Eagerly Desire

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

EAGERLY DESIRE

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

As we have dealt fairly well with this speaking in tongues and interpretation, we should move on and ask the question which Paul is asking. Not everyone is given the same gift, although with as many people or believers there are we would have to believe there are many repeats. There are only, or at least it seems, only a few different gifts that can go around. From what we can gather there are about twelve gifts and then those four that are given to the church at large. So then if all the stores in town only had twelve items and there were, as an example, three hundred people in the family and all wanted to give someone a birthday gift, there would have to be repeats. Nevertheless, the fact remains the gifts are meant to be given and the Spirit gives to each as he determines and they all have the express reason for the common good. Therefore, there should be no pride in having or being gifted with any particular gift, as each should be for the common good, which is to serve the others. But what we have to consider is this statement that we are to eagerly desire the greater gifts. We should note at the conclusion of all this discussion of the gifts that there are those scholars, many of old, that is past scholars who have already gone, but are of a particular denominational persuasion, insist all these gifts have ceased. There were only intended for the early church during its formation and were never intended to be a permanent part of the church. We could not be any more in disagreement with them as we have witnessed many of the various manifestations of the Spirit in the church today and have been gifted at times with the discernment to know it was the Spirit giving a gift for the common good. In addition, if those scholars of old are so convinced the gifts have ceased, then they are the ones making that claim and are therefore determining there shall be no manifestation of any gifts by the Spirit, thus telling the Spirit that he is not welcome in the church. Who is man to inform God as to what he can do and cannot do in the church? The fact remains that if we insist one aspect of the scripture has no bearing in the church today, then who is to say any of the scripture does, or which part does and which part doesn’t. We might as well just throw it all out because we only want to believe some and not the rest. Maybe we can just start tearing certain pages out, maybe that would work, but then which ones would we choose. We need to move on to eagerly desire the greater gifts, and find this most excellent way. We know it, and we will explore various aspects of love when we get to these next passages. For now let us just consider we should desire the Spirit to have His way in our lives so that we the church function as we should, as one, the body of Christ. So we look forward to the most excellent way.

Gift of Governing

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

GIFT OF GOVERNING

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

What about this gift of administration? The Greek word might better be translated as govern or governing, as in to steer, to direct the course. Some have seen this as a dictatorship in the church, figuratively. If we were to take this translation of administration, then we might think of a church secretary as being the organizer, the admin of the church. But that would be wrong in the sense that this is not a position of employment or is it a position of dictatorship, such as some might think a pastor might be, or in the catholic faith, the pope. Because this is a gift it has to be the choice of the Spirit as to who he manifests governing in. Now, we also should consider because of the context that includes what we would think could be permanent manifestations, this could be seen in one person over a period of time, such as apostles, prophets, teachers and pastors, and evangelists. Those are gifts to the church and it would appear they are somewhat of a permanent gift. It is possible the Spirit could withdraw his manifesting any gift if there was a reason. Nevertheless, maybe we should see this gift of governing as somewhat of a permanent gift so that someone performs the duties of directing the church. This seems to be what had happened in the early church when the apostles decided the church needed deacons, to manage the businesslike affairs of the church, while they focused on the spiritual matters of the church. The Greek word used in the 6^th Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles when they decided the church should select seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to serve or see to the distribution of food, is diekoneoo, which is where we get the English word deacon. So, it might be that deacons should be seen as having the gift of administration, but then they would also need to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Still, it may be that this gift is placed within people for extended periods of time, so governing or administrating can take place within the church. Maybe all the gifts should be seen in this manner. Maybe even all those gifts mentioned before could be semi-permanently manifested in certain people for the benefit of the common good. If this were the case as with those gifted with administration, such as those we use the term deacon for, would not have manmade terms of office, as this would be a gift of the Spirit, determined by the Spirit. This would apply to all those gifts to the church. Instead of having a vote of confidence, as some churches do for the pastor, the Spirit has control of this, and not the people. Then pastors or deacons in this case could be hired or fired at the whim of man, ignoring the Spirit. So, once again, let us yield to the Spirit and see this gift of administration as it should be, one used for the common good.

