Fundamental Foundations Part 5B – “Faith Continued”
Parts 1 through 5A can be found at these links:
https://www.surefoundint.org/2021/03/30/the-fundamentals-part-1/
https://www.surefoundint.org/2021/06/17/the-fundamental-foundations-part-2/
https://www.surefoundint.org/2021/10/04/the-fundamental-foundations-part-3/
https://www.surefoundint.org/2021/11/05/the-fundamentals-part-4/
https://www.surefoundint.org/2022/03/25/the-fundamental-foundations-part-5a-faith/
Introduction
In Part 5B we are going to continue to delve into faith and especially into a topic that is heavily connected to faith – (one that has wrought more debate, discord and raw emotional response than any other single subject that I have encountered in my now 50 years of knowing the Lord and working with the numerous differing church settings I have been engaged with in someway over the last 4 decades!) – The topic generally speaking is the – “things of the Spirit” – (including evil spirits or i. e. ‘Spiritual Warfare’) – and more specifically the sub topics of being ‘filled/baptized with the Holy Spirit’, the ‘gifts of the Spirit’, and the even more volatile, misunderstood and ‘controversial’, “speaking in tongues”! Unfortunately, I have found that these topics, especially tongues, have become ‘taboo’ to bring up or discuss in virtually any liturgical, denominational or ‘non-denominational ’ church setting today! I found this to be true even in the “charismatic/full gospel/faith” ones that claim the doctrine of both a ‘separate from salvation’ experience of receiving the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of tongues that normally accompanies it. It is a heavily ‘censored’ or ‘diverted’ topic; if the subject comes up in a bible study or theological discussion at all, tension quickly fills the air and the subject is changed so as not to ‘offend’ or cause ‘controversy’ or ‘disturb the peace’ or ‘stir up strife’, which some say causes ‘division’ and ‘discord amongst the brethren’. So, it is just better to censor, divert, ignore or even attack and marginalize anyone who would dare to attempt to bring these topics up in any bible study or theological discussion! – (I have experienced this personally, NUMEROUS TIMES.)
I would like to pose this simple question, “Why is this so?” The Holy Spirit and these topics are not only clearly in New Testament scripture, they are there redundantly, an obvious an oft mentioned topic by the Lord Himself, in Acts and in the epistles with a heavy emphasis in Paul’s letters – (and there are numerous Old testament references as well) – and the Holy Spirit and the ‘things of the Spirit’ – (including tongues) – was clearly an accepted part of the fundamental doctrine and traditions of the early church! – (and this will be undeniably proven as we delve into this topic) – Why would we not wish to ‘come and reason together’ and seek out those scriptures and see what it really has to say about these subjects – (and this could be said for any topic covered in scripture) – ? Any subject that the Scripture speaks and teaches about has relevance and a measure of importance, but few subjects are as important as this one; it is an absolutely critically important topic, a true essential ‘fundamental’ – this topic of the Holy Spirit, ‘things of the Spirit’ and all that goes with it! We touched on the Holy Spirit in brief in Part 2 when we talked about the “the Lord Our God, the Lord,” the One God of Mark 12:29. Now we are going to dig deeper, much deeper and go into some specifics.
Furthermore, as laid out in part 5A – (and mentioned just above) – these things of the Spirit are intrinsically and inseparably connected to faith, – (we will see that scripture tells us that there is a ‘gift of faith‘ that comes from the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit) – which is the main theme of these two parts 5A and 5B – (and possibly a third one) – ! One of the questions posed concerning this main/head topic of faith was: “How can we really ‘build up’ our faith?“ Well we are going to really dig into this particular question at great depth, because scripture does tell us specifically how we can indeed ‘build up our faith’. In fact, a significant portion of this part, 5B – “Faith Continued”- is going to be dedicated to answering this question, I think that’s like really important, critically and fundamentally so!
First, Let’s talk about Redundancy and Repetition
Some of these topics were covered in varying degrees in previous parts, so there will be – (as I stated in the very beginning of this “book” in the introduction of Part 1) – redundancy and repetition, at least for those who may have read the other parts. Yet, as stated before, repetition is not bad, indeed the opposite is true – as a former basketball coach – I know that a key aspect of learning and then mastering anything of value and having it become internalized and MAINTAINED, is through proper ‘redundancy and repetition’ – practice – that creates good thoughts and thus good habits – or, conversely, bad thoughts and bad habits.
The truth/reality is the vast majority of the things we do or believe has been developed in this manner – consistent redundant repetition – even if we are not conscience or aware of it! These become ‘programmed’ ingrained thoughts and beliefs which become the foundational building blocks for our ‘belief system’ – i. e. faith – again, both good and bad, – (obviously, not all faith is good) – they form habits – (things that we do and are thoughts we think ‘automatically’ with no real thinking at all and the vast majority of these thoughts and beliefs are thoroughly taught/programmed into place in each of us from birth till the ages of eight to ten, several years, for the vast majority, before we come into the ‘age of reasoning’ and have the ability to cognitively question or challenge things that we have been taught or programmed to believe!) – Once established/ingrained, these habits and belief systems, form our preferences, world view and culture and it takes many ‘blows’ to break and then change – (again whether bad or good or neutral, like preferring rice over potatoes) – and this is not done without considerable resistance, especially when it is something that maybe new ideas or concepts or ‘ways’ – outside of our ‘boxed programmed thinking’ that may also challenge those long held belief/faith, customs, ‘ways’ or ‘traditions’ that come from outside of one’s CULTure that they were raised and trained in. – (As it has been often said: “It is easier to fool someone then it is to convince them that they have been fooled” or as John Maynard Keynes said, “It is Easier to ‘bambozzle’ someone than ‘debambozzle.”) – Every culture – (where and when did ‘cultures’ begin? – Gen 11) – is an ‘antichrist’ cult ‘of thieves and robbers’ – (John 10:8) – with one exception – (at least it should be an exception) – and that being the church, the body of Christ, the ‘bride of Christ’ which should be based on the foundation of a revelation of the person of Jesus Christ and the truth of His words spoken through either the logos – scripture or rhema – through the Holy Spirit – (covered in depth in 5a).
It is why God sought to separate Abraham and his offspring out to create a people, and specifically, the children of Israel, for Himself so that He may have a special people/culture for His possession – (1 Pet 2:9) – based on His customs and ‘ways’ and teachings ‘word’ – (Is 55:8,9). It is why all Hebrew poetry, the learning and memorizing of the Torah and oral history is based on rote memorization which is redundant repetition, i.e. programing. And it is that same culture that went entirely away from God’s ways/commandments – (redundant and repetitive practices) – and suffered greatly because of this ‘falling away’, becoming ‘enemies of God‘ and receiving the consequences for it – (suffering near virtual annihilation TWICE in 587 BC and 70 AD) – it is that same CULTure that ultimately put the Lord on the Cross. Why did they put Him on the cross? Because He came to call them back to God – whom they claimed to be “THEIR FATHER” – to repent, and to return to their original culture and traditions that God had given them and over time, they had not only ‘fallen away’ from, but had become the most ardent of enemies! And why did they fall away from them? Because they quit doing the original repetitive and redundant righteous practices – (learning and obeying the commandments, prayer and worship, and executing justice and kindness) – that the Lord commanded them to do and replaced them with their own ‘ways’ and those became entrenched and ingrained – (programmed) – traditions that made them worse off than then the pagan cultures around them!! – (Is not the same thing happening today while getting ‘progressively’ worse? – (2 Tim 3.) Didn’t Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and Jude and many prophets tells us that this ‘falling away’ would be so? – (2 Thess 2:3) – YES THEY DID and there are a plethora of scriptures to back this up, but we will not go into those here!)
Unfortunately, our ‘adversary’ – the devil which means ‘deceiver’ – and his ‘antichrist’ minions knows how repetition and redundancy works as well, and, also unfortunately, better than we do, and they have been using these tactics with great impact, especially in today’s cultures – Luke 16:8.
For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.
[All Scripture quotes, unless otherwise noted will be from the New King James Version (NKJV) – (copyright) – Thomas Nelson publishers – 1981]
This is why the constant, redundant repeating of lies (deceptions), half or partial truths, and propaganda, ‘misdirection’s’ work as a ‘psyop/psywar‘ – (psychological manipulation and warfare i. e – lying, deceit and deception) – that has now become an advanced science with AI and much mind and gene-altering drugs – (‘pharmakeia = scorcery – Rev 18:23.) – against people and has for millennia since the fall! Here is a quote from Joseph Goebbels who was the Nazi propaganda head and an ‘antichrist’ – (1 John 2:22) –
“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, – (redundant repetition) – and eventually they will believe it.” – This worked then, and we are seeing it working – ‘big time’ – today. Did the Lord Himself not specifically warn us about this? Yes He did:
Matt 24:21-25
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and SHOW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
I am seeing a steady and continual assault on the word of God and the teachings and traditions taught in the scripture, by what I have heard termed “Progressive Christianity”, that looks very much like the ‘false christs‘ of Matt 24:4 and Matt 24:24 – (Who are really “antichrist” and false prophets that Jesus and the original apostolic fathers warned us about REDUNDANTLY in the Scripture, both in the New and Old Testaments’.) This ‘Progressive, politically correct ‘church’ and its gospel looks nothing like the original “Christianity” as recorded in the book of Acts or the epistles!
We are coming, and may have arrived, at a point in history where the only way a person can properly discern what is true and what is a lie and the deceptions of the enemy, is by 1.) being filled with the Holy Spirit and 2.) learning to hear His still small voice! – (And a massive part of learning to hear and understand the voice of the Lord (rhema) is by spending copious amounts of time at His feet, like Mary did in Luke 10 or as wayward sheep now stays close to it’s Shepherd after that same Shepherd has broken its leg to keep it from wondering off, after it heals in Ps 51:8, John 10) – and 3.) Digging deep into His Word, and properly dividing the Logos/Scripture and 4.) by having fellowship with ‘those who fear the Lord who talk to one another’ – Mal 3:16 – (Mal 3:13 – 4:2).
One of the primary reasons for the length, ‘tediousness’ and ‘repetition’ of these ‘Fundamental articles’ – (which I had marginally written as short overviews some 20+ years ago) – is simply because much of what I am teaching in these may now fly in the face and challenge this ‘new revelation’, ‘woke’ church – (which have become more and more “Progressive” – and ‘politically correct’ across a broad spectrum, whether they call themselves evangelical, charismatic, liturgical or ’non-denominational’ or ‘new wine’, ‘new apostolic’, and have ‘trendy’ names. ) – traditional doctrines and teachings.
So, if you find that one of your traditional doctrines, that you were taught and ‘raised’ in is being challenged, are you simply going to reject or alter it because someone gave you one scripture!? Of course not, nor would I, as I said just above, it takes many blows to break and then change an entrenched – (programmed) – habit, thought pattern or belief system. We have to first BE WILLING to take an honest look at our world view and belief system – (faith) – and then we will need to have a plethora of consistently and properly ‘divided’ and applied ‘truth hammer blows’ from scripture to establish SURE FOUNDATIONS and even then, many will reject it, why? Several reasons.
The first and main one is just plain old pride. As quoted above, admitting that one has been deceived and believed a lie for an extended period of time is not easy to do. Especially if it is ingrained in one’s mind through their ‘culture’, family, group or church.
Secondly loyalty to the CULTure – (tribe/ family, denomination/church, traditions, beliefs) – one was raised – programmed – in is very strong! (This is why Jesus told the multitudes who were ‘following’ Him around that they had to ‘hate’ – that is what the word really means – despise – their families, children and even themselves, if they wanted to be His true follower, disciple – Luke 14:25) – The changing of one’s mind in this situation is going to cost them something, and it could cause one some real problems; maybe persecution – (2nd seed of the parable of the sower – Matt 13:5,6 and Matt 13: 20,21) – or being ostracized or penalized in some way, maybe even death. It is much easier to stay in the herd and follow ‘the path of least resistance’ to either keep believing the lie or to just avoid the subject altogether in the name of having ‘peace and unity’ and being a comfortable and accepted part of the tribe/herd! Especially if the “new” truth goes against ingrained and accepted teaching and thought patterns or our church/denomination/religion, that are spiritual in nature, that the natural ‘religious’ mind – (and ‘religious/spiritual pride’ is the most insidious of all) – cannot even begin to understand or comprehend outside their religious or theological box and will quickly label it as foolishness or heresy and then will in someway attack both the message and the messenger.
1 Cor 2:10-15:
But God has revealed – (uncover, to bring out of hiding, to open one’s eyes too) – them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit – (the heart, the center) – of the man which is in him? Even so no one KNOWS – (ginosko – to know absolutely, be sure, perceive, experiential/intimate/deeply personal relationship – covered extensively in part 1) – the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
[These verses and their theme will be visited often as well as the church that Paul wrote them too!]
And this feeds into the third reason for rejecting truth. The scripture tells us that, especially in the last days, that there will be a release of demonic spirits of ‘strong delusion’ and false prophets/teachers of ‘unrighteous deception’ –
2 Thess 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
[And there are a plethora of other scriptures that warn/tell us of this REDUNDANTLY! The abyss – sea/bottomless pit will be opened and the spiritual hordes of hell will be released on the earth. Rev 9, Rev 13]
Ultimately, no one can know the real truth except through the revelation that comes through the Spirit from the Father and Son who will “convict the world of righteousness, sin and the judgement to come” – John 16:9:
The Lord said this: Luke 10:22
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows – (ginosko) – who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
And also this: John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, – (logos- teaching, the person of Christ- John 1:14) – you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know – (ginosko) – the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
That is why I have spent thousands of hours, over many years, sitting at His feet, delving – (seeking to ‘dig deep’ – Luke 6:46-49) – and praying through and into the scripture, and into the original languages, seeing how words were used consistently and redundantly, seeking the Lord to reveal His word, His ‘mysteries’, His way and that I might not just have knowledge, but that I might know (ginosko) Him – Phil 3:10 – to know THE TRUTH, the Logos – John 1:14, John 14:6 – “in Spirit and Truth” – John 4:24.
This is a key aspect in the renewing of one’s mind – Rom 12:1
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
And this happens through the redundant washing (bathing) of one’s mind by the word of God – both Logos and Rhema – Eph 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify – (make holy, pure) – and cleanse her with the washing – (cleansing, scrubbing) – of water by the word, – (rhema) – 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
I am seeking diligently to understand what the early apostolic father’s – the authors of New Covenant scripture – fundamental doctrinal foundations were so that my mind – (my ‘ways’ and CULTural traditions) – can be cleansed, changed and transformed to be in alignment with His thoughts, ways and traditions and over the years I have written down what I believed I have heard from Him and these writings and “The Fundamentals” are the result. I did not just do this in a corner either. I have shared my thoughts and observations with many others from a broad spectrum of doctrinal backgrounds and some who ‘have a name’, for many years; even – as I stated in the intro in Part 1 quoting Charles Finney – being willing to be shown how I am misinterpreting or misapplying the scriptures, lest I have run in vain – (or amiss, off the mark) – Gal 2:2.
