The Biblical Context of Spiritual Gifts
Notes
Transcript
The church in Corinth was a young church filled with “babes in Christ”. Much was happening in this church, and Paul knew that the organisation and service in the church was chaotic and dysfunctional.
The black church in NJ
10-15 minutes after the service was supposed to start and suddenly someone started talking a little louder at the back of the church - Holly and I were looking around as we couldn’t quite tell what was happening - Suddenly it hit us, he was praying
After praying - a queue of people began walking from the back of the church with tamborines and singing - no song books - no words on a screen
The queue of people stretched from one side of the church to the other, and people began to join them in singing, but we had no idea what the words were to the song
When the song ended, one singer would start singing another song - we found a song book, and started searching through it - someone sitting behind us saw us looking and directed us to a song
The process kept happening over and over again
The service was supposed to end at a certain time, and I was supposed to preach. The time drew nearer and nearer. I was left with 10 minutes to preach.
The spirit of the people was so giving and generous, but the service was chaotic and confusing to anyone coming in
A gift is not the same as grace.
Unsaved people can have natural gifts, even gifts of genius. Shakespeare, Einstein, and Beethoven
Morality is not the same as morality.
Some men and women have tremendous ability are wholly without ethics or morality. Some have used their gift without conscience.
A believer can have spiritual gifts without any regard to spirituality or Christlikeness
A successful evangelist, a brilliant Bible teacher, or a compassionate pastor may or may not be spiritual.
The Corinthians had all the gifts, and, yet, they were also the most carnal and worldly of believers.
Some great Bible teachers have been tyrants at home
Some admired pastors have run off with the church pianist
Some evangelists have been taken with greed an pride
Just because someone is spiritually gifted does not mean that they are like Christ.
Paul addresses this problem with the church in Corinth.
The Introduction of Spiritual Gifts
The Introduction of Spiritual Gifts
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Paul did not want then to be ignorant of spiritual gifts and their purpose
Ignorance is the mother of all kinds of mischief
Even today there are whole movement of Christians focusing on the misapplication and out of context of spiritual gifts
The focus of chapter 12-14 is to bring the context of spiritual gifts into the Biblical perspective that furthered the Gospel instead of promoting how spiritual one may or may not be
The focus of the Bible is pointing to Jesus
How we take these 3 chapters and apply them indicates where our hearts focus is and what we want to point people towards
There have been some good people who have made the focus an experience or a feeling.
There is a hostile world around us eager to exploit our ignorance in this area of the Christian life
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Those reading the very words of Paul in his letter to them were called to remember where they were once… unsaved and following dumb idols.
Paul knew that they gave their gifts to dumb idols.
They followed the focus of society and ended up carried away into things they never thought they’d do.
Satan and his demons deceived them with counterfeit gifts and demonic oracles.
Paul reminded them of what they had been saved from, and warned them that the same practises can be brought into the church.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Stolen Computer:
Listed a computer on eBay - sold from someone that lived nearby
Paid promptly with Paypal with an address listed very near where we lived
He asked if I could meet him after work and he just pick up the computer
The money was in my account, Paypal verified it, so sure, why not?
I met him, and he went away with the computer
The next day I get an email from Paypal stating that the account that paid had been hacked and I had to pay the funds back
What?! Long story short, the man I met was the hacker, and because he collected the item I was not covered under Paypal’s protection because there was no shipping tracking number
The man who I thought was a buyer turned out to be a thief
The Holy Spirit is well aware of that there are people who say anything to deceptively work their way in to the church
Paul relays the test - They must say, Jesus is Lord
Anyone can say these words
This is where context is so vital!
Paul was speaking about the spiritual gifts, specifically public ministry gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, and interpretation
The HS recognises the danger of deception and puts in tests and safeguards when someone is using a spiritual gift
Deceptive spirits know Jesus and and even confess Who Jesus is
Jesus saw this:
And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
Paul saw this:
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Paul reinforced this thought in:
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
John gives us a test
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Confess that Jesus was put in the womb of a virgin named Mary, born of the flesh, lived on this earth like you and me, was tempted and yet never sinned, died on the cross, was buried, rose bodily from the grave, and ascended bodily to Heaven
A confession of the humanity of Jesus leads to the confession of the deity of Jesus.
