Testing the Spirit
1 Cor 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Paul leaves the shortcomings of the fleshly man to discuss the things of the Spirit. We have received Spiritual gifts to be used to build the body of believers. If you are not sure if a gift is Spiritual, ask this, does it uplift Jesus, does it glorify Jesus, or man?
1 Cor 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Religious idol worship, is not of God's Spirit. Do not bring superstition to the worship of our Lord. Yet these dumb idols often have demonic spirits and must be overcome by God's spirit.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
This is a test of the spirit. Who do you say Jesus is? The Spirit always exalts Jesus. In our Grace room a dear lady received the Lord. After repeating the prayer to receive the Lord , there was a silence. Then from her new Spirit filled heart she spoke out " Jesus is Lord!" No one can say this but by the Spirit of God. There is another test given in 1 John to know the spirit of a person;
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
These are three tests of the spirit; Calling Jesus accursed, is a wrong spirit. Only the Holy Spirit confesses Jesus as Lord. Finally confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. When in doubt about a teacher or person who is speaking of Spiritual things, ask them who Jesus is. Can they say that Jesus is Lord? Can they praise the name of Jesus? Do they believe he is God come in the flesh? This will help you see their spirit.
Word of Wisdom
1 Cor 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
A variety of gifts but the same spirit, the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
I think of the different Church denominations. The Episcopals have a different way of church services then do the Pentacostals, but the same Lord.
1 Cor 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
One Church is an older downtown building with mostly older people. Another Church ministers to the street people and runaways. Still another plants churches in areas of need, but the same God, the Same Spirit and the same Lord Jesus.The triune God is spoken of in these illustrations.
This is another topic the Islamics and false religions attack, the three in one, the Trinity, the Triune God. They love to tear down explanations and labels not found in the Bible. Still the Bible is clear, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I visited an Islamic chat room and when I spoke the gospel, immediately they switched the discussion to the Trinity, and they discredited Paul. Paul spoke the gospel and gave us many things from our Lord to enrich our understanding and Spiritual walk with the Lord, including the mention of the Spiritual gifts. How about the Trinity? There are 3 in one God, God has spoken, I believe.
1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
The revealing of the Spirit is given to every man (in Christ), to profit all.
1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
The word of wisdom is a supernatural wisdom you get from God in a situation where your own wisdom is not enough. It gives you, for instance, wisdom in a situation where you don't know what to say. Jesus showed the use of this gift often in his ministry.
Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
We are told to ask for wisdom.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Yes even on occasion God has given me wisdom that I did not have naturally. By the wisdom of God I have seen great miracles and healings. Things that medical science cannot solve, God's wisdom heals. Praise God, it is His doing.
Lord give us wisdom. For truly the natural mind cannot find peace and wisdom in a fallen world. You are the source of Wisdom and love and truth. All good things come from you Father. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and the gifts given for your glory...Thank you for Jesus our saviour...Amen
Gift of Faith
1 Cor 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
A supernatural revelation of Gods faith. It will be given to you at a specific time, at a specific place, for a specific purpose.When this gift is in function, supernatural things will happen that has nothing to do with your own faith, only Gods faith.When The Holy Spirit comes over you and you work in this gift, it will be a breakthrough in one way or the other.
Some examples of special faith are in scriptures.
Faith for healing
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Faith for God's grace.
Gen 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
Gen 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Gen 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
Gen 22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
Gen 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
Gen 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
Overcoming the fiery trial by faith
Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Dan 3:23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
Dan 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Lord you often commented on our lack of faith. You knew the importance of faith in our life. You give us what we require, we must walk in it. Thank you Jesus.
Word of Knowledge
1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
A supernatural knowledge of something that has happened or will happen, that we as human beings never could have known. It is also something you can experience when you pray or talk to someone.
I have found the word of knowledge is good for witnessing. The Spirit will give you knowledge in the direction to pursue. In my encounters with people often I will say something and it will be true about a persons occupation or interests or area of need.
Here is an example from the Bible of Jesus' knowing of a person he had never met:
John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
John 4:18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
John 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Yes!, He had all the gifts. Perhaps those who walk in the Spirit have access to all the gifts when needed. Still certain gifts become prominent.
There is a knowledge from God and a knowledge acquired by diligent study. Our own knowledge can make us proud if not careful. Like the Pharisees who had a lot of head knowledge but not knowledge in the heart from God's Spirit.