I take this very seriously, I know the warning given in James 3:1 –
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
So, I do not put anything in these “Fundamentals” that I have not spent considerable time in research, prayer and communication with others to vet things out. Yet, I have had few, actually no, real challengers or anyone who has sought to correct, disagree, contend or debate with me directly over the topics that I have covered up till this point. What few challenges that have come my way – (normally second hand through someone else) – is usually “backed up” by the quoting of their ‘pastor/mentor/teacher’ – (who quotes or refers to their own mentor or denominational teachers, seminary or bible school) – or some author, or they draw off their favorite teacher, or their church doctrinal statement – (that generally avoids any scripture that would counter their doctrine) – that they grew up in. Then there were those who draw on some new modern ‘post/extra biblical revelation’-
[These are the ones who believe in a form of ‘dispensationalism’ that there is a new revelation of doctrine, “from the spirit” that is more relevant for our times and some scripture – that by some special divine dispensational authority – (by the spirit of course) – they claim to have where they get to be the judge of which scripture is or is not relevant for us now because ‘times have changed’ and there is now ‘new revealed revelation’ – (“Progressive Christianity” at its finest) – or they have gotten a ‘new fresh revelation’ – (like Paul did concerning the law and circumcision) – and they can decide which scripture was only relevant for the day or culture it was written to and which is timeless. They must do this so that they can remove difficult scripture that goes against their ‘new revelation’ of the day and they must find a way to neutralize, neuter or remove them. Here is but one of many such examples of a difficult scripture that today’s “Progressive church” seeks to restrict to the time and culture for when it was penned:1 Tim 2:8-15
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 AND I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH OR TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER A MAN, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing – (this is not just having babies, this is helping with the raising of children and ‘watching over the ways of her household’ – Prov 31:27 – among other God ordained and honorable duties) – if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
I didn’t write this scripture, – (and we, at this time are not going to delve into it) – it really doesn’t matter what I feel about it or whether I like or agree with it or not. I have no vote in this matter. I have to accept it for what it is or choose to not accept it or seek to disqualify it through a ‘new revelation’ or interpretation. – (Yet the ‘New Progressive reformation church hates this scripture and chooses to ignore 1 Cor 11:3-11 and 1 Cor 14:34-37, because to them it seems to dishonor women, when the truth is the total opposite. True mature women of God never desire to rule over men or to be men or hold the positions of men! They are content and blessed to do and stay in their God ordained positions!) – Ultimately this judging scripture through a new lens based on the culture and time of the day it was penned is a very slippery slope and many ‘false prophets’ and ‘false teachers’ will come from this and ‘deceive many’! Why? The answer is simple. You cannot just cherry pick the scriptures that you want and declare that they are time sensitive for that specific culture when there are no such parameters attached to it – (in fact the scripture quoted above, Paul attaches directly to the fall back in the garden and that clearly transcends his culture and time!) – so that one can justify their doctrinal position that goes against what scripture actually says. Ones who do this are actually seeking to ‘rewrite scripture’ and reinterpret it themselves to cause it to fit their desired doctrine. We see someone else do this in the garden as well! What this sort of scripture interpretation ends up meaning when following it through to its end; is that this means the homosexual community can now state that Paul’s theological statement in Rom 1:24-27 – that declares such practice immoral, perverted and depraved behavior – can now by wiped away under the guise of “it was for that culture and time”. And that is exactly what that antichrist community is doing and they are quoting various evangelical and charismatic denominations to justify their stance. And I have seen more than a few denominations call Paul both ‘misogynistic’ and ‘homophobic’ and ‘a man stuck in and dealing with the issues of his times’ – (and they have said that about Jesus as well.) – Thus, they justify eroding and the throwing out of Paul’s writings as not anointed scripture FOR TODAY!!! This is also what the serpent did to Eve in the garden. “Has God really said . . .? No He didn’t mean that, he meant this!”– (Gen 3:1-4)]
In any case I have never had anyone come and say to me, “You are off here brother, and here is why” and then showed me in the scripture how I am miss–interpreting scripture or am ‘missing the mark’, and surely none that has come to me after searching the scripture themselves, like the Bereans – (Acts 17:11) – and said “Let’s search the scriptures together to seek truth and understanding, allowing the scripture (the logos) to speak for itself, while seeking the Lord to give us revelation – rhema – knowledge and understanding”, which, as we see from the scripture quoted just above – 1 Cor 2:10-15 – comes from revelation through the Holy Spirit, but it will never go contrary to ‘properly divided’ scripture (EVER)!
Also unfortunately, I believe the study of scripture for oneself, and the seeking of the Lord to open one’s eyes and ears to hear and understand – (what has been called ‘getting your own fork’) – itself is somewhat a lost art or ‘discipline’. We don’t have time, or value, for such things, we are like baby birds most the time, gobbling up whatever is dangled in front of us ‘trusting’ the source without any questioning at all, especially if the source has ‘credentials’, a ‘name’ and doubly so if they are excellent in speech, oration or are good writers – (of which I am most definitely not) – and have been given a platform and come from one’s preferred ‘camp’ and are reinforcing one’s personal traditions and customs, and especially telling us what we want to hear! Paul spoke directly about this issue to his ‘son’ and protégé Timothy in 2 Tim 4:2-4 –
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. – (stories, ‘fairy tales’, that make one feel good and confirm our preferred theology.)
No wonder we have been deceived by all kinds of lies and the Lord said it would be so, especially as the day of His return draws nigh. Matt 24:3-5
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
Matt 24:23-27
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
[Yes I know I am being redundant with this scripture, and for good reason!]
To go deeper into this subject of repetition, you don’t just play an instrument once and become a master after one or two lessons do you? Or once you do have some level of proficiency, do you stop practicing and expect to maintain that level of proficiency?! Of course not. In like manner, we should not think that we can just read scripture -the logos/teaching/commandments – one or two times and believe we have mastered it! And even when we do understand we must maintain and continue to grow constantly ‘renewing our mind – through the washing of the word’ – both the logos and the rhema’ which comes from spending time in the logos scripture and also at the feet of our Lord like Mary, or a child humbly listening to Him, learning of Him, and choosing “the better part”- (Luke 10:38-31). We will never fully understand or ‘know’ the Lord or comprehend the word of God in our lifetimes, in fact we will not even make a discernible mark in our pursuit of ‘knowing God’ on this side of eternity!
We are told, actually commanded, by the Lord to ‘dig deep’ – (Luke 6:47) – into and mediate, think on – Selah – (Ps 4:4, Ps 77:5 – I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search.) – and study and be diligent in the scripture (2 Tim 2:15) to “learn of Me.” – (Matt 11:29). So that we can be true sheep, disciples/followers, who properly discern His voice and follow Him and not be led astray by the devils lies and deceptions which come in the form of ‘sheep outwardly but inwardly are ravenous wolves’ or some other counterfeit or false ‘shepherd’, teacher or prophet! – (John 10).
The reality is we see much redundancy and repetition in scripture and from the Lord Himself. When we see a story or parable or a point repeated several times in the gospels, there is a reason for it! We know that it is important. We need to remember that He Himself was a ‘traveling preacher/teacher’, He would teach the same lessons and parables over and over again in each new location. Thus, the apostles heard these lessons over and over again. The Lord was also most definitely ‘teaching something new’ – (at least for them) – that greatly challenged the ‘interpretation of scripture’ and the traditions of the arrogant and blind pharisees and religious leaders. More often than not, the teaching of the Lord was in conflict with the commonly held beliefs/faith and applications and interpretations of scripture from those same priest and minsters of His time. This is true with the other apostles, who were in constant conflict and personal peril because of it, taking a beating early in the game – (Acts 5:22-41) – and even – rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. (vs 41) – and this surely held true for Paul as well above all, except the Lord Himself.
We see Peter say this: 2 Peter 1:12-13
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you . . .
Paul says this: Phil 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
In any case, we are going to continue to delve deeply, digging into these scriptures that we at first touched and focused on in part 5A concerning faith and as said, being ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ and more specifically, ‘speaking/praying in tongues.’ And this is the one subject that I have actually gotten some real and personal push back on and that push back has not been based on what scripture says about the topic – because in reality they do not know – (and may not want to know) – what scripture has to say about it but what they have been taught, think or feel about the topic. It normally does not take long for this topic to become emotionally charged and personal in the response that I get back. It is very difficult to have an open and objective conversation, seeking truth, under such highly charged conditions. The goal is not to offend, or win an argument. The goal is to know the truth and that the knowing and accepting of that truth will set one free and give one true revelation based on the word of God, revealed by “the Spirit of truth.” This topic has been so charged for so many years, that I believe it to be critically important to write up this specific intro before delving into it.
At the end of this part, I will seek to put it all together in a comprehensive package that will, I believe, withstand the arrows and shots of assault that will most certainly be sent my way as this is a subject, as noted, that has been heavily avoided or ‘censored/canceled’ in many church denominations – (even those that believe in the ‘gift’) – because, as I said above, the possibility of it causing offense and ‘division’. Yet, the reality is, I do not ever see Jesus or John, Paul or Peter or any of the others ever back away and simply not say something about truth because it may offend someone or go against ingrained beliefs, actually the opposite is true. We would do well to remember that Jesus is actually called the stumbling block the rock of offense – Rom 9:32, 33. We should remember that Jesus told Jews to “drink His blood” and “eat His flesh” – (John 6:43-67 – and nothing could be more offensive to a Jew then this!) – Why? It’s simple, Jesus was “the Truth” the living Logos of God in the flesh (John 1:14) – and it is by pursuing and going after and acknowledging and receiving truth that we are “set free” – John 8:31-32 – to be all He has called us to be!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, – (logos -teaching/commandments) – you are My disciples – (true ‘disciplined’ followers/sheep/servants) – indeed. 32 And you shall know – (ginosko – covered extensively in part 1) – the truth, (what is really real) and the truth shall make you free.”
And that is my ultimate goal here, to pursue and know the Truth/truth and if the truth is in conflict with what I have been taught – customs, traditions i.e – culture – or my belief/‘faith’ – world view – then I need to humble myself and adjust my belief/ faith or ‘traditions’ to match the truth and not get offended and attack the truth or the messenger of it! — HM April 2022]
————————————————————————————————————-
We ended Part 5A with this statement:
“Laying Biblical Foundations for ‘the Sword of the Spirit’ – (Eph 6:17-18) – as related to “Praying in the Spirit” and its correlation to “Faith.”
Eph 6:17-18
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word – (rhema) – of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
And we are going to pick up there now and begin with looking into the foundations of the church at Corinth.
Beginning in Acts 16:6, we see that Paul – (who wrote Eph 6:17,18 – the ‘sword of the Spirit’) – is ‘stuck’ in Troas, he is seeking and waiting on the Lord to show him where they should go next, several possibilities had been shut down by revelation (rhema) from the ‘Holy Spirit or the Spirit of the Lord’
– (There are several times the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, gives ‘negative words’ or warnings. Where He tells us to not do something specific or to do something specific, like flee/leave! He told/warned Joseph in a dream to take the Lord and flee to Egypt – (Matt 2:13). Surely God had the ability to protect His own son, yet He warned Joseph to leave – SELAH – think about it. He warned the wise men to go home a different way – (Matt 2:12). ) –
Paul then gets the ‘Macedonian call’ – (a vision of a man from Macedonia saying ‘come over here and help us’ – another type of rhema word) – and Paul accepts this as from the Lord and immediately seeks to follow/obey it.
He, with at least Silas, Luke and Timothy, heads, over to Macedonia. They go to Philippi – a significant city in the region, but one that was without a Jewish synagogue as there were few Jews there – he, and his team, meets Lydia on the sabbath day prayer where they met down by the river, and eventually they stay with her. Paul then cast a demon out of a slave girl, which had been following them around, which caused quite the ruckus. He and Silas are also beaten and imprisoned over this, and an earthquake comes – (while they are singing – in chains, with stripes – and worshiping the Lord) – and sets them free and the Philippian jailer is saved and many others, and there is a strong church established that endured for centuries – (to which Paul later writes the epistle to the Philippians while confined during one of his numerous imprisonments after they had sent him a financial gift.) – They head to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue which – ‘as was his custom’ – Acts 17:2, he went to, and another fellowship is established – (1 & 2 Thessalonians) – And they are driven out of there, at night, by the ‘envious Jews’.
Then they go through Berea (who are more ‘noble minded’ willing to search through scriptures honestly looking for truth), where once again, the Jews, who are constantly dogging Paul – (Paul has a lifetime of either stirring up trouble or being a recipient of trouble) – again causing problems and Paul is singularly escorted, for his safety, to Athens. While at Athens, Paul is provoked by the ridiculous numbers of idols, this is the seat of Greek culture and the intellectual arrogance along with the Greek pantheon of god’s and the perversions attached to them. He proceeded to go to the Areopagus and delivers a perfectly crafted Greek persuasive speech, using the idol to the “UNKNOWN GOD” as his theme. The end result is a few come to believe but we see no fellowship or assembly of the saints established in Athens.
Right after Athens – (he does not seem to stay there long) – Paul heads west – (seemingly alone) – about 50 or so miles to Corinth, another strong Greek cultural and intellectual center. What is interesting to note here is that when Paul first came to Corinth, and where he found and stayed with Aquila and Priscilla alone, without his team, that Acts 18:4 says this:
. . . “he (Paul) REASONED in the synagogue every Sabbath, and PERSUADED both Jews and Greeks.”
And then right after this Acts 18:5-7 says:
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and TESTIFIED to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
This ‘blow up’ also occurs in the synagogue – Acts 18:7-8
And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
Here we see Paul go into the house of Justus and we see him change his focus and also his method of ministry and evangelism. Before this he was seeking to “‘reason with and persuade’ both Jews and Greeks, in the synagogue” but I wonder what he was seeking to persuade them about? It is clear that he was not sharing the gospel directly with them as we see that it is only after Silas and Timothy comes that Paul is now COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT to TESTIFY that Jesus is the Christ – (not persuade only through ‘reasoning’ scripture, debate or ‘apologetics’, but to share his personal testimony/story/witness of Christ which is one of the three ingredients by which we ‘overcome/have victory’- (Rev 12:11, John 15:26) – and this is when, once again, there is an uproar!
– {[compelled (pressed) –Strong’s NT:4912 – sunecho (soon-ekh’-o); from NT:4862 and NT:2192; to hold together, i.e. to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy: – constrain, hold, keep in, press, lie sick of, stop, be in a strait, straiten, be taken with, throng.]
All definitions from the Greek or Hebrew will come from:
(Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
This word compelled has the connotation that it was not something that Paul really wanted to do, the Spirit pressured or arrested him to do this and Paul’s trepidation is understandable. Ever since he landed in Macedonia he had been going from one uproar and persecution to the next – He later says this to these same Corinthians: 1 Cor 9:16-18
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity – (constraint/distress) – is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship – (responsibility).}
(This is when we see the name of the Lord as being the Christ, the Son of God brought into the message and again this is when things go nuts! It is no different today. If our gospel/testimony message does not include an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ giving glory to His name, then it is not a ‘testimony of Christ’ or ‘gospel’ at all. And when one ‘declares’ that Jesus is the Christ the one true Son of God – (this is the one true and righteous ‘Faith declaration’ that we should boast about!) – things have a tendency to go nuts because the whole world is under the ‘sway’ – influence – of the lies of the devil since the fall – (“Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against – an array of – spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places” – Eph 6:12) – and you are coming against entrenched mindsets and beliefs/faith – 1 John 5:19!)
