The gifts in the dispensation of the Grace of God
Let’s talk about 1 Corinthians 12!
The gifts in the dispensation of the Grace of God
Let’s talk about 1 Corinthians 12!
By: Dov Avnon
The gifts in the dispensation of the Grace of God - download versie
“Gifts, given by the Spirit of God as a supernatural manifestation, sign gift, supernatural appointment, or empowerment for service (as described in I Cor. 12, Rom. 12, Eph. 4) have ceased with the completion of the written revelation of God's perfect Word.”
This part of What We Believe about the Gifts you will find in many churches that understand the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. Yes, God’s word is indeed perfect. Paul fulfilled the Word. His letters Romans-Philemon contain the message and doctrine for the dispensation of Grace.
After I came to understand the truth of woman's head covering as Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, a study in Chapters 12-14 showed me that there is a great difference between the signs that God gave the believers during the preaching of the kingdom gospel and the gospel to the circumcision Mark 16:16-17 and the gifts that God gave to the church the body of Christ. Those gifts had nothing to do with the Jew, Israel or the so-called “acts period or transition period theory”. They were part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was given to Paul.
I invite you to read this study and pray that Christ will give us that spirit that believes in what is written in the Word for this dispensation of Grace.
Signs and wonders. Someone told me “if I just will get a sign from God or see a little wonder then I surely trust Christ as my savior” Well, even with a good sign of wonder you can still not be saved. Salvation is not based on signs or wonders but on trusting what God says in His word:
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 cor. 15
Talking about signs and wonders, the key to understanding their place of them in God’s plan is the word rightly divided which means to divide between the signs that will follow the believers during the preaching of God’s earthly kingdom and the spiritual gifts that God gave to His Church the body of Christ.
Did you know that the signs that we are reading in the gospel of Mark 16:17-18 are part of the gospel of the kingdom on earth? I am sure you know it!
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.
Did you know that there is a difference between the signs of the kingdom and the spiritual gifts that Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14? I hope you do!
Did you know that the spiritual gifts that Christ gave to the church the body of Christ are not part of His plan with the nation Israel or because of the “acts period” but they are part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery? I think it will be better to start with the words of the apostle Paul.
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Many believers are ignorant when it comes to the spiritual gifts. I say this because they are not making any distinction between the signs of the kingdom and the spiritual gifts which are part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. Let’s talk first about the signs of the kingdom.
Matt 4:23 Jesus preaches about the kingdom and healing 11:4-5 they have to tell John: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hears, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. So when we are speaking about preaching the gospel of the kingdom we can expect to see signs. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe Mark. 16:16-17. During the time that Christ was on earth, God used signs to show Israel certain things. 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Heb. 2
Please note that God gave signs according to His will, His purpose, and not in the way that many Charismatic theologians explain it. If you want to see how God gave signs and until when just follow some of the scriptures that I am using.
So when we are speaking with our so-called Charismatic fellow believers. We should try to see if they understand the difference between the signs that belong to the gospel of the kingdom and the gifts that God GAVE to the church the body of Christ in this dispensation of Grace.
The 12 apostles, and the signs of the kingdom
When we speak about signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, we should rightly divide the word of truth, which means to distinguish between the working of God’s Holy Ghost when Christ was on the earth and in the period after the day of Pentecost until the conversion of the apostle Paul and the dispensation of God’s grace as Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 12.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe – We know that what the Lord Jesus Christ promises the believers (see Mark 16:17) was still at work even after the day of Pentecost.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:29-31
Even after the great persecution (Acts 8:1) we still read about miracles and signs as part of the same kingdom preaching or the gospel to the circumcision.
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them. –
Acts 8:5 seeing the miracles which he did. Acts 8:6 and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:7 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, Acts 8:12 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Acts 8:13
Read Acts chapters 1-12 and see how the apostles from Jerusalem are working fewer miracles. Please do remember that it was God who did it according to his own will?
According to His earthly purpose, which soon He will replace with the dispensation of His Grace and the preaching of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
Tabitha, arise - Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Peter vision 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Acts 10:19-21
hand of the Lord 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed,and turned unto the Lord. 11:21 light shined in the prison 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. Acts 12
when and for how long did God say in His Word that the signs and wonders for the Kingdom Gospel would cease?
We know that after the rapture the Kingdom program will continue. Peter indicated that he would die 2 Peter 1:13 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle...
13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
In Acts 15 (Galatians 2:7-9) they still were to take the gospel to the circumcision so it would still necessitate the signs and wonders?
