TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH - 2-Minute Theology

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 17 - Temporary Gifts, Inactive

7/21/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 17 - Temporary Gifts, Inactive

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. - 1 Corinthians 13:8-10

Several questions need to be answered from 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. First, what is the partial? According to verse 9, the partial (meros) refers to the sign gifts such as prophecy, tongues, knowledge. As well, the term partial (meros) is something that is part of something more significant. For example, each believer is part (meros) of the body of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:27). In other words, prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are part of something bigger.

Second, what is that which is complete? It is not Jesus. The problem is with translation, not the text. The term perfect (teleios) refers to completion or maturity, not sinlessness. The term perfect (teleios) is a neuter noun; it refers to something, not someone.

That which is complete is the Scripture. The gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge had a revelatory purpose: they were the means of imparting and confirming God's revelation to man. As noted, these gifts are partial (meros) or part of something bigger. Since these gifts are revelatory, they are part of the revelation (i.e., Scripture). If the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are part of revelation, then that which is complete refers to the completed New Testament canon.

Third, when will it be established? Since the completed refers to the New Testament canon, it can be stated that it was established no later than AD 100. With the completion of the New Testament canon, tongues were discontinued, and prophecy and knowledge were rendered inactive.

What about the use of the gifts of prophecy and knowledge during the Millennial Kingdom? Just because the canon is complete now, does not mean that God cannot add to it later. Any addition will be authorized by Jesus and through prophets who meet the Deuteronomy 18 standard. This is why the term vanish away (katargeō) meaning to render idle or inactive, is in the passive voice. These gifts can be rendered inactive and then reactivated at a later time.

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 16 - Temporary Gifts

7/21/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 16 - Temporary Gifts

1 Corinthians 13 explains that the nine sign gifts have ceased. However, the context of 1 Corinthians 13 needs to be established to understand why these gifts are temporary. First, the Corinthian believers were spiritually immature (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2). Second, Corinthian believers were ignorant of spiritual gifts and were abusing them (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40). Third, the Corinthian believers were more focused on emotional experiences rather than sound doctrine (cf. 1 Corinthians 14).

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 is the key text that establishes the temporary nature of the sign gifts. In order to understanding their temporary nature, it is necessary to define terms and expand the translation. 1 Corinthians 13:8 states, “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease.” By studying each of the terms in verse eight, it can be translated as follows: “Sacrificial love will not perish: but those discourses emanating from divine inspiration, will become inactive; the ability to speak in languages previously unknown, will discontinue; the ability to discern divine revelation will become inactive.”

1 Corinthians 13:9 states, “If there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” Again, by defining each of the terms, verse nine can be rendered, “For we understand divine revelation partially, and we speak divine revelation partially.

1 Corinthians 13:10 states, “But when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.” After exploring the terms, verse ten can be rendered, “As soon as that which is complete is established, the partial will be rendered inactive.”

Having an understanding of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, will provide the answers to when and why these nine sign gifts ceased in the next Two Minute Theology post — Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 17

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 15 - Sign Gifts, Tongues & Interpretation

7/21/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 15 - Sign Gifts, Tongues And Interpretation

No spiritual gift is more discussed and debated than the gift of tongues. The term tongues (glṓssa) refers to a specific language spoken by a specific people group. Hence, these tongues are known human languages. They are not angelic languages or indistinguishable grunts and moaning.

The first example of the gift of tongues in the New Testament occurred on the Day of Pentecost.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. […] They were amazed and astonished, saying, Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? - Acts 2:4, 7-8

Acts 2:4 states that the disciples were speaking with other tongues (heteros glōssa) or different languages. As the crowd heard the Apostles speaking, everyone heard in their own language.

There are only two other examples of the gift of tongues being displayed in the book of Acts — Acts 10 and 19. In both incidents the gift was displayed by new believers as a sign that the Gospel had spread beyond Judea. Paul confirmed that the gift of tongues was given as a sign to unbelieving Jews.

So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; - 1 Corinthians 14:22

When Paul writes to the Corinthians on the topic of spiritual gifts, he refers to tongues as a lesser gift.

And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. - 1 Corinthians 12:28

That tongues is mentioned last implies that the gift was neither foundational nor primary.

Along with the gift of tongues is the gift of the interpretation of tongues. The gift refers to the supernatural ability to translate what was spoken in tongues by those who did not speak the language. Paul told the Corinthians church that if someone spoke in tongues there must be an interpreter present who can translate for the others in the assembly. If there is no interpreter, the one with the gift of tongues is to remain silent in the church.