However, this time it is the Jews who take a beating – (Sosthenes particularly, who later comes to the Lord as he is mentioned in the opening verse of the first letter to these same Corinthians, Paul calling him ‘brother’ and giving him mention as one of the authors.) – and Paul ends up staying in Corinth for a year and half after, having received another rhema word from the Lord to, “fear not for I have many people here”. So, Paul spends much time there and the church is well established. It is this same church that Paul later sends 1 & 2 Corinthians too. The Corinthian church was what I would call in some ways a weird almost ‘schizophrenic’ church. They are a predominantly Greek, pure Greek, – (and his letters to them are clearly to a Greek intellectual mindset which is different than the Macedonians and those from Asia minor) – whereas before he had sought out the Jews, mixed Greek/Jews (Hellenist) or the proselytes (converts to Judaism) – he has now, ‘left the Jews and gone to the Gentiles’ and these ‘Gentiles’ are classical Greek and are therefore steeped in gnosis, “knowledge”, and the intellectual pride that comes with it, – (1 Cor 8:1) along with the rampant paganism of the Greek pantheon of gods! And on the other hand, they are clearly, ‘charismatic/Pentecostal’ as it was not established as much on teaching or theology but on the manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit – (1 Cor 2:1-5) – and it is also – at least as recorded in Acts and scripture – the last church we see him ‘father’ as well.
So, what is the main point I am trying to make here? When Paul left the Jews and went to the gentiles, he no longer sought to reason with them using persuasive/debate (apologetics) tactics, but was led by the Spirit who compelled Him to testify – (to bear witness, tell his story/testimony about his personal encounter with the Lord) – ‘that Jesus was the Christ!’ – and that was not, as we will soon see, the only thing the Spirit caused Paul to do.
I went into depth recounting the biblical historical foundations for Corinth from Acts specifically because it lays the groundwork to help us better understand the context of the two letters he wrote to them.
Later, when Paul is in Ephesus (Acts 19), he writes his first letter to the Corinthian – (1 Cor) – to address a number of problems that he has heard about in a report from “Chloe’s household,” with the first and most important one being ‘divisions’ – (sectarianism /DENOMINATIONS in the flock caused by the ‘following’ or devotion to a preferred teacher/preacher! – Selah). 1 Cor 1-3 deals with this particular problem and in this section, Paul gives us some clear insight into the strategy and methodology he used when laying the foundation for this fellowship in Corinth during that year and half he was there. – when he says:
1 Cor 2:1-5
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did NOT come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech – (logos/teaching) – and my preaching – (proclamation, to herald) – were NOT with persuasive – (enticing or presenting a well-crafted argument/apologetics) – words (logos) of human wisdom, but in demonstration – (manifestation, something clearly observable) – of the Spirit – (the Holy Spirit) – and of power, – (dunamis) – 5 that YOUR FAITH – (pistis) – should NOT be in the wisdom of men but in the power – (dunamis) – of God.
This was a markedly different strategy than what he used in Athens and also in the other places he had been before which was to go to the synagogue – (as a pharisee, a former member of the consul, he would have no difficulties getting a platform to speak) – and reason and debate with the Jews and proselytes. Yet this time, after doing that initially, he was ‘arrested’ by the Holy Spirit to testify about Christ, he also clearly – (from the verses above and by what we will see later in this letter to the Corinthians) – taps in to the power of the Holy Spirit who had ‘compelled’ him to radically change his approach.
The Holy Spirit
God speaks His rhema word to us through His Spirit, whether this be through a dream – Matt 2:13, ‘trance or vision’ – Acts 10 or a ‘still small voice’ – like Elijah in the cleft of the rock – 1 Kings 19:11 – or by impression/intuition – Acts 18:5 – into one’s heart – inner spirit man – this is where the Spirit of God, that lives in our hearts, ‘leads – (reveals/guides) – us into all truth’ – it is this inner spirit person that resides in our heart that is the dwelling place of our spirit – (Elohyim/Theos – John 10:33,34) – that is in direct communication with God – (this was covered in depth in Part 2) – and Jesus makes this clear in John 16:5-15.
“But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send HIM * – (autos) – to you. 8 And when He ** – (ekeinos) – has come, He ** will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say – (logos) – to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He **, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will GUIDE – (lead, show the way) – you into ALL truth; for He ** will NOT SPEAK – [Strong’s NT:2980 –laleo (lal-eh’-o); a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words: – preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.] – ON HIS *** OWN AUTHORITY **** – (heautou – Strong’s NT:1438) – , but whatever He hears He will SPEAK; and He will tell – [NT:312 – anaggello (an-ang-el’-lo); from NT:303 and the base of NT:32; to announce (in detail): – declare, rehearse, report, show, speak, tell.] – you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
There is no greater uncontested biblical evidence of a three person God that is ‘One’, then these verses! We see the Lord clearly lay out many of the roles and some names of the Holy Spirit – ‘the Helper‘, ‘the Spirit of truth‘, ‘the one who convicts‘, ‘the one who guides us into truth‘ and will tell us of “things to come” – ‘in detail’. ‘He‘ ** is clearly submitted to the Father and the Son as ‘He’ ** does not speak on “His’ own authority. – (The Holy Spirit also can, and does speak, through prophecy where “He” ** uses men – and women – as a vehicle, mouth piece to directly speak the ‘rhema’ word to a person’s, or group of peoples, mind/understanding, and this can also include using the logos/scripture – and no true prophecy or revelation will ever go against the scripture – and we are called to use spiritual discernment and wisdom to judge/decide what is true or false prophecy, because there is and will be even more false prophecy and prophets! Jesus and the apostles made this redundantly clear.)
After the Spirit speaks in our hearts, the truth is then revealed into our minds,
– and we become aware of it and can now choose to believe and obey (faith) or not believe and disobey (unbelief). This is where real faith comes from “hearing the rhema word of God” – Rom 10:17 that comes via the Holy Spirit. This is the parable of the sower in action. Some don’t hear, some hear and believe but have no root or perseverance in their faith and just want the ‘blessings’ without the trials, and others hear but the cares or the world and the deceitfulness of riches chokes them out and they never bear fruit and then there are the those that hear, believe and obey and bear fruit, thirty, sixty and hundred fold. The word it self comes through the Spirit. That is why we are called to “walk in the Spirit’ and renew our minds, through HIS WORDS, both the logos so that we can properly discern the true rhema and not be deceived!
{** Notes on He, Him, Himself from the above verses:
The words “Him*”
– [Him Strong’s NT:846 – autos (ow-tos’); from the particle au [perhaps akin to the base of NT:109 through the idea of a baffling wind] (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative NT:1438) of the third person and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: – her, it (-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, ([self-], the) same, ([him-, my-, thyself, [your-] selves, she, that, their (-s), them ([-selves]), there [-at, -by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with], they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare NT:848 – hautou (how-too’); contracted for NT:1438 self; (in some oblique case or reflexively, relation): – her (own), (of) him (-self), his (own), of it, thee, their (own), them (-selves), they.]
“He**”
– [He – Strong’s NT:1565 ekeinos (ek-i’-nos); from NT:1563; that one (or [neuter] thing); often intensified by the art. prefixed: – he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), their, them, they, this, those. See also NT 3778 – houtos (hoo’-tos); including nominative masculine plural houtoi (hoo’-toy); nominative feminine singular haute (how’-tay); and nominative feminine plural hautai (how’-tahee); from the article NT:3588 and NT:846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated): – he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.]
“His ***
– which is not there in the original language
His own Authority ****
Strong’s NT:1438 heautou (heh-ow-too’) (including all other cases); from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of NT:846; him- (her-, it-, them-, also [in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons] my-, thy-, our-, yourself-) (selves), etc.: – alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own (-selves), that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them (-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
– has nothing to do with male or female gender or sex. It is just a generic personal pro noun marker. – (as talked about in previous parts) – And this is made clear by the Strong’s Greek definitions of the word Him (autos) and He (ekinos) and His own authority – (heautou) – just posted above.]
The Holy Spirit ‘from the beginning’ in Gen 1:2,3, has always been the personal representative/manifestation of the Power ‘Dunamis’ and presence of the Glory of the Lord. The Spirit is Holy and is like a ‘consuming fire’ – (Ex 24:17, Heb 12:29) – who is ‘the manifest presence’, ‘the cloud’ – (Matt 17:5-7) – of the ‘Lord God’ – (Yahweh Elohiym) – who is jealous for us – (Duet 4:24) – that we have no other loves before Him! The Spirit is the Father’s Holy Spirit – (Gen 6:3, John 14:17) – and is the Father’s ‘soul mate’, they are one and inseparable and the Spirit is totally submitted to Him and also the Son through the Father – John 16:13-15. The place, roll and person of the Holy Spirit as ‘another helper’/comforter – John 14:16 – as God’s manifest power and glory and as the one who convicts us of righteousness, sin and the judgment to come – (John 16:8) – and the one who implements the Father and the Son’s will, as well as being the one person of the God head who was sent to dwell within us, making us ONE with God – (John 17:20-26), is redundantly and repetitively seen throughout Scripture and what Jesus taught as well. The Holy Spirit ‘himself’ – (being a Spirit is therefore neither male or female, though their is considerable evidence to show that the female, the woman, is created primarily in the image and likeness of the Holy Spirit) – is a complex, indescribable Spirit person – (Elohyim) – that is also God and One with the Father and Son and has been eternally existent with the Father and the Son.
Holy – Strong’s –NT:40 hagios (hag’-ee-os); from hagos (an awful (awesome/fearful) thing) [compare NT:53, NT:2282]; sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): – (most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Spirit – Strong’s – NT:4151 pneuma (pnyoo’-mah); from NT:4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul *, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: – ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. –
[*The words ‘rational soul’ * is Strong’s attempt to correlate the spiritual aspect of a human man into something within a man. His team struggles with this definition – (understandably so) – even including the ‘mind’ in the definition. However, the spirit of a man does not reside in the soul or the mind. It resides in the heart based on Mark 12:29 where the Lord in “the greatest of all commandments” tells us to love the Lord our God, the Lord with all your/our HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH. These are four distinct and individual words with the heart – the center of our being – the first mentioned. The spirit of a man resides in the heart. Our soul is our self, the seat of our emotions and personality, it is also the seat of our fallen/bent spirit what is described as by Greek/secular psychology as our ‘psyche’.Also, the word ‘mind’ from Mark 12:29 is our natural mind, intellect, will. However, in Strong’s definition above ‘mind’ does not represent the rational human mind or intellect. It is the mind of Christ – (1 Cor 2:16) – a spiritual mind which the natural human fallen mind cannot comprehend at all, This was covered in depth in part 2 and we are going to delve into this more deeply here.]
Here is the ‘Spirit’ of God – (Elohyim) – from the Hebrew of Gen 1:2
[Spirit – Strong’s – Hebrew OT:7307 ruwach (roo’-akh); from OT:7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): – air, anger, blast, breath, cool, courage, mind, quarter, side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, vain, ([whirl-]) wind (-y).
OT:7306 ruwach (roo’-akh); a primitive root; properly, to blow, i.e. breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy): – accept, smell, touch, make of quick understanding.]
The Holy Spirit is complex, there are seven Spirits of God – (Rev 1:4, Rev 3:1, Rev 4:5, Rev 5:6) – the Spirit of life, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of truth, Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, and the Spirit of might – (Is 11:2) – and the Spirit who, – (as noted before – John 16:8) – convicts of sin. righteousness and the judgement to come. It is not a good idea to blaspheme or speak derogatorily or dismissively of the Holy Spirit! – (Matt 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10 – there is some repetition and redundancy for us there!)
The Power (Dunamis) of the Holy Spirit
Again, please note, that Paul says to the Corinthians in 2:1-4 that this gospel was NOT built on enticing or persuasive words – (logos/doctrine – he was not pushing or selling the gospel to just win the minds of the people and gain converts to his teaching or ministry) – but with “the demonstration (observable manifestation) of Spiritual power” –
Dunamis is used 116 times in the New Testament, and the overwhelming use of it refers to the supernatural, miraculous power of God manifested through the Holy Spirit, it is used as: miracles, strength, ability, power, mighty deeds and mighty works. Each person has a measure of dunamis (strength/power) in themselves, and 1 Cor 15:56 says “the STRENGTH/POWER -[dunamis] – of sin is the law”.
It is important to know that just because the Spirit does “mighty deeds” – dunamis– through a person or if a person is a recipient of a miracle or mighty deed of God, DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH BEING SAVED! In fact it can lead to greater judgement.
Matt 11:20-25
Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works – (dunamis) – had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works – (dunamis) – which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”
We have no clue where Capernaum – (the Lord’s ‘home base’ , were many of the apostles were from) – was, we are can only speculate!
The Lord said this – Matt 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders – [dunamis] –in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew – [ginosko] – you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
It is not a good thing to be a recipient of the grace and power of God and then to fall or turn away!
2 Peter 2:18-22
For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” NKJV
Let us run our life’s race circumspectly in humble fear – (working out our salvation with fear and trembling – Phil 2:12) – lest we fall, for the Lord and scripture is clear, there will be a great ‘falling away’ and in fact it is one of the signs Paul gives us to actually know that the return of the Lord is drawing nigh!
2 Thess 2:1-3
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the FALLING AWAY comes first, NKJV
NT:647 – apostasion (ap-os-tas’-ee-on); neuter of a (presumed) adj. from a derivative of NT:868; properly, something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce:- (writing of) divorcement.]
(Please not the words ‘falling away’ – apostasia – means more than just falling away, it means to ‘defect’. It is like a soldier in the army of his nation not just going AWOL and leaving the army, it is like him going to join the enemies army – this is defection! They become a most dangerous and hated enemy to their original people!)
It is good to remember what the Lord said on the day that He was ascended and why He sent the power [dunamis] of the Holy Spirit in the first place: Acts 1:4-8
And being assembled together with them, He COMMANDED them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the FATHER, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the FATHER has put in His own authority. 8 But YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER – [dunamis] – WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU; and YOU SHALL BE WITNESSES to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This ‘promise’ was not just for the apostles and those who saw Him ascend, or just the first century church; at the end of Peter’s sermon to the ‘devout men of Jerusalem’ on the day of Pentecost, he said this: Acts 2:38-39
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are AFAR OFF, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
[Note this promise was not given to us so that we could have power or authority in ourselves for our benefit, name, fame or ‘ministry’ – like Simon in Acts 8:18-21!]And this is what we see the Holy Spirit ‘compelled’ Paul to do in Corinth, to teach them to not lean or rely on ‘knowledge – gnosis – or persuasive words‘, but to ‘testify‘ and share the simple gospel of “Christ crucified and risen from the dead” and then to introduce them to the Holy Spirit so that their FAITH would be in ‘the power – (dunamis/revelation) – of God‘ and NOT ‘the wisdom of men’. – (1 Cor 2:5).
As noted, these supernatural manifestations – (power/dunamis) – ‘gifts’ – (charismas) – from God are specifically from and through the Holy Spirit, and the Father and Son wants us to have them so that we can be His witnesses. – (No wonder satan works so hard to create lies/false teaching and deception about this subject in particular! If ‘he’ can ‘muck up the waters’ around the ‘things of the Spirit and the power of God’ then he can keep you from receiving and using them, he knows that you will be powerless, you will have no ‘sword of the Spirit!’ Which is the only offensive weapon we have in the armor of God!)