Giving Relief

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

GIVING RELIEF

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

There is a new gift mentioned here in this list and that is the gift of helping others. The Greek word here means directly that, although it carries the meaning of relief or aid. To give someone relief, to give them aid, or helping them so their burden is not too much to bear. This might be difficult to distinguish from the normal humanitarian aid of which there is so much given. There are many people who help other people in various ways, almost too many to even attempt to enumerate. So then, how do we determine the difference between the Spirit manifesting the gift of help, and the ordinary human helping his fellow man? We would think this gift, like the rest of them, would have to be something supernatural, rather than humanitarian. There are some people who naturally gravitate toward being helpful, which others seem not to be, although if asked, are willing to lend a helping hand. However, that is not the gift of help. Sometimes we get the impression that we own these gifts, or that they permanently reside within us. That is to say, the Spirit choices who he will manifest one of his gifts in and that is it for the rest of time, that gift remains within, or with us. This might be due to seeing a pastor as a long-time recipient of that gift. However, that may not be the case, as there may be many pastors who may have been called, and spent years in study to receive enough education to be credentialed by a denomination, but may not be the gift of pastor to the church. A gift by definition is just that a gift, and it requires nothing from the receiver, other than to open it, it is freely given, at no cost to the recipient. Of course, within any organization, rules apply and qualifications for entry or membership may exist, and such is the case for the position of pastor. One has to apply for that position and meet the organization's qualifications to be granted the right to be a pastor, and then in some churches, need the approval of the board, and actually be hired, while other churches send their pastors where needed. With this gift of help, it could be that same way, in that a person may have this gift residing within and simply is always about helping, while that could also be simply their natural disposition. Again, how do we determine if the gift is active within someone, and does the Spirit chose to reside this gift as a permanent part of a person’s life? If we think of this gift as giving relief, as the Greek word suggests, then maybe that is different than helping, or at least, beyond normal helping. To give relief gives us the impression that the pressure of a particular burden is lifted from someone, they have been relieved from that burden, given relief, freed from it by the aid of this gift of help by the Spirit. This would need to be supernatural to be able to give relief, to free someone from their burden.   

The Remedy not Withheld

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

THE REMEDY NOT WITHHELD

 

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

Once again we have already looked at the gift of healing, but it does deserve another look. We looked at the word gift, Charisma, and spent time considering this is something we do not earn, or cannot be righteous or holy enough. However, we did not focus on this Greek word translated as healing. This Greek word, iamatoon, is used as a means of healing, a remedy, medicine, a cure. This fits perfectly in describing what happens when the Spirit manifests His gift of healing. We know that Jesus healed people, and we also know that although he was in the flesh, he was still God, and is still God. This is what some would call the mysterium, the triune God, The Father is God, Jesus is God and the Spirit is God, but the Father is not the Son or the Spirit and the Son is not the Father or the Spirit and the Spirit is not the Father or the Son, but all three are God. So then it is God who is doing the healing and we know he has all the power above all other powers. Therefore, we see no reason why we should not have this remedy or this cure for our illness or infirmities. Jesus healed all who came to him, he did not turn anyone away. He did not first question or judge to see if they were worthy of healing. He did not tell them their sin was too great to be healed, instead, he forgave their sin. However, there was one thing needed and that was their faith in Him to be healed. We think of the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years spending all she had, every last penny on doctors and received no remedy, no cure, but as soon as she touched the hem of his garment, healing occurred, and Jesus felt the power go out of him. He felt the power go out of him. That is the power of God at work healing people, and the Spirit is here, willing to let that power flow through one of us onto, into someone who needs a remedy, a cure. Maybe even someone who has been infected with an ailment for years and spent much money and time on doctors without being cured. It comes down to faith, to believing, God can heal, that he will heal, that his power will be manifested. We might go through the motions of seeking healing, even going forward to be anointed, but do we really believe, or do we have this shred of doubt, or are we just hoping, wishing, but not really believing. That is the question because we know the Spirit does not withhold his gifts. Jesus never withheld healing, nor does the Spirit withhold the remedy.

Miracles Cause Belief

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

MIRACLES CAUSE BELIEF

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

We have already considered this gift of workers of miracles, however, it is still a wonder as to what would be considered a miracle. How would we define what a miracle looks like? The Greek word has the meaning of strength, power, and ability. It is used in the sense of an inherent power residing in a thing or person by virtue of its nature. Because this is a gift of the Spirit we would then have to believe and conclude the residing power, the inherent power is by the virtue of the nature of the Spirit and He is God. So then a worker of miracles of a person who the Spirit manifests his residing power in would be doing things unnatural to human abilities. This would eliminate many things in this world, such as these strong men who can lift enormous amounts of weight way beyond normal people. It is would eliminate many scientific or medical discoveries coming from the mind of man that could appear to be miraculous. This gift of working miracles would have to be some supernatural happening, much like when Jesus took two fish and five loaves and feed thousands, that was a miracle because it could not be done in the natural realm. We are not sure if we have ever witnessed a miracle in our lifetime of that magnitude. However, does that mean this gift has become null and void? We do not think so. Still, the Spirit does not force his gifts upon people, although how and when and through who He manifests them are at His determination. However, we believe we still need to be open to His influence on and in our lives. It would be the same as if we did not believe in God and did not believe we need to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then God will not give us eternal life. So then, if we do not believe in these gifts, like this one of working of miracles, then the Spirit will not give us this gift, or manifest miracles through us. In essence, we would be squelching the Spirit and we are told not to do that. Still, it is not everyone who would be used in this manner, as Paul makes it clear, that not all are workers of miracles, but that would also mean that some are, or should be. We may not be one of those used by the Spirit to work miracles, but we should still be open to being used as He sees fit. If he decides to use us in this way, then the world watch this, it just might cause you to believe. It would seem that would be the main reason for the Spirit to manifest a miracle through us today so that some might believe.

