Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Another Gospel
In Galatians chapter one, Paul marvels that the Galatians are "so soon removed" to "another gospel." Then he goes on to say:
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Notice that he says "which IS not another," not "which WAS not another," nor "which WILL NOT BE another." The whole point being, that IN TIME PAST there was another gospel being preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. The point being that IN THE FUTURE there will be another gospel preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. Now you can clearly see that from the next verse:
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
All you have to do is compare Revelation 14:6-7 with 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and you can easily see that the angel from heaven in the book of Revelation is not preaching the same gospel that Paul preaches in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul preaches a salvation message but the angel in the book of Revelation preaches a message of judgment.
The issue that Paul is presenting is that some are perverting the gospel of Christ that he preached. How did they do that? By adding works to the grace message. In time past, when another gospel was being preached, works PLUS faith were required. Peter even said that men who feared God AND worked righteousness are accepted with him.
But Paul said Christ died for sinners, for the ungodly, and even for the enemies of God. Paul said that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, NOT imputing their trespasses unto them. Paul said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, PLUS NOTHING, and thou shalt be saved."
The issue in Galatians is not a FALSE gospel as so many claim today, but rather a DIFFERENT gospel, which was a TIME PAST message. In Romans 11:6 Paul is clear that salvation is NO MORE of works. In the past men had to DO something to be saved, today they have to BELIEVE something.
In Galatians chapter one, Paul marvels that the Galatians are "so soon removed" to "another gospel." Then he goes on to say:
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Notice that he says "which IS not another," not "which WAS not another," nor "which WILL NOT BE another." The whole point being, that IN TIME PAST there was another gospel being preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. The point being that IN THE FUTURE there will be another gospel preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. Now you can clearly see that from the next verse:
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
All you have to do is compare Revelation 14:6-7 with 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and you can easily see that the angel from heaven in the book of Revelation is not preaching the same gospel that Paul preaches in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul preaches a salvation message but the angel in the book of Revelation preaches a message of judgment.
The issue that Paul is presenting is that some are perverting the gospel of Christ that he preached. How did they do that? By adding works to the grace message. In time past, when another gospel was being preached, works PLUS faith were required. Peter even said that men who feared God AND worked righteousness are accepted with him.
But Paul said Christ died for sinners, for the ungodly, and even for the enemies of God. Paul said that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, NOT imputing their trespasses unto them. Paul said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, PLUS NOTHING, and thou shalt be saved."
The issue in Galatians is not a FALSE gospel as so many claim today, but rather a DIFFERENT gospel, which was a TIME PAST message. In Romans 11:6 Paul is clear that salvation is NO MORE of works. In the past men had to DO something to be saved, today they have to BELIEVE something.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Are Tongues For Today?
Opening Text: Acts 2:1-20
In this lesson we will learn 3 things:
Tongues were for Israel.
Tongues were temporary in nature.
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God.
Introduction:
Before we look at the above 3 points let us ask the question "What are tongues?"
Some people think that tongue talking is speaking gibberish.
Some people believe that it is currently going on today and is one of the signs of salvation.
Some people think that God is speaking to them and giving them direct revelation apart from the word of God.
But what does the Bible say tongues are? The Bible clearly teaches that tongues were known languages.
"But what about 'unknown tongues' in 1 Corinthians 14?", you may ask.
If we apply what we already know from Acts 2, that tongues are known languages, then 1 Corinthians 14 is not a problem. Paul is simply bawling out the carnal Corinthians for misuse of the gift of tongues.
Verse by verse commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:
1 Cor 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
COMMENT: After telling the Corinthians in Chapter 13 that tongues would cease, Paul now directs them to follow after prophecy, or preaching.
1 Cor 14:2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
COMMENT: Again, a logical argument arises. If there is no one who can understand you but God, then it would be better to speak so that man can be edified, or built up in the faith.
1 Cor 14:4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
COMMENT: It is better to edify the church than just one member of it. Keep in mind here that no one in the assembly could understand this tongue that was being used. It is unknown only in the sense that no one there knew what was being said.
For example: If I were to walk into a German, French, or some such assembly and begin to speak to them in American (we speak American, not English), and no one there understood American, what good would it do them, though I gave them the whole counsel of God? The answer is none.
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.
COMMENT: It is readily apparent that prophesying was more edifying than talking in tongues.
1 Cor 14:6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
COMMENT: Again the great apostle to the Gentiles makes the same argument.
1 Cor 14:7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
COMMENT: Yet another illustration of the frustration of tongues.
1 Cor 14:10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1 Cor 14:11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
COMMENT: Rather than commend the misuse of this gift, which is how it is practiced today in America, Paul all but calls it barbaric: the opposite of civilized. In other words, Paul was saying only a bunch of barbarians would go around speaking things that no one in the speaker's vicinity could understand, and then brag about it!!!
1 Cor 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
COMMENT: This is the 3rd time now that Paul has returned to this theme. Again, he does not commend the use of tongues. He is commending edification which, apparently from this passage, was not being accomplished through tongues. If I tell even our young folks that it is better to do one thing than to do another, they understand perfectly well what is meant. So many today fight and wrangle with these verses trying to make them say what they do not say.