James 5:14-16 If any sick...call for the elders...the Lord shall raise him up...pray...that ye may be healed.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another... 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
HEBREWS - signs and wonders according to his will HEBREWS 2:4 God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
There is an important principle that we should understand, the gifts of the Holy Ghost worked according to God’s will. It is far from how Charismatic theology teaches about it. All the signs and wonders in the Bible happened because they were God’s will. After all, they were at that time part of His plan. It was not a show like in our days.
I mention this because today many say: “but I saw it” It happened to me” etc. you can, of course, argue with someone about his imagination or experience but it will not help him to get the truth. So it is more important to explain to someone how God works and what was the real purpose of the signs and wonders.
HEBREWS 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
The letters to the Hebrews is a continuation of the gospel to the circumcision where Christ became part of the seed of Abraham.
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Who are we? What were the things that they heard? Those are the seed of Abraham that heard the gospel for the first time when Christ was on earth. The letter to the Hebrews like the name says is written to the Hebrews (people who came "across the river"). 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Yes “how shall we escape” He is not talking about the body of Christ but about Abraham’s seed in the future.
which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord = The gospel as we read it in Matthew,Mark, Luke, and John.
was confirmed unto us by them that heard him = The witness of the 12 apostles and later the apostle and prophets from Jerusalem.
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? So now we understand that God used signs and wonders according to His will when Christ was on earth preaching to Abraham’s seed, the nation of Israel
Paul and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God;
Dear reader, do you understand that there is a difference between the gospel of the kingdom, the gospel to the circumcision, and the gospel of the grace of God? I hope you do! So the next point is that there is a difference between the working of the spirit of God under the kingdom gospel and under the dispensation of God’s grace.
The signs that I mentioned before had to do with Israel, the circumcision, and God’s earthly purpose.
But let’s now speak about Paul. When we come to Paul we find also mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; People will probably say: “Yes it is because of acts period”. “It is because of the transition time”. “It is because Paul went first to the Jew”, “Because he had a special gospel for them”. No this is not the correct answer. I too used to for years answer in that way and only now do I realize how far I was from rightly dividing the word of truth in that matter.
So I speak now about mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God as part of the dispensation of God’s grace and not as part of God’s earthly purpose for Israel and the world according to prophecy.
The signs of an apostle
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:12
When we come to Paul, we deal with one gospel. From the time he was saved it was about the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. The whole purpose in saving Paul was to preach Christ to the world as Christ was revealed to him from Heaven. Galatians chapters 1-2 is sufficient evidence to anyone who reads it to understand 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul received from the Lord only one gospel and the signs were part of the signs of an apostle and not something which had to do with the signs of Mark 16:16-17 or the nation of Israel.
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ROMANS 15:19
It is the Spirit of God who worked in Paul to do all those mighty signs and wonders. Paul was preaching the gospel of Christ when the Spirit of God worked in him to perform wonders. Not because of Israel, Jews of the earthly kingdom but because they were the signs of an apostle.
by the power of the Spirit of God. Did Paul teach or mention in any place about the power of the Spirit of God like God did with his disciples during the time that Christ was on earth or in the day of Pentecost? No! This power of the Spirit of God is part of the special revelation that God gave to Paul.
From Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum – When Paul went the first time to Jerusalem
ACTS 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples and when he went the last time, see Acts 25:24.
ACTS 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem… ACTS 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.
I am writing just a little about it so we will not lose the main point when Paul was traveling between Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum – The Bible account tells us which gospel he was preaching, the gospel of Christ, the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles Acts 15:12.
When Barnabas and Paul told them what happened among the Gentiles, about what Gospel they were talking? The gospel of Christ.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Acts chapter 14
To which word the Lord give testimony by doing signs and wonders? The word of his grace! Are the gospel of Christ, the Word of His Grace, and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation different gospels or ministries that God gave to Paul? Of course not. Let’s trust God’s word and believe what is written. Let’s not put our theology before the written word of God.
Signs, miracles, and wonders in Paul’s ministry are signs of an apostle and not because of the Jews or Israel.
Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom
For years I used to teach that Paul had the power to perform sign because Jews require a sign. We see that this is not the correct answer. The signs under the dispensation of Grace were because he was an apostle. When we read the context, we see that while the Jew wants a sign or the Greek wisdom, Paul gave both of them only:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; It is strange. God gave people what they want SIGNS and WISDOM. No instead God gave them the preaching of the cross.