An evil, deceptive heart and spirit will not confess this
The Holy Spirit will:
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Indwells the believer
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
teaches and guides us in the words of Jesus
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Testifies of Jesus - confirms, validates, and gives evidence
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
The HS points us to Jesus, affirms in our hearts Who Jesus is, encourages our hearts to believe and hope in Jesus as Saviour, quickens (brings to life) our spirit when we by faith call upon Jesus as our Saviour, brings us into the family of God, and then directs our heart to help people know Jesus as their Saviour
The role of the HS is to help our hearts to be focused upon Jesus Christ and strive to bring testimony of encouraging people to come to Jesus for salvation
Therefore, those that have a premise, a plan, to promote themselves through their gifts, is not doing following the HS.
When the focus becomes all about a gift instead of Jesus Who enables the gift, then that person is speaking or using their gift contrary to the leading of the HS.
When Jesus is not Lord, Master, of one’s heart; they will not direct others to Jesus
The Source of Spiritual Gifts
The Source of Spiritual Gifts
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
God is creative
No 2 snowflakes are the same
No 2 leaves are exactly the same
No 2 person is exactly the same
No 2 sunsets are exactly the same
The infinite imagination of God reaches further than any man can fathom
The HS, Who indwells or resides within us, knows the very number of the hairs upon our head. Not only does He know how many hairs are on our head! He knows us and knows our strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
The church in Corinth had people with different gifts. Not everyone had the same gifts.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Diversities - variety
Pack of Walkers crisps - Salt & Vinegar; Cheddar & Onion; Ready Salted
The HS indwelt every child of God in Corinth, and the same HS knew who could handle what gift
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
The wording here is different than the other 2 phrases speaking into the differing gifts the Corinthian believers had and saw God use
Administration - role especially done in service to others - service or ministry
God gave different gifts to different people to use for the same purpose in following the Lord
Lord - Master - Authority - Every child of God in Corinth had the same Authority - Jesus
These different ministries were to be melded together to create one purpose - to bring glory to God
Holly - plays the piano and sings - if I took her place, it would not be good!
Is she took my place, well, the sermon would be better - did I say that right?
The HS intended for the gifts He gave to the Corinthian church to mesh together in harmony edifying the Lord and His people
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Operations here means implementation:
Knowledge - teach doctrine - Parents needed to know doctrine, the children needed to know doctrine
Tongues - language - Latin, Greek, Celtic (Galatia), Germanic, Hebrew
Help someone come to know Jesus as Saviour
Help teach discipleship in that same language
Help teach that person how to lead others into a relationship with Jesus
It is the same God that leads, directs, and gives opportunities to use those gifts
God knows one’s gifts, helps them to know how to use their gifts for the Lord, and gives opportunities to use those gifts
Philip - A deacon in the church in Jerusalem
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Philip - a deacon went on a missions trip to Samaria -
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Philip saw God use him through some gifts of the HS:
Word of knowledge - expound the truth to make it applicable
Working of miracles
People were getting saved and baptised
Philip used the gifts God gave him not to lift himself up, but to further the Gospel
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Philip did not do a miracle here
Philip did not perform in any way
He simply used the gift the HS gave him of knowledge to help the eunuch to believe on Jesus, and become a child of God
The eunuch gets saved, and Philip baptises him
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
What did Philip do? Preached in all the cities.
The HS took Philip to the coast - Azotus (Ashdod) and Philip worked his way from Azotus up the coast to Caesarea
Playing softball - first base catch - caught the ball, and tagged the runner out
Contrast Philip to Simon, the man who got saved under Philip’s preaching:
The apostles hear about what is happening with Philip and they send Peter and John to help
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Simon saw a gift he wanted. He presented himself as a great sorcerer that had a great power of fortune telling and presented himself as some great one
Now, he sees the apostles working with those whom have gotten saved, and the HG could be witnessed indwelling these people and their lives were changing
Simon’s former “gifts of sorcery” were nothing next to what the HG was doing
He wants this gift so badly he offers money to have
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Bitterness - Peter said, your identity has been so tied into being the great one that everyone goes to, that now people are turning to God, your heart is bitter in jealousy over God’s prominence in Samaria now.
This iniquity, sinful desire, is going to destroy you.
