rrobs
Well-Known Member
I can understand why there is confusion when it comes to the operation of the manifestations (usually wrongly called gifts) of the spirit in light of the text in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.
1Cor 12:7-10,
First of all, it should be noted that verse 7 is talking about manifestations, not gifts. The gift is holy spirit which, being spirit, can't be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched. In other words, it can not be registered by any of the 5 senses people normally use to learn about the world around them. That is why God made the 9 different ways the invisible spirit can be manifested into the senses world.
Like I said, I can almost understand why some say that not all Christians can operate any or all of the listed manifestations when only the text of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 is considered. I suppose it could be considered a bit nebulous to many Christians and therefore hard to fully understand. However, there is a verse in John that seems to settle the question once and for all.
John 14:12,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
There are numerous examples of Jesus operating 7 of the nine manifestations (he didn't operate tongues or interpretation of tongues simply because they were not available until the day of Pentecost). Therefore it seems crystal clear that every believer can manifest at least the 7 Jesus operated. John 14:12 leaves little doubt on that point. As far as tongues and interpretation are concerned, one only need to look at Paul's (converted after Pentecost, when tongues and interpretation were available) attitude concerning tongues/interpretation.
1Cor 14:5,
Paul, via revelation from God, wants us to speak in tongues in our private prayer life. However, when others are present it is required that the message in tongues be interpreted or that message given by prophecy. Tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy. Tongues in one's private prayer life edifies that individual only (1 Cor 14:4), but he that interprets tongues or utters a word of prophecy edifies the whole body of believers in a public meeting. Prophesy is a sign of a more mature group of believers (1 Cor 14:22).
The bottom line is that God wants all Christians to speak in tongues, "I would that ye all spake with tongues..."
1Cor 14:18,
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
If it's good enough for Paul, how about the rest of us? I'd say, and I believe this verse says God agrees, we should speak in tongues in our private prayer life often.
So the scriptures unequivocally say we will do the works Jesus did. That includes 7 of the 9 manifestations in 1 Cor 12:8-10. Besides those 7, God wants us to operate the other 2 which came after the Day if Pentecost.
One can study the scriptures to build up their mind, but to edify the spirit it is necessary to operate the gift of holy spirit which God freely gave each and every born again believer. That is how we can do the works Jesus did when he walked this earth.
1Cor 12:7-10,
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
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] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
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] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
First of all, it should be noted that verse 7 is talking about manifestations, not gifts. The gift is holy spirit which, being spirit, can't be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched. In other words, it can not be registered by any of the 5 senses people normally use to learn about the world around them. That is why God made the 9 different ways the invisible spirit can be manifested into the senses world.
Like I said, I can almost understand why some say that not all Christians can operate any or all of the listed manifestations when only the text of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 is considered. I suppose it could be considered a bit nebulous to many Christians and therefore hard to fully understand. However, there is a verse in John that seems to settle the question once and for all.
John 14:12,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
1Cor 14:5,
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.
Paul, via revelation from God, wants us to speak in tongues in our private prayer life. However, when others are present it is required that the message in tongues be interpreted or that message given by prophecy. Tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy. Tongues in one's private prayer life edifies that individual only (1 Cor 14:4), but he that interprets tongues or utters a word of prophecy edifies the whole body of believers in a public meeting. Prophesy is a sign of a more mature group of believers (1 Cor 14:22).
The bottom line is that God wants all Christians to speak in tongues, "I would that ye all spake with tongues..."
1Cor 14:18,
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
If it's good enough for Paul, how about the rest of us? I'd say, and I believe this verse says God agrees, we should speak in tongues in our private prayer life often.
So the scriptures unequivocally say we will do the works Jesus did. That includes 7 of the 9 manifestations in 1 Cor 12:8-10. Besides those 7, God wants us to operate the other 2 which came after the Day if Pentecost.
One can study the scriptures to build up their mind, but to edify the spirit it is necessary to operate the gift of holy spirit which God freely gave each and every born again believer. That is how we can do the works Jesus did when he walked this earth.
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