THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XIX - (The Gift of Prophecy - II)

WBS.132

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XIX

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY - II

1 Corinthians 12:10   …to another prophecy…

Review:  Last week we observed the attributes of the gift of prophecy (the gift of speaking forth).  These attributes included:

1. It does not foretell.  It speaks forth/declares.
2. It is not what identifies one as holding the “office” of the prophet.
3. It is to be desired by all disciples, which means it is possible for all to receive it.
4. It is intended to edify the assembly, not the individual.
5. Its great value is the benefit it can bring to the assembly.
6. It edifies, exhorts and comforts. 
7. It exposes the unbeliever and the unlearned within the midst of the assembly.
8. Its delivery is under the control of the person speaking.  One can wait until it is the proper time to speak forth. (The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.)
9. It is to be judged by others within the assembly who also exercise the gift after every two or three utterances.
10. All may prophecy in the meeting of the assembly; but only in an orderly manner.

This is what the gift of prophecy/speaking forth is like; but what actually IS the gift of prophecy?  We have seen that the Scripture distinguishes this gift from foretelling events (word of wisdom) and from uncovering or revealing knowledge (word of knowledge); so what else is left?

Prophecy is the poetry and prose of the Holy Spirit, speaking forth things that bring edification, exhortation and comfort to the Body of Messiah.  As with all the gifts of the Spirit, it is a supernatural utterance.  The information and the delivery of the message is of the Holy Spirit.  It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the words HE provides that creates the edification, exhortation and comfort to the assembly.  Anyone may teach the doctrines or the facts that comprise the content of a prophecy; but that is not the same thing as the supernatural delivery of that message.  That is merely teaching what one has learned and believes to be true. 

Unfortunately, much of what passes for prophecy in the churches today is nothing more than various facts being strung together by the understanding of the one speaking.  Because their knowledge of the Scripture is often faulty or incomplete, their faux prophecy may also be filled with error.  Also, because their utterances are often the conjuring of their own minds and of their pride, they frequently inject future elements within their would-be prophecies and thus prove their utterances to be false.  I have heard many would-be prophecies through the years that were nothing more than people saying what they “wish” IAUE would speak to the congregation.  For example, I have heard over and over again, people stand up and say, “Thus saith the Lord, I love you my little children. I care for you, and desire only good for you.”  Though such words are Scripturally sound, the word which IAUE might have preferred to speak to those congregations may have been, “I have called you to walk uprightly before me as living sacrifices, to do my will.  Why have you not done so?”  Does IAUE love them?  Of course He does; but does telling them He loves them produce the result He desires from them?  Not even close.  Prophecy is not speaking words that are true.  It is speaking words that come from the Holy Spirit.

[It might be good to add here, that saying “Thus saith the Lord” is never what the Holy Spirit says, today.  It might have been what He would have said through an English speaking person of 400 years ago; but he does not speak in Elizabethan English through men and woman today. The man or woman who begins an utterance with “Thus saith the Lord,” does so usually for one of two reasons:  1 – It is what they have always heard other people say when they speak in an utterance gift, so they are just copying them (which means they are not saying what the Holy Spirit is saying); and 2 – They try to add veracity and authenticity to their words by speaking like it is coming from the author of the Scriptures.  In either case it is inappropriate and should be judged by the others in the assembly who are like-gifted.]

Many times I have heard people simply excerpting phrases from various Scripture verses to create the appearance of a prophetic utterance.  Though the Scripture is always a good thing to hear, the subterfuge and deception of the speaker borne of pride/ego, contaminates those utterances and can actually make them dangerous to the Body. 

Let’s examine some examples of prophecy in order to arrive at an understanding of what this gift is; and why it is deemed to be of such great value to the Body.

Almost the entire book of Psalms is prophecy.  Why have believers of every generation loved the Psalms?  When they are hurting, confused, attacked, or just in love with IAUE, where do they go in the Scriptures most often?  The Psalms.  Why?  It is because it brings comfort.  It exhorts.  It edifies.

Psalm 23:1 IAUE is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of IAUE for ever.