Simon was so used to performing, and now God wanted to shape his life, his identity, to something better.
Playing softball - last batter in the last inning - we were losing by 1 run, and there was 1 person on base - we had the opportunity to win - the pressure was on - I swung, and hit the ball into the outfield… straight into the fielder’s glove - I was out and the game was over… we lost
I can still remember the adrenaline of the moment - it was exciting
I can still remember the pressure of having to perform - it was agonising
There is a moment that excites our heart and soul when we see God work through an experience or time, but God never intended that experience to be something that had to be worked up in a performance or a moment of some euphoric feeling
Rather it is the tool the HS would in a moment to further the Gospel
If we had to dwell in the performance and everything was based on whether or not I had the opportunity to use the gift, how agonising would it be had the opportunities been taken away
My heart would be tormented in the constant pressure to perform in a moment rather than knowing the fruit of HS given peace
God gave the Corinthian church gifts to further the Gospel.
The Advantage of Spiritual Gifts
The Advantage of Spiritual Gifts
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
manifestation (act) n. — a clear indication of the existence or presence or nature of some person or thing.
OF THE SPIRIT - the gift is not to show what a man can or cannot do, but rather to Whom he belongs and Who is enabling the gift
Profit to be advantageous v. — to be or become appropriate for achieving a particular end.
Withal - to advantage together
What is the purpose?
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Advantage through a clear indicator that Jesus is Lord
The HS enables an advantage that clearly adds power and testimony to the Gospel
Picked last for most sports
The Spirit of God enabled the church in Corinth to powerfully further the message of their Lord Jesus Christ through the spiritual gifts He gave to them. How?
The gifts of comprehension
Gift of inspiration
1 Cor 12:8a
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Word - logos - utterance - this is the same word that God calls His Word
Wisdom - sophia - prudence, discretion
Joined with the skill of wisdom or knowing how to reveal or give wisdom
When this letter was written to the church in Corinth, precious little of the NT had been written
1 and maybe 2 Thessalonians
Probably Galatians
James
Matthew & Mark may have been in circulation
This gift gave the early church access to NT truth even though some of it had not been formally given by means of the written Word.
Eph 1:17
That 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:
Paul writing to the church of Ephesus states, you need to know the spirit of wisdom that is revealed to you anchored in the knowledge of Jesus
Col 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Paul told the church, I want you to know God’s will by knowing His revealed wisdom and spiritual understanding
1 Cor 14:6
Now, 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?
This gift was given to prophets and apostles
The gift of insight
1 Cor 12:8b
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Word - logos - utterance
Knowledge - gnosis - inspired and inerrant teaching, but this teaching is primarily already made by God in His written Word.
Thessalonians - might be need in Galatia
One gifted with the word of wisdom would give the truth
One gifted with the word of knowledge would expound upon that truth
The HS knew exactly what was already in God’s Word, and what was going to be given to plenarily (fully, completely) complete God’s Word which is what we call the Bible.
The HS gifted the apostles and prophets to give God’s Word and expound upon His Word.