1 Cor 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Love is important in the use of all the gifts. The Spirit is grieved by boasting and by selfish pride. Let all be done from a heart of love.
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Father God, give us wisdom and knowledge so that we may serve you in your power and not our own. You know all things . Give us knowledge in things of the Spirit, so that we will bring others from bondage to light. Guide us by your Spirit, show us all we need to know. In Jesus name, Amen
Gifts of Healing
1 Cor 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
Divine healing is without a doctor or medicine. The Lord directs the person to those he wants to heal. Healing is by faith in Jesus. I believe people can be used as connections to the faith in another to receive healing from God.
In the Philippines, often long lines of people with great faith are healed. If the Lord directs you to pray for the sick and lay hands on them, it may be for their healing.
It says (gifts) of healing, implying more then one healing gift. Some may heal emotions through the Spirit. Another healing of headaches or back pain. The greatest healing is the healing of the soul by Christ Jesus, I like this healing.
I was healed of cancer over a period of time, by Jesus. Another was prayed for with hands layed on him for his instant healing. Jesus is the source through the Holy Spirit. In church we pray for needs, Jesus hears and heals.
Healing is not magic or hocus pocus, nor by our will
Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Acts 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Acts 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
I have not seen the gift of healing as Jesus had. He healed all who came to him. Yet,if the Lord directs you to pray or lay hands on the sick, by all means do so. He is the power.
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Lord use me as a vessel to bring healing to others. As they come to you Jesus they are released from Satan's bondage into life. By your stripes we are healed.
Working of Miracles
1 Cor 12:10 To another the working of miracles;
All works of the Spirit are by God's will. Are there miracles today? Oh yes, but once again they are not of man, but of God and through faith. Some examples of miracles are: To make water into wine, dividing the red sea, feeding five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes.You can’t make miracles happen, but you can put yourself in a situation where God can use this gift through you. I want all that God has. I will not by unbelief limit God and his mighty works. Miracles happen in Church services, many advertise them; "Miracle revival, miracle crusade". But, most miracles in Jesus time occurred outside the Church. God is not limited to a one hour church service, he moves where the need is and where faith is.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Miracles follow the preacing of the gospel. The greatest miracle being a new life for a lost soul.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
According to God's will. Be prepared for a miracle to follow his word. Online I have witnessed many miracles. A lady had terminal Cancer. We prayed with her for her children in our Grace Bible study and God touched her. A burning from head to toe ocurred. The next week her doctor examined her and the cancer was gone. Two different people online who were saved by the gospel message experienced a light coming into their room when they were in physical danger. The light delivered them both from demonic attacks, both called out to God. I personally have spoken online to demons and they were removed from peoples lives and the people were set free, receiving the Lords salvation. People have been miraculously set free from, Satans bondage in my online ministry, by God's power. Another was saved and began speaking the word of God prophetically. A man in our church was prayed for and God healed him of aids. Wait you say? These were healings of God. Yes, and so were Jesus' healings by God.
Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Are you looking for a miracle in your life? Trust God, with him all things are possible. Did he not bring forth a son by 100 year old parents? Did he not bring forth the Child Jesus from a virgin? Trust God for what you need. Do not limit him by man's reasoning. Lord God by faith I ask for new souls to be birthed into the kingdom. Lord by your might I ask for healings, and protection for those in peril. You are a God who searches the earth to bless those looking for your mercy and love. Keep our hearts forever Lord in your care. That is a promise only God can keep. Amen
Prophecy
1 Cor 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy;
Prophecy is to say something from God, and it is in a language everyone understands.Prophecy is not something you say of yourself but it is to impart directly what the Holy Spirit wants to say. The purpose of a prophecy is to edify, exhort and comfort. Paul said that this gift is the one we should seek to have.
1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
I hear many saying"I don't believe in this. The Bible is complete. We don't add to it with new prophecies." You are right. We do not add to the Bible. But, the Spirit is living, and it moves on the word in a heart to speak it's living message for a certain group or person, to edify, exhort and to comfort. Have you noticed the difference in a teacher with a dry message, and another where the words seem alive? It may be that he is speaking under the annointing of the Holy Spirit. When a prophecy comes , it is not rehearsed. It comes out of the heart like living water. Not all such prophesies are comfortable. Some shake you up, and wake you up. If the prophesy is contrary to the written word, it is false. Often a prophecy is a conformation of something that God has been speaking to you about. If not of the word or a conformation, lay it on the shelf.