1 Cor 14:13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1 Cor 14:17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
COMMENT: The issue is the edification of the believer. Speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church was not edifying, and Paul recommends against it in favor of edification.
1 Cor 14:18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
COMMENT: Many contend that this is a reference to Paul's personal, private prayer life and, therefore, it is ok to practice at home. This is a wild leap of imagination. The correct use of tongues was to reach the lost, as we shall see shortly.
1 Cor 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
COMMENT: This is the 5th time that Paul returns to this argument of edification. This time he makes it very plain that, "in the church", speaking with understanding is preferred above speaking in tongues.
By the way, do you know what 5 words Paul would rather speak, clearly and distinctly so everyone could hear? I am guessing, of course, but I think they might be, "Christ died FOR our sins".
1 Cor 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
COMMENT: Paul now reasons with them not to be children. "Do not shoot out the lip because I am taking away your toy. Grow up and be men in understanding."
1 Cor 14:21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1 Cor 14:22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
COMMENT: Paul now turns his attention to the purpose originally given for the use of the gift of tongues: the salvation of the nation of Israel. The Jews required a sign. They were sign-oriented people. The way they knew that God was working in their midst was through the use of signs. This principle holds true throughout the law. Signs were a part of their heritage and birthright. If God was speaking to them, signs would follow.
When lost Israel sees the Gentiles practicing their gifts, God uses this to provoke some to salvation. This is part of the "provoking ministry of Paul". This sign, talking in tongues, would be done away with for 2 very good reasons.
Israel would be set aside because of unbelief.
The completion of the canon of scripture.
Now this all begs a question, which Paul logically asks in verse 23.
1 Cor 14:23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
COMMENT: The question that must be asked is this: If tongues are for a sign to the unbelievers, why was it being practiced in the church? It needed to be practiced outside in the world where it could be used effectively. The same is true today. If you want to hear people "speak in tongues", you have to go to their worship services. I have had Mormons, Church of Christ, Baptists, and Russellites (or Jehovah's Witnesses) come to my door and talk to me, but I have never had a Pentecostal come to my door and speak to me in tongues. Why?
Today it is gibberish and means nothing.
It is of the flesh.
There is nothing spiritual about it, and this whole chapter proves that very point. The purpose of tongues was to reach lost Israel through the manifestation of the Spirit in the believer. The Corinthians were not using it that way.
1 Cor 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
COMMENT: This verse demonstrates the carnality evidenced in Corinth and across America today. No understanding. No edification. Just a flesh and emotion feast.
1 Cor 14:27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 1: Notice again the problem here is with the unknown tongue, a language that no one in the congregation could recognize. Also notice that, under the decently and in order rule, one would not get up and start speaking in an unknown tongue without first making sure there was an interpreter present. If not, he (not she, because women were not allowed to speak, much less speak in tongues) was to keep silence.
1 Cor 14:29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1 Cor 14:30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1 Cor 14:31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1 Cor 14:32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1 Cor 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 2: The prophets are to speak first, as many as 2 or 3, and another was to judge, or make sure he spoke according to sound doctrine. If someone got a revelation, that is they received some light that might help the others to understand, they were to wait their turn. Notice that there are no limits. All may prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. This is consistent with Pauline doctrine and the context of this passage. Verse 32 simply means to gauge what is being said, the role of the judge.
1 Cor 14:34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1 Cor 14:35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 3: The speaking is tongues and prophesying. They are not to interrupt the flow of things with questions. The shame comes from not being under subjection, not for being a woman. The modern tongues movement would come to a screeching halt if this one verse were obeyed.
1 Cor 14:36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
COMMENT: Now Paul completely deflates their ballooning pride by telling them that they are not the center of the universe. "Do you think you are the only ones in God's plan and purpose?"
1 Cor 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 14:38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
COMMENT: Finally, the apostle to the Gentiles reminds them that if they really were spiritual, if they really were prophets, they would acknowledge him and his ministry. Such is the condition of the "professing church" today. They stumble in fettered flesh and emotionalism because they have not acknowledged the apostleship of Paul. In reference to verse 38, it is as if Paul were saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. We can only show you the door you will have to open it and go in".
1 Cor 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1 Cor 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.
COMMENT: Paul's closing remarks on this subject are clear and instructive. It is better to edify than not. Speaking in tongues is not to be forbidden (at that time), but clearly here, and according to the context, it was better to leave tongues out in the world where it could do the most good. "In the church" it only brings confusion.
Conclusion:
The Corinthians were not using tongues in the proper way and Paul commands them to put things in order. The church was to be a place of edification and education of the saints. Tongues were to be a sign to unbelievers. Paul recommends prophecy over tongues by a huge ratio. And by the way, women are not to do it.
