Tag: Knowledge

The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

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Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ

‘Count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.’ I not only count all things a total loss to win Christ, but I depend upon Him to save my soul.

Twelve great practices of Paul as an example to other Christians: To worship God in Spirit (3:3; John 4:24). To rejoice in Christ alone (3:1, 3; 4:4). To have no confidence in the flesh (3:3-8). To count all things loss (3:7-8). To count all things but dung (3:8). To have no self-righteousness (3:9). I follow after knowledge (3:8, 12). I forget the past (3:13). I reach out for future things. I press toward the prize (3:14). I strive to be an example (3:15-19). I look for the Saviour (3:20).

‘That I may win Christ’ – Twelve great desires of Paul that should be shared by all Christians: That he may win Christ (3:8). That he may be found in Him (3:9). That he may have His righteousness. That he may know Him (3:10). That he may know His power. That he may fellowship of His sufferings. That he may be conformed to His death. That he may be in the first resurrection (3:11-12). That he may be perfect (3:12-13). That he may win the prize (3:14). That he may be one with all other believers (3:15-19). That he may be changed in the body (3:21).

They Shall Fail

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1Corinthians 13:8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

‘Charity never faileth …’ This is the 11th New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians (13:8-13).

‘But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.’ Three things that will fail or be superseded: prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.

‘Fail’ [Greek: katargeo] to make useless or void; abolish; leave unemployed (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4). It is translated “fail,” “vanish away,” “done away” and “put away” (13:8, 10, 11). Here it literally means that when the completeness of communication and knowledge comes, tongues will be no barrier and partial knowledge will be superseded by the perfect or complete (13:9-10). People in eternity will be able to speak all the languages – or just one language – of all others in the universe, thus doing away with present-day language barriers. The partial knowledge will be superseded by perfect knowledge. It is only that which is in part that will be done away or come to an end (13:9-10).

In 1Corinthians 13:11-12 Paul further makes clear his meaning, when he compares the next life to something as far advanced over this one as adulthood over childhood; and when he declares that we now see darkly into the future, knowing only a few things, whereas then, face to face with God, we shall know other persons and things as now known by God. Don’t use this Scripture as an excuse of not knowing the Bible (2Tim. 3:16).

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 2

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1Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

‘The word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge…’ The classification and definition of the gifts:

[1] Gifts of revelation – the mind gifts: (1) The word of wisdom. This is a supernatural revelation or insight into the divine will and purpose, showing how to solve any problem that may arise (1Kin. 3:16-28; Matt. 2:20; Luke 22:10-12; John 2:22-24; 4:16-19; Acts 26:16; 27:21-25; 1Cor. 5:1-13). (2) The word of knowledge. That is a supernatural revelation of divine knowledge, or insight in the divine mind, will, or plan; and also the plans of others that man could not know of himself (Gen. 1:1-2:25; 1Sam. 3:7-15; 2Kin. 6:8-12; Matt. 16:16; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:3-4; 9:11-12; 21:11; Eph. 3:1-21). (3) Discerning of spirits. This is a supernatural revelation or insight into the realm of spirits to detect them and their plans and to read the minds of people (Matt. 9:4; Luke 13:16; John 2:25; Acts 13:9-10; 16:16; 1Tim. 4:1-4; 1Jn. 4:1-6).

[2] Gifts of inspiration – vocal gifts: (1) Prophecy. This is a supernatural utterance in the native tongue (14:3). It is a miracle of divine utterance, not conceived by human thought or reasoning (Acts 3:21; 11:28; 21:11; 2Pet. 1:21; 1Cor. 14:23-32). It includes speaking to people to edification and exhortation and comfort (14:3). (2) Divers kinds of tongues. This is supernatural utterance in other languages which are not known to the speaker (12:10, 28-31; 13:1-3; 14:2, 22, 26, 27-32; Isa. 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 10:44-48; 19:1-7). (3) The interpretation of tongues. This is simply supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit (12:10; 14:5, 13-15, 27-28).