And this is what we see Paul do with the Corinthians in Acts 18, he came in weakness, fear and trembling, preaching the gospel of the cross then called on the Holy Spirit to come in power, and not with eloquent words, and this is exactly what happened! We again see what Paul says to these same Corinthians in 1 Cor 4:20:
For the kingdom of God is not in word – (logos, teaching – can be the ‘words’ of men as well) – but in power – [dunamis]
– which means the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit manifested, which is going to include the same thing that happened in Acts 2 and Acts 10 – (where the Holy Spirit first arrived on the stage, first to the Jew and also the Greek – (gentile) – Rom 2:9,10) ) – and will also lead to healing, prophecy, observable daemons cast out, miracles and – as will be proven decisively – includes ‘varieties – (genos) – of tongues’ ** as well as other recognized/discernible ‘Spiritual gifts’ – [charis or charismas] – from the Holy Spirit!
– All miracles, signs and wonders Jesus did were through the Holy Spirit, He had no supernatural power manifested through Him until He was filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism, where the Holy Spirit came upon and into Him. The first thing the Spirit did was to lead Him to the wilderness to be tested. One cannot live 40 days without food and water in that environment without supernatural power!
(And yes sometimes the manifestation of the Spirit includes hard discipline, where God removed the ‘Spirit of life’ – (like Ananias and Saphira, Acts 5:1-11) – as a lesson to us all that we should walk in Godly fear and not seek to impress men while lying to the to the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is the “giver of life” and as such our very breath and life comes from “Them” – Father, Son through and by the Holy Spirit. As we saw in the beginning with Adam (with Eve breathed into him) – (Gen 2:7) – the ‘breath of life‘ is the Spirit of God.
** Paul would not have dedicated three chapters – (1 Cor 12-14) – to the teaching about tongues. prophecy, miracles and other Spiritual gifts – (‘charismas’) – and their place, role and purpose in the church, if the Corinthians had not witnessed or experienced these same “dunamis” manifestations of the Spirit of God at some point in time prior to Paul addressing them in this letter! It is clear that the Corinthians have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that the manifestation of the ‘dunamis’ supernatural power of God has already occurred. A manifestation that clearly included tongues, one that in 1 Cor 2:1-5, – (as we have noted and needs to be repeated) – Paul stated was the foundation of the Corinthian churches faith.
1 Corinthians chapters 12-14
We are now going to go into those three chapter – (1 Cor 12-14 – which should be looked at as its own individual subtopic as Paul is going to change subjects away from instructions and order concerning the ‘communion feast’) – and focus in and teach on a new topic and he states what the topic is going to be in 1 Cor 12:1-2:
Now concerning spiritual ‘gifts’, I do not want you to be ignorant:
– (the word ‘gifts’ in verse one, is added to the English text for clarity it could also be translated “now concerning specific spiritual manifestations – dunamis – of the Holy Spirit. I do not want you to be ignorant” The Greek word for ‘spiritual’ here is ‘pneumatikos’ it has to do with spiritual things or supernatural manifestations/occurrences from the Holy Spirit.)
So, from this opening statement, Paul is going to seek to teach and educate the Corinthian church on this specific subject, the proper place and role of the manifestations – ‘dunamis’ – of the Spirit in the church and also blend it with the‘gifts’ and attributes of the Son and the Father. He is also seeking to bring some correction and ‘balance’ to this complex, multifaceted subject of the functions and manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the church – as well as in the individual believer. It is not an easy task – (And it is still not an easy task today. One should wonder why? – SELAH) – He seeks to do so systematically and carefully’. He starts with an opening foundational statement and works down to specifics and put’s the ‘love chapter’ dead in the middle of the teaching, and he does that for a reason! Love is the foundation for everything GOD IS LOVE – because if one is not ‘rooted and grounded in love,’ then one can easily become drunk with ‘power’ go ‘whacko’ and can seek the dunamis/gifts of the Holy Spirit for selfish motives – (as Simon did in Acts 8) – which is not a good idea, it can lead to much hurt and confusion and can actually lead one, as we already noted, to hell! – (Matt 7:23-25) Then there is the other extreme, which can lead to the total removal of these spiritual power ‘dunamis’ gifts – (even some calling them of satan!!) – that the Lord wanted us to both have and use! – (Sadly, both of these extremes is the norm in the body today!)
Besides these being complex and spiritually deep issues, that really can’t be understood or comprehended though the natural mind – (1 Cor 2:1-16) – he is dealing almost exclusively with classical Greeks, a people that have little to no background in the word of God at all, in fact the opposite is true. He does not want to quench the use of Spiritual gifts/manifestations/endowments – (charismas) – (instead he is going to exhort the Corinthians to “Pursue LOVE” – which is the foundation for everything that is good and Love is never self-centered – (1 Cor 13:5) – AND to “earnestly desire” and ‘pursue spiritual gifts’ – and especially ‘to prophecy’ – 1 Cor 14:1) – the ‘better Spiritual gifts‘. Paul then goes into specific teaching about tongues and prophecy and he is seeking to help them mature both in knowledge and proper uses of them. He then tells them that they should do so with some sensitivity and semblance of order and not be chaotic or seek to draw attention to oneself, especially in the assembling together, where unbelievers are not only present but welcomed – (at least should be).
There is a proper place for all these Spirit originated ‘dunamis’ gifts – (charimas) -to function – (used/manifested) – and also an improper use of them as well – (And there will also be false prophets and counterfeit ‘manifestations/gifts’ from the hoards of hell, that seek to deceive and confuse – “even the saints if possible” – Jesus said this directly in Matt 24:24 and there are many others scriptures that speak of this, especially as the return of the Lord draws close.) – Paul will especially teach on the use of ‘tongues’ in a corporate assembly, the church. So, there is quite a bit about ‘tongues’ in this section, chapters 12-14, and especially in chapter 14 where ‘speaking/praying in tongues’ (and prophesying) is a main theme. Let’s dig into this and seek to unpack it, as mentioned above it is not easy.
1 Corinthians 12 – The blending of “Gifts” of the Spirit, “Ministries” of the Lord and “Activities” of God
Paul opens this section with 1 Cor 12:1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
After a comment about them being formerly ‘gentiles’ pursuing ‘dumb idols‘ and that no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit. He is going to delve into the main subject, spiritual gifts. He is going to do that by laying a foundation about there being a diversity ‘gifts’, ‘administrations’ and activities of God. He states that there are three distinct set of ‘gifts’/talents/endowments from each individual member of the God Head: 1 Cor 12:4-6
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same SPIRIT. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same LORD. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same GOD who works all in all.
1.) – There are a diversity of gifts – (charismas) of the same SPIRIT – (Pneuma – the Holy Spirit).
2.) – There are difference of ministries but the same LORD – (Kurious – Master/King this is the same Jesus Christ the Son of God of Eph 4:8-17.
(‘ministries‘ is the Greek word – diakonos, – which are the five deacon/servant ‘leadership’ offices – ’gifts’ – apostle, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers, – and also elders, bishops and deacons – these put together, represent the government of the church. They are the “doma” gifts of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – [Strong’s NT:1390 doma (dom’-ah); from the base of NT:1325; a present: – gift] – listed in Eph 4:7-11:
But to each one of us grace – (divine ability, also a gift – charisma) – was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. -(dorea -Strong’s NT 1431) – 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts – (doma) – to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended” — what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)11 And He Himself – (this is obviously the Lord Jesus, the Son of God) – gave some to be apostles . . . and the rest of the governmental/administration diakonos of the church which included – elders, overseers (bishops) and ‘deacons’ – which Christ is the head of) – And we need to be reminded that there is a stricter judgement on these ‘gifts/ministries’ as well. We need to be careful about claiming to be representing the Lord and His teachings and words when speaking to His flock!! We will most certainly will be held to a higher/stricter judgement, things don’t go well for either false prophets, teachers or apostles! – James 3:1, Ezk 34, Matt 23!
3.) – And there are a diversity of activities– (energema – energy -operations/workings/talents – many are attributes that one is born or raised with) – but it is the same God – (Theos) – representing all of God but specifically God Most High, the Father.
Rom 12:3-8
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God – (Theos, the Father) – has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts – (charismas) – differing according to the grace – (divine ability) – that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, – (a Holy Spirit – [charisma] – gift – 1 Cor 12:10) – let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, – (an administrative [diakonos] gift from the Lord – Eph 4:8) – let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches,– [diakonos] – in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; – (a talent/activity [energema] from the Father) – he who gives, – [energema] – with liberality; he who leads, – [diakonos] – with diligence; he who shows mercy, – [energema] – with cheerfulness.
Ultimately it is the “Father – (Pater- God Most High) – who is the author of all “good and perfect ‘gifts‘” – [Strong’s gifts NT:1434 dorema (do’-ray-mah); from NT:1433; a bestowment: – gift.] – James 1:17) – that includes both the Son and the Holy Spirit! – John 3:16, Acts 2:39, Acts 10:45. – (This dorema is a different Greek word for gift(s) than ‘charisma’ – gifts). This ‘dorea’ is one of the more general generic words – (Strong’ NT 1431-1435) – for gift or giving that all come from the root word: NT:1435 doron (do’-ron); a present; specially, a sacrifice: NT:1431 dorea (do-reh-ah’ – Eph 4:7-); from NT:1435; a gratuity:
The Father gives gifts – dorea/dorema – ‘bestowments’– to all men, whether they are saved or not. Whatever talent or ability or disposition one is born with is from God – The Father – who loves the whole world. For God so loved the world that he gave – (didomi – to give; a broad application) – Jesus His only Begotten Son to the world – (John 3:16) – everyone, the whole world! Yet not all will receive Him in fact, most will not, and that will be by their own choice! – (Luke 13:23-30)
Jesus Christ Himself is the ‘gift‘- dorea/doron of God:
Rom 5:15
But the free gift – (charisma) – is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift – (dorea NT:1431) – by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
While the Father imparts gifts to all, the Son and the Spirit only impart their specific gifts – doma’s and charismas –
(Strongs NT:5486 charisma (khar’-is-mah); from NT:5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: – (free) gift.
– to those who are theirs! These are those who have COME to the Son, repented of their sin so they can receive first the gifts of salvation and the diakonos and then the charisma ‘gifts’ of the Holy Spirit that He, the Father, has made available to them. Yet the diakonos gifts, unlike the charismas of the Spirit, – (which are seen immediately) – are not manifested immediately or obviously. They are grown into and in some sense ‘earned’ through ‘good works’ – (ergon) – faithful obedience going through testing, trials and afflictions. This takes time. These gifts also are not gained by going through seminary or bible school and handed a diploma or certificate of ordination by men! The qualifications for these ‘diakonos “ministry’ gifts’ of the Lord is laid out for us in. 1 Tim 3:1-13:
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, – (overseer) – he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise deacons – (diakonos) – must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.]
So, in 1 Cor 12:4-7, it is evident that Paul is saying that each ‘person’ of the God head, Spirit, Son and Father has their own place, authorities, attributes and ‘gifts’ that they impart to men – (and women) – “for the common good – in the body” and they are ‘woven’ together into ONE body that CHRIST is the head of, no man or Pope- John 17:20-24.
After this, divirsities of Gifts, from each of the God head, Paul narrows his focus specifically to the ‘gifts’ – (charismas) – ‘manifestations – (dunamis) – of the Spirit’ and he list specifically 9 of them. (verses 7-11) – one of them being ‘differing tongues’ and interpretations of such. – (I am not seeking to do a teaching on the specific ‘gifts/ manifestations of the Spirit’ here, so we will not go into that in this part. other than to say the Spiritual gifts can be manifested through a young believer, young men, young women, even those who may not be of proven character. The gifts of the Spirit are not listed as qualifications for being an elder, pastor, diakonos, – perseverance in the fruit of the Spirit and one’s character are determining factors, not so the gifts of the Spirit. We should not judge one’s godliness by the gifts of the Spirit that may be manifested through them, they are entirely unrelated and the oft quoted Matt 7:21-23, completely confirms this!
After listing the 9 Spiritual gifts, he then begins to describe the whole integration of all of us in to one body in Christ being ‘baptized in one Spirit” but he compares it to a human body that has a variety of functioning parts each with their own individual purpose ‘task’ and ‘talent/ability/gift’ – (charisma, diakonos, energma) – that are all needed with each part functioning in the way that it was designed to so it can be one healthy and whole body working together! Just as the Father, Son and Spirit work together and are ONE body that CHRIST is the head of, no man or Pope!
– (Each individual can have multiple gifts operating through them, there are not clearly defined parameters or check list given to specifically define these gifts and offices. There can be a lot of crossover, In fact that is normal. You can be a vehicle for any of the nine spiritual gifts at even given time or situation. These are not so much ‘gifts’ that you possess. They are from the Spirit and distributed through the Spirit, as the Father so leads, one cannot just turn these on or off whenever they want! You can grieve and resist the Spirit, you can refuse to be a vehicle for them, but they are not your personal possession, and if the Holy Spirit works though you, you cannot take any credit or glory at all. All you were was a willing One can mature in learning to hear the Spirit and then obey what you are told to do. However, these gifts never come from men, we are nothing more than a vessel, a vehicle. One never exalts the bottle for the content comes out of it! This is different than specific talents and abilities your were born with ‘energma‘ from the Father, such as natural intelligence – (like the gift/ability to understand math or physics or science) – or a magnetic positive personality, or innate physical or musical skills that you actually do ‘possess’ and develop – (or not develop and waste) – and can turn on or off as often or whenever you want. At the same time you can also be an elder, teacher or pastor (diakonos) from the Son and can operate in more than one gift – (charisma) of the Holy Spirit – etc! They are different both in terms of how they are manifested as well as how they are acquired. The gifts of the Son and the Spirit are not acquired through natural birth.) –
He goes on to state that one part or function – (gift, talent or position) – is not greater or lesser in value than the other, and the hand is not seeking to be – (or envious of) – an eye, etc. – (A body can live without a lot of things, but it cannot live without a heart, soul, or a mind and a few other vital organs. Yet if it loses any of it’s other functions or capabilities it is called ‘handicapped’ and can have a detrimental impact on the whole. We can live and function without eyes or a hand, but it does impact and limit us.
From my vantage point, we have had a church that has been operating without the gifts of the Spirit – in Holy fear and proper order – for a long time, and then we have a church that has been misusing the gifts of the Spirit – (or maybe operating in counterfeits – there will be an increase in ‘false prophets’ as the day of the Lord draws close – Jesus said this redundantly) – that may not be a real member of the real church at all! We need to remember the ‘antichrist spirit’ came out of the ‘church’ – 1 John 2:18-19
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
The first church that has none of the 9 gifts of the Spirit seen operating in it, I liken unto Ephesus, the “cold love church” that is close to losing it’s ‘candle stand’ – Rev 2:1-8, the second is Laodecea ‘the luke warm church‘ that fits Matt 7:23, the one that thinks it has it all, but really has nothing and makes the Lord sick to His stomach – Rev 3:7-14 and now I am seeing the rising up of Thyatira – Rev 2:18-26 – the church that tolerates – (submits to) – Jezebel.