This is a declaration of facts that are not futuristic in their unfolding, nor revealing anything that should not already be known about IAUE; but it is a powerful encouragement to believers to understand the predisposition of IAUE regarding His love and care for them. One could dwell upon these words for hours upon hours and still not soak in all the edification and comfort contained in the words.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of IAUE; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For IAUE knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Again, these are all facts already in evidence.  Things we already had reason to know; but the manner in which this information is assembled and delivered produces much encouragement and edification to the reader.  Who has not read this Psalm over and over again through the years?  Why is that?  It is because prophecy, edifies, exhorts and comforts.

In Joshua 24:2-20, at the end of Joshua’s ministry to the children of Israel, having led them in victorious battle over 31 separate nations in order to possess the promised land, he prophesies to the people. In this prophecy, he merely recounts the history of the children of Abraham beginning at Abraham’s separation from a polytheistic background to the singular worship of IAUE unto their present day; then charges them to choose whom the will serve.  This record of their history was sufficient exhortation for the entire Hebrew nation to respond by saying they will serve IAUE.

In Luke 1:67-79, at the naming of John, Zecharias’ tongue was loosed from a 9-month inability to speak in order to prophecy.  In his prophecy, he recounted the history of Israel and reminded his listeners of the promises of IAUE to bring forth a redeemer, the Messiah.  He declared that that day had come to Israel; and that his son was the one spoken of in the Scripture as the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah.

Many years ago, I delivered a prophecy during a Sunday morning service at a church where I had been attending for several months.  The content of the prophecy essentially declared the good things that IAUE had set before that body of believers as a way of expressing His appreciation for their genuine praise.  After the service was over, a woman approached me and asked me where that was in the Scriptures.  I asked her, “Where was what in the Scriptures?”  She replied, “What you said during the service; where is it in the Scriptures?  I know it’s there; I just can’t find it.”  She was surprised when I told her that it wasn’t in the Scriptures.  It was a word of prophecy.  She had experienced the same kind of edification, exhortation and comfort from the utterance she was accustomed to experiencing when she read the Scriptures that she thought surely I had simply quoted a passage from the Bible. 

We have stated throughout this study on the gifts of the Spirit, that most of the gifts have a “trigger” that enhances the operation and power of the gift.  The gift of prophecy also has a trigger.

Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Yahushua: worship IAUE: for the testimony (martus) of Yahushua is the spirit of prophecy.

The “spirit” of prophecy is the heart or the essence of prophecy.  It is NOT the prophecy itself.  It is the wellspring from which prophecy emerges…the trigger.  Let’s see how this word “testimony” is used in the New Testament in order to glean an understanding of it.

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses (martus) unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr (martus) Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

These two verses are not sufficient to establish a hard-fast doctrinal position on the matter; but the impression they give (at least to me) is this.  When we bow our knee to Yahushua as our Master, and when we receive the gift of IAUE, the Holy Spirit, we are to take our place as a living stone laid into the temple of IAUE, which temple He inhabits by His Spirit.  We are no longer our own person.  Our bodies are no longer ours.  We are to be, as Paul says, living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) through which Messiah may live and express the nature of IAUE in and through us.  Our life is to become a testimony of the reality and the truth of Messiah. That purpose should consume our very being. 

Acts 11: 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of IAUE, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Master.

Such a commitment and purpose of life to cleave to Messiah such that it is his life to which our life gives testimony; this is the “spirit” of prophecy; and it facilitates the manifestation of the Holy Spirit through us in the gift of “speaking forth” unto the edification, exhortation and comfort of our brothers and sisters in Messiah.  You can use this as a virtual litmus test to aid in judging the prophecies you may hear in your assemblies.  If the person speaking is one that you know to be callous, carefree, unresolved to live in the intimate and momentary leading of the Holy Spirit, or he/she is a prideful person; their utterances may be regarded as suspect.  Though the Holy Spirit may opt to manifest himself through any vessel of His choosing; the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Yahushua.  When Paul exhorted that ALL disciples should desire to prophecy, and ALL disciples MAY prophecy; it is clear that the manifestation of this gift could/would be realized through men and woman once they have forsaken their own agendas and have purposed in their heart to be obedient to the Master, Yahushua Messiah.  

Next week:  The Gift of Discerning of Spirits

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.