[3] Gifts of power – working gifts: (1) Faith. This is a supernatural ability to believe God without human doubt, unbelief, and reasoning (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Rom. 4:17; Heb. 11:6; 12:1-3; Jas. 1:5-8). (2) The gifts of healing. This is a supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine (12:9; Mark 16:18; John 14:12). (3) The working of miracles. This is a supernatural power to intervene in the ordinary course of nature and to counteract natural laws if necessary (15:10, 27-31; Ex. 7:10-14:21; 2Kin. 4:1-44; 6:1-7; Ps. 107:1-43; Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12; Heb. 2:3-4).

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 1

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1Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

‘Manifestation’ [Greek: phanerosis] making visible. The visible manifestations would be the visible healing, miracles, manifest prophecies, tongues, interpretations, and even the giving forth of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of various kinds.

‘Given by the Spirit’ – Facts and questions about the gifts: Their names and number (12:8-10). By whom imparted? The Holy Spirit. (12:4, 8-11). Who operates them? The Holy Spirit. (12:4-6, 11). Purpose: To confirm the Word of God (1:7; 12:11, 28-31; 14:1-40; Mark 16:17-20; John 14:12; Acts 1:1-8; Rom. 12:3-8; 15:18-19, 29; Heb. 2:3-4). Who may have them? Every believer (12:8-11; 1:7; John 7:37-39; 14:12; Mark 16:17-20; Rom. 1:11; 12:3-8). Can one have all of them? Yes (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12; 15:7, 16; Eph. 3:19; Jas. 1:5-8). Has anyone ever received all of them? Yes (John 3:34; Rom. 15:29). Were they manifest in Old Testament days? Yes (Num. 11:16-25; 1Kin. 3:12; 17:1 – 2 Kin. 13:25; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21; Heb. 11:1-40). Can gifts be misused? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; Num. 20:7-13 with Deut. 32:48-52; 1Cor. 13:1-3; 14:1-40). Can gifts be exercised in a backslidden condition? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; 1Cor. 13:1-3). Are gifts permanent or temporary? Permanent if received as a personal gift (Rom. 11:29). Are gifts exercised at will? Yes (14:15, 23-32; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Can gifts be neglected in use? Yes (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). When should gifts be used? When needed to edify others (12:7; 14:3-6, 12, 17, 26; Rom. 12:3-8). Where should the gifts be used? Where needed (12:7, 12-31; 14:1-40). How can they be received? By faith and prayer (12:31; 14:1; Matt. 7:7-11). Do we need gifts today? Yes, for the same reason others of old needed them (1:7; 12:1-31; Mark 16:15-20; John 10:10; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 1:11). Can we choose which gifts we need today? Yes (12:31; 14:1, 12). How can we know when we have received them? When the Spirit operates them through us to accomplish their intended purpose (12:4-11, 28-31; 14:1-40). Are gifts to continue throughout this age? Yes (Matt. 3:11; 28:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 7:37-39; 14:12-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:38-39; 5:32; 1Cor. 1:7; etc.).

To be continued…

The Purpose of Parables

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And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speak thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  Mat. 13:10-11 KJV

A parable: the Greek word parabole (GSN-<G3850>) is a comparison, Mk. 4:30 figure Heb. 9:9; 11:19 proverb Lk. 4:23 and an illustration; Mt. 13:3,10,13,18,24,31-36,53; 15:15; 21:33,45; 22:1; 24:32 they are extended similes.

They illustrate truth and make it clear by comparison with something that is already familiar. They impart instruction and rebuke without causing offense.  2Sam. 12 They create interest and hunger for further information. Mt. 13:10-17; 2Sam. 12  The stories are always true and the points illustrated must not be considered false and absurd. The historical background and the circumstances and occasion when uttered must be understood. Their words and details must be defined literally, not spiritually. The similarity between the point illustrated and the illustration must be noted.  The point illustrated is always stated with the parable or is clear by the occasion uttered.  The principles of interpretation are given by Jesus Himself. Any interpretation at variance with these principles or with the purpose of the parable is unscriptural.