He finishes 1 Cor 12 by carrying the analogy of the human body with its varying parts and functions, over to comparing it to the church/temple/building/body of Christ. He incorporates the other administrative (diakonos) offices of the Son – (Eph 4:10-17) – with the gifts (charismas) of the Spirit – (1 Cor 12:7-11) – and the activities (energema) of God the Father – (Rom 12:3-8) – and puts them into a kind of order – not of importance or value to the Lord – but from the ground up to the ‘building of the house of God’ or ‘body of Christ’. He starts with ‘servant leadership’ – (diakonos) beginning with apostles and prophets, (Prophets are a collaboration of the Son and the Spirit – Apostles are linked with Prophets – (16 times in the New Testament, beginning with the Son Himself – (Luke 11:49) – apostles and prophets are linked together) – . There is a crossover between the gifts of the Son and the Spirit, they are ONE – (but not the same) – and work together. The the office of prophet is a diakonos gift – (Eph 4:11) – but it is birthed through the Holy Spirit gift of prophecy – 1 Cor 12:10. NO ONE WOULD BE CALLED AND RECOGNIZED AS A PROPHET UNLESS THEY HAD AN ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD OF ACCURATELY PROPHESYING AND HAVING THE REQUISITE CHARACTER QUALIFICATIONS OF HOLDING ONE OF THE DIAKONOS OFFICES! And we also need to remember that there a differing type of apostles as well as prophets. Paul was called an apostle to the Gentiles. and it is clear that Paul also could of been called a prophet as well, as he speaks of ‘things to come’ often! There are differing types of prophets as well. Not all prophets hold the diakonos office of Prophet. In fact the vast majority of prophets will not hold the ‘diakonos’ office. There is no definitive box or check list of specific detailed parameters given to determine who can and who cannot be an apostle or a prophet, except that all the diakonos offices were men, though women did clearly have and move in the all the gifts of the Spirit including prophecy – (Acts 21:9). Still in the early church there were clearly more that 12 apostles and Paul! As James is called an apostle – (Gal 1:19) – Barnabus is called an apostle – (Acts 14:14) -, Epaphroditus Paul calls an apostle (messenger) – Phil 2:25) – of Philemon. Apostles and Prophets are listed first because it is they who lay the foundations and build the walls for the house and then the others build on from there. The last mentioned in this list is a ‘variety of tongues’.
1 Cor 12:27-28 & 29-31
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these IN THE CHURCH: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations – (also can be talents one is born with from the Father) – varieties of tongues. —
Please notice that there is a VARIETY of tongues and all tongues are ‘charismas‘/gifts from the Holy Spirit and they are the last – (and least) – that are included in the list of functions, offices, gifts that are to be included IN THE CHURCH; and speaking of that:
Please notice I capitalized and underlined, IN THE CHURCH, because it is critically important to understand that the context of this passage – (vs 27-31) – and really the whole of chapter 12, is to lay foundations and integrate the roles, functions and activities of the God head – (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) – into ONE BODY (or house/temple) that is called the church or the assembling together of a group of believers in a corporate gathering. The reason for the importance is because the next verses right after vs 28, have been badly misinterpreted because of misunderstanding concerning the context of what Paul is trying to say. So, when he continues and says this:
— 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. – (and he then delves into Love, as noted, the true foundation for all “gifts”.) — Paul is speaking of the context of gifts, offices, abilities and functions ‘in the church’, the corporate gathering of the body! It is obvious that not everyone is an apostle or prophet or have the specific gift of ‘speaking in tongues” – (or interpreting them) – in the corporate gathering. This has nothing to do with the ‘speaking in tongues‘ as a personal prayer language, – (which Paul will go into in chap 14) – Paul will go on to tell us what the ‘best gifts’ are and why they are ‘better gifts’ – also in chap 14.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: “All can prophesy – (1 Cor 14:31, Num 11:29) – but not every one who prophecies by the Spirit are in the ‘diakonos’ office of a prophet! This is a specific office from the Lord – Son – Eph 4:10,11. Agabus – (Acts 11:28 & 21:10) – was called a prophet and recognized in that ministry office/diakonos because the ‘track record’ he had in this arena over a period of time and was recognized for it by the apostles and elders in the church – (including Paul) – because it was obviously observable – (Agabus, a prophet ‘by the Spirit‘ is the only prophet in the New Testament that we see what he specifically prophesied recorded twice – (Acts 11:28 & 21:10) – and he was accurate with both). – He was not ‘recognized’ because he was running around calling himself ‘prophet Agabus’ and holding ‘prophetic conferences’ and seeking to promote his name or ministry!)
It is also important to understand that Paul is not creating a hierarchical ‘chain of command’ list based on the apostles being a ‘higher rank‘ or more important or valuable to God based on ones position or office! – (If you have been called to be a pastor or teacher and that is your function in the body, you cannot then take on the title or function of an ‘apostle’ or ‘prophet’ because you somehow believe you have earned a ‘promotion’ to the ‘exalted’ rank of apostle or prophet or whatever title that you think you deserve! You would be doing this so that men will honor, respect, recogonize and exalt – (and maybe pay) – you. Now we are seeing the new trending title/position that many are taking – ‘certified’ “life coach”. We need to be careful that we are not actually competing with Jesus for the affections and attention of HIS BRIDE – SELAH! – ) – This list has nothing to do with establishing a name, honorific title, hierarchical rank of authority, or position for oneself! It does not work that way! None of the early apostles were going around asking the flock to call them, “Apostle Peter” or “Evangelist Philip”, Jesus makes this pretty clear, with no ambiguity at all, as He is ‘going off’ on the Pharisees, Saducees and Scribes, – (the ecclesiastical ‘authorities’ – the “Pastors, Bishops, and Teachers” of His time) – in Matt 23:5-12
. . . But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
The Lord also said this ‘hierarchical top down chain of authority‘ is the way of the gentiles, who to seek to rule or ‘take authority‘ over one another – Matt 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Ultimately, If God has called you to be a mechanic that serves as a deacon – (servant) – in a church and you seek to be a prophet or an apostle or pastor because you believe that this give you a higher status or position or earns you more favor or ‘reward’ from God, you will, be greatly disappointed and will have missed your true calling and you will not be rewarded for it, in fact you may be penalized instead – (1 Cor 3:12-15) – again written to the Corinthians! The reason is because the Lord makes it clear that He is not a respecter of persons, and that there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, rich or poor, male or female before Him – (Gal 3:28) – God is impartial. The man born blind is not any less valuable to God than Peter! He does not hold higher regard for an apostle then He does a servant/slave who is fulfilling their call and purpose with holiness and humble fear. “God gives grace to the humble but OPPOSES the proud.” True kingdom government goes from bottom – (lowest – Phil 2:1-8) – up, not from the top down, that is the worlds way! Scripture is redundantly clear on this. – (Mark 9:33-35).
We do see that Paul was recognized – (not immediately) – as an apostle in the church, – (and especially the Corinthian church) – he had already stated in – 1 Cor 3:10:
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.
(Apostles come first not because they are ‘more important’, as just noted above, or have a ‘higher rank’ in the eyes of the Lord – (Paul calls himself a bond servant, – [doulos] – Jesus, as noted just above, tells the 12 that they should be the ‘servant/slave – [doulos] – of all‘) – Apostles are first because they set/lay the foundation for the house of the Lord. – (They dig a hole, put in the forms, rebar and concrete, a very important job but sure not one of the more glamorous ones!) – Silas was recognized as a prophet – (Acts 15:32). Philip was recognized as an evangelist – (Acts 21:8). There would be others recognized for various offices – gifts from Eph 4:10-17. – (These are NOT honorific titles, that one can claim, nor are they ‘promotions’, they are functions in the body and actually are to be ‘servant/slave’ functions not exalted positions, though those who served well here should be given “double honor“!! – 1 Tim 5:17) – And each was acknowledged in their respective offices not because any man declared it so, but because either the Holy Spirit had clearly set them apart or they had manifested/demonstrated those ‘gifts’ over a period of time and it was obvious! – (We do not see anyone lay hands on Philip and prophecy ‘evangelism’ over him! It is just what he did and the ‘title’ was added after consistent and observable manifestations of this diakonos ‘gift’, which began after he was picked as one of the seven – (BY THE WHOLE CONGREGATION OF MEN, not the 12 apostles – Selah) – who had fulfilled the qualification laid out by the apostles of being “a man of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom” – Acts 6:3).
We would be wise to note that Paul calls apostles ‘last,’ men condemned to death’ beaten, homeless, poorly clothed and dishonored, the scum of the world – 1 Cor 4:9-13 – who also manifest miracles, the ‘signs of an apostle’ – (2 Cor 12:12). That is not exactly a desirable position to hold and flies in the face of what many call ‘apostles’ today!) – There are ‘functions’ or ‘gifts/talents’ – (some practical like ‘helps or hospitality’, some administrative, like the seven of Acts 6 or governmental/servant leaders – like pastors/elders, evangelist, teachers). Also, in each local congregation/assembly, there would also be those who were recognized as having the ‘gift’ of being vessels for spiritual power/dunamis gifts – charismas – to heal, or do miracles, or – (as noted before) – have a ‘gift of faith’ to believe God for extraordinary things – (because they had ‘pursued’ and received a special dispensation of grace from the Spirit to hear and believe the rhema word of God and speak it or lay hands on someone for healing or restoring sight, etc!) – There were also those recognized for their hospitality, generosity, service – (including women who funded the Lord and His entire entourage – Luke 8:1,2) – and finally and least, those who gave a message in tongues IN THE CHURCH – along with those who were known to have the gift to be able to translate or interpret it so that all could understand.
So, when Paul is saying ‘does everyone speak in tongues in the CORPORATE CHURCH SETTING?’ The answer is obviously no! – (And this issue of numerous people ‘going off in tongues in a corporate or group setting’ is what he is going to specifically address in chapter 14. He is just setting the stage up in chapter12 and also the ‘Love chapter’ 13.)
Let us note that Paul says that there are, in 1 Cor 12:28, ‘a varieties of tongues’ (from the Spirit) – and we will see at least three distinct and different types of tongues clearly mentioned in NEW TESTAMENT scripture! So let us look in the scripture and see what ‘varieties of tongues’ that can be specifically identified.
“Varieties of Tongues”
First, the common trait of any variety (genos/type) of speaking in tongues ALWAYS meant 1.) that the person speaking in a tongue had no understanding of what they were saying in their own natural mind. It would sound like gibberish to them. The second 2.) common trait of any tongues is that it is ‘as the Spirit – (of God) – gives them utterance’ , man has no part or say in this other then to receive it and be a willing vessel for it to be manifested in and through them. – (God will not force his love and grace upon any one, it is always been a free will choice, as is salvation.)
Genesis 11, the tower of ‘babel’ confusion
We should go back to Gen 11, and we will learn something important as it sets up the foundation for the need of a ‘variety of tongues’ from and by the Spirit, in the first place.
Gen 11:1, 4- 9
Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. . . .
. . . 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” 5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are ONE and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.
This is the tower of. Babel, and it is here that God “confused “ the languages. Before this, men where ‘one‘/ unified, because they had a ‘common language’, and were able to communicate, and because of this, “nothing they propose to do will be withheld from them” – (and that same principle is still in place through the Lord and being ‘one’ with Him and each other! – Matt 18:19-20, John 17:20-24) – However, the problem was they were ‘One’ for evil self-centered reasons, furthermore powerful, clever and evil men, like Nimrod, could coerce or manipulate the entire population. – (We have another attempt by a cabal of evil/antichirst men to build another “tower of Babel” – (Babylon) – “as in the days of Noah” – going on today!) – So, God busted up and confused the languages and it is from here that we see the origin of tribes and nations based on their ability to communicate with each other. – (The diversity of languages that exist in the nations/tribes –ethnos – of the world today is as powerful a witness that God’s Word (scripture) is true, as any. There is simply no common link found for all the languages for the various tribes and nations. There is no traceable link between Chinese and English, no ‘evolutionary’ traceable common language at all. God truly scrambled (confused) the languages at that time and it was done instantaneously.)
The day of Pentecost Acts 2
Now let’s fast forward to the day where the Holy Spirit returned to take up dwelling inside of men for the first time since the fall!
Acts 2:1-13
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were CONFUSED, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
We see here the fulfillment of John the Baptist’s prophecy: Luke 3:16-17
John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
And we can also see here that God restored, through the Holy Spirit a common “language” the language from the Spirit that restored what was ‘confused’ at Babel now dwells inside of those who have been ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ and the natural fallen man, which is still under the curse and is perishing, cannot understand it, and indeed it will seem as foolish babbling to them – (1 Cor 2:14) as it did to some of those present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost who said mockingly “they are drunk with new wine!” – (Acts 2:13). So in Acts 2 we see the first manifestation of tongues is to a 120 men and women praising and glorifying in a wide variety of languages that were not known to them and this was a very powerful witness – (and there is no indication or biblical reference that those who spoke in tongues ‘glorifying and speaking of the works of God’ in Crete or whatever nationality/tribe tongues they spoke in; ever understood what it was they were saying or that they became fluent in whatever language they spoke in originally on Pentecost. It was truly by the Spirit as HE GAVE THEM UTTERANCE! ) – So, this is the first ‘variety’ (genos) of a manifestation of tongues we see in the scripture and it restores what was confused and lost at Babel – (which means confused gibberish) – and makes us “One” in the Spirit as each one was declaring the – “wonderful works of God” – in differing languages that they did not understand!
– And as we will see every time the “gift of the Holy Spirit” is received – (after salvation which is receiving the gift of salvation, Eph 2:8 – which comes through Jesus Christ!) – and every time one of the charismas/gifts/endowments of the Holy Spirit is given/distributed; there are, as will be proved, clear immediate and undeniable observable outward ‘dunamis’ manifestations – EVERY TIME! – And every time speaking in tongues – with one exception – where tongues MAYBE present but is not specifically mentioned – is one of the most recognizable and accepted observable signs/proofs that indeed they have received the Holy Spirit, as it was the first manifestation that was clearly observed in the above quoted Acts 2 and again in Acts 10 when the first gentiles – (Cornelius and company) – where saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. – (we will talk more about this later on.)
However, this is NOT the ONLY type of manifestation of ‘speaking in tongues’ we see in New Testament scripture. We see Paul is going to talk specifically about two more types of tongues, where the “Spirit gives utterance.” One of these manifestation of tongues is in the church, the assembly, where a person is anointed, by the Spirit, to speak out in a tongue in the assembly that he/she does not understand what he/she is saying AND NEITHER DOES ANYONE ELSE, except one whose native tongue happens to be the same as the message given by the one giving the message – (as Paul will talk about in 1 Cor 14:20- 25) – or the one who has been given, by the Spirit, an anointing/ability to interpret that tongue into an understandable language to the congregation at which time Paul calls it ‘prophecy’ and it is to be judged, weighed out by the elders and the body to determine if it is correct and on point – 1 Cor 14:26-33!.
And then, thirdly, there is a personal prayer language ‘in the Spirit’ and Paul is going to deal with this clearly in 1 Cor 14 as well and it is this sort of ‘speaking/praying in tongues’ that we are going to focus on and delve into deeply.
However, before we go there let me give a bit more depth to the issue that Paul is trying to carefully set up in chapters 12 & 13 before delving into chapter 14 which is more specific in nature concerning spiritual gifts, focusing on tongues and prophecy.