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THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVIII (The Gift of Prophecy - 1)

WBS.131

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVIII

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY - I

1 Corinthians 12:10   …to another prophecy…

Review:  We have seen over the last few posts that the gospel was absolutely intended to be communicated not just in word, but in demonstration of power; specifically with healings and casting out of demons.  The gospel message is not a religious philosophy to be believed; but a command to repent, with an explanation of the divine rescue plan executed in Yahushua Messiah that enables man to change allegiance from one kingdom to another.  Healing the sick and casting out demons is a demonstration of the authority of the Kingdom that men are commanded to obey.  It is the proof that such a transition of kingdoms is possible; and it opens the door to that Kingdom for them by making the Kingdom “draw nigh/near” the people who witness its power in operation. The power gifts of the Spirit are the workhorse of the church of Yahushua, constantly demonstrating the supremacy of the Kingdom of Heaven, constantly bringing the Kingdom near to those who need to gain entrance to it.

Wherever the Kingdom of IAUE advances it displaces the kingdom of Satan; and the works of Satan are necessarily destroyed.  Consequently, wherever the gospel is preached, if there are not healings and/or casting out of demons, one can pretty much be sure that the Kingdom of IAUE has not been brought near, and the works of the devil have not been destroyed in the lives of those having heard the message preached without signs and wonders.

Let’s turn our attention, now, to perhaps the most misunderstood gift of the Spirit, the gift of prophecy.  One of the problems we have in understanding this gift is our contemporary, non-religious definition of prophecy.  When we hear that word, we immediately think “a message about the future.”  Worldly people use the term to speak of something yet to come.  Its use in movies and other media is always futuristic in its application.  It might be best if we changed the name of this gift, at least for the moment, so we are not compelled to think of it with a preprogrammed meaning.  The word in the Greek text is “propheteia”, which means “to speak forth, or “to announce;” so, for the moment, let’s call it the gift of speaking forth.

First, let’s identify what the “gift of speaking forth” is NOT.

1.    It is not foretelling the future.  The Scripture refers within itself to “prophecy” which is foretelling; such as the many Messianic passages throughout the Old Testament that reveal aspects of the person and ministry of the Messiah who was to come to Israel.  The foretelling elements of Scripture are not an exercise of the spiritual gift of prophecy.

2.    It is not the gift by which the “office” of the prophet is known (Ephesians 4:11).  If we were to classify or categorize any of the foretelling of the prophets of the Old Testament in terms of spiritual gifts in the New Testament, they would be workings of the gift of wisdom.  That is the gift that unfolds the counsel of IAUE and can provide insight into things yet to come.  Having said that, one who exercises the spiritual “gift of speaking forth” is referred to within the assembly as a “prophet” in the same sense that one who exercises the gifts of healing would be referred to as a “healer.” [We become known within the assembly as one who exercises a particular gift. The Scripture tells the one who speaks in tongues not to speak aloud if an interpreter of tongues is not present in the assembly.  How can one do this if we do not know who the interpreters of tongues are?] This may be the source of some of the confusion regarding this gift. Again, if we change the English term to “one who speaks forth,” the confusion immediately lifts, and such persons are no longer confused with those who occupy the office of the prophet.

Now, let’s take a look at what the gift of speaking forth ”is like."  This gift is defined by its attributes; and those attributes are provided for us in 1 Corinthians 14.

1 Corinthians 14:

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

The gift of speaking forth is deemed by Paul to be the most useful of the gifts for the assembly of believers; and he encourages ALL believers to desire this gift and seek to have the Spirit of IAUE bestow it upon them.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

This is THE most instructive verse to help identify this gift.  Its principle functions and the nature of the content of its message is three fold: 

1.    To edify (oikodome) – to build up, as in the construction of a building.  To erect, to strengthen or to empower to fulfill a function/purpose.

2.    To exhort (paraklesis) – to summons, or to call near for the purpose of admonishing.

3.    To comfort (paramythia) – to encourage, to calm or to console.  To comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Here, the gift is contrasted with speaking in tongues.  Without an interpretation, tongues is relevant only to the speaker, though it does edify the speaker.  The one who exercises the gift of speaking forth edifies, builds up, the entire assembly.  This is because the gift of speaking forth is always exercised in the language known by the speaker and his listeners.