This is how you evaluate a prophecy: Does it lift up the name of Jesus? Does it edify the church? Is it according to the word of God? Does it produce freedom or bondage? Bondage is not of God's spirit.
Jer 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Jer 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
If an event is prophesied and it does not come to past, it is a false prophecy. If you do this, stop, you are in direct violation of God.
Jer 23:30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
Jer 23:31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Jer 23:32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Jer 23:33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.
Jer 23:34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.
Discerning of Spirits
1 Cor 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits;
Discerning of Spirits: the ability to tell the difference between true and false doctrine, and between what is of the Holy Spirit and what isn't.
Paul had the gift, as used in the passage;
Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.
Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
This gift appears to be a knowing by the spirit, a sense of something not being right. I have found indications of another spirit when the person withdraws or quits reading the Bible. Others will become argumentive and seek to ridicule another. If not sure ask the person who Jesus is. You can only call Jesus Lord by the Holy Spirit.
A demonic spirit can enter a stronghold; a dark area in the heart that has been off limits to God. Perhaps something that we even try to hide from ourselves. Spirits often play on "soul" needs. Tormenting the host with lusts or desires that same to be only reached by foresaking the Lord. These may occur in someone who has not received the word of truth in their heart.
Other spirits come with lies, ridicule, deception. They are to be rebuked. Perhaps we have a pattern formed by our early life of receiving negative thoughts about ourselves. The spirits will come to fill this stronghold. Listen, God does not do this. God does not send lying spirits to do his work. We overcome by hiding the truth in our hearts. We go on to what God has led us in, ignoring the bad spirits.
The worst spirit is a spirit of antichrist. Often they will dedicate their lives to destroying the work of God. Beware of false spirits and cults. Stay apart, make no parterships.
Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Father God we ask for discernment of Spirits. This is important to protect ourselves and the church. Help us to know who to listen to, and who to reject. Give us wisdom in Jesus name, amen.
Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
1 Cor 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
The gift of tongues: the ability to speak to God, or to a gathering, using a spiritual language beyond the limits of the speaker's understanding. This is a tongue that is being said out loud in a congregation, and it should be translated. It can also be a language on earth that you don't understand but someone in the congregation does.
Interpretation of tongues that have been said out loud in a congregation, is a prophetic message.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
I have heard testimonies of people receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in a foreign language that another in the room understood. Also I have heard tongues spoken in a congregation followed by an interpretation. Remember the gifts are for the edifying of the body, not for show. They are not taught! They are a gift from God. Anyone may make groanings and the Spirit will understand the heart, and you will be edified. Spiritual gifts are for the body not self edification. We do not speak a prayer language in a congregation unless during prayer. It's alright to be self edified. But this is best done in private. Paul gives detailed intructions for the use of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14.
Dividing in Unity
1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The gifts are given as the Lord chooses. Some receive one, others several. Just because you have a gift, it does not necessarily mean that you are mature. The Corinthians had all the gifts and were a fleshly, and not so spiritual people.Though the gifts are given as the Spirit wills, they still must be received with faith by the believer; and the receiving and exercising of the gifts is often very natural. You enjoy your gift(s), and others are benefited.
1 Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
We are the body of Christ, the church. All the believers redeemed by Jesus make up his body. Within the diversity of believers are found all of the gifts; nine gifts listed. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy. discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues, are listed in 1 Cor 12. The gifts are used to build the church body. The gifts are not our doing, but the Holy Spirit works through them.
1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
John the Baptist baptized in water for repentence but Jesus baptized in the Holy Spirit for everlasting life.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:
The Holy Ghost comes within everyone through Christ Jesus, and all that is not of the spirit will be burned away as by fire.
Jhn 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Born of water as a natural birth; born of the Spirit into a Spiritual person.
Lord thank you for the Holy Spirit and the various gifts. Each are important to the body of Christ. Help each to walk in their gift so that none be lacking. May we not be envious of another, but rather encourage the gifts and callings in others. In Jesus name, amen.
The Body
1 Cor 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
The body of Christ is made up of all the believers. Likewise the human body is made up of members or parts.
