to what they thought was truthful. Hence, Paul is giving certain clarification concerning the matter.

In his words, he notes that “no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed.” The term “no one” is the Greek oideis. It could be a man speaking out of his own head, whether rational or insane, or it could be speaking of a demon influencing a person or somehow (if possible) appearing in order to make a proclamation. In other words, any word spoken by anyone or anything who claims inspiration “by the Spirit of God” is to be considered in this. If that claim is made, it cannot be true if they call “Jesus accursed.” The word for accursed is anathema which carries the idea of being banned or set apart for destruction. It is impossible that the Spirit would say such a thing through someone and therefore, if someone made that statement and claimed they were in the Spirit, they would be proven false.

Likewise, Paul says that “no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” Again, he is talking about someone who is claiming inspiration by the Spirit. Anyone can actually utter the words “Jesus is Lord” but if they are not truly under the influence of the Spirit, then the words have no meaning. However, if they are in the Spirit, then the words are certainly true. The matter here isn’t concerning human ability, but rather influence of the Spirit.

The reason why this is important is that there are all kinds of false teachers who stand in the pulpit claiming that Jesus is Lord, but don’t truly believe it. Nor are they influenced by the Spirit. This verse cannot be used as a source for following someone simply because they make an oral pronouncement. Instead, it is given as a means of discerning whether a proclamation is truly of the Spirit or not.

Life application: As all Scripture is given by God, nothing that Scripture contains will ever contradict itself nor will it be aligned against the purposes of God. Further, any action within a church which is not in accord with Scripture cannot be of the Spirit. This will become immensely important to understand later when Paul gives the directions for speaking in tongues. If those directions aren’t in line with Scripture, then they are not of the Spirit.

Lord, today I would like to lift up those people I know who are facing troubles and trials in their lives. So many with hearts that truly love You are facing really difficult times. Let their faith not be shaken and let them know that You are with them even through their trials. Remind them of the promises of Your word and help them to keep their eyes and hearts steadfastly on those things. Be their Comforter and their Rock of refuge. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 1 Corinthians 12:2

In this verse, Paul is showing a contrast between the “spiritual gifts” mentioned in verse 1 and that of dumb idols. As Gentiles and without the knowledge of the true God, they were “carried away to these dumb idols.” As occurs even today, there are charlatans who pretend to speak for idols or even through idols – things made of stone, wood, metal, or even plastic. They have no true power and they cannot affect our lives in any way.

An example of this from the 115th Psalm provides clarity concerning the matter –

“But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. ⁴ Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. ⁵ They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; ⁶ They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; ⁷ They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. ⁸ Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.” Psalm 115:3-8

It is from such a state that these Gentiles in Corinth had been called. They once followed after dumb idols, having been “led” by them. The word “led” is from the Greek word apagomenoi. It carries the idea of being seduced or carried away. Thus, the Gentile world, either uninformed or misinformed about the true God, was carried away in deception by such idols. In contrast to this is the sealing of the Spirit in believers of Jesus Christ. They have been lovingly called out of darkness and into the light of the truth and have been endowed with spiritual gifts to confirm their new position.

Having stated this, Paul will now expand on the thought so that the believers will understand their own position and their own gifts within the body.

Life application: Things that we take for granted as harmless are often most destructive. Knocking on wood, Indian dream catchers, fung shui arrangements, and even idols within “Christian” circles, such as statues of Mary, crucifixes, etc, will all distract our attention from the truth of our relationship in Christ. Further, our participating in such things can only lead others away from the truth as well. Keep your Bible open, your eyes on Jesus, and your prayers to God through Him alone.

Yes Lord God, I was once under the impression that horoscopes, Feng Shui, and little statues could somehow affect my life. But then I met Christ my Lord and I realized that there is no created thing which is due my attention or devotion. Rather, my heart belongs to Him, my eyes will be focused on Him, and my meditation will be on Your word both day and night. In this, I know I will always be pleasing to You. Thank You for the freedom I have from dumb idols now to serve You, the Living God. Amen.

Monday, 1 December 2014

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 1 Corinthians 12:1

Paul will now begin a completely new segment of his epistle. After treating the issue of the Lord’s Supper, he next moves into the area of “spiritual gifts.” This is probably a response to the next item in the letter he referred to in 1 Corinthians 7:1 which said, “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me…” In this verse, the word “gifts” is not in the original. Rather, it is inserted by translators. In essence, the verse more accurately reads, “Now concerning (things) spiritual…”

“Spiritual gifts” are gifts which have been given by the Spirit for the building up of the church and for the edification of believers. Some of these gifts were certainly apostolic in nature (meaning that they occurred only during the apostolic age which ended with the word “Amen” in Revelation 22:21). Others are gifts which may be seen highlighted at certain special times during the church age when revival is needed. And others are gifts which are common and needed for the church at all times.