The one that speaks forth edifies the entire assembly.  It is not a gift primarily used on a one-on-one basis.  Though ministry to the one may be encouraging and uplifting for all, this gift is not principally focused on individual ministry; but rather to the assembly at large.

It is vital that we do not lose sight of two intrinsic elements of all of the gifts of the Spirit.  One, that they are empowerments of grace to enable us to do the will of IAUE in supernatural ways; and two, their first and foremost purpose in the church is to edify…to build up the church.  If the assembly will not be edified by the exercise of a gift, then the exercise of that gift within the assembly is not led by the Spirit; and is out of order.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

See?  The Holy Spirit’s concern is for the edification of the assembly.  The only reason the gift of speaking forth is greater than the gift of tongues is that, in the assembly, tongues without an interpretation does not edify the listener.

Note that Paul acknowledges his desire for ALL believers to speak with tongues.  (This is actually a Scriptural expectation of all who receive the Holy Spirit. We will discuss this more completely when we reach that particular gift in the course of this study.)  What the church has never seemed to recognize is that as prolific as the manifestation of speaking in tongues is throughout the church of Yahushua, Paul indicates that ALL may receive and exercise the gift of speaking forth; and it is his desire that that should happen.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Note the distinction made between revelation (word of wisdom) and knowledge (word of knowledge) and prophesying (gift of speaking forth) and doctrine (teaching).  Paul makes a clear distinction between the functions of these three gifts as well as simply preaching a sermon.  There are many who believe that the gift of prophecy is preaching inspired sermons.  Paul proves here that is not the case.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Here, again, is Paul’s insistence that the gifts used in the assembly MUST be for the purpose of edifying the assembly.  This is what makes the gift of speaking forth so much more useful in the assembly than the gift of speaking in tongues.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship IAUE, and report that IAUE is in you of a truth.

The gift of speaking forth is called a “sign for them which believe;” then Paul proceeds to explain how its use can cause the unlearned or unbeliever to repent.  How does this make sense?  First, its use exposes who are the unlearned and unbelievers within the assembly.  Messiah taught a parable about how tares grow up among the wheat (Matthew 13)…false persons moving among true disciples.  The gift of prophecy has the power to separate between the wheat and the tares.  Secondly, by exposing the unbelievers within their midst and delivering them from their wickedness, the assembly is able to recognize the protection of IAUE over them.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

This is something that I have seen occur only one time in over 40 years of walking in the Spirit and visiting numerous churches and study groups.  There is absolutely no expectation within the assembly that a person dares to judge the words of someone’s exercise of a verbal gift of the Spirit. This feeling of the inappropriateness to speak out and judge a word of prophecy is a deception spawned by the devil to promote pride and error within the assembly. This is to the extreme detriment of the church; because in my personal experience, I would estimate 70% or more of the “words” delivered in the churches today are not of the Holy Spirit, but are of the flesh of the one speaking. 

Judging the words spoken forth by the prophets (not the office of the prophet, but the one who has prophesied), is to be made by those within the assembly who are recognized with the same gift. .

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

These verses provide more valuable insight into this gift.  First, ALL may prophesy.  That means every single person within the assembly.  This is a gift, as stated above, that Paul would have all disciples exercise.  How does this verse jive with the prior verses that say only 2 or 3 may speak?  The point of that verse was that you do not allow too many people to “speak forth” before you judge the words that have been spoken; else, you will be unable to separate the words by the end of the meeting and properly edify the assembly with a proper assessment of each word spoken.  You speak two or three, one by one, then the prophesiers judge those words.  Then if there are others who have words from the Holy Spirit, they may proceed in turn.  No one, however, is overtaken by the Spirit such that they must stand and speak. No, the spirits of the prophets are under their control.  They can withhold speaking until it is proper and orderly for them to do so.

Note the objective stated again and clearly, that the objective of this gift is that the assembly LEARN and be COMFORTED.

This week, we have observed the attributes of the gift of speaking forth, or rather, what the gift is like.  Next week we will discuss more specifically what this gift actually is.

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.