1 Cor 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1 Cor 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1 Cor 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1 Cor 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1 Cor 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
All gifts were given to benifit the whole body. We should consider them all important. If all had only miracles and false ones came, we would need the gift of discernment. If all spoke in tongues only, then all would be confusion without the gift of interpretation of tongues and propecy.
1 Cor 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1 Cor 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1 Cor 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1 Cor 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1 Cor 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1 Cor 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1 Cor 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Yes it is one body, placed together by the Lord. We should not compare or judge one another. Judge only that you do you part, functioning in the spirit to fulfill your calling.
Callings
God gives gifts and callings according to his pleasure.
1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Cor 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Apostles; Apostles are "special ambassadors" of the church; Paul and others in his day had a unique apostolic authority, but others today may be apostles in a sense. The internet is in a sense a new ground for witnessing. There are Apostles sent out on the internet to gather a body of saved people. Paul was the Apostle sent to the gentiles; his message was the gospel (Jesus saves us from our sins). This is still our message.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Prophets; Prophets are those particularly called to speak forth for God with the gift of prophecy; there was a foundational uniqeness to this gift as well.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Scriptures warn us to not add to the word. Yet prophecies come forth still by the Holy Spirit for a given group of people to build them up and to encourage them and sometimes to tell the future. The prophecy must not be opposed to God's Bible, but be in agreement in Spirit and in truth. If it is God's Spirit speaking, the gift of discernment is needed to assure that the prophecy is of God's Spirit.
However, if one will take upon themselves the title of prophet today, let them be held to the standard of a prophet: 100% accuracy, in every word. God spoke a stearn warning concerning prophecies.
Deu 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deu 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
We are under God's grace and mercy, not the law. Yet this is the heart of God concerning prophecy. I have heard in the past people predicting the end of the world on a certain date. Jehovahs Witness prophets have done this many times. They are false and are to be avoided.
Teachers; are needed to build the body in understanding of God's word of truth. How can we stand, if we do not know what we believe?
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Teachers are important in helping make disciples; learners, of Jesus.
The callings were listed in order; first Apostles who call out a people. Secondly prophets who give direction from God and thirdly teachers who teach what has been written in the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit which is in you is the greatest teacher. Let him guide you into all truth, listening, studying, asking questions and finding answers.
Let us look at the gift of helps. Helps, the Greek word: antilēmpsis, to aid, to help.
I believe all can help others through service. We are commanded to be servants of God by serving one another.
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Just what is this gift of helps? A wife should be a help meet.
Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
A help meet is to complement the husband, serving him in any way that she can. The husband is to be the head of the wife, so the wife should not compete with him. In a spiritual sense the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our help meet, the Greek word paraklētos: called to ones side, called to one's aid.
Our Pastor often speaks this verse written by Solomon:
Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;...
He is a minister, a servant of others, helping wherever there is a need to be met. A servant helper often is not noticed, but in the morning the coffee is made. In the church things are kept in order, the bathrooms are clean, there is a glass of water for the Preacher.
Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Too often I hear someone complain about some lack in the church. A helper will take care of the need without complaining. They are a great blessing, not looking for praise or rewards, but serving as unto the Lord. A helper loves to help others. You will not hear them say, "oh that's not my calling" when asked to do something. A helper may teach a children's Sunday School class, drive a bus, or play an instrument in worship. They will wash dishes, serve tables, and be ready to help in any way they can.
The Deacons were helpers, serving tables.
Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Act 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Do not overlook the gift of helps, for we will be judged by our service to others. We are to be rewarded for our service.
1 Cor 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
We are not all Apostles, but covet the best gifts. Are we not to covet? Let us say that when we ask the Lord to bless us that we will receive according to the expectations he has placed in our heart. Several years ago I asked the Lord to make me a blessing. Also I thought the best thing I could think of was to reach people for the Lord. He has answered this request along with the gift of teaching. We are not to compare gifts, but to receive them and to excercise them by His power, the power of the Holy Spirit. We should not ask to be a worship leader if we cannot sing in tune. This would not bless the church body. Ask in areas in which you expect to receive from God, by faith. To God be the glory as you pray for the gift that God has placed in your heart!
Gary
1 Corinthian Chapters
1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 11
1 Corinthians 1 Index