If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. - 1 Corinthians 14:27-28

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 14 - Sign Gifts, Faith

7/21/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 14 - Sign Gifts, Faith

Accompanying the gifts of miracles and healing is the gift of faith. The gift of faith should not be confused with saving faith. All believers have saving faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

Not all believers have the gift of faith. The gift of faith is a supernatural ability to trust in God’s power and promises. Peter and John demonstrated the gift of faith in Acts 3. Upon seeing a lame man, Peter and John commanded him in the Name of Jesus to stand and walk.

And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. […] But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, Look at us! […] In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk! - Acts 3:2, 4, 6

Certainly they had the gift of healing. However, they demonstrated the gift of faith. Jesus had promised that the Apostles would perform greater miracles than those He performed.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. - John 14:12-13

That John and Peter commanded the lame man to walk in the name of Jesus demonstrates the gift of faith. They had a supernatural ability to trust in Jesus’ power and promises.

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 13 - Sign Gifts, Healing

7/14/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 13 - Sign Gifts, Healing

Similar to the gift of miracles is the gift of healing. The term healing (íama) refers to the act of restoring someone to perfect health. Its usage in 1 Corinthians 12:9 is plural indicating various types of healing — of the blind, deaf, mute, or lame for example. The gift of healing was limited to the Twelve Apostles and their associates.

But Peter said, I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk! - Acts 3:6
[Paul] said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet. And he leaped up and began to walk. - Acts 14:10

As such, it served to authenticate that their message was from God.

Healing in the New Testament era was unique. First, healings were instantaneous — the individual was immediately healed from their ailment.

Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. - Mark 1:42

Second, healings were complete.

and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured. - Matthew 14:36

Third, healings were subordinate to the preaching of God’s Word.

Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. - Luke 9:6

The gift of healing was not meant as a replacement for the field of medicine. Timothy suffered from a stomach ailment for which Paul encouraged him to drink a little wine.

No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. - 1 Timothy 5:23

Though the gift of healing has ceased, God still heals individuals in answer to prayer.

Spiritual Gift and the Holy Spirit: Part 12 - Sign Gifts, Miracles

7/14/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 12 - Sign Gifts, Miracles

The term miracles (dúnamis) refers to mighty deeds often referred to as signs and wonders. Miracles are acts of God whereby He performs something supernatural or that sets asides the laws of nature. Miracles have no natural explanation.

Those whom the Holy Spirit graced with the gift of miracles had the supernatural ability to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. The gift of miracles was a one of the proofs of Apostleship.

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. - 2 Corinthians 12:12

The ability to perform miracles authenticated that the revelation spoken by the Apostle was from God. Besides the Twelve Apostles, others such as Stephen, Philip, and Paul performed miracles.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. - Acts 6:8
…as they heard and saw the signs which [Philip] was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. - Acts 8:6-7
God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. - Acts 19:11-12

Though the gift of miracles has ceased, miracles still occur today. Today, God performs miracles through prayer, not through people. For a further discussion on the occurrence of modern miracles, consider Craig Keener’s two volume work — Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts.

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 11 - Prophesy and Distinguishing of Spirits

7/9/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 11 - Prophecy And Distinguishing Of Spirits

The gift of prophecy was the ability to receive and speak forth revelation from God. The gift of prophecy was to be used to edify, exhort, and console. This gift was critical during the Apostolic Era as the Scripture was yet to be completed. Agabus and the daughters of Philip were graced with the gift of prophecy (Acts 21:8-11).

On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. - Acts 21:8-10

The gift of prophecy was a sign to believers that the person with the prophecy was sent from God (1 Corinthians 14:22).

prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. - 1 Corinthians 14:22

As in the Old Testament, prophecy was tested to determine if it was from God (1 Corinthians 14:29).

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. - 1 Corinthians 14:29

Connected to the gift of prophecy was the gift of distinguishing of spirits. The term distinguishing (diákrisis) means to discern, judge, or appraise. The gift enabled the users to identify the source of a prophecy and to determine if the prophecy is genuine or false. As well, the gift enabled the user to detect if someone was a false prophet. This gift was necessary before the completion of Scripture to protect the integrity of God’s revelation and to protect the early church from being led astray by false teachers and false prophets.

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 10 - Sign Gifts, Wisdom and Knowledge

7/9/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 10 - Sign Gifts, Wisdom And Knowledge

Nine gifts of the Holy Spirit were temporary — wisdom, knowledge, prophesy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, discernment of spirits, and miracles. These gifts had a revelatory purpose and, as such, were instrumental in the revelation of the New Testament Scriptures. They also served as a sign to the Jews that the message of the Apostles was from God.

