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(continued from preceding page)
 The
use of spiritual gifts could be abused by early saints, for “The
spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” (1 Cor.
14:32). Remember that when you are told “The Spirit is moving
me; I can’t help myself.” Peter acted hypocritically (Gal.
2:11 -13), and Paul had to buffet his body lest he be rejected
(1 Cor. 9:27). But the message which the Spirit gave, using the
earthen vessels as a mouth piece, was inerrant and unified. The
case of Baalam (Num. 22:24:) is an 0. T. example; and 1 Cor. 14:
is an account of N.T. saints who could misuse their gifts, but
through whom a unified truth was presented. This emphasizes the
true purpose of such gifts.
The
message was the thing. Paul could say, “I speak with tongues
more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five
words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach
others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue” (v.
19). He told the Corinthians, “I would that ye all spake with
tongues, but rather that ye prophesied (taught, rt) for greater
is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying” (v.
5).
The
unification of the message is apparent in that Paul could say,
“If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let
him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of the Lord” (v. 37). The testing of one who
claimed to have the Spirit was done by comparing his message
with that of John and other inspired men, (1 Jn. 4:1- 6).
So-called “miracles” were also tested by the
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message, or
content of teaching, (See Deut. 13:1-3; 2 Thes. 2:9-l2).
Further
study of 1 Cor. 12: 13: 14: shows us that although Paul wanted
the Corinthians to have and use spiritual gifts, he recognized
their transient nature. Note, “Covet earnestly the best gifts:
and yet show I unto you a more excellent way” (12:31). The
more excellent way was not a new or different way (love was
intended for all saints) but it was an enduring way as
opposed to spiritual gifts that would serve their purpose, and
them cease. Miraculous prophecies, tongues, and knowledge were
to cease; for “we know in part, and we prophesy in part (i.e.,
piece by piece, rt) but when that which is perfect is come, then
that which is in part shall be done away” (13:8-10). Some say
this refers to Christ’s coming at the end of time, but “that
which” is not “He who”. Marshall’s interlinear
translates, “When the perfect thing comes, the thing in part
will be abolished.” The perfect (mature, full - grown) thing
is the complete revelation. Miraculous gifts served, in
the “child” or developmental stage of New Testament
revelation, but when the job was done, the scaffold — the
trappings of development — would have accomplished its
purpose, and cease.
The
Holy Spirit did His work well, delivering through chosen
messengers a confirmed and established standard of truth for all
men and all tine. We believe the WHO? WHY? and WHEN? study of
miraculous spiritual gifts will make clear this truth. Current
ecstatic “gifts” (?) do not conform to N.T: teaching, hence
are not of God.
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