But there is another important point here. When Paul was visiting the Jews at the synagogue, the dispensation of Grace with the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery already began. The signs that God performed through Paul were not part of what Christ said while on earth. 17 And these signs shall follow them that belief; Mark 16:17-18.
Jews require a sign – It is about the unbelieving Jews who were part of the already rejected nation of Israel. We should first understand terms like JEWS, JEWISH RELIGION, and Synagogue before we go and teach that the signs that God performed through Paul were from Mark. 16:17 (see on the internet my study: Paul, the Jews and the Synagogue).
Dear reader, please remember The power of the Spirit of God that worked through Paul from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum was because he was preaching from the very beginning the gospel of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ROMANS 15:19
A different name for the same gospel.
Some teach that Paul preached different gospels. Those are the same Bible teachers who will tell you that it is important to divide Paul’s Letters between early and prison letters.If we will stay close to the word of God, we will understand that rightly dividing the word of truth means dividing between the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery – Romans through Philemon and the gospel of the kingdom and later the gospel of the circumcision – Hebrews through Revelation.
You do not need Greek or Hebrew to understand that Paul teaches in all his letters the same gospel. What you need is to take God at His word and just listen to what Christ wants to tell you in Paul’s letters.
Paul was teaching in all his letters to the same group of people, Jews and Gentiles, that the Holy Spirit baptizes them into one body, the church, the body of Christ.
GALATIANS 2:2 And I went up by revelation and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles
Paul was preaching the gospel among the Gentiles and not gospels. He was chosen by the Lord to testify the gospel of the grace of God Acts 20:24.
He says from the very beginning that he was separated unto the gospel of God Rom. 1:1 to preach the gospel of God or of Christ Rom. 15:16, 19, 29 and he calls it also my gospel Rom. 16:25
Yes different names for the same preaching the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began Rom. 16:25. Paul himself tells us that he was separated unto the gospel of God, separated from the gospel where God prophets in the Holy Scriptures spoke.
1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Romans 1
This gospel of God declared that Christ was the son of God and also the resurrection from the dead:
This is why Christ separated him. This is why he received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
So Paul was on one hand separated from the Gospel of God to preach another gospel of God which is the same in all his letters.
My gospel
2 TIMOTHY 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel
While Paul said to Timothy to remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David, Paul preached and teaches a truth that the risen Christ was revealed to him from HEAVEN in different revelations. So whether we read Christ’s words through Paul in the letter to the Romans or Christ’s Words to Paul in the letter to Philemon. We speak about the same “my gospel” “the gospel of God” “the gospel of your salvation” “the gospel of the blessed God” etc.
ROMANS 1:9 gospel of his Son - ROMANS 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:12 ….gospel of Christ 2 CORINTHIANS 2:12 ……Christ's gospel
2_CORINTHIANS 4:4 the glorious gospel of Christ GALATIANS 1:7 ….the gospel of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 1:27…. the gospel of Christ 1-THESSALONIANS 3:2 …. the gospel of Christ - 1
THESSALONIANS 1:8 the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is most important to say over and over that while Paul uses different names, he preached Christ only in one away, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Romans 16:25.
All about this gospel, we can find in the scriptures of the prophets …. Romans 16:26. ROMANS 2:16 In the day when God….to my gospel. ROMANS 10:15 them that preach the gospel of peace
2 CORINTHIANS 11:7….the gospel of God GALATIANS 2:7 gospel of the uncircumcision the gospel of the circumcision EPHESIANS 1:13 …..the gospel of your salvation
EPHESIANS 6:15…. the gospel of peace; EPHESIANS 6:19 …. the mystery of the gospel,
COLOSSIANS 1:5 … truth of the gospel; COLOSSIANS 1:23 the hope of the gospel 1-
THESSALONIANS 2:2 the gospel of God 1 TIMOTHY 1:11 …… gospel of the blessed God
Paul and signs
Acts chapter 14
1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ACTS 14
We saw that Paul's letters contain only one gospel. It is also important to understand the temporary character of Paul's signs. I am writing temporarily because today, under the dispensation of the Grace of God, after Paul the last apostle is not anymore and God's word is fulfilled, there are no more either apostolic signs or spiritual gifts.
When we speak about the term signs, we always should divide between the signs of the kingdom gospel (Marc. 16:17) and the signs that Paul had as the apostle for the Gentiles. Testimony unto the word of his grace
We read that in Iconium that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews. Please note those are the unbelieving Jews that are part of the Jews's religion. God at this stage already set Israel as a nation aside. The preaching here is about the Grace of God and not the earthly kingdom.