The gift of the word of wisdom was a speaking gift. It involved the ability to receive, understand and apply divine revelation directly to a specific circumstance. This gift was significant in the Early Church before the completion of the New Testament. Often situations arose where Scripture was silent. God enabled those with the gift of the word of wisdom to determine a course of action. No doubt, Peter and the Apostles used the gift of wisdom in Acts 6. A need arose concerning some widows who were neglected in the daily provision of food. While there was no revealed plan in Scripture for such a situation, the Apostles spoke wisdom, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, as to how to remedy the situation. James seemingly exhibited the word of wisdom in Acts 15, when he passed judgment on the use of circumcision in salvation.

Related to the gift of the word of wisdom is the gift of the word of knowledge. This gift involves the receiving of divine revelation about a person or event. The word of knowledge was given to meet a specific need. James likely used this gift when Paul was accused of teaching against God’s Law in Acts 21. James immediately knew what to do and tasked Paul with a course of action that would address the need at hand — proving Paul was not teaching against God’s Law. John likely was given the word of knowledge to know the specific course of action that each of the seven churches needed to take (cf. Revelation 2-3).

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 9 - Serving Gifts

7/7/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts And The Holy Spirit: Part 9 - Serving Gifts, Helps, Giving, And Mercy

The term helps (antilēmpsis) means to render aid or assistance to those in distress with compassion and grace. While all believers are to help those in need, those graced with the gift of help have a greater concern and compassion for the poor and needy than the average believer. It was likely that those graced with the gift of helps were motivated to sell lands and house to render assistance to the poor and needy in the Jerusalem church.

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. - Acts 2:44-45

In Acts 9:36, Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was noted to be “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” That she is known for her deeds of kindness and charity implies that she stood out among her peers in this regard. The phrase deeds of kindness (ergōn agathos) refers to her generosity. The term charity (eleēmosúnē) refers to alms or monies given to the poor. Based on the fact that she continually generous and provided financial assistance to the poor, it can be deduced that Tabitha had the gift of helps.

Closely related to the gift of helping is the gift of giving. The term giving (metadídōmi) means to give or share material gain with others. Specifically, it refers to distributing alms to the poor or needy. In Romans 12:8, the gift of giving is to be exercised with liberality.

or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives (metadídōmi), with liberality (haplótēs); he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:8

Liberality (haplótēs) means to be sincere or without pretense. In other words, the gift of giving is to be done without fanfare or spectacle.

Alongside the gifts of helping and giving is the gift of mercy. The term mercy (eleaō) means to have pity or show compassion to someone. Whereas helps and giving are typically used to minister to physical needs, the gift of mercy is used to minister to emotional and spiritual needs. The gift of mercy is more than feeling pity. It is taking action to alleviate the emotional or spiritual needs of others. Those graced with the gift of mercy have a unique ability to sense the hurts of others and respond Biblically with kindness and gentleness. In Romans 12:8, the gift of mercy is to performed with cheerfulness. Cheerfulness (hilarótēs) denotes the idea of dispelling gloom and identifies the purpose the gift of mercy. In ministering to the emotional and spiritual needs of others, it lifts their spirits and brings them gladness.

Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 8 - Serving Gifts, Leading Continued

7/3/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit: Part 8 - Leading, Continued

The Greek verb proı̈́stēmi is key to understanding the gift of leading.

The verb proı̈́stēmi is also used in the list of qualifications provided for those who serve in the office of the bishop or overseer.

If any man aspires to the office of overseer, […] He must be one who manages his own household well, - 1 Timothy 3:1, 4

Elders who serve as the bishop of the church, function as the pastor-teacher. The bishop is to manage (proı̈́stēmi) his own household well. That is, he is to lead or care for his family in a proper manner. Hence, his ability to care and instruct believers is in direct proportion to his ability to care and instruct his family.

The verb leads or proı̈́stēmi is also used in 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Paul admonished the Thessalonians to “appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over (proı̈́stēmi) you in the Lord and give you instruction.” The verb have charge over is proı̈́stēmi, the same as leads. It underscores their ministry of caring for the spiritual needs of believers. As well, note that these elders instruct or teach. The primary means of caring for the spiritual needs of people is by instructing them in the Word. Again, the gift of leading is given to those elders who serve as pastor-teachers.

Those with the gift of leading must recognize that they are not to be lords over those in their care. Instead, they lead by serving others.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; - Matthew 20:25-27

James, Jesus’ half-brother, was graced with the gift of leading as evidenced by his role in the Jerusalem Church. In Acts 15, He presided over the Jerusalem Church and demonstrated the ability to direct people to think Biblically through difficult ethical and theological issues. Though James had the gift of leading, he viewed himself as “a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (cf. James 1:1).