Having said all that, let's continue to examine what the Bible teaches about speaking in tongues:
Tongues Were For Israel
The Twelve Apostles received the gift
Acts 1:26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Peter quoted Joel, an Old Testament, Jewish prophet
Acts 2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
NOTE: There is a dispensational line to be drawn here. The following events in the passage did not come to pass in Peter's day. They will happen after the catching away of the church, the body of Christ.
Acts 2:19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
The Jews require a sign. They always have.
1 Cor 1:22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Examples: Moses and the burning bush, Gideon's fleece, the virgin birth, Hezekiah's 10 degrees, etc.
Christ's words to the scribes and the Pharisees:
Mat 12:38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Mat 12:41The men of Ninevehshall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Note that the Ninevites needed no sign, just preaching.
Tongues were prophesied.
Jer 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.
Deu 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; To these people, to these Gentiles, were Israel's gifts given to provoke them to jealousy.
Rom 11:11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Tongues Were Temporary In Nature
Israel was going to be set aside as God's agency because of her rejection of the Messiah and the Holy Spirit. God had a secret plan to bring in the revelation of the mystery. This is made evident in the book of Romans:
Rom 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:28As concerning the gospel (i.e. the gospel of grace), they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Note: At the time of the writing of Romans, Israel could be called enemies of the gospel. Note also that in verse 31, Israel now must go through the body of Christ to be saved. The tables have been turned, so to speak. The middle wall of partition has been broken down.
Eph 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Three times in the book of Acts, Paul pronounces judgment on unbelieving Israel.
Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 28:25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Conclusion: Tongues belong to Israel. When Israel is set aside, so are her signs.
Tongues would cease for the body of Christ upon the completion of the word of God
1 Cor 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
COMMENT: What do prophecies, tongues and knowledge (supernatural knowledge, as with tongues and prophecy) have in common? They all have to do with the transmission of the word of God. When Paul, by the Holy Spirit, penned these words, the word of God was not complete. Therefore he says, "We know in part."
NOTE: The word "knowledge" used in this passage is the Greek word "gnosis", which means, "to have knowledge of." This in itself is not very significant until you turn to the book of Ephesians, where we find:
Eph 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
This knowledge is the Greek word "epignosis" which means, "full knowledge!" When we get a completed book, we no longer need tongues, knowledge or prophecy.
1 Cor 13:9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1 Cor 13:10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
COMMENT: The Pentecostals like to say thatthis verse is a reference to the coming of Christ. First of all, it does not fit the context of the passage in any way. Secondly, it says "that which is perfect", not "he who is perfect", and God is able to say what He means. When the word of God is completed, that which is in part shall be done away. And isn't that what we have with Paul completing the "revelation of the mystery"? We now, today in the year 2000, have God's complete plan for the heavens and the earth. For the body of Christ and the nation of Israel. For the mystery program and the prophesied program.
1 Cor 13:11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
COMMENT: Did you ever grow up? Were things different when you did? That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.
1 Cor 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
COMMENT: Ever look into a dirty mirror then wipe it off. That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.
One last passage:
Col 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
To Paul was given the capstone of divine revelation. His epistles finish the book. And we have it in our hands today.
2 Tim 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
This verse nullifies tongues for this age, the dispensation of the grace of God.
Tongues were for Israel
Tongues were temporary in nature
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God
Opening Text: Acts 2:1-20
In this lesson we will learn 3 things:
Tongues were for Israel.
Tongues were temporary in nature.
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God.
Introduction:
Before we look at the above 3 points let us ask the question "What are tongues?"
Some people think that tongue talking is speaking gibberish.
Some people believe that it is currently going on today and is one of the signs of salvation.
Some people think that God is speaking to them and giving them direct revelation apart from the word of God.
But what does the Bible say tongues are? The Bible clearly teaches that tongues were known languages.
"But what about 'unknown tongues' in 1 Corinthians 14?", you may ask.
If we apply what we already know from Acts 2, that tongues are known languages, then 1 Corinthians 14 is not a problem. Paul is simply bawling out the carnal Corinthians for misuse of the gift of tongues.
Verse by verse commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:
1 Cor 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
COMMENT: After telling the Corinthians in Chapter 13 that tongues would cease, Paul now directs them to follow after prophecy, or preaching.
1 Cor 14:2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
COMMENT: Again, a logical argument arises. If there is no one who can understand you but God, then it would be better to speak so that man can be edified, or built up in the faith.
1 Cor 14:4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
COMMENT: It is better to edify the church than just one member of it. Keep in mind here that no one in the assembly could understand this tongue that was being used. It is unknown only in the sense that no one there knew what was being said.
For example: If I were to walk into a German, French, or some such assembly and begin to speak to them in American (we speak American, not English), and no one there understood American, what good would it do them, though I gave them the whole counsel of God? The answer is none.
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.
COMMENT: It is readily apparent that prophesying was more edifying than talking in tongues.
1 Cor 14:6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
COMMENT: Again the great apostle to the Gentiles makes the same argument.
1 Cor 14:7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
COMMENT: Yet another illustration of the frustration of tongues.
