Paul writes: "I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing, you are enriched by Him -- in all utterance, and in all knowledge -- even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that ye come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 1:3-8)
In this regard, Paul would not have us ignorant concerning spiritual, knowing that as Gentiles we were carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. "Wherefore, I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed; and no man can say that Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost." (I Corinthians 12:1-3)
That means, that in all things, both earthly and heavenly, there would be nothing hid from those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This includes understanding that there are diversities of gifts -- but the SAME SPIRIT. That there are differences of administrations but the SAME LORD. And that there are diversities of operations, but it is the SAME GOD who works all in all.
Why is this important? Because when we desire spiritual gifts in our heart, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (I Corinthians 12:4-7) Do you remember the question -- "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) It is in this context that spiritual gifts are important, for these spiritual gifts will edify, and encourage, and strengthen, and give refreshing inward hope to those who believe.
As well, we are able to experience the Lord downloading His ultimate wisdom and knowledge so that the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus dwelling within can lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3)
Indeed, Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)
As the prophet Isaiah confirms, "He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29)
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life ..." (II Corinthians 1:8)
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life ..." (II Corinthians 1:8)
The Lord Jesus said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9)
This explains why "to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another the diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these works one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." (I Corinthians 12:8-11)
Regarding wisdom, Paul provides his own testimony as validation. That is, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world -- that come to nought, but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory." (I Corinthians 2:1-7)
Note that none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory! (I Corinthians 2:8) But God has revealed the mystery unto us by His Spirit, "for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God, for what man knows the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God." (I Corinthians 2:8-11)
In another place, Paul writes: "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
This explains why "to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another the diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these works one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." (I Corinthians 12:8-11)
Regarding wisdom, Paul provides his own testimony as validation. That is, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world -- that come to nought, but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory." (I Corinthians 2:1-7)
Note that none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory! (I Corinthians 2:8) But God has revealed the mystery unto us by His Spirit, "for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God, for what man knows the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God." (I Corinthians 2:8-11)
In another place, Paul writes: "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20:17-31)
This same message for us today. That is, "now we have received -- not the spirit of this world -- but [rather] the Spirit which is of God: that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God, which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13-16)
Herein, the split. The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God -- for to him/her, they are foolishness. Thus, neither can he/she know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Remember, when Jesus began to show unto His disciples that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and raised again the third day?
What did Peter do? He took Jesus aside, and began to rebuke Jesus, saying, "Be it far from Thee, Lord; this shall not be unto Thee." (Matthew 16:21-28; I Corinthians 2:14) But Jesus turned and said unto Peter, "Get thee behind Me, satan, for thou art an offence unto Me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:23)
Jesus made a similar accusation against satan when Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, herein He had fasted forty days and forty nights and was afterward an hungred. That is, "Get thee hence satan; for it is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10)
Paul further elaborates when writing to all that were called in Rome. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:7-8)
But the good news (again!) is that we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, and thus, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit of life because of righteousness .... therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh to live after the flesh, for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:9-17)
If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. In other words, regardless of our circumstance and sufferings in this world -- of this present time -- they are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us if we continue to press into Jesus, the prize of our high calling.
If you have not yet asked Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart, now is the time to do so. Be water baptized in the precious Name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for the remission of sins. When you do, you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will lead and guide you into all truth. His wisdom and knowledge and discernment, and provide us with a desire to do His will, seeking spiritual gifts from our One and Only Saviour -- Christ Jesus our Lord.
"For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)
Remember His promises as we meditate further on these scriptures. For all glory, all power in both earth and heaven belongs to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. As Jesus stated in His example prayer, for Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
This same message for us today. That is, "now we have received -- not the spirit of this world -- but [rather] the Spirit which is of God: that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God, which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13-16)
Herein, the split. The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God -- for to him/her, they are foolishness. Thus, neither can he/she know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Remember, when Jesus began to show unto His disciples that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and raised again the third day?
What did Peter do? He took Jesus aside, and began to rebuke Jesus, saying, "Be it far from Thee, Lord; this shall not be unto Thee." (Matthew 16:21-28; I Corinthians 2:14) But Jesus turned and said unto Peter, "Get thee behind Me, satan, for thou art an offence unto Me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:23)
Jesus made a similar accusation against satan when Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, herein He had fasted forty days and forty nights and was afterward an hungred. That is, "Get thee hence satan; for it is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10)
Paul further elaborates when writing to all that were called in Rome. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:7-8)
But the good news (again!) is that we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, and thus, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit of life because of righteousness .... therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh to live after the flesh, for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:9-17)
If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. In other words, regardless of our circumstance and sufferings in this world -- of this present time -- they are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us if we continue to press into Jesus, the prize of our high calling.
If you have not yet asked Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart, now is the time to do so. Be water baptized in the precious Name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for the remission of sins. When you do, you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will lead and guide you into all truth. His wisdom and knowledge and discernment, and provide us with a desire to do His will, seeking spiritual gifts from our One and Only Saviour -- Christ Jesus our Lord.
"For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)
Remember His promises as we meditate further on these scriptures. For all glory, all power in both earth and heaven belongs to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. As Jesus stated in His example prayer, for Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
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