Footsteps #144

A solemn word of caution should be noted, when we realize that the enemy has a counterfeit for EVERYTHING Biblical. Notice Rev.13:13 “ He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching.“ NLT This is a clear reference to the Mt Carmel story with Elijah coupled with John the Baptist’s prediction (Luke.3:16) and its fulfillment at Pentecost (Acts.2:3). Would we ever think that the master of deception would not try and rip off the pentecostal event, especially when we know that the outpouring of God’s Spirit in the last days will fill the world with one final blaze of gospel glory (Rev.14:6-12 & 18:1.) 

Throughout 1Cor.12-14 Paul is interested in shaping the use of the gift of languages at Corinth. In addition to the principle of diversity (chapt.12) and the law of love (chapt.13), Paul provides eight helpful directives: 

1) The gift of prophecy should be prominent (14:1,5 &12:28-31). We should note that the gift of prophecy was not predictive, but was to bring God’s words of encouragement, instruction, and exhortation to His people. It is expressed in ways that are recognized by the church as Christ-centred and biblically-based, which foster spiritual growth, harmony, and the building up of Christ’s body. No wonder Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to desire especially such a gift. 

2) Spiritual gifts that are used in public worship should edify and encourage others (14:1-3 & Chapt.13). 

3) Public worship should be intelligible (1Cor.14:6-12). 

4) The gift of languages, if used publicly, requires interpretation (1Cor.14:5,13,27,28) 

5) Those speaking should be able to practice self-control (14:13-19). 

6) When unaccompanied by interpretation, the gift of languages detracts from mission (14:16,17,20-25). There is a great work to be done in the world. Men, women, and young people, are to be converted not by signs and wonders but by the preaching of Christ crucified, resurrected, and coming again. By teaching people to have faith in the miraculous we can put their faith on shaky ground because the miraculous can be counterfeited and we can be setting them up for the final great deception (2Thess2:9-12). The final 2 of 8 directives tomorrow…