The gifts of confirmation
God desired every family to relay the truth of God to the next generation
Chose one family - Abraham through his son Isaac - children of Israel -
Jesus showed His people powerfully and without excuse Who He was and, yet, the rejected Him
Jesus Christ started the church
Matt 16:13-19
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
And then demonstrated to the Jews the priesthood of the believer was personal now and He was breaking away from the temple:
Matt 27:51
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
The church would then by empowered on Pentecost
At the moments in history when God chose to direct, He would often do so with signs - powerful displays of confirmation
Mark 16:14-20
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Heb 2:3-4
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
God chose to give the early church some powerful gifts of confirmation to demonstrate that the church was not of men, but of God
Gift of faith
1 Cor 12:9a
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
Remember Paul is speaking to a church of believers - this is not saving faith
Saving faith is simple and approachable by all
Matt 18:1-3
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
STAND ON CHAIR
Miraculous faith
Matt 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Paul knew this gift of faith:
Acts 13:8-12
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Gifts of healing
1 Cor 12:9b
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
In the early days of the church God was powerfully establishing that His hand is upon the church
Acts 3:1-10
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Acts 14:8-11
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
Acts14:15
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
This gift of healing did not stray from where the sicknesses and diseases were
God would fade this away even in Paul’s own lifetime
2 Tim 4:20
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Phil 2:25-27
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
1 Tim 5:23
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Gifts of miracles
1 Cor 12:10a
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Miracle - dynamis - The manifestation of great power
38 times in the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke
John doesn’t speak of this power, but rather uses the word, semeion, for miracles, which means - signs
Miracles were evident in the early church
Peter raised a lady named Tabitha back to life:
Acts 9:36-42
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Paul raised a boy back to life:
Acts 20:8-12
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
The disciples were set free from prison, shackles fell from Paul’s hands, Paul was bitten by a snake without harm
Miracles are talked about so much, but yet they were very rare throughout Scripture:
Ministries of Moses and Joshua as God took His people out of Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land
Ministries of Elijah and Elisha stopped nearly as quickly as they had begun. Israel was going away from God, and God used these to help recall Israel’s heart from going into rampant sin and idolatry. The Word of God would then be the source of God’s instruction and direction
Brief flurry of miracles surrounding Daniel when the Israelites were in exile in Babylon. Babylon had become attractive to them, and God used these miracles to indicate His desire for their hearts even when they were not in that Promised Land.
Jesus came and the countless miracles He performed. About 36 are recorded, but there many more miracles that He did. This carried into the early church as God continued to demonstrate His power and authority in the local NT church.
They will begin again when the 2 prophets in the tribulation arrive on the scene, and God perform miracles through them even to the point of them being dead for 3 days and they get up and continue preaching.
Miracles can be counterfeited. Satan can perform miracles. They can become like a drug that one is never satisfied with unless they are on that spiritual high.
God is not interested in satisfying that kind of craving.
Jesus refused to perform before Herod Antipas when he was excited to see Jesus as the Pharisees questioned and mocked Jesus.
Luke 23:8-11
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Peter when he testifies about seeing Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration states:
2 Pe 1:17-20
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Jesus tells the story of the rich man in Hell:
Luke 16:30-31
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
When Lazarus was risen from the dead by Jesus, the Jewish authorities tried to kill him
John 12:37
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Even when Jesus rose again the Sanhedrin circulated a false story about Jesus
Matt 28:11-15
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Miracles are powerful, but the can be deceptive. Satan can cleverly beguile one to perform and claim it was God to draw people into the miracle of the moment instead of the truth of God that leads for eternity.
The Gifts of Communication
The gift of prophecy
1 Cor 12:10b
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Prophecy - propheteia - inspired utterance of prediction or future events
The church was still young, and the Word of God was still being given
This was taking truths that HS illuminated in one’s heart and revealing it in a way that was not circulated or written
John - prophetically was given the book of Revelations
Often we are enamored by it and speculate about certain aspects of it, but as we preach and teach on it we are speaking about prophecy. This is not inspired utterance.
Inspired utterance is giving the prophesy when it has not yet been given.
We can prophetically state, “Jesus is coming back”, but this is simply stating prophecy. It is not giving prophecy.
The context here Paul uses is the HS inspired utterance of events that have not yet happened.
Scripture is written, so this does not continue to today.
The gift of discerning spirits
1 Cor 12:10c
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Remember there were and still are false teachers and preachers.
This gift enabled the discerning believer to see past the words that were spoken and see the intents and motives of the heart.
Peter had this gift:
Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
The gift of divers kinds of tongues
1 Cor 12:10d
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Divers - different
Tongues - glossa - glow-suh - projecting point of a language
This gift was demonstrated on the day of Pentecost:
Acts 2:1-12
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
One person speaking in different languages - bi-lingual or multi-lingual
As we’ll see further in 1 Cor, this church seemed to prize being able to speak a language and use that language when no one else could understand it or a select few did understand the language
The gift of interpreting of languages
1 Cor 12:10e
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Some, who were at least bi-lingual, would take one language and translate it into another language so others may hear the truth of God’s Word
Preaching in a Spanish church
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The HS knew what the first century church needed and gave the needed gift to the right person at the right time
Every time we look at these gifts these were not gifts that were pre-meditated uses, but rather momentary needs that the HS gave to further the truth that Jesus is Lord
This is the same concept that Jesus instructed the disciples with in:
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.