The Corinthians are obviously a strong ‘tongues speaking’ church (as Paul is going to specifically address this issue in chapter 14). The ‘speaking in tongues’ was the most commonly recognized sign or manifestation that one had indeed been ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’, – (Peter uses this as a justification and defense for going into Cornelius’s house – unclean and an abomination for the Jew – when confronted by the Jewish believers who were of the law (circumcision) – Acts 11:1-18). – and was clearly recognized as a basic manifestation of ‘the Power of God’, that Paul said that he had brought to the Corinthians, as mentioned before, instead of ‘persuasive speech’ – 1 Cor 2:1-5.
However, this speaking in tongues had also, unfortunately, become a sign of ‘spirituality’ and this could – and does – lead to ‘spiritual pride’ and could and did – (and does *) – cause divisions – and it was getting, out of hand or Paul would of never addressed the issue – as 1 Cor and also 2nd Cor – were specifically written to ‘address issues’ and to keep the Corinthians on the path of salvation and righteousness lest Paul had ‘labored over them in vain‘ and they had become ‘disqualified’ – 2 Cor 13:5:
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified
In these letters he deals with the encroaching false teachers and apostles, especially those of the party of circumcision, the law! Paul was already dealing with issues that caused division and partiality before, with sectarianism (1 Cor 1-3) and ‘feast’/ communion issues – (where there was actually those getting drunk in the assembly during communion/the feast! – 1 Cor 11) – as well as gross sexual immorality – (1 Cor 5)! The Corinthian’s had a lot of problems. To be expected as they were the first truly gentile church and, as touched on before, had little to no background in the ’word’ the Torah or laws of God, they had no idea who Moses or Abraham were, they did know about Zeus/Jupiter/Venus and the Greek pantheon (evil spirits) and sexual immorality was the norm, so thus is is not surprising that they could be suspect and vulnerable to false teachers who claimed to be Jews and of Christ.]
[(and does *) -There are even some groups today that says if you do not speak in tongues you are not ‘saved’! THIS IS ENTIRELY FALSE. Tongues has nothing to do with salvation – which is only found in Christ – it is a Spiritual gift! In 1 Cor 13 Paul makes if very clear that any gift or talent or deed that is not motivated and founded on real love, love of God and love of others – (the great commandments – Mark 12:28-31) – is unprofitable and not only that, will get those who fall away an even great judgement! Heb 6:4-6]
1 Corinthians 14
So, what we are going to see as we go into this chapter 14 is Paul doing several things:
1.) He is going to now narrow his focus down to the Holy Spirit’s ‘spiritual gifts/manifestations’ and especially teach on tongues and prophecy. He begins by encouraging the Corinthians to “Pursue love and “Earnestly desire Spiritual gifts”. He does not want them to just be satisfied with ‘speaking in tongues’ but to grow and mature in the knowledge and proper use of the Spiritual ‘charismas’ but especialy that they grow in to ‘prophesying’ by the Spirit – even saying that – “You can ALL prophesy one by one” – 1 Cor 14:31.
[prophesy – Strong’s NT:4395 propheteuo (prof-ate-yoo’-o); from NT:4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office: – prophesy.
NT:4396 –prophetes (prof-ay’-tace); from a compound of NT:4253 and NT:5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet: – prophet.]
2.) He is also trying to lovingly and carefully deal with – (without killing the speaking in tongues all together, which is an intellectually challenging gift to the ‘natural mind’) – some imbalanced chaotic behavior concerning ‘the charisma of speaking in tongues’ in the church, which was causing confusion. – (We don’t have this problem with any fellowship that I know about today as I haven’t seen a public message in tongues given in an assembly (with interpretation) in over 30 years!)
And
3.) What I am going to focus on from hence forth – He is going to specifically tell us exactly what ‘speaking/praying in tongues’ is PERSONALLY and tell us simply and directly what tongues does to and for those who do it! – (and he is going to tell us that he “Gives thanks to God” that he does this ‘speaking in tongues’ more than they do!)
Praying in the Spirit IS Speaking/praying in tongues
As I made the claim to prove that tongues is the ‘always praying in the Spirit’ of the “sword of the Spirit” passage from Eph 6:17,18 – now it’s time to lay it out the evidence, and it starts in I Cor 14 – (I am not going through the whole chapter, I am going to draw out the scripture specifically about tongues, as that is our focus. I will leave it to you to go through this yourself and see if I am misinterpreting the subject, I am confident that I am not.)
Paul begins chapter 14 by saying: 1 Cor 14:1-6 – (remember I am going to focus on the subject of tongues, not prophecy, thus the underlined emphasis.)
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 6 But now, brethren, if I COME TO YOUR speaking with tongues, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching. . .
Here is my paraphrase of the above verses: “So You speak in tongues, that’s great, I wish all of you did–
(but he had just said “pursue love’ and from chap 13, it is good for us to remember that he had said that if our primary motivation to pursue or use any gift or talent one may have or do anything that we may do is not based on love that it is a ‘clanging noise’, useless, unprofitable – 1 Cor 13:1. We should take note that in the love chapter the first thing Paul mentions is the ‘tongue of men or of angels’; he is setting this instruction in Chap 14 up!)
– it is the least of the gifts, the ‘starter kit’, so don’t just be satisfied with that, “earnestly desire” seek more, grow, in your relationship with the Lord and the Spirit so that you may KNOW Him and learn to recognize and hear the Lord and the Spirit that you might not only speak in tongues (pray in the Spirit) but also prophecy – (speak Spirit anointed ‘rhema’ words/ revelation/foretelling from the Spirit) – which encourages and ‘builds up’ others’. (Which is why it is considered a better or greater ‘gift’ – but love – a fruit of the Spirit – is greater than all!)
Tongues IS the least of the ‘gifts’, but wouldn’t one start with the ‘least’, the ‘beginner/starter kit’, and then grow or as Paul says, ‘add to’? Of COURSE, no father, teacher, coach or good mentor is going to give a beginner the best or most complex of things when they are just starting off and learning. In any case, just because it is the ‘least’ does not mean it is of no value! Any Spiritual gift is of great value and it would also make sense from the Lord’s perspective to make it something simple and childish – (Matt 18:2-5) – that would befuddle the ‘wise’ and intellectually arrogant. Luke 10:21-22 – (after the 70 returned exclaiming that they had authority over demons in His name)
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. . . .
Paul very early in the above passage, straightforwardly describes what speaking in or ‘praying’ in tongues is and what one who does speak in tongues is doing, beginning with – 1 Cor 14:2:
For he who speaks in a tongue does NOT SPEAK TO MEN BUT TO GOD, for NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HIM; however, in the SPIRIT he speaks mysteries – (musterion ‘secrets’– this is the same word Jesus used in Matt 13:11: “ . . it is given unto you to know – (ginosko: personal experience, intimacy. Part 1) – the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given”.)
Right here – specifically, simply and to the point – we are told that one who ‘speaks in a tongue — SPEAKS to GOD” and also specifically, that by or “in the SPIRIT”- speaks mysteries to God. There is no communication to men here, and that includes one’s self AS NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HIM.
. . . and verse 4 also – specifically, simply and to the point – says what this does — He who speaks in a tongue edifies (builds up) himself.
[Very Important note: Please notice that this ‘speaking in tongues’ has nothing to do with the ‘gift of tongues’ uttered in a church or public setting for interpretation, 1 Cor 12 and later on in chap 14 Paul talks about tongues “in the church”, however this ’speaking in tongues’ in chapter 14:2-4 is clearly SPEAKING TO GOD BY THE SPIRIT that NO ONE UNDERSTANDS! Please remember this verse, we are going to see a reference to it again.]
A little further on Paul confirms what he had said before stating EXACTLY WHAT SPEAKING/PRAYING IN TONGUES IS in:
1 Cor 14:14-15
For if I pray in a tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYS – (Strong’s NT 4151 pneuma, but my understanding – (Strong’s NT 3563 nous – intellect, natural mind) – is unfruitful – (Strong’s NT 175 akarpos – barren) – does not understand – praying in or speaking ‘utterance’ in tongues is a ‘charisma’ from the Spirit which is deeper than the mind, it is in the ‘heart’ – inner man – of a person – Mark 12:30 – and therefore there is nothing for the mind or understanding/ intellect to grab a hold of so it is barren/empty/unfruitful does not understand. It is no different than talking to someone in Chinese on the phone if you have no knowledge of Chinese) – Tongues is your personal spirit (heart) and the Holy Spirit communicating to each other and praying to God in a spiritual language’ – “the tongues of men and of angles”- 1 Cor 13: 1 – that one does not understand.)
– Paul goes on – 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit – pnuema – tongues- and I will also pray with the understanding – (nous – intellect my mind in my own language that I comprehend and understand) – I will sing (worship) with THE SPIRIT, and I will also sing with THE understanding. (my own language that I understand in my human mind.)
Simply put, directly with no ambiguity of interpretation of the scripture at all – Praying in tongues IS “praying in the Spirit” and this was universally accepted doctrine throughout the New Testament and early church. There is no other specific definition of ‘praying in the Spirit’ given anywhere in scripture other than to equate it to praying or speaking in tongues which as what we saw in verse 2 above is – Speaking ‘mysteries to God’ by the Spirit!
Paul begins to conclude this section teaching on the manifestations of the Holy Spirit through tongues, both within the church and as a form of praying in the Spirit with this:
1 Cor 14:18-19
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet IN THE CHURCH – (corporate gathering or in conversation with people, unless there is one who has the spiritual gift of interpreting a spiritual tongue given in an assembly.) – I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. –
Once again Paul is clearly saying that he and others do not understand what he is saying when he speaks in tongues. Thus, when communicating with other people, he would rather speak in 5 words of common language than a thousand words in tongues. BECAUSE WHEN HE SPEAKS/PRAYS IN TONGUES HE IS COMMUNICATING BY THE SPIRIT TO GOD! – (I do not know how this can be made any clearer!)
We should ask these two questions; 1.) Earlier in vs 5, Paul’s says “I wish you all spoke in tongues” and 2) He says in vs 18 that ‘I thank my God’ that he ‘speaks in tongues more than you all’, Why did Paul say this? Why would he ‘wish that all spoke in tongues’ and ‘give thanks’ for ‘doing it more’ than anyone if there was no significant purpose or benefit for him or others to do so? – (Please allow me to be redundant here; Paul is making a clear differentiation between giving a message in tongues in the assembly that is translated or interpreted (and is more in line with prophesying – 1 Cor 14:6-13) by using the term YET IN THE CHURCH – and this ‘praying in the spirit’ – (which he had just said is speaking to God and that he himself does not understand what he is saying/praying in his natural mind.)
Notice he makes a bold and direct statement that he does this ‘praying in the Spirit’ – (vs 14) – speaking in tongues – more than all of them, and he is speaking to a church that is most definitely, as has been thoroughly established, a ‘tongues speaking’ ‘full gospel’, ‘charismatic’ church of his day. They took ‘pride’ in speaking in tongues and were doing so openly in the assembly which is the problem that Paul, tactfully, seeks to correct – (while also encouraging them to not be content with just praying in the Spirit (tongues) but to also ‘prophecy’ as this is a ‘greater gift’. Why? Because it edifies- builds up- others and not just oneself as praying in tongues clearly does – 1 Cor 14:3-5 – forgive my redundancy, but this has been such a badly misinterpreted passage of scripture for so long; redundancy in correcting it is required, as I said in the intro to this part – it takes “many blows”, to break a strongly held but false belief/doctrine).
Paul is seeking to bring order and balance to the ‘spiritually arrogant’ and somewhat ‘whacked out’ Corinthians, without squelching the practice all together. which is why he ends this lesson about the ‘gifts’ – (really manifestation of the charismas through the saints) – of the Spirit and their use in the church with this: 1 Cor 14:39-
Therefore, – (in conclusion/summation of this topic) – brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Now let’s see what Paul had to say to the Romans about the function and purpose of ‘praying/interceding in the Spirit’:
Rom 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings (a sighing, a deep heart cry) which cannot be uttered (too deep for words, the connotation is they are not from the natural mind, they are ‘deeper’ than it, from the heart, the spirit of a person). 27 Now He – (the Spirit) – who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Let’s ask some questions: Who helps us in our weaknesses? – The Spirit. Why and how does ‘He’ help us? Because in our natural mind we really don’t know – (see, understand, perceive –eido)– how to pray or what to pray for so the Spirit helps us and makes intercession FOR US and THROUGH US! And what sort of words are used in this intercession of the Spirit? Deep ones, from the heart and we cannot utter them because they are of the Spirit and not of the natural man, which cannot (as we have already clearly shown) understand or comprehend the things of the Spirit for such things are ‘foolishness’ to it! – 1 Cor 2:11-14 – (note this is written to the Corinthians).
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
So lets put it all together.
The Summation of the “Rhema” word of God, (where faith comes from) and praying ‘in the Spirit/tongues’
When we take, Ephesian 6:17-18 – (part 5A ended this part 5b began with this scripture) – which is Take – (grap a hold of, take up) – “the Sword of the Spirit which is the word – (rhema) – of God; praying always with ALL prayer – (both in the Spirit – tongues and in the natural understanding – 1 Cor 14:14,15) – and supplication in the Spirit. . .”
– add I Cor 14:2, 4 – which tells us that – “one who speaks in a tongue prays/speaks mysteries to God” – because “no one understands him” and in so doing – ‘edifies/builds himself up’.
–add 1 Cor 14:14,15 were Paul clearly and directly tells us that ‘speaking, singing or praying in tongues’ IS ‘praying/singing in the Spirit’ – (in words where the mind is ‘unfruitful’ because it does not understand what is being spoken, and ‘in the Spirit’ means the ‘Holy Spirit’ the third person of God!)
– and then finally add Romans 8:26. – (where the Spirit intercedes through us, as we don’t know how to pray – with deep and fervent groanings that are too deep for words).
It is clearly evident that speaking/praying/interceding in the Spirit IS speaking/praying/interceding in TONGUES as the Spirit gives utterance or intercedes!
Furthermore, it is not just Paul who tells us that praying in the Spirit/tongues builds one up. How does scripture say that we can ‘build up our faith’?
In the beginning of Part 5A, and the intro of this part 5b a few questions were asked about faith. One of those was: How can we really ‘build up’ our faith? It’s now time to answer that question.
Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, gives us a quick, direct and unambiguous answer:
Jude 20-21 – But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy FAITH, PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, – 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude is saying that PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT – (that 1 Cor 14:14 clearly states is tongues) – BUILDS UP YOUR FAITH – (pistis – the main theme of parts 5A and 5B) – which matches what 1 Cor 14:4 says, He who speaks in a tongue edifies (builds up) himself! There is no other scripture that specifically tells us how we can build up our faith! That is because real faith comes from hearing the rhema word of God, Rom 10:17, which is from the Holy Spirit. Also, 1 Cor 14:2 says that when one speaks in tongue they are not speaking to men but to GOD, – AS the SPIRIT DIRECTS and – Romans 8:23-26 says, the Spirit itself is the one praying and interceding through us also in groaning and words that are beyond our understanding.
