I’d Like to Prophesy, But… (Part II – 8)

This is a continuation of the nine-part series,  I’d Like to Prophesy, But…

Click on the following links for earlier articles: Part II-1, Part II-2, Part II – 3, Part II-4, Part II- 5, Part II-6 and Part 7.

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? (Luke 6: 46)

Even every secularist knows that we Christians are supposed to love people. In fact, if believers point out that some acts are sins, such as homosexuality or abortion, invariably the secularists’ response is that we are not acting in love, but rather out of hate and hypocrisy.

You would think the only words which the Apostle Paul wrote that were of any value were contained solely in Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians. But believe it or not, Chapter 13 is snuggled between two other verses:

But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you still a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Paul wrote the letter to the Corinthians twenty-five years after the first Pentecost. It was not written as a training manual with chapter and verse numbers like our present day Bibles. But instead, it answered questions and settled problems the church was struggling with at the time of the letter.

So, how did Paul handle the Corinthian church which was totally messed up with their use of the spiritual gifts? Did he tell them to quit prophesying and practicing the spiritual gifts until he arrived in Corinth and retrained everyone?

No. Absolutely not!

Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. (1 Corinthians 14:39 – 40)

Now, why would Paul encourage  the Corinthians to continue prophesying and using the spiritual gifts? The answer is simple.

And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1: 22 – 23)

Paul actually believed that Christ was the head of the church and that the Holy Spirit dwelled within the church. Thus Paul believed in the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit, as stated by Jesus.

Now, if Paul believed in the spiritual gifts, wrote about the spiritual gifts, practiced using the spiritual gifts and encouraged others to use the spiritual gifts as a further work of the Holy Spirit, then why have so many pastors, leaders and theologians ignored the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy?

Once again, the answer is simple and can be given in a one word statement: prophets.

(Continued in Part II – 9)