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THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVII - (The Working of Miracles - II)

WBS.130

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVII

THE WORKING OF MIRACLES - II

1 Corinthians 12:10   To another the working of miracles…

Review:  We have seen over the last few posts that the gospel was absolutely intended to be communicated not just in word, but in demonstration of power; specifically with healings and casting out of demons.  The gospel message is not a religious philosophy to be believed; but a command to repent, with an explanation of the divine rescue plan executed in Yahushua Messiah that enables man to change allegiance from one kingdom to another.  Healing the sick and casting out demons is a demonstration of the authority of the Kingdom that men are commanded to obey.  It is the proof that such a transition of kingdoms is possible; and it opens the door to that Kingdom for them by making the Kingdom “draw nigh/near” the people who witness its power in operation. The power gifts of the Spirit are the workhorse of the church of Yahushua, constantly demonstrating the supremacy of the Kingdom of Heaven, constantly bringing the Kingdom near to those who need to gain entrance to it.

We also have mentioned throughout this study on the gifts of the Spirit that most of the gifts have a “trigger,” some essential characteristic that enhances and strengthens the operation of the gifts.  We have discussed that the trigger for the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom is the fear of IAUE.  Love is the trigger for the gift of faith.  Compassion is the trigger for the gifts of healing.  So, what is the trigger for the gift of the working of power (miracles)?

Do you remember what Paul told the Corinthian disciples?

1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of IAUE.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Yahushua Messiah, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power(dunamis): 

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power (dunamis) of IAUE.

Most who read this passage of Scripture never make the connection between Paul’s weakness, fear and trembling with the demonstration of the Spirit and power of IAUE in Paul’s preaching, the signs and wonders that accompanied his presentation of the gospel.  Note his reference to determining to know only “Yahushua Messiah, and him crucified.”  Later in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul said:

2 Corinthians 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Messiah speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty (dunateo – full of dunamis/power) in you.

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power (dunamis) of IAUE. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power (dunamis) of IAUE toward you.

This weakness (astheneo – weakness, lacking in strength, to be powerless) is the antithesis of power.  Paul understood that there was only one real obstacle to the power of IAUE operating freely through him, and that obstacle was him.  To the degree that Paul regarded himself capable, the ability/power of IAUE was restrained.  To the degree that Paul had confidence in himself, or drew attention to himself, the power of IAUE was diminished.  The strength/ability of man and the power of IAUE are diametrically opposed to each other.  The manifestation of the power of IAUE is directly proportional to the weakness of man.

The apostle makes this truth abundantly clear as he shares his personal testimony with the Corinthian disciples.

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 Three times I besought the Master about this, that it should leave me; 

9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power (dunamis) is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power(dunamis) of Messiah may rest upon me. 

10 For the sake of Messiah, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong (dunatos - powerful).

[Before we can discuss this passage, I believe we need first to deal with the issue of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, because it “appears” to be in conflict with aspects of the redemption in Messiah Yahushua that are provided to us through the shed blood of Messiah. First, it is undeniable that to Paul was given greater revelation and insight into the Truth than any man alive in his day. Also, that signs and wonders worked freely through his ministry was evident.  Paul also explained the purity of his Hebrew upbringing as a Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-6) and that he was taught the law by Gamaliel himself (Acts 22:3). If any man had reason to think highly of himself, it was Paul.  When the Scripture says to him was given a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him,” it does not mean Paul had a demon or that he had some physical infirmity.  A “thorn in the flesh” is the term that is used in the Old Testament to describe the peoples (Gibeonites, Jebusites, and certain of the Canaanites) that the children of Israel did not destroy when they took their tribal possessions within the promised land.  These peoples became a nuisance and a constant source of trouble (thorns in their flesh and pricks in their eyes). These heathen peoples do represent demonic spirits; but this passage says they were sent to “buffet” Paul.  This word “buffet” (kolaphidzo) literally means “to strike with the fist.”  Virtually everywhere Paul went to spread the gospel he was struck with the fist, beaten, stoned, whipped, etc.  This demonic spirit followed him everywhere constantly enticing the locals to physically abuse Paul.  When Paul thrice entreated Messiah to remove this “thorn in the flesh,” the answer he received was that his grace was sufficient…the power that was given to Paul that enabled him to do the Master’s will was enough.  The attacks on his flesh, on his body, only made the power of IAUE greater in his life.  The thorn in the flesh was only creating the opposite effect in the life and ministry of the apostle from that which was desired by the demon. In essence, the demon was being “used” by the Master to magnify the gospel through Paul.  The Master assured Paul that his grace would carry him through the hardships he encountered.]