1 Cor 14:10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1 Cor 14:11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
COMMENT: Rather than commend the misuse of this gift, which is how it is practiced today in America, Paul all but calls it barbaric: the opposite of civilized. In other words, Paul was saying only a bunch of barbarians would go around speaking things that no one in the speaker's vicinity could understand, and then brag about it!!!
1 Cor 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
COMMENT: This is the 3rd time now that Paul has returned to this theme. Again, he does not commend the use of tongues. He is commending edification which, apparently from this passage, was not being accomplished through tongues. If I tell even our young folks that it is better to do one thing than to do another, they understand perfectly well what is meant. So many today fight and wrangle with these verses trying to make them say what they do not say.
1 Cor 14:13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1 Cor 14:17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
COMMENT: The issue is the edification of the believer. Speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church was not edifying, and Paul recommends against it in favor of edification.
1 Cor 14:18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
COMMENT: Many contend that this is a reference to Paul's personal, private prayer life and, therefore, it is ok to practice at home. This is a wild leap of imagination. The correct use of tongues was to reach the lost, as we shall see shortly.
1 Cor 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
COMMENT: This is the 5th time that Paul returns to this argument of edification. This time he makes it very plain that, "in the church", speaking with understanding is preferred above speaking in tongues.
By the way, do you know what 5 words Paul would rather speak, clearly and distinctly so everyone could hear? I am guessing, of course, but I think they might be, "Christ died FOR our sins".
1 Cor 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
COMMENT: Paul now reasons with them not to be children. "Do not shoot out the lip because I am taking away your toy. Grow up and be men in understanding."
1 Cor 14:21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1 Cor 14:22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
COMMENT: Paul now turns his attention to the purpose originally given for the use of the gift of tongues: the salvation of the nation of Israel. The Jews required a sign. They were sign-oriented people. The way they knew that God was working in their midst was through the use of signs. This principle holds true throughout the law. Signs were a part of their heritage and birthright. If God was speaking to them, signs would follow.
When lost Israel sees the Gentiles practicing their gifts, God uses this to provoke some to salvation. This is part of the "provoking ministry of Paul". This sign, talking in tongues, would be done away with for 2 very good reasons.
Israel would be set aside because of unbelief.
The completion of the canon of scripture.
Now this all begs a question, which Paul logically asks in verse 23.
1 Cor 14:23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
COMMENT: The question that must be asked is this: If tongues are for a sign to the unbelievers, why was it being practiced in the church? It needed to be practiced outside in the world where it could be used effectively. The same is true today. If you want to hear people "speak in tongues", you have to go to their worship services. I have had Mormons, Church of Christ, Baptists, and Russellites (or Jehovah's Witnesses) come to my door and talk to me, but I have never had a Pentecostal come to my door and speak to me in tongues. Why?
Today it is gibberish and means nothing.
It is of the flesh.
There is nothing spiritual about it, and this whole chapter proves that very point. The purpose of tongues was to reach lost Israel through the manifestation of the Spirit in the believer. The Corinthians were not using it that way.
1 Cor 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
COMMENT: This verse demonstrates the carnality evidenced in Corinth and across America today. No understanding. No edification. Just a flesh and emotion feast.
1 Cor 14:27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 1: Notice again the problem here is with the unknown tongue, a language that no one in the congregation could recognize. Also notice that, under the decently and in order rule, one would not get up and start speaking in an unknown tongue without first making sure there was an interpreter present. If not, he (not she, because women were not allowed to speak, much less speak in tongues) was to keep silence.
1 Cor 14:29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1 Cor 14:30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1 Cor 14:31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1 Cor 14:32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1 Cor 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 2: The prophets are to speak first, as many as 2 or 3, and another was to judge, or make sure he spoke according to sound doctrine. If someone got a revelation, that is they received some light that might help the others to understand, they were to wait their turn. Notice that there are no limits. All may prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. This is consistent with Pauline doctrine and the context of this passage. Verse 32 simply means to gauge what is being said, the role of the judge.
1 Cor 14:34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1 Cor 14:35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 3: The speaking is tongues and prophesying. They are not to interrupt the flow of things with questions. The shame comes from not being under subjection, not for being a woman. The modern tongues movement would come to a screeching halt if this one verse were obeyed.
1 Cor 14:36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
COMMENT: Now Paul completely deflates their ballooning pride by telling them that they are not the center of the universe. "Do you think you are the only ones in God's plan and purpose?"
1 Cor 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 14:38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
COMMENT: Finally, the apostle to the Gentiles reminds them that if they really were spiritual, if they really were prophets, they would acknowledge him and his ministry. Such is the condition of the "professing church" today. They stumble in fettered flesh and emotionalism because they have not acknowledged the apostleship of Paul. In reference to verse 38, it is as if Paul were saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. We can only show you the door you will have to open it and go in".
1 Cor 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1 Cor 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.
COMMENT: Paul's closing remarks on this subject are clear and instructive. It is better to edify than not. Speaking in tongues is not to be forbidden (at that time), but clearly here, and according to the context, it was better to leave tongues out in the world where it could do the most good. "In the church" it only brings confusion.