Parables were used to reveal truth in a form intended to create more interest; Mt. 13:10-11,16 to make known new truths to interested hearers; Mt. 13:11-12,16-17 to make known mysteries by comparison with things already known; Mt. 13:11 to conceal truth from disinterested hearers and rebels at heart; Mt. 13:11-15 to add truth to those who love it and want more of it; Mt. 13:12 to take truth away from those who hate and do not want it; Mt. 13:12 and to fulfill prophecy. Mt. 13:14-17,35

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Mat. 13:12-13 KJV

A mystery is a secret previously hidden but now made clear so that no mystery remains for anyone who will accept the truth as revealed. Mt. 13:19; 2Cor. 4:3-4  At present the realm of profession, for tares and wheat and good and bad are now mixed together in the same kingdom. At the end of this age the two classes will be separated. The professors will be sent to hell and the possessors of the kingdom will continue in its literal aspect forever. Mt. 13:40-43,49-50; Mat. 25:31-46; Rev. 20; Zech. 14  Believers increase in knowledge, but unbelievers go into more ignorance and darkness. Rom. 1:18-32; Tit. 1:15; 1Jn. 1:7; Jn. 3:16-20 This is a work of man’s own unbelief and rebellion and the work of satan. Mt. 13:15,19; 2Cor. 4:3-4  They can see, but they refuse to see; they can hear, but they refuse to hear; they are capable of understanding, but they refuse to accept the truth, desiring to hold on to their old religious traditions and professions in preference to walking in the light of new truth.

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which said, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Mat. 13:14-15 KJV

This Old Testament prophecy of Israel written by Isaiah 6:9-10 is fulfilled in Matthew 13:14-15 Jn. 12:39-40; Acts 28:25 describing the condition of their hearts as being made fat, stupid, insensible, inattentive, dull, and callous. Acts 28:27 The idea here is that the people became this way, little by little, until they were past normal, vigorous obedience to truth and righteousness, but they were failing to do, see, hear, and understand with the heart.  They missed out on the promised blessings of conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God and of physical healing, a change of health, a new health in God. Ps. 91; 103:3; Mt. 8:17; Isa. 53; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16; Mk. 16:17-18; Jn. 14:12-15; 15:7,16

All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spoke He not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Mat. 13:34-35 KJV

 

 

Do These Things – You Shall Never Fall

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Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall 2Pet. 1:10 KJV

Christians are warned to give diligence to meeting certain terms of God lest they fall into sin and be lost. The theory that God will not punish, judge, and condemn His people when they backslide and persist in sin and rebellion has no foundation in any attribute, act, promise, prophecy, covenant, or revelation of God. He has been just and good to all in all ages. He is completely impartial; nothing can cause Him to act contrary His nature as He has revealed it. God has given hundreds of warnings for men not to backslide lest they die in their sin and rebellion and suffer the fate of all sinners. Heb. 6:1-2, 4-9; 2:1-4; 10:26-29; 2Pet. 2:20-22; Rev. 2:5  If we do the things mentioned here, we will never fall.  Let’s have a look at what they are:

According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  2Pet. 1:3-7 KJV

Through God’s divine power we are given ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness! HOW?  Through the knowledge of Him that hath called us!  By getting to know God as our love grow in relationship with Him when we read and implement the Word in our lives, Php. 1:9-11 He enables us through His power to get the things that is relevant to life and godliness.  Never that which is sinful or that can lead to temptation. Jas. 1:2-16 We were called to glory and virtue, that which is attained when answering the call on our lives Acts 10:34, 35; John 3:16-20 to follow in Christ’s footsteps 1Pet. 2:21 when we make the decision to represent Him on earth.. John 14:10-12

AFTER we have escaped the corruption that is in this world through lust, we are then given exceeding great and precious promises that we might be partakers of the divine nature!  With diligence Christian virtues are added to our precious faith; 2Pet. 1:1; Rom. 10:17 and to virtue knowledge; Php. 1:9-11  And to knowledge temperance; Gal. 5:22 and to temperance patience; Gal. 5:22 and to patience godliness Tit. 2:11-12 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 1Cor. 13:4

Verse 8 says that if these things are flourishing in us, then we shall “neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  And an important warning follows in verse 9:

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins

I choose to be diligent, making my “calling and election sure,” declaring that I will do these things so that I may never fall. In Jesus Name, amen.