Power is made perfect through weakness.

Weakness is the trigger of the gift of the working of power.  This is a major reason why the power of IAUE is so seldom evidenced in Christian churches around the world.  Most churches are actively involved in doing one of two things:  1) Supporting the ministry of some dynamic personality, making him out to be something special or important.  People drive hundreds of miles or fly across the country just to be in their services to sit in the presence of these preachers.  2) Maintaining the day to day operation of traditional churches.  These are focused on having enough people in attendance to contribute in the offering plates sufficient monies to keep the churches functioning…paying for their various budget items.  In both circumstances, there is no weakness, no fear, no trembling before IAUE out of concern that their flesh might seek attention for even a moment.

In my personal experience, every single time I have been asked to speak, or even just to prepare for a regular weekly Bible study I was teaching; and the Holy Spirit refused to talk to me, to give me His leading as to what I should teach, or even to give me a topic to present (using my already-obtained knowledge of the subject), I approached the actual moment of having to make my presentation with such weakness and helplessness, because I knew that I had absolutely nothing to say.  In those times, His power was always more greatly manifested. His anointing was always the strongest.  They were also the most uncomfortable times in my life because I was totally out of control. I had absolutely nothing to offer.  I was weak; but when I was weak, His power was strong.

Many years ago in Argentina, a girl named Annie was dramatically delivered of evil spirits and was transformed into a new creature in Messiah.  Messiah explained in the Scriptures that the one who is forgiven much, loves much.  This girl was so grateful for her deliverance that she spent her days in prayer, pressing into the presence of the one who had captured her heart.  She explained that it would often take three hours before being escorted into His presence; and once there, IAUE would give her visions and revelations; which she was instructed to record in a diary.  She became well known both for the dramatic deliverance she received as well as for the regular visions and revelations IAUE had given to her.  She was invited to speak in churches and to share her visions fairly often.  One day she was invited to be the guest speaker at a large youth conference.  In preparation for that event, IAUE asked her if she would like to see His greatest power.  Of course she said, “Yes,” and then in a vision He escorted her down a trail, and shortly they came upon a large vat with steam bubbling from the top and the ground was shaking around it.  She though surely this must be His greatest power; but the Father ignored it and continued to walk her down the trail.  They then came upon a large vat that was covered with storm clouds, and lighting and thunder caused it to appear ominous and threatening, and she thought again, “This must it.”  Still, the Father continued to walk past until they came up to a vat that had absolutely no activity visible around it at all; and IAUE said, “This is it.  This is my greatest power.”  It was labeled “Weakness.”  Annie did not understand the vision at all…until the night of the event.

When she was introduced, she still had not received any direction from IAUE as to which vision to share with this crowded hall of young people.  She took the podium and thought of a vision she would share, but got a strong, “No,” from the Holy Spirit.  Still another vision came to mind to share with the people, and again, the Spirit told her, “No.”  Standing in silence in front of all these people who had come to hear of the visions of Annie, she knew she could say nothing at all for nothing was given to her to speak.  Annie broke, and began to weep in front of the crowd.  Suddenly, the Holy Spirit began sweeping through the audience, healing many, causing demons to flee from many, others were born again, others were filled with the Spirit.  The place was absolutely overwhelmed by the power of IAUE, which was released through the weakness of this one who refused to draw upon any strength within herself for the occasion.

Do you recall what we called the first lesson in discipleship?  “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.”  This lesson is not just a means of making us the kind of disciple Messiah wants us to become; it is also to incline our hearts to weakness so His power can be made perfect within us.

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship IAUE in the spirit, and rejoice in Messiah Yahushua, and have no confidence in the flesh…

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

It isn’t US who casts out demons, or performs miraculous things.  These are manifestations of the power of the Spirit of holiness within us.  That power is released in direct proportion to our laying our lives down that the life of Messiah might be lived through us.  The gift of the working of power may be found freely in living sacrifices (Rom 12:1-2).  When we abide in Messiah and he abides in us, and we allow HIM to live through us, that is when we are weak, and he is strong.