Stomping around and shouting verbal declarations of rebuke or commands at the devil, into the air, does not build up one’s faith. This is more like someone trying to pump themselves up or intimidate an opponent before going into a competition! (Unless such demonstrations/declarations are done in exuberant worship to the Lord to glorify and give thanks to Him for His goodness, mercy and attributes – which we are to declare and shout and sing Psalm 100 and 101 – and many others – or to cry out to him in humble, broken and fervent intercession – like Hannah – 1 Sam 1:9,10) – They are useless and are like punching in the air and wasting emotional energy in a battle that is spiritual in nature and it has no real value and could be actually harmful! The devil is more than happy to draw your attention on to him and to engage you in one-on-one combat! In fact, that is what he seeks to do, draw your attention, affection and eyes away from the Lord who is your strong tower – Psalm 18:10, shield – Ps 28:7 and your two-edged sword – Ps 149:6. This spiritual domain is the devils and the Lord’s battle ground – and it is HIS – the Lord’s -“armor of GOD” and weaponry that we must put on and ‘take up’ and use and this is only by HIS GRACE – divine ability and power! Eph 6:10-18.
I cannot find one time in scripture where either the Lord, the apostles or early church did any of this type of ‘spiritual warfare’ where we are taught to make ‘faith declarations’ like – “I bind you Satan” in the air or ‘rebuke or bind the devil!’ – (or talk or address the devil at all other than to call on the name of the Lord to rebuke him.) – Jude 8,9.
How do we wage war against the devil
First, we must remember that we have no authority over anything, including the devil, in and of ourselves. In fact, the opposite is true. Paul says this later in his second letter to these same Corinthians: 2 Cor 10:1-8
Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.
To unwrap this passage of scripture thoroughly would take its own chapter or book! Let’s pull some highlights. Notice Paul’s opening line is to ‘plead’ with them in the ‘meekness and gentleness of Christ’. He is dealing with a faction of false apostles and teachers that have come in (he will talk about them specifically later on in 2 Cor 11) – that is very proud and have strong personalities (some are gifted in oratory) – and they claim to be apostles and ministers of Christ, and most come from the ‘party of the circumcision or the law’ – (Paul’s constant adversaries in the church) – and they are taking money from the flock as well. They are cocky and bold, and they claim to have authority. Yet Paul says his weapons are spiritual, not carnal, and that one must take captive every thought to Christ and then Christ will punish the wicked and disobedient when we come under submission to HIM!. Paul has this to say to them as he continues: 2 Cor 10:7-18
Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed — 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be IN DEED when we are present.
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us — a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Paul goes on to talk about his resume and ‘credentials’ of ‘apostleship’ and they have nothing to do with his pedigree – either Jewish or being a Roman citizen, education (which is vast) or ‘qualifications’, which are extensive. Here is his list of ‘credentials’ – 2 Cor 11:23-30
. . . Are they ministers of Christ? — I speak as a fool — I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness — 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. . .
2 Cor 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace – (Divine impartation of power and ability) – is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Ultimately, we are called to be humble, hide/abide in Christ, and call on the name of the Lord to fight our battles. Our real battle, – (the one we have some real authority or say over) – is with our natural fallen nature and bringing, “every thought captive to Christ” – under subjection to the Lord who is ready, willing and able to punish all disobedience WHEN OUR OBEDIENCE is complete and coming to Him and then Hearing Him and then ‘in faith’ obeying what our master tells us to do or say. JESUS ONLY DID AND SAID WHAT THE FATHER TOLD HIM TO DO! We are called to ‘abide in Christ’ and then He will fill us with His Holy Spirit and it is His power and HIS authority and we are nothing more than ‘vessels’/conduits for it! We have no authority on our own, none and just because we tack on “in Jesus name” on the end of our prayer or ‘declarations’ does not necessarily invoke the power or authority of the Lord to move. We are to be His HUMBLE messenger, bond servant – (doulos/slave), ambassador, not seek to use ‘His name’ as some sort of ‘magic bullet’ prayer that forces Him to do what we think is His will! HE IS THE LORD! (The seven sons of Sceva tried that by the way, it didn’t work out so well for them. (Acts 19:13-17). If you look at this story the key word here “again” is KNOW– Acts 19:15
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know – (ginosko) and Paul I know; – [Strong’s NT:1987 – epistamai (ep-is’-tam-ahee); apparently a middle voice of NT:2186 (with NT:3563 implied); to put the mind upon, i.e. comprehend, or be acquainted with: – know, understand.] – but who are you?”
(Please notice the difference between the two ‘know’s, the evil spirit is intimate with the Lord, knows him personally, but of Paul it says that he is aware, knows about, knows who he is but does not know him personally, they – (Paul and the evil spirits) – don’t talk or communicate with each other, they have no relationship!)
I cringe when I see someone declare, “I AM – (I only know of one “I AM” and it isn’t me or you) – a devil busting son of God” or “I am taking MY authority over the devil” This is foolish arrogance, and scripture never teaches us to go and seek to personally engage the devil. In fact Jude sternly warns us to not do such things:
Jude 8-11
Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.
So, going back to our opening passage in Eph 6:10-18 what was Paul eluding to when he tells us to ‘stand’ against principalities and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the ‘heavenly places’? We cannot fight there using any or our natural abilities, strength, intelligence – (human wisdom) – or words! And we surely have no ‘authority’ in this realm in the flesh! This is a spiritual war in the heavenlies, and our main (only) offensive weapon in this battle is the two-edged sword of the Lord, which is the rhema -Spirit and the logos – Truth and ‘praying in the Spirit/tongues’ is just one clear aspect of this ‘weapon’ that the Lord has given us to use in that battle. It would be foolish not to use it! And it would be discriminatory to make it available for some of His children but not others.
Here is the same passage from the New English Translation – NET
Jude 20-21
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 maintain yourselves in the love of God, while anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life. NET
When all is said and done, it is redundantly clear praying/speaking in tongues is the ‘praying in Spirit’ of Eph 6:18! It also becomes clear that the ‘Rhema word of God’ (where faith comes from) is the revealed (revelation) word of God from the “Sword of the Holy Spirit”(Pneuma) of Eph 6:17 – the only OFFENSIVE WEAPON LISTED in the ‘whole armor of God’passage – Eph 6:10-19!
The Sword of the Word of God (Logos) “the Truth”
Here is the other mention of the ‘word’ as a ‘Sword’:
Heb 4:12 – For the word – (logos) – of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
Stop and look at this scripture for a minute. What does it say? It’s packed! You could replace ‘word’/logos with Jesus Christ the Son, the living Logos, and it would read like this:
For Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, – (what comes out of His mouth in Revelation 1:16?) – piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
So we see that the ‘double edged sword’ – (that comes out of the mouth of the Lord, also in, Rev 2:12) of the “word of God” is the Spirit- rhema and Truth – logos. Jesus says this when talking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:
John 4:23-24
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in SPIRIT and TRUTH; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is SPIRIT, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT and TRUTH.“
Jesus is the fullness of God (Father and Holy Spirit) dwelling in a human body!
Col 2:9-10.
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
The ‘rhema’ sword of the Spirit – (Eph 6:17) – and the ‘logos’ sword of the Lord – (Heb 4:12) – is also symbolic of the ‘two swords’ the Lord told the disciples to “buy” and ‘bring with them‘ before He went to the garden and then the cross. Right after telling Peter he was going to deny Him three times, the Lord said this:
Luke 22:35-38
And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
36 Then He said to them, “But now, he – (when the Lord uses “he” and not “you” – as he did in verse 35 – this makes this a logos word to all) – who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
And He said to them, “It is enough.”
(This is one of the swords that Peter later used on a slave’s ear – (Peter was trying prove Jesus wrong in saying he would deny Him three times by ‘striking with the sword’ and he also had tendency to want to fight in the flesh through natural means) – and Jesus rebuked him and said that – “those who take up the sword will perish by the sword” – Matt 26:52. So, obviously, the Lord is not talking about taking up physical swords to fight in this Luke 22:35-38 passage.)
So, to reiterate, what we can see from these – (Eph 6:17,18, Heb 4:12 and Luke 22:35-38) – passages put together, is that there is the Logos ‘sword’ of the word of God – truth and then there is the Rhema ’sword’ of the word of God – Spirit – John 4:23,24. And this rhema is the word that is spoken or revealed, through the Holy Spirit, and it is specific in nature and personal as well. One must HEAR the Lord to have it and this is where FAITH comes from HEARING GOD through the Holy Spirit – Rom 10:17!
(It’s kind of hard to hear someone and learn to recognize their voice if you do not spend some time with them and COME and talk to them, one on one – [Jesus often drew away to spend time alone communicating with His Father – Luke 5:16 – shouldn’t we do the same? Sheep got to know and recognize the voice of their – shepherd because they were around him 24/7! – SELAH] – and then HEAR and then finally do, OBEY, what He instructs you to do. This is active, ‘hearing’, obedient ‘faith’ (works/ergon in action! – part 5A)
[ – The Benefits of ‘Praying in the Spirit’ – tonguesI have learned over many years that if I remain diligent in praying in the Spirit – tongues – (and yes I have to CHOOSE to do this in MY spirit. The Holy Spirit does not force me to do this and if I am in a selfish or rebellious mind set or get offended – far too often – I can choose to shut it down and ‘grieve the Spirit’.) – This ‘praying in the Spirit’ has a real impact on me in a positive way if I will just be disciplined and stay at it! – (remember Paul said that, “He thanked God that he spoke in tongues more than all” the Corinthians – 1 Cor 14:18) – Also, I do NOT have to do this ‘out loud’ all the time. Obviously, Paul was not walking around ‘speaking in tongues’ outwardly all the time if he was ‘speaking in tongues more than you all’. It is no different than one not verbalizing out loud every thought that comes into a persons mind through the language one talks in.
I know that I can actually carry on a conversation with someone else, engage in a task and activity, and in the background my ‘spirit man’ is praying in a tongue, interceding and speaking, ‘mysteries to God’, all the while building up my inner man and my FAITH – (as Jude said) – as my inner man, by the Spirit, is in constant communication with the LORD; just by praying in tongues internally or under my breath, as often as I desire or allow! That is up to me, I am not ‘possessed’, though the ability is there to do so at any time.
I find there are several benefits from this, and as I said, Paul would not say he does it more than all if there were no benefits from doing it! Here are a few that I have found:
1.) I find that my ’spiritual ears’ to ‘hear’ and discern the ‘word of the Lord’ from my own thoughts or the devils counterfeit increases substantially. And this includes the Logos scripture which no one can understand unless the Lord reveals it to them, through the Spirit. Jesus and – (Paul in 1 Cor 2) – is redundantly clear on this! The fallen human mind, the flesh, cannot comprehend or understand the things of God for they are Spiritual in nature and such things are ‘foolishness’ to the natural/carnal mind!
2.) My ability to ‘walk in the Spirit’ and therefore not ‘walk in the flesh’ and to resist temptation and bring my fleshly passions under control – (Gal 5:16-22) -and ‘crucify it’ – and putting it ‘on the cross’ is greatly enhanced as the Spirit intercedes for me and in me and strengthens me internally. This is Romans 8:23-27 in action. –
(My flesh, natural man, hates speaking or praying in tongues. It hates anything that would contend with ‘the carnal self’s’ rule over my life. When I speak/pray in tongues my carnal ‘natural’ man is not in control of it for it does not know what I am praying and once again, as 1 Cor 2:14 says ‘spiritual things are foolishness to the natural fallen mind’! It cannot figure it out. My natural selfish mind says that I am just wasting my time and this is childish and foolish babbling! – We would do well to remember the Lord’s redundantly repeated teaching:
Matt 18:2-5
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
and also:
Mark 10:15
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
My selfish, arrogant, fallen ‘sinful self’ wants what it wants not what God wants – This is well established biblical truth! Rom 7:14-25
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am – (this is not “was” it is not a past participle it is “am” which means present/now)! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Praying in the Spirit/tongues – (when I choose to discipline myself and do it!) – greatly aids me in this war against the carnal man as has been redundantly proven here from the Logos word/scripture!
We should also recognize (know/understand) the devil also spends a lot of time and resources trying to keep one from being filled with the Spirit or praying in the Spirit – tongues, when you have been filled with the Spirit!
The devil is very active in trying to twist the scripture – one should ask, ‘why that is so’? – (which is why I went to great and lengths to ‘redundantly and tediously’ walk thoroughly through the scripture on this topic!) – so that one will not understand actually what speaking and praying in tongues is, or he will try to get one to discard it as ‘of the devil’, crazy or say it has ‘passed away’ and was only for the early church or get some whacked out ‘charismatics’ to say that you can’t be saved without it – they are wrong – and it causes many to justify their rejection of it – which is also wrong!
There is no scripture that says that any of the gifts or spiritual manifestations ended with the passing of the first century church. NONE ZIP NADA! Those who quote 1 Cor 13:8-10 to state that the gifts of the Spirit – prophecy and tongues – ‘will vanish away’ are once again not looking at the whole context of the passage, because it is not just tongues and prophecy that cease or ‘vanish away’. Let’s look at it: 1 Cor 13:8-10
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, – (gnosis) – it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
So, knowledge has passed/vanish away as well, yes? Of course not! The whole context is that knowledge, prophecy and tongues and the like will only cease when “that which is perfect has come”. And this simply means when JESUS – who is the only one who is perfect – RETURNS AND SETS UP HIS KINGDOM, and that has not yet happened and therefore niether knowledge, prophecy or tongues has ‘passed away’ yet either.
Satan will also seek to make one who does speak in tongues out to be a ‘whacko’ charismatic, who like many of the Corinthians, are out of order. Unfortunately, there are those, who think because they do speak in tongues that they are spiritually superior – (yet I have not met anyone like this in years. Though I and my wife have been denied jobs, positions in churches and persecuted, at a Christian school because she confessed that she ‘spoke in tongues’ and I have been denied positions as elder or the like because I too speak in tongues and believe in the infilling of the Holy Spirit- which would of disqualified every apostle and Paul as well. ) – and Paul is seeking to bring that under ‘order’ and ‘authority’ and it is why he talked about ‘a more excellent way’ and put the Love chapter in the middle of the spiritual gifts teaching.
In any case, these mockings and ‘ad hominin’ attacks are normal demonic strategies for the son’s of satan. We should be aware of them and not get intimidated or offended by them and let that not silence or mute us because we don’t want to cause division or offense! We need to teach the truth, because once one understands the truth, it has the power to set one free!)
3.) If I will start my day off by just talking out loud in tongues for ten minutes in my alone time with God, my whole attitude for that day will change. I don’t know why specifically, it just does! I do know when I do proactively pray in the Spirit, tongues, my eyes are set on Him and that is always a good thing. Also, when I am feeling overwhelmed or depressed or attacked, or am angry or offended or as I said, tempted; if I will stop, look up at the Lord and HUMBLY – (humility, persevering humility, is a key to attracting the Lord’s grace and help) – and cry out for help and pray in the spirit for an extended time, somehow, someway, the depression breaks, the anger dissipates, the lust of the eye and the flesh recede, and I am able to forgive or cover an offense and actually love – the first fruit of the Spirit – begins to win the moment, followed by joy, peace and the others.
4.) Speaking honestly, I do not think I would of survived in Japan and India – (and later on, the Middle East) – and on the mission field in general, apart from this ‘praying in the Spirit/tongues!’ I cannot even begin to recount the times I had hit a wall spiritually or emotionally where despair was taking over. I had no clue how to pray and quite frankly, my flesh – (natural fallen man) – had no faith, or desire to seek God or pray at all, and I was desperate to have some importation of grace or encouragement. I would then begin to make myself pray in the Spirit and, as I shared before, somehow, someway over a bit of time, the ‘black cloud’ broke, faith begin to arise – (was built up as both Paul – 1 Cor 14:4 and Jude 20 said) – and the grace – (divine power/ability, a gift from the Lord) – to persevere and stand and even rejoice that He is good, loves me and cares – despite whatever negative stuff was going on around me – somehow was there!
