Continued from -> God's Word Is Living, Truth Manifested Part 1
Paul went into the gifts manifested within the body of Christ.
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 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. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."1 Corinthians 12:1-7
All of the gifts administered to us by the Holy Ghost come from the same God, which worketh all in all. The gifts are manifested, (made evident,) so that the word given to each member of the body profits the whole. The gifts given to each member edifies the rest so that the whole body works together and is sharpened by one another. But unless one seeks his or her understanding in Christ, there can be little to no sharpening. Every member of the body should be encouraged to study the scriptures prayerfully and seek out answers in Christ alone.
"Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." Ecclesiastes 10:10
This is why the gathering together is so important. But gathering does not cancel out any part of God's word. Each and every one of us should be seeking God in Christ Jesus through prayerful study of His living Word.
Paul also stated that we should seek to Prophecy.
"But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."1 Corinthians 14:24-25
Prophecy brings conviction, as Paul stated above. Because it is the revelation that Christ Jesus gives those who prophesy that manifests the secrets of a person's heart. This, in itself, causes the person to recognize his or her need for the savior.
If you've ever looked at the word, "prophecy," within the scriptures, it's evident that the majority of times prophets were sent to people, cities or nations, the news was usually not good news, and the call always involved repentance. Every single prophet along with the Apostle Paul called for true repentance.
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."2 Corinthians 2:12-14
It is God who makes manifest the savior, by His knowledge given to us that should be shared in every place that we go.
"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:10
Paul explained the above verse further when he said:
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."2 Corinthians 4:11
And again:
"For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."1 Corinthians 9:27
Without Jesus and His truth in ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of the Kingdom, there can be no manifestation of His power in the lives of the speaker or the hearers.
One thing I love about the Apostle Paul is that he gives examples of natural manifestation, to further help us to grasp spiritual manifestation. This in itself manifests the truth to us and testifies to Paul's walk in Christ.
Natural example:
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."Galatians 5:19-21
Spiritual example:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."Galatians 5:24
Because God is aware of all that is in our hearts, the fruit of the spirit is not an act, but the result of real changes. The old man being put under, the flesh having been crucified along with the affections and lusts. When God's light shines in our hearts, all things are reproved.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:13
"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:13-16
"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."Colossians 4:3-4
Paul requested prayer that God would open doors of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ. Paul called this truth a manifestation and recognized that it was Christ Jesus who would set this in order, allowing Paul to speak as he should, by the spirit.
"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;"2 Thessalonians 1:5
Why is it "a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you?"
The passage makes me think of Moses standing before Pharoah in Egypt, and many other prophets within the scriptures who endured heavy persecution, but with patience continued in their calling. God said this of Pharoah:
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might show these my signs before him: And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD."Exodus 10:1-2
God has always wanted every living soul to know that He is the true and living God. This truth will be revealed to all in the end, yet, even now God calls even those who persecute us to Himself. It's "not His desire that any should perish but that all should come to the knowledge of truth." This makes even our own persecution and the strength given to us by the power of God, a "righteous thing," and a manifestation to those who will hear. Even our trials and tribulations will witness to others of the glory of God and salvation in Christ Jesus.
Watch for part 3 tomorrow.
September 26 - 2017