Conclusion:
The Corinthians were not using tongues in the proper way and Paul commands them to put things in order. The church was to be a place of edification and education of the saints. Tongues were to be a sign to unbelievers. Paul recommends prophecy over tongues by a huge ratio. And by the way, women are not to do it.
Having said all that, let's continue to examine what the Bible teaches about speaking in tongues:
Tongues Were For Israel
The Twelve Apostles received the gift
Acts 1:26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Peter quoted Joel, an Old Testament, Jewish prophet
Acts 2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
NOTE: There is a dispensational line to be drawn here. The following events in the passage did not come to pass in Peter's day. They will happen after the catching away of the church, the body of Christ.
Acts 2:19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
The Jews require a sign. They always have.
1 Cor 1:22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Examples: Moses and the burning bush, Gideon's fleece, the virgin birth, Hezekiah's 10 degrees, etc.
Christ's words to the scribes and the Pharisees:
Mat 12:38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Mat 12:41The men of Ninevehshall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Note that the Ninevites needed no sign, just preaching.
Tongues were prophesied.
Jer 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.
Deu 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; To these people, to these Gentiles, were Israel's gifts given to provoke them to jealousy.
Rom 11:11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Tongues Were Temporary In Nature
Israel was going to be set aside as God's agency because of her rejection of the Messiah and the Holy Spirit. God had a secret plan to bring in the revelation of the mystery. This is made evident in the book of Romans:
Rom 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:28As concerning the gospel (i.e. the gospel of grace), they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Note: At the time of the writing of Romans, Israel could be called enemies of the gospel. Note also that in verse 31, Israel now must go through the body of Christ to be saved. The tables have been turned, so to speak. The middle wall of partition has been broken down.
Eph 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Three times in the book of Acts, Paul pronounces judgment on unbelieving Israel.
Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 28:25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Conclusion: Tongues belong to Israel. When Israel is set aside, so are her signs.
Tongues would cease for the body of Christ upon the completion of the word of God
1 Cor 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
COMMENT: What do prophecies, tongues and knowledge (supernatural knowledge, as with tongues and prophecy) have in common? They all have to do with the transmission of the word of God. When Paul, by the Holy Spirit, penned these words, the word of God was not complete. Therefore he says, "We know in part."
NOTE: The word "knowledge" used in this passage is the Greek word "gnosis", which means, "to have knowledge of." This in itself is not very significant until you turn to the book of Ephesians, where we find:
Eph 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
This knowledge is the Greek word "epignosis" which means, "full knowledge!" When we get a completed book, we no longer need tongues, knowledge or prophecy.
1 Cor 13:9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1 Cor 13:10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
COMMENT: The Pentecostals like to say thatthis verse is a reference to the coming of Christ. First of all, it does not fit the context of the passage in any way. Secondly, it says "that which is perfect", not "he who is perfect", and God is able to say what He means. When the word of God is completed, that which is in part shall be done away. And isn't that what we have with Paul completing the "revelation of the mystery"? We now, today in the year 2000, have God's complete plan for the heavens and the earth. For the body of Christ and the nation of Israel. For the mystery program and the prophesied program.
1 Cor 13:11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
COMMENT: Did you ever grow up? Were things different when you did? That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.
1 Cor 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
COMMENT: Ever look into a dirty mirror then wipe it off. That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.
One last passage:
Col 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
To Paul was given the capstone of divine revelation. His epistles finish the book. And we have it in our hands today.
2 Tim 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
This verse nullifies tongues for this age, the dispensation of the grace of God.
Tongues were for Israel
Tongues were temporary in nature
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God
Sunday, April 25, 2010
STANDING VS STATE
Standing vs. state
"8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2. Corinthians 5
February 24 2008 Bond Slave No 67-4
http://www.youtube.com/user/GraceAboundedMore#p/c/0008D73FF541B7C6/3/rQ37UYcMPGY
Curt Crist
www.welcometograce.com
Give Up Serving Self and that will be the best service to self you could ever give yourself. Why, because you will find true freedom and joy to be the ultimate result. Give up serving self and serve others.
We can learn one thing for sure. Overcoming Addiction does not come through the commitment to stop serving the addiction. The more effort you expend in that area the more over-whelming will become the desire for that to which you are addicted. Overcoming addition comes only through the commitment to be addicted to something different.
Paul found that something else. Did you ever think about Paul as being addicted? Paul was a tremendous addict. He had an over-whelming addiction. He was addicted to serving Christ. Therefore, to serving the body of Christ.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
"All" is an Extremely important word. Think how many times Paul uses the word "All" in this short little 4 chapter epistle.
Philippians 1:1 all the saints
Philippians 1:4 in every prayer of mine for you all
Philippians 1:7 it is meet for me to think this of you all
Philippians 1:8 I long after you all
Philippians 1:9 in all judgment
Philippians 1:13 all other places
Philippians 1:20 all boldness
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Philippians 2:17 I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own
Philippians 2:29 all gladness;
Philippians 3:8 count all things but loss... for whom I have suffered the loss of all things
Philippians 3:21 he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding
Philippians 4:12 being instructed in all things
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:18 I have all, and abound: I am full,
Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you
Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
When Paul mentions the saints in Christ Jesus, there's an important point we need to make. Be careful to never confuse "Standing and State". Paul's giving up positional truth here in verse one.