Next week:  The gift of prophecy

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.

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THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVI - (The Working of Miracles - I)

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FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT – XVI

THE WORKING OF MIRACLES - I

1 Corinthians 12:10  To another the working of miracles…

“The working of miracles” is actually quite an unfortunate rendering of the name of this gift.  In the Greek text, this is the “energema” of “dunamis,” which literally is “the operation of power” or “the working of power.”  Presumably, the translators used the word “miracles” because the exercise of power through this gift always resulted in the miraculous.

Matthew 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works (dunamis) were done, because they repented not:

21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, 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 unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works (dunamis), which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

The “mighty works” (dunamis) is a term that referred generally to all of the supernatural ministry of Messiah, which included:  healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers and casting out demons.  In this passage of Scripture, the demonstration of the Spirit and power by Yahushua was sufficient evidence of the Kingdom of IAUE to have warranted the repentance of all who witnessed it.  Such mighty works will testify against the unrepentant in the day of judgment. (Can you now see why signs and wonders necessarily accompany the presentation of the gospel?  Without them, the Kingdom of IAUE does not come near those who only hear the gospel, and see not the mighty works.  Faith is not borne of miracles.  They simply give evidence to the truth and the authority and power of the gospel and they hold men accountable for rejecting the gospel.)

Now, we already know that we shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon us (Acts 1:8), and that the power referred to is manifested in the gifts of the Spirit, generally; but this gift, “the working of miracles” is not constrained or limited by specific manifestations, like healing, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, etc.  This gift is the enablement to dispense the power of IAUE in whatever manner it is needed in order to accomplish the will of IAUE.  The one to whom is given this empowering grace functions much like the SWAT team of the Body of Messiah.  Let me explain.

Consider the role of the policeman.  He wears a uniform and a badge that represents the authority bestowed upon him to maintain order in the kingdom.  When a policeman asks you to stop your car; you stop your car. When he asks you to stand back from a location, you stand back from the location. Why do you do this?  It is because you recognize and respond to their authority.  Not all, however, are as cooperative with the authority of a policeman as you.  There are those who resist their authority. In those situations, the uniform and the badge are not enough to maintain the peace.  That is when the policeman resorts to power by drawing his weapon.  The weapon no longer speaks of the policeman’s authority.  All eyes are focused on the dispenser of power, and that is the only thing that matters at that point.  The resister now succumbs, not to the uniform or the badge, but to the pistol, the power.

You will recall from our prior posts on the gifts of healing, we noted that ALL disciples have the AUTHORITY to heal the sick in conjunction with the presentation of the gospel message.  All believers do NOT have the POWER to heal the sick apart from the presentation of the gospel.  There is a big difference between authority and power, as we observed in our policeman illustration above. 

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

We may deduce from this passage that as with healing the sick, all believers have the AUTHORITY to cast out demons in conjunction with the presentation of the gospel message; but all believers do not have the POWER to do so when it is not in conjunction with presenting the gospel.  When confirming the gospel, it is not the gifts of healing, or the working of power that is in manifestation.  It is Messiah working through the believer to confirm the Word.

Mark 16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Master working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

When Messiah sent out the 12, he gave them power AND authority…authority AND power.

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power (dunamis) and authority (exousia) over all demons, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of IAUE, and to heal the sick.

Note the distinction the Master makes in these verses.  It is very important for us to understand.  He makes a distinction between healing the sick (v.2) and casting out demons, which includes curing diseases (v.1).  Though both sickness and disease ultimately are traceable to a root cause found in sin/disobedience to the will of IAUE; sickness is not the consequence of demonic spirits; but diseases are.  Diseases differ from sicknesses in that they are also referred to as afflictions and infirmities.  Sicknesses, for the most part, will run their course and cease to trouble the body.  Diseases, more often than not, are intent on killing their victims or tormenting them permanently.  This difference should alert the believer to understand that the affliction is the result of a demonic spirit, and healing is not needed in these circumstances. Deliverance is.

When dealing with demons, authority alone is not always enough.  You also need power.   If you do not cast out the evil spirit from a diseased person, you will not cure the person.  As we discussed in our last post, the Scriptures record several occasions where a person recovers from a malady as a consequence of an evil spirit being cast out, or the person being “loosed” from their affliction/infirmity.  Though we discussed it in our study of the gifts of healing; this is more accurately a manifestation of the working of power.  Let’s take another look at those examples.