And so we read that the signs were testimony unto the word of his grace for both Jews and Gentiles.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Acts chapter 14
Please note that there is different between this testimony through signs ABOUT GRACE that the Lord gave in their hands and the one we read in Hebrews:
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Hebrews 2 I will emphasize again.
In Paul’s preaching under the dispensation of Grace, the signs are a testimony unto the word of his grace for both Jews and Gentiles.
The witness, both with signs and wonders according to Hebrews 2:4 is part of God’s earthly purpose and not with the Church the body of Christ. miracles and wonders among the Gentiles
ACTS 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.So miracles and wonders were not only for Jews. It was among the Gentiles that God used miracles and wonders. Not because of Israel. Not because it was a transition period but because it was according to God’s will as a sign about the new apostle. Paul was preaching to them Grace when God still used miracles and wonders. See also what Peter says about it: 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
But God did more special miracles by the hands of Paul And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; …. Acts 16:9
…said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:18
….all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Acts 16:26 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: Acts 19:11 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Acts 27:23
..And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Acts 28:5
Dear reader all I can say is that God used miracles and wonders also during the time that Paul preached Christ according the revelation of the mystery.
The Church and the spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Spiritual gifts under the dispensation of God's grace? Yes! It is something new that they did not know. It is part of the revelation of the mystery not because of Israel or the Jews but because of God’s will and plan. This is why Paul says “I would not have you ignorant”. You see Paul uses this term often because there is the truth that is part of the revelation of the mystery and it was not known before:
So if we do not understand the special Gospel that Christ gave to Paul we will be ignorant about the following truth.
…. should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until be come in. Romans 11:25
….should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 1 Cor. 10:1
…you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Tess 4:13
Paul is writing to the brethren. Those are members of the Church the Body of Christ. As we said Paul received from the Lord only one gospel. Those brethren are Jews and Gentiles as it is written: 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Those brethren like you and me should know now the difference between the signs of the kingdom on earth (Marc. 16:16-18) and the spiritual gifts that God gave directly to the Church the body of Christ. When I am writing directly, I mean it was part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery and NOT because of Israel or the Jews. Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. I give you to understand – The spiritual gifts that Paul is going to talk about is when the church is coming together. It was during the time that God’s word was not fulfilled yet. It was the way how God made His will known by the Spirit.
So the first thing they must understand is that you can say that Jesus is the Lord only if you have God’s Spirit only if according to verses 12-13 you are a member of the Church which is the body of Christ.
Remember, also in Paul’s day were people who followed him just because of the wonders. Please look around and see how many charismatic people speak only about JESUS, and JESUS and are not using his title, LORD. I would not say it always but in many cases not all those who say JESUS HEALED ME can also say JESUS is THE LORD/GOD He died for my sins, He rose up fromthe dead for my justification.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10
From reading this verse we will understand that through all the ages there were people (WITHOUT GODS SPIRIT) who miss used the name of the Lord for their purpose
13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. Acts 19:13
Even today many so-called Christian groups promote the name JESUS CHRIST but do not believe or teach that He IS GOD.
Again before we going to speak about the spiritual gifts for the Church the body of Christ let’s not forget: “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” …Ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols. Paul writes the letter to the Corinthians to Jews and Gentiles in one body. The Jews from the synagogue came from the Jews religion while the Gentiles came from worshiping dumb idols dumb idols = idolatry, false worship through logic, science, personal experience
20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and prays unto a god that cannot save. Isaiah chapter 45
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and
knit together, increaseth with the increaseof God. Colossians chapter 2
You see this is just an example of what kind of spirit worked behind those Romans/Greek Gentiles who heard now Paul preaching and believed the gospel. “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost”
Diversities of gifts
Same Spirit - same Lord - same God
God gave the Church the body of Christ “diversities of gifts, differences of administrations, diversities of operations”. We are not talking here about the Spirit that worked during the day of Pentecost but about the work of the Spirit during the dispensation of the grace of God. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal.
What we have here are special gifts directly to the Church as part of the revelation of the mystery. Not because of Israel not because a Jews wanted it but it is God who worketh all in all. The spirit gave it for special benefits for the Church.
diversities of gifts
differences of administrations
diversities of operations
gifts – administrations – operations
This was how God spread the revelation of the mystery during the time that the word was still not fulfilled. The fulfilling of God’s word means that Paul received the last revelation for the church. His last letter was written. Paul writes here also about: the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
This is a very important truth. We are speaking here about the manifestation of the Spirit. When the Church came together and they were practicing those gifts–administrations– operations. The spirit of God was manifest. It was not men who made happening. It was not a manifestation through one man but given to every man to profit withal.