Standing = how God views you 'in Christ'
perfect righteousness! Saints!
State = your experience through time on earth
Standing is what God's made you to be and what you can never cease to be in his eyes.
State has to do with how you're taking advantage or not taking advantage of that God given position that's everlastingly yours by God's decree.
Standing's your position in Christ wrought by God in grace for eternity.
State has to do with your experience in time on earth.
YOUR STANDING IN CHRIST IS NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECT. The very righteousness of God himself attributed to your account when you're joined to his perfectly righteous Son. So, you standing in Christ is nothing less than perfect. It will never be anything less than perfect.
Your state can be deplorable. An example would be the saints at Corinth. Sounds like an oxymoron when you understand that assembly. The Corinthians experience another wards their behavior their conduct was despicable. They were bond slaves to self, carnal or fleshy orientated. At the same time their standing couldn't of been better. Carnal was their state in Christ was their standing. In God's eyes these saints were being preserved blameless in their positional standing in Christ until The day of Christ.
Just be careful never to confuse standing with state. Scripture through Paul distinguishes between the two. So, we should be careful to make the distinction in our own thinking that God makes in his teaching.
God has given us a perfect standing in our union with his perfectly righteous Son. He's also made provision for us now to have an ever improving state or experience. It's called growth. It's called maturing. It's called growing up into him into all things unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:13) It's what our growth is all about.
There are people out there who believe they can lose their salvation because they've totally confused with their position in Christ with their state.
Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
"8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2. Corinthians 5
February 24 2008 Bond Slave No 67-4
http://www.youtube.com/user/GraceAboundedMore#p/c/0008D73FF541B7C6/3/rQ37UYcMPGY
Curt Crist
www.welcometograce.com
Give Up Serving Self and that will be the best service to self you could ever give yourself. Why, because you will find true freedom and joy to be the ultimate result. Give up serving self and serve others.
We can learn one thing for sure. Overcoming Addiction does not come through the commitment to stop serving the addiction. The more effort you expend in that area the more over-whelming will become the desire for that to which you are addicted. Overcoming addition comes only through the commitment to be addicted to something different.
Paul found that something else. Did you ever think about Paul as being addicted? Paul was a tremendous addict. He had an over-whelming addiction. He was addicted to serving Christ. Therefore, to serving the body of Christ.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
"All" is an Extremely important word. Think how many times Paul uses the word "All" in this short little 4 chapter epistle.
Philippians 1:1 all the saints
Philippians 1:4 in every prayer of mine for you all
Philippians 1:7 it is meet for me to think this of you all
Philippians 1:8 I long after you all
Philippians 1:9 in all judgment
Philippians 1:13 all other places
Philippians 1:20 all boldness
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Philippians 2:17 I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own
Philippians 2:29 all gladness;
Philippians 3:8 count all things but loss... for whom I have suffered the loss of all things
Philippians 3:21 he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding
Philippians 4:12 being instructed in all things
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:18 I have all, and abound: I am full,
Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you
Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
When Paul mentions the saints in Christ Jesus, there's an important point we need to make. Be careful to never confuse "Standing and State". Paul's giving up positional truth here in verse one.
Standing = how God views you 'in Christ'
perfect righteousness! Saints!
State = your experience through time on earth
Standing is what God's made you to be and what you can never cease to be in his eyes.
State has to do with how you're taking advantage or not taking advantage of that God given position that's everlastingly yours by God's decree.
Standing's your position in Christ wrought by God in grace for eternity.
State has to do with your experience in time on earth.
YOUR STANDING IN CHRIST IS NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECT. The very righteousness of God himself attributed to your account when you're joined to his perfectly righteous Son. So, you standing in Christ is nothing less than perfect. It will never be anything less than perfect.
Your state can be deplorable. An example would be the saints at Corinth. Sounds like an oxymoron when you understand that assembly. The Corinthians experience another wards their behavior their conduct was despicable. They were bond slaves to self, carnal or fleshy orientated. At the same time their standing couldn't of been better. Carnal was their state in Christ was their standing. In God's eyes these saints were being preserved blameless in their positional standing in Christ until The day of Christ.
Just be careful never to confuse standing with state. Scripture through Paul distinguishes between the two. So, we should be careful to make the distinction in our own thinking that God makes in his teaching.
God has given us a perfect standing in our union with his perfectly righteous Son. He's also made provision for us now to have an ever improving state or experience. It's called growth. It's called maturing. It's called growing up into him into all things unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:13) It's what our growth is all about.
There are people out there who believe they can lose their salvation because they've totally confused with their position in Christ with their state.
Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, April 23, 2010
On Prayer and Suffering Curt Crist
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, 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.