Gift of Teachers

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

GIFT OF TEACHERS

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

Before we get to the most excellent way we need to take a look at these gifts, especially the newer mentioned ones. Although we did take a second look at apostles and prophets, this is the first time we consider the gift of teachers. There is some discussion regarding whether Paul intended this as a separate gift to the church in his letter to the Ephesians when he says that some are pastors and teachers. The argument in Greek is that both those words are plural and use the same article. This would mean in essence that all pastors would be teachers, but not all teachers would be pastors. In Greek, they appear to be two different gifts, so then this gift of teachers is simply a teacher and not pastor and teacher. Because Paul does not mention the pastor here but keeps the teacher alone, it would again make sense that in his letter to the Ephesians the teacher is also a separate gift. This gift of instructor is given by the Spirit to certain people, for the benefit of the common good. In order words, people need to be enlightened by the words of the teacher. Again, as this is a gift, the person through whom the Spirit manifests himself may not be the one who has learned through extension study or years of education. This does not discount learned knowledge at all. There are some extremely knowledgeable individuals able to explain many aspects of the scriptures that benefit the common good. However, that is learned knowledge, but it is not the gift of teachers. There are some of these same extremely learned individuals that cannot communicate enough to benefit the common good. However, this does not discount that God may also gift one of these individuals with the gift of teachers. This would give us the idea that God decides who is a teacher, not man deciding to teach because of his learned knowledge. It is not uncommon for some to use the term Sunday school teacher, especially in regard to children’s Sunday school. Perhaps this stems from the secular use of the title of a teacher in schools. Sometimes with adults, we tend to shy away from that term and use facilitator instead, not wanting to be seen as teaching, which would infer adults need to learn, and that might offend someone. However, the truth has to be instructed so the common good will grow in the knowledge of God, and become all God intended them to be. How else will some know unless they learn, and how else will they learn, unless they are taught, and how else will they be taught, unless the Spirit gives the gift of teachers?

Another Look at Prophets

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

ANOTHER LOOK AT PROPHETS

1 Cor 12:27-31

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

NIV

Let’s talk again about this office of prophet or prophets. It is difficult to determine if this Greek word is plural, but it does mean to foretell. The Greek word is a compound word of two Greek words, pro, which means before or prior, and phemi which is to show or make one's thoughts known, or to speak or say. So then we get this idea of telling one’s thoughts beforehand, or before they happen, to foretell events. This is much different than the gift of prophecy as in corporate worship, when someone declares what God says. This is an actual office, a position in the church, a person selected by God, gifted by God, inspired by the Spirit to tell what is going to happen. Certainly, we have the record of these prophets of old, who were used mightily by God, who foretold of the coming of the Messiah, as well as told Israel many warnings. But why is Paul telling these Corinthians about this office of prophets? Are there still prophets? Paul lumps them into the same category with teachers, workers of miracles, healings and, helping others and, with the gift of administration, a new one, and speaking on tongues and interpreting tongues. All gifts are supposed to be present in the New Testament Church. However, the point is still the same. It is the Spirit, who determines how, when, and through whom He manifests Himself or His gifts. It is also evident we are not all the same, but each is used in a different way. But we are going to be introduced to the greater gifts, and the most excellent way. It is almost like all these gifts mentioned are just a precursor to the most excellent way and the greater gifts. We know, 1 Corinthians 13 so well, as it has been read so often at weddings and we know Paul is getting to the introduction of this most excellent way. Still, it benefits us to take another look at these mentioned gifts, because there are some new ones that were not included before. The question is still before us. Are there prophets in the church today? As we have thought before that it may well be that a preacher, during a message, may say something prophetic. But that person is the gift to the church as the pastor/teacher, not the prophet. So then could we conclude there might be some people or someone who is simply a prophet, a foretelling of what is to come, in the church today? Because Paul includes them in this letter which is a New Testament letter, in fact, a letter written after the ascension of Jesus, that the office of prophet is still at work in the New Testament, thus we should be aware that we might have contact with such a gift of the Spirit.