Today when we teach in our local church the word of truth we can not say that it is the manifestation of the Spirit.
If all the so-called pastors/teachers were working under the manifestation of the Spirit, they would all know and understand right from the beginning what Christ revealed through Paul. No, all we have today is only the written word of God and men who can teach that do not always know all the truth which Christ gave to Paul.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to
another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:1-13 Romans 12:5-8 Ephesians 4:11
-Word of wisdom
-Word of knowledge
-Faith by the same Spirit
-Gifts of healing
-Working of miracles
-Prophecy
-Discerning of spirits;
-Divers kinds of tongues
-Interpretation of tongues
-Prophecy
-Ministry
-teaching;
-exhortation
-Apostles
-Prophets
-Evangelists
-pastors and teachers;
You see when those saints came together it was far from what happens today. Which tradition are you following? Are you going every Sunday morning to church and say that the worship start at 10:30? You might have some scripture reading, maybe some church announcement, singing and the Pastor will give his sermon. Many are following this kind of tradition but this is not what Paul is teaching us in 1 Corinthians 12.
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
You see when they came together it was a work of a body. They needed each other to have the manifestation of the Spirit. It was far from what we see today that people in many places are worshipping their Pastors or their religious leaders.
The words of a teacher at the local church are not the manifestation of the Spirit. By one Spirit
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
It is important to understand that Paul is writing here about the working of the Spirit under the dispensation of Grace. The same Spirit that baptizes Jews or Gentiles into the body of Christ worked those gifts in the church.
That which is perfect question that some may ask is “When did it stopped”? I mean those gifts that Christ gave to the church the body of Christ. Like I
already said, those gifts are part of the revelation of the mystery and did not come from the kingdom preaching.
The answer is that which is perfect is come. The charismatic theology teaches that Christ is this perfect. So it means that as long that Christ did not come back those gifts are still in operation. that which is perfect is come is the fulfilling of the word of God. 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1 Corinthians 13 So when was God’s words for the church fulfilled? The answer is when Paul wrote his last letter. 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12
visions and revelations – Paul letters Romans – Philemon contain those revelations and when it was finished, God’s word was fulfilled. Paul did not write those letters just like this. It was according to visions and revelations. It was Christ who told him everything. It is also during that time that God gave those gifts to the church the body of Christ.
Perfecting of the saints
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for theedifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the b knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Apostles; - prophets; evangelists pastors and teachers;
Why God gave the church those gifts? Does he still give it? No, there are not today any apostles or prophets but also no evangelists, pastors and teachers. Of course every religion organization ordains its own pastor teachers. Many like to use this title but the scripture say that God gave it for special purpose in certain period, during Paul’s life. Paul was the last Apostle and the last ordained teacher from God.
2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 1 TIMOTHY Chapter 2 The period that Paul was fulfilling the word of God is the same period that God gave gifts to the church like we read in 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 or Ephesians 4:8-13
The perfect men of God
So now we come to the end of our study. We learned the difference between the signs of the kingdom, the signs of the apostle and the gifts to the church. We saw that God GAVE the church Apostles; - prophets; evangelists, pastors and teachers;
The question is who is going to teach us now while there are no people around with those gifts. The answer is:
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1 Timothy 3
You see from the moment Paul fulfilled the word of God till our days we depending on men of God who are able to teach. It is not about university education or bible school but learning the things that Christ gave to Paul for the Church. Those men who teach DO NOT have any of those gifts because God is not giving them any more. It is now the Holy Spirit through the written word of God and the gospel of Grace that give us the power and the light and even then we still do not know everything.
3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 1 Timothy 3
When Paul wrote it he said that what God revealed to him is by inspiration. Paul’s letters became now THE TOOL by which the man of God can be perfect. Yes through Paul letters we can get the whole picture in doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness: So when you do not have the whole picture it is because someone tries to take you away from the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. Present every man perfect in Christ
COLOSSIANS 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus COLOSSIANS 4:12 Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Am I perfect now because I know the word rightly divided? No! The word is perfect. Paul already fulfilled the word of God. The letters of Paul are the perfect, complete revelation that Christ gave to the Church. You see in the beginning, Paul had those people that he could sendto the churches to teach them but later he did not have them anymore. that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
In order to be in this situation we need all the time faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also