God knew something that Paul didn’t know, that God’s strength was brought to completion in a suffering Paul. If this be the case and we pray and ask to be delivered from our suffering, what are we asking God to do? We are asking that his strength not be perfected in our lives. That says that our present need to see deliverance is more important to us than the manifestation of God’s strength. We look at it differently, thinking that God could show his strength by delivering us from our sufferings. Paul is telling us to put our future hope on display today, in faithfully suffering thru our dilemma. Our patient and faithful endurance thru suffering is a way of demonstrating our future hope, and when others see this, it brings glory to God. The grace and strength God gives you to endure your suffering is the strength of God put on display.
1Th 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
1Th 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Paul wanted to go back to Thessalonica, he was worried about them. Did Paul pray about this?
1Th 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
1Th 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Paul is praying for God to send him back, they needed him. But did Paul know what to pray for as he ought? Satan used circumstances in spite of all Paul’s prayers to hinder his return. No where are we told that Paul ever return there. Did Paul know what to pray or did God know better? What if God had answered that prayer and sent Paul back? Then we would not have this letter. God knew that nearly 2000 yrs later we would be able to read these Thess. Epistles. Epistles that Paul would not have had to write if he had returned and took his message to them in person. God say the greater picture.
There are 2 extreme views to prayer today. 1- Casualism - why pray at all, everything happens by change and God has no involvement. God has no purpose or design for things that happen in our lives.
2 - Fatalism - All events have been predetermined and will play themselves out, why pray if everything has already been predetermined. Casualism denies God’s providence, denies that God is actively working thru the events in our lives. Fatalism denies man’s freedom and God’s wisdom.
God is not bringing on your suffering today, but is allowing you to undergo such suffering as is common to all men and he is working thru it all the while. God can and does work in the life of a believer. Paul tells us how he does it.
Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Paul wants us to remember the prayer of the Spirit. He does not say... the Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be understood. They can not be uttered. You will never have audio access to the Holy Spirit’s prayers. You will not hear them at all. The Holy Spirit is not telling you how to pray, he is praying himself. This could truly be called an unspoken prayer. In a failure to rightly divide the word, some wrongly read this verse in an effort to validate speaking in tongues, they change uttered to understood and add, unless u have an interpreter. That is not what the verse says. Paul also did not say the Spirit makes interpretation for us. In other words, the Spirit is not rephrasing our prayers and uttering them in an unknown language that only God can understand so God can best determine when and how to deliver what we want.
The Holy Spirit is not interpreting our prayers. He is not praying our prayer at all. He is praying his own prayer. His is praying according to the will of God. If God’s will today is to be glorified thru your patient endurance of the suffering saint that you are, saints who are putting future hope on display, saints who are not looking at their present circumstances, when you pray God take away this pain and suffering, the Holy Spirit knows for sure that we do not know what to pray for as we ought. Then the Holy Spirit begins to pray an entirely different prayer. Something like, Father help them to learn the things you would have them learn during his time of suffering, give him grace and strength to endure the hardship, in the midst of this pain and suffering help him to put his hope on display so that in his weakness you may be glorified.
3- the third antidote for suffering - remember the purpose of God for you the believer.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
God is working out his plan and purpose in your life today and he has predetermined to conform you to the image of his Son and that involves suffering.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul is still in the context of suffering here. Suffering is common to all men, some recover, some do not, believer and non believer alike. But the believer has the opportunity in our suffering to put our future hope on display that God night be magnified. What is that hope?
2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
Paul said he rather glory in his infirmities. He learned what was happening. We people on earth package everything and we expect the Lord to package his plan just like we would. We want that logic that we would use to be his logic. When it isn’t we wonder what’s wrong up there, it’s not working out as I would work it out. We want our suffering out of the way. Prayer was never given to change God’s perspective of our greater preference. Prayer was given to change our perspective of God’s greater purpose. God’s purpose today is not to strengthen our faith by altering our circumstance. His greater purpose is to allow us to demonstrate our faith today as we remain strong in spite of our circumstances. Prayer was never given to bring God in alignment with your wants. It was given to bring you in alignment with God’s will. Prayer changes attitudes. In everything give thanks and make your requests known, not with thanksgiving for receiving , but with thanksgiving that God is in control and that he is perfecting what he has begun in you. What do we get when we pray?
Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The purpose of prayer in this dispensation of grace is not for the purpose of getting God to perform, but it is to give the believer peace. When we take our concerns to God in prayer, we can rest in the confident assurance that the Holy Spirit is praying his own prayer on our behalf that God’s purpose be fulfilled in our lives and that we have the grace and strength to put our hope on display as we endure the suffering we undergo. It does not matter if you gather a hundred people together, all praying the prayer of faith, because God is not working today that way. You will be disappointed at best, disillusioned at worst. Remember your prospect of glory, the prayer of the Spirit, and the purpose of God for you the believer and keep praying all the while.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, 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.
God knew something that Paul didn’t know, that God’s strength was brought to completion in a suffering Paul. If this be the case and we pray and ask to be delivered from our suffering, what are we asking God to do? We are asking that his strength not be perfected in our lives. That says that our present need to see deliverance is more important to us than the manifestation of God’s strength. We look at it differently, thinking that God could show his strength by delivering us from our sufferings. Paul is telling us to put our future hope on display today, in faithfully suffering thru our dilemma. Our patient and faithful endurance thru suffering is a way of demonstrating our future hope, and when others see this, it brings glory to God. The grace and strength God gives you to endure your suffering is the strength of God put on display.