Still, I am not giving you a formula or a method. That is not what this is. Tongues is not ‘the answer’ to all of my life’s issues, not at all. One does not need to ‘speak in tongues’ to be saved. It does not make you better or more loved than one who does not. However, as clearly supported by the scripture/logos, it is a mighty sword, a spiritual weapon – (as mentioned redundantly, the only offensive weapon listed in the armor of God of Eph 6:10-18) – that one can have in their arsenal to wield against the flesh and forces of darkness and why would anyone not want to “buy” – (not with money as Simon tried to do –Acts 8) -this sword’ and then use it!?!? And that brings me to one final point I will make about tongues and then move on.
Can any and everyone ‘pray in tongues’?
The short answer is no and also yes. First one must be ‘born again’ John 3:3’ and secondly – they must make the Lord truly Lord of their life – (this means surrendering your life to Him, you become His servant, He becomes your master/owner. And he gets to do with you, as He so sees fit, and you are not just coming to Him trying to get a ‘get out of hell free card’ and get ‘the blessings of the Lord’ without counting the cost or dying to self or taking up your cross and following Him – (Luke 14:25-30). Seeking the blessings without the ‘death to self’ is just the second parable of the sower – they will fall away!) and thirdly one must be ‘filled with the Holy Spirit. (As talked about in part 5A, It is extremely important so we go through it again here soon.)
If a person is ‘born again’ and seeks to serve the Lord to do His will – and not seek to get God to serve you to do your will – and has had a discernible/observable encounter – (infilling, baptism, or receiving) –with the Holy Spirit, then the ability to pray in the Spirit/tongues is there. Why? because the Holy Spirit is there dwelling in the hearts, and this is a promise of God and we will talk about this soon!
I have many friends who tell me that they have sought to speak in tongues and cannot and therefore this ‘gift’ – (charisma) – is not for them. I do not agree with this, at all, for the following reasons.
- It is NOT one of the ‘gifts’ listed in 1 Cor 12:7-11, as stated these ‘gifts’ are for manifestation in the corporate body the church and the ‘the gift of tongues’ specifically in this sense must be followed with interpretation. This has nothing to do with ‘praying in the Spirit’, which, as we have clearly shown through scripture – (1 Cor 14:14-15) -is what speaking or praying in tongues is! If this was the only time this is stated or implied it could be questioned, It is not. We see the Holy Spirit fill people and then see a manifestation of tongues occur throughout Acts – Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6 – and these two manifestation have nothing to do with giving a message in a corporate setting to be translated and interpreted, nor is it a tongue spoken in a natural language that was understood by one who speaks that language which Paul in 1 Cor 14:6-13 says that there must be one who interprets this or it should not be given.
“. . . we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” . . .
This is what Paul said that tongues should be when spoken in a public assembly. 1 Cor 14:21-25
In the law it is written:
“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues – (in the assembly) – are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
– I have witnessed this myself once personally. When I was a young man, my church regularly had tongues and interpretation of such in the assembly. One time there was a ‘different sort of tongue’ and no one attempted to interpret it and then after a short pause a man ran down the aisle and said in English with a heavy accent, “Who spoke that word, where are they”, they called me by name and told me that I needed to repent and surrender my life to Jesus Christ and that this was my last chance.” The tongue had been in perfect Turkish. To say the least, he was convicted, he did repent and literally fell down on his face and worshipped the Lord! This was very similar to Acts 2, a very powerful undeniable witness, yes?]
. . . Acts 2:13 – And others were mocking saying they were drunk with “new wine” – (which was true by the way, it truly was “new wine” Matt 9:17, Mark 2:22. Luke 5:37) – Why did they say this, well because there was exuberant joy, praise and worship and that made one appear to be drunk to the carnally minded man. Scripture tells us to not be drunk with wine (the fleshly counterfeit) – but be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Eph 5:18)
In Acts 10:46 Peter uses Cornelius and company beginning to speak in tongues – (something that they clearly, like me, had no clue even existed) – as a clear sign that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and he also knew that one cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit before salvation : Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision – (the law) – who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAK WITH TONGUES and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
And when questioned later by the Jewish believers for going into an uncircumcised gentile’s – (as said before, a Roman soldier no less, the Father of the gentile faith) – home and even stayed there and ate with them:
Acts 11:2-3
And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
And after recounting the vision to ‘arise, kill and eat’ he said:
Acts 11:15-18
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
And what was the specific sign given to prove that they too indeed had the Holy Spirit fill them? They spoke in tongues, and boldly with much joy began to magnify the Lord, just like they too had before them in Acts 2!
The truth is that there is always a manifestation of speaking in ‘unknown – (at least to the people speaking them) – tongues’ when one or a group of people are filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts, with one exception, Acts 8. Yet, even there, though not mentioned specifically, there was some sort of powerful manifestation of the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit, that Simon, the magician, who was called ‘The great power of God’, who was himself “amazed” at the miracles Philip was doing – Acts 8:7-8 – For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
– and Simon therefore was convinced by these manifestations of God’s merciful healing power and ‘also ‘believed’ and was baptized’ – Acts 8:13 . Yet, just a short while later, Simon sought to buy the power of imparting the Holy Spirit from Peter and John – Acts 8:18-19
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.“
So now Simon’s attempt to ‘buy’ the power to impart the Holy Spirit raises an important question! WHY WOULD SIMON ATTEMPT TO PURCHASE THIS ABILITY THAT HE SAW manifested through Peter and John and yet not attempt to ‘buy’ or obtain any of the miracles and manifestation that he was ‘amazed’ with, done through Philip to add to his ‘repertoire’ of ‘magic tricks’?! It is obvious that he saw a manifestation of power and impact of such magnitude that he had never seen before, that was even greater than what he had seen done through Philip which caused there to be ‘great joy in that city’.
So, what was this manifestation that Simon sought to buy? All Luke – (the author of Acts) – says, about this particular infilling of the Holy Spirit is that Simon sought to buy it! But it is clear and obviously logical deduction that whatever Simon saw was so powerful, impacting and unique. that he wanted to buy it and it was different from miracles of healing or demons being cast out, for Philip had already done that to Simon’s amazement. So, what was it that he saw? In every other instance in Acts when people where filled with the Holy Spirit there was an outward, obvious manifestation of speaking in tongues and ‘prophesying’ and uninhibited joy, worship and declarations of glory to the true and living God! This is what the Holy Spirit does, lead us to worship and honor the Father and the Son – ‘in the Spirit’ and ‘in the understanding’ – (1 Cor 14:14) – and this was considered a universal sign to the apostles that the Holy Spirit had indeed filled someone. It was common. And as I shared in my testimony in Part 1 this is what happened to me when the Holy Spirit came into me after the Lord clearly told me in my head to “speak in tongues” before I even knew that such a thing even existed! I can understand personally why Simon would seek to buy the ability to impart such a powerful supernatural manifestation of joy!
So, in conclusion, no, this speaking in tongues is not a gift given only to a few selected people to be uttered and translated in the church ‘for the common good’. That is a faulty interpretation and application of what Paul is saying in 1 Cor 12:30-31- . . . do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? – as he is talking about manifested gifts in a church setting within its constructs and parameters so that all can be done in proper balance and order without chaos and confusion – as has been redundantly stated – IN THE CHURCH.
2.) At the end of his sermon in Acts 2 – (right after he and the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit themselves and spoke in tongues, drawing a multitude of ‘devout Jews’ to inquire into what was happening.) – Peter said this: Acts 2:38-39
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to YOU AND TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
The promise of the Holy Spirt is to ‘ALL, every one of you.’ Even those who are ‘afar off’ (both in time and distance). It is not just for a select few. Earlier in the Acts 2 sermon Peter quoted this scripture from Joel.
Joel 2:28-32
“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants – (male slaves/property)- and on My maidservants – (female slaves/property) – I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.
Peter, in quoting this, is saying that this manifestation of the Holy Spirit – that the ‘multitude’ saw and gathered together to see what was going on – was a fulfillment of. However, this Joel 2 passage is not just a onetime early New Testament church thing, it is ongoing and that is what Peter says at the end of his sermon. There is absolutely no biblical evidence that either the filling of the Holy Spirit or the manifestations that come from it, ceased at the end of the first generation of the church age, NONE, in fact the total opposite is true, and this is recorded in church history as well. Not to mention it is my own testimony, so no one is going to be able to convince me that this infilling or ‘dunamis’ power outpourings of from the Holy Spirit – (of tongues, prophecy and the other ‘charismas’ exuberant worship)’vanished away’ with the 1st century church with the death of John!
Some questions to ask
So, I find my self asking some friends this question – (like Paul did the 12 disciples in Ephesus – Acts 19:1-3). “Do you know when you were filled with the Holy Spirit?” and if they say, “I was filled with the Holy Spirit when I was saved.” I will ask them this question, “How do you know you were filled with the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation? – (normally doing some sort of ‘sinners prayer’ at a church service) – because in the scripture every single time someone or a group of people is filled with the Holy Spirit there is ALWAYS some sort of obvious and undeniably observable manifestation of some kind – (this is how they knew the Holy Spirit had fallen on someone, it was clearly observable, undeniably so) – and normally that manifestation involved speaking in tongues, prophesying and uninhibited joyful worship that cause one to look drunk. A type of worship that could care less about what other people see or think about it!
So, what sign or gift did you manifest when the Holy Spirit came into you?
If they have no answer, or if they say I have received the Holy Spirit by faith but yet have no evidence of any impartation, I will tell them, “I am sorry you have not been filled with the Holy Spirit, because putting it simply, there is no way you can have an intimate (ginosko) encounter with the Holy Spirit and have no sign or specific memory of the impact it had on you. NO WAY! If you have a close encounter with God – (and the Holy Spirit is God) – you are going to remember it profoundly, there will be no doubts, no ambiguities! I am not saying you are not saved, I am not saying that you don’t love the Lord either. I am saying that you have not yet received or manifested the promise that He made to all of those who have repented of their sin and call Jesus Christ “Lord” and now seek to follow and obey Him with all their being!”
This is what Paul did with disciples in Ephesus, this is what Aquilla did with Apollos in Corinth (Acts 18:24-27)
So, this is for everyone, and I believe so is the ability to ‘pray in the Spirit’ (speak in tongues – 1 Cor 14:14). Here is why! If this praying in tongues is what Paul in scripture says it is, (as we have laid out here in depth) and it is a key, or the key, aspect in ‘praying in the Spirit’ and we are also told that we should ‘pray in the Spirit always’. Then why would God only give that to certain people and not make it available to ALL ARE HIS? – (Again, this is not the “gift of tongues” manifested in a general assembly) – Is God a respecter of persons? Lord forbid, He is not! He does not love one child more than another no matter whether they are male of female, Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, slave or free. – (Gal 3:28). His Holy Spirit – (and the gifts and benefits of being filled with Him) – is for ALL HIS CHILDREN, SON’S AND DAUGHTERS and that is what scripture says!
3.) So, though all of this can be true, because scripture does not lie. Why can’t I speak in tongues, I have sought the Lord often for this ‘gift’ or ‘ability’ and He has never ‘given’ IT – (like this is some individual thing or entity) – to me and this makes me feel like a second class citizen or an inferior son of God. So, I just don’t believe this ‘gift’ is for overyone! – This is a common reply I get when they do let me walk them through the scriptures on this topic of being ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ – being a separate event from salvation – and this ‘praying in the Spirit/tongues’ and power and unfettered worship being a common manifestation of that initial infilling/encounter.
Some have gone on to say: No, I have never had that sort of clear encounter with God and the Holy Spirit. Maybe I need to have some apostle or ‘priest’ lay hands on me and pray that I too might receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues.”
To which I reply: I am more than happy to lay hands on you and pray for this, if you feel you need that – (if I am in their vicinity) – however, that is not the ‘magic ticket!’ Cornelius and company had no one lay hands on them at all and they both received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, glorifying God without any man’s impartation, physical touch or breathing on them. This can also be said of me personally. There have been many times, in fact more often than not, the Holy Spirit has manifested in a person’s – (or group of peoples) – life and they began to speak in tongues and worship with no inhibitions without anyone laying hands on them. That way God gets the glory and no man!
“Ok, so what is the ‘magic prayer’ or what must I do to receive this? I have tried everything.” I have been asked.
My answer depending on the person is – (if I know they have had a manifestation of the Holy Spirit or one of the gifts in some observable way) – “You do not need to receive something that you already have. However, you do need to do two things. Get your mind out of the way. It is not something you can analyze, figure out and control, it comes from your innerspirit man, your heart it is deeper than your soul and mind; and your head and your natural man will get in the way, it does not like to lose control or not understand. So, it’s not uncommon to be looking for a formula or system, or the ‘magic prayer’, or something you need to DO to gain this – (kind of like Simon in Acts 8) – However, what you do need to do is BECOME LIKE A LITTLE CHILD, (Matt 18:2-5) and humble yourself and quit trying to figure it out or control it! Get your natural, pride filled mind out of the way, because the natural mind cannot comprehend the things of the Spirit because they are ‘foolisness’ to it – (1 Cor 2:14). You do not need to ‘receive tongues’, you need to release them and your natural mind is what is blocking you – (along with the devils lies and manipulation of scripture). You do, however, had to have had an initial infilling and encounter with the Holy Spirit though and then tongues ‘praying in the Spirit’ will be a natural manifestation of being filled with the Holy Spirit, FOR IT IS SIMPLY ‘PRAYING and WORSHIPPING TO GOD IN THE SPIRIT!’ He will give the Holy Spirit to those children who simply and humbly ask for it.
Luke 11:9-13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him!”
“Part of your problem is that you are seeking tongues itself or a specific manifestation of the Holy Spirit so that you can now ‘have “it” or do “it”’. This is not what the Holy Spirit or ‘tongues’ – (or any other of the 9 spiritual gifts that are for the edification and help of others) – is about or for! When you come to a place where you quit seeking ‘the gift’ or manifestation – (proof) – and are desperately desiring and seeking the ‘gift giver’ – THE Holy Spirit and to follow the Lord and therefore want everything He has available to HELP – (the Holy Spirit is the Helper) – you to love and follow Him with your all; then when that is your driving motivation, then you are on the right track and it won’t be long till you get what you ask for, – (just keep asking. persevere) – especially as you are asking for the Holy Spirit and the things of God and not for your own personal gain or status.
And one final thing, when you could care less what people think about you even if you look ‘drunk and foolish’ (like some did in Acts 2 or Hannah did to Eli in 1 Sam 1:14 ) and just simply ‘want God’ no matter what that looks like more than anything else and if that means making you look like a ‘drunken fool’ in front of a bunch of people, – (to crush your fear of what men think about you i.e. – pride) – then I am 100% sure that you will breakthrough and receive what you ask and desire. It will be like popping a cork off a bottle of champagne. It is His promise to ALL who seek Him! Ultimately that was the ‘magic bullet’ prayer for me a desperate and heart felt cry that came from the core of my being that said, “Lord here is my life it is yours ALL OF IT, I am you ‘bond servant’, do with it what ever you desire to do and whatever you have for me, I want” and heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
End Part 5B