The gift of “tongues” is possibly one of the most abused of all of the supposedly received “gifts” within the church today. It is given extended treatment by Paul, particularly in chapter 14. This specific gift is so commonly misused in comparison with how it is defined in Scripture that nothing other than the term “embarrassing” can be applied to its use in churches, particularly in recent times. If the word of God was held in any regard at all, there wouldn’t be such a humiliating display of its supposed use. But apparently, Paul went through the same behavior in his time and his words of instruction which were intended to correct the problem have been largely ignored.

There are several certainties concerning gifts which will be detailed now and then evaluated in the coming verses –

1) Non-Christians cannot claim their comparable abilities as gifts. They may have them as natural human abilities, but not as spiritual gifts. If it is a true gift, it is given by the Holy Spirit for the glory of God, and the Holy Spirit is only given to true believers in Christ. This is implied by the term “brethren” in this particular verse.

2) Regardless of what gift is given, they all have the same divine Source. Therefore, they are all intended to bring glory to God, not to the individual who receives the gift.

3) If a “gift” is used in a church and its use contradicts the words of the Bible (which has been given by the Spirit), then it cannot be a true exercising of that gift. Rather than exalting God, it therefore discredits the person who is misusing the supposed “gift.”

4) Each gift is intended to work cohesively within the body and for the body, not independently of the body. Supposed “gifts” which are disruptive or self-highlighting are not gifts at all, but are unwarranted displays.

And so, in expectation of very important instruction from him concerning the issue of spiritual things he says, “I do not want you to be ignorant.” It is the same thought he gave when beginning his discourse of chapter 10 which dealt in detail with sexual immorality and idolatry. Paul’s words here contain the same weight and the same heartfelt desire to ensure the glory of the Lord is maintained.

Life application:

Question – How can you know if a certain type of conduct or supposed “gift” which is seen in a church is acceptable or not?
Answer – By reading and knowing your Bible, which is given for this very purpose, and then comparing that knowledge to how the “gift” or conduct is used.
Remedy for bad doctrine – Rightly divide and properly apply the words of the Bible to your church gatherings.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom to worship You in a way which is comfortable for those I gather with. The one thing I would ask is that we would never do something contrary to Your word. For sure, we would desire Your glorification above all else. I know there is plenty of room to glorify You while remaining faithful to Your word. So help us in this and we will be sure to praise You with all our soul! Amen.

Sunday, 30 November 2014

But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come. 1 Corinthians 11:34

As is evidenced here, the gathering at Corinth was one which eventually evolved into something like a pot-luck supper. The term for it was an agape or “love” feast. But as the ceremony evolved, it quickly left behind the very purpose that the Lord’s Supper was intended to convey. Instead of remembering the Lord and His work, it was a chance to eat and be merry. To avoid this, Paul’s words of instruction are specific that “if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home.”

A regular meal belongs in a regular place. The Lord’s Supper belongs among the Lord’s people. Paul wanted the two kept separate in order to maintain the dignity of the occasion. He had already noted the consequences of having not treated the ceremony in a dignified way (in that some were weak, sick, or even dead) and he didn’t want that to continue lest they also “come together for judgment.”

Again, Paul’s words here imply that it is a temporal, not a spiritual judgment. Some translations incorrectly say “condemnation” here. It is a bad choice of words because as Paul says elsewhere, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1). Paul has the best intent for those in Corinth concerning both their continued earthly health and prosperity as well as their spiritual growth in Christ. And his words are recorded to help us in this same manner as well.

In closing out chapter 11 he finishes with, “And the rest I will set in order when I come.” There were other instructions, probably unique to the situation at Corinth, that needed to be set in order. However, they either weren’t pressing or maybe they were of a delicate nature that he didn’t want included in a public letter. What is apparent is that he fully intended to go to Corinth to meet with them in person.

Life application: The directions for the Lord’s Supper are given in 1 Corinthians 11 and are based on the words of the Lord as found in the gospels. There is specific instruction and yet there is much detail which is left open to individual choice for the arrangement of the rite. Adhering to what is given and not trifling over things that are left unstated will lead to a sound and healthy memorial which will also be accommodating to time, place, culture, and personal choice.

Lord, I’m so thankful for the freedom we have to arrange churches in a way which accommodates our style of worship, cultural preferences, and spiritual needs. And yet, there is also a given amount of order and structure in Your word to keep us from devolving into something not pleasing to You. Thank You for the freedom to worship You in a way which fits who we are as individuals. May our hearts be united in a worship of spirit and truth regardless of the externals. Amen.