1Th 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
1Th 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Paul wanted to go back to Thessalonica, he was worried about them. Did Paul pray about this?
1Th 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
1Th 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Paul is praying for God to send him back, they needed him. But did Paul know what to pray for as he ought? Satan used circumstances in spite of all Paul’s prayers to hinder his return. No where are we told that Paul ever return there. Did Paul know what to pray or did God know better? What if God had answered that prayer and sent Paul back? Then we would not have this letter. God knew that nearly 2000 yrs later we would be able to read these Thess. Epistles. Epistles that Paul would not have had to write if he had returned and took his message to them in person. God say the greater picture.
There are 2 extreme views to prayer today. 1- Casualism - why pray at all, everything happens by change and God has no involvement. God has no purpose or design for things that happen in our lives.
2 - Fatalism - All events have been predetermined and will play themselves out, why pray if everything has already been predetermined. Casualism denies God’s providence, denies that God is actively working thru the events in our lives. Fatalism denies man’s freedom and God’s wisdom.
God is not bringing on your suffering today, but is allowing you to undergo such suffering as is common to all men and he is working thru it all the while. God can and does work in the life of a believer. Paul tells us how he does it.
Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Paul wants us to remember the prayer of the Spirit. He does not say... the Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be understood. They can not be uttered. You will never have audio access to the Holy Spirit’s prayers. You will not hear them at all. The Holy Spirit is not telling you how to pray, he is praying himself. This could truly be called an unspoken prayer. In a failure to rightly divide the word, some wrongly read this verse in an effort to validate speaking in tongues, they change uttered to understood and add, unless u have an interpreter. That is not what the verse says. Paul also did not say the Spirit makes interpretation for us. In other words, the Spirit is not rephrasing our prayers and uttering them in an unknown language that only God can understand so God can best determine when and how to deliver what we want.
The Holy Spirit is not interpreting our prayers. He is not praying our prayer at all. He is praying his own prayer. His is praying according to the will of God. If God’s will today is to be glorified thru your patient endurance of the suffering saint that you are, saints who are putting future hope on display, saints who are not looking at their present circumstances, when you pray God take away this pain and suffering, the Holy Spirit knows for sure that we do not know what to pray for as we ought. Then the Holy Spirit begins to pray an entirely different prayer. Something like, Father help them to learn the things you would have them learn during his time of suffering, give him grace and strength to endure the hardship, in the midst of this pain and suffering help him to put his hope on display so that in his weakness you may be glorified.
3- the third antidote for suffering - remember the purpose of God for you the believer.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
God is working out his plan and purpose in your life today and he has predetermined to conform you to the image of his Son and that involves suffering.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul is still in the context of suffering here. Suffering is common to all men, some recover, some do not, believer and non believer alike. But the believer has the opportunity in our suffering to put our future hope on display that God night be magnified. What is that hope?
2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
Paul said he rather glory in his infirmities. He learned what was happening. We people on earth package everything and we expect the Lord to package his plan just like we would. We want that logic that we would use to be his logic. When it isn’t we wonder what’s wrong up there, it’s not working out as I would work it out. We want our suffering out of the way. Prayer was never given to change God’s perspective of our greater preference. Prayer was given to change our perspective of God’s greater purpose. God’s purpose today is not to strengthen our faith by altering our circumstance. His greater purpose is to allow us to demonstrate our faith today as we remain strong in spite of our circumstances. Prayer was never given to bring God in alignment with your wants. It was given to bring you in alignment with God’s will. Prayer changes attitudes. In everything give thanks and make your requests known, not with thanksgiving for receiving , but with thanksgiving that God is in control and that he is perfecting what he has begun in you. What do we get when we pray?
Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The purpose of prayer in this dispensation of grace is not for the purpose of getting God to perform, but it is to give the believer peace. When we take our concerns to God in prayer, we can rest in the confident assurance that the Holy Spirit is praying his own prayer on our behalf that God’s purpose be fulfilled in our lives and that we have the grace and strength to put our hope on display as we endure the suffering we undergo. It does not matter if you gather a hundred people together, all praying the prayer of faith, because God is not working today that way. You will be disappointed at best, disillusioned at worst. Remember your prospect of glory, the prayer of the Spirit, and the purpose of God for you the believer and keep praying all the while.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Academy of Bible Doctrine
Classes start to night(4/22/2010). Click on the link to watch live.
Schedule of Messages
for the
Academy of Bible Doctrine
Thursday
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Friday
10 & 11 am
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Saturday
10 & 11 am
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Sunday
10 & 11 am
central standard time
Schedule of Messages
for the
Academy of Bible Doctrine
Thursday
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Friday
10 & 11 am
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Saturday
10 & 11 am
7:30 & 8:30 pm
Sunday
10 & 11 am
central standard time
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)