In Mark 1:40-42, the leper came to Yahushua and Yahushua touched him and said “I will; be thou clean,” and “immediately the leprosy departed from him.”  This was a declaration of power over the leper to become clean.  He could not become clean with the demon of leprosy still in his body; so the demon HAD to leave his body for the man to become clean.  Power drove out the demon.

In Luke 13:11-13, Yahushua saw a woman who had been bowed over for 18 years.  He called to her and said, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity;” and “immediately she was made straight.”  The Master did not speak to the demon. He simply declared the woman to be free; and the demon had to leave in order for the Master’s words to be fulfilled in the woman’s experience.  This was the working of power, not a healing.

In Matthew 8:14-15, Peter’s mother-in-law was “sick of a fever.”  Messiah “touched her hand and the fever left her.”  Messiah did not speak to the demon; but the demon had to leave because of the power that was transmitted from Yahushua into Peter’s mother-in-law.

Casting out demons is one of the principle manifestations of the gift of the working of power.  It is the bringing to bear the power of the Kingdom of IAUE where His authority is not respected.  Let me share an illustration of this.

Many years ago, a group of people I knew convened at another person’s home who had requested help with deliverance of an evil spirit. They gathered around her and commanded the spirit to leave her body…and did so for nearly two hours, when the Spirit lead yet another believer to the house, who knew nothing of what was going on inside.  When they answered the door and saw her, they were very pleased that she had come; and they explained to her that they had been trying to cast out this demon for two hours but it had been resisting leaving. This woman calmly walked inside, looked at the person and simply said, “Come out,” and immediately the spirit left.  This is the difference between authority and power when it comes to casting out demons.  Many demons will leave when confronted with one having authority; but not all of them will. ALL demons respond to the power of IAUE.

In 1975, my wife and I were visiting an Assembly of God church one Sunday morning.  The minister of music led the “praise and worship service” with the assistance of a skilled choir and organist.  He moved from song to song until he found the song to which the congregation responded; then he began repeating choruses and doing key changes, working up the congregation into an emotional frenzy.  Suddenly, a young boy, maybe 17 years of age, began marching back and forth across the front of the church, moving mechanically and making grunting noises.  The entire assembly began praising, believing this to be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.  I looked at my wife and said, “Isn’t anyone going to do something?”  She replied, “They think it’s the Holy Spirit.”  I said, “But we are just visiting here.”  My wife said, “They are not going to do anything.”  With that, I became inwardly furious at the mockery that demon was making of this unlearned assembly.  With my hand covering my mouth, and speaking from virtually the back pew in the church, looking at the young man but speaking to the demon, I whispered, “Shut up, and sit down.”  Immediately, that boy collapsed to the floor as though he had been hit with a sledge hammer.  He did not make another noise for the rest of the service. 

Power had been exercised over that demonic spirit.

The working of power is a gift that is exercised either by touch or by words, or both, as we have seen in these illustrations in Scripture and from personal experience.  Words which declare the existence of a condition that does not currently exist is a common manner of exercising this gift.  I recently heard a recording of Kenneth Hagin sharing a personal testimony of something that happened in his life over 20 years ago.  He spent the day with a family whose mother was insane (but not violent).  All day long she spoke nonsense and was clearly not in her right mind.  At the end of the day, she looked at Rev. Hagin and said with clarity, “Will I ever get better.”  Rev. Hagin said he instantly knew that she would and he declared to her, “Yes, you will.”  Three days later she just came out of her insanity and was completely normal.  The spirits that had her mind bound were gone.  They had to leave in order for the command of power to be fulfilled in her life.

Though the working of power is used predominantly in the realm of casting out demons; it is effective in any application where power is needed.  For example, a person with a sickness needs to be healed; but a person with one leg shorter than another needs a miracle.  I have had the joy of speaking to the short legs of scores of people and commanding them to come out to their proper length, watched as the short legs grew instantly.  One who is born deaf does not need healing.  He needs a miracle.  One who is lame does not need healing.  He needs a miracle.

Next week:  The “trigger” of the working of power.

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.

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