THE RIGHT COURSE ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
To cover this subject adequately requires a much more expansive study than that which I have attempted here. My purpose, however, is;
(A) to encourage body ministry, (Ephesians 4:16)and
(B) to see that it is “decent and in order”. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
We are exhorted to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) but we frequently fail on two counts.
(1) some people accept unquestioningly what is brought as an inspired message and,
(2) some don’t try the spirit but react to the servant. The former arises from ignorance the latter from arrogance.
Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].
Every ministry or manifestation must be examined by the proper tests before it is conceded. This is also a “gift” afforded true servants as found in;
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); TO ANOTHER THE ABILITY TO DISCERN AND DISTINGUISH BETWEEN [THE UTTERANCES OF TRUE] SPIRITS [AND FALSE ONES], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.
As we proceed, we will find all this is based on,
(A) comparing the “gift” against the Word of God, and
(B) and by observing the fruit of the life bringing the ministry.
1 John 4:6 We are [children] of God. WHOEVER IS LEARNING to know God [progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience, and to get an ever-clearer knowledge of Him] listens to us; and he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. BY THIS WE KNOW (RECOGNIZE) THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR.
We must also exclude “self-righteous indignation” as it is frequently sourced in “silent debate” and is a symptom of our expectations not being met. Consequently, our evaluation of the integrity of a person’s “ministry” is not to be measured by our preconceptions or misconceptions, but by approvals as nominated in God’s Word. (A revision of the study, “AVOIDING IGNORANCE” may be useful at this point)
While it is gratifying that the body of Christ is beginning to function individually in ministry, part of which the Bible calls “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs”, or more widely, ministry. We may need to understand a little more clearly the role of these ministries and to ensure that we are accurately applying the Word of God in the way we operate. Solomon put it into perspective when he wrote;
Proverbs 1:2-3 That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, DISCERN AND COMPREHEND THE WORDS OF UNDERSTANDING AND INSIGHT, receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity, (Also see Proverbs 3:32)
The apostle Paul expands on this concept to include the gifts of the spirit, but whatever the gift or expression shared, whether psalms, hymns, preaching, teaching, serving et cetera it has to be “constructive and edifying and for the good of all”.
1 Corinthians 14:26 WHAT THEN, BRETHREN, IS [THE RIGHT COURSE]? When you meet together, EACH ONE has a hymn, a teaching, a disclosure of special knowledge or information, an utterance in a [strange] tongue, or an interpretation of it. [But] let everything be CONSTRUCTIVE AND EDIFYING AND FOR THE GOOD OF ALL.
THE RIGHT COURSE
Now, all that doesn’t seem to be too hard when we see it written on paper but when we come to the actual application and implementation in engaging in “THE RIGHT COURSE” we need to avoid any grey areas. Whilst it is not possible to start in the flesh and end up in the spirit, it is entirely possible that we can start in the spirit and end up in the flesh.
There is a simple test that can be applied to all spiritual ministry and including the gifts, it is threefold, does not require any academic skill, just sensitivity to the examples found in scripture.
- Does it glorify Jesus Christ? (This is the ultimate purpose)
- Does it edify the saints? (This is a basic requirement)
- Is it a good witness to nonbelievers? (Even if they don’t understand)
The apostle John clearly states the condition that attends those who would act in cooperation with the Holy Spirit to bring ministry to the body of Christ when he penned in John 17:17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. God’s Word is the only thing that is irrefutable, unquestionable and unchangeable and serves to make men holy.
Paul went on to say that there is a fundamental principle to be observed by those who would minister, and that was that they should be thoroughly soaked in the Word of God so richly that the result would be “ministry”. Any ministry must align with the directions of God’s Word, this is the very first requirement, is not just in what we SEE as “ministry” but what we DO as ministry, it has to pervade our every attitude.
Ecclesiastes 9:10(A) WHATEVER your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,
Some ministry is obvious, others obscure, some vocalised, others never mentioned, but all are intended for the glory of God, both in their origin and outcome. We may think that the only gifts are those expressed in church, but these are just part of God’s gifting. In Old Testament times, priests and Levites were tasked with a wide range of ministry, even to looking after the “outside work”.
Nehemiah 11:16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had charge of the OUTSIDE WORK of the house of God;
The people nominated in Nehemiah were not just labourers, they were “chiefs of the Levite’s”, and their “ministry” would appear to be manual, frequently regarded by the church as a task and not a “ministry”. There is still “manual labour” in the administration of God’s house, maybe not as onerous as in Old Testament times, but still ministry to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 Let THE WORD [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) HAVE ITS HOME [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] RICHNESS, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
Notice “THE WORD” is the very first requirement of Colossians 3:16 and consequently is a pre-requisite for all that follows in this critical verse. The Word must be “at home” and therefore any other source of information, be it spiritual or secular can become an obstruction and an intrusion of the Word’s domicile. The “WORD” is the primary government of our thoughts, our meditation, our contemplation. It should be from our soaking in the Word we bring the “water of life” (John 4:14)
What we read, listen to, ponder, directly affects our ministry and Psalm 109:18 speaks to the dilemma of the unregenerate and crystallises it neatly in verse 18 as to how it “seeped into his inward [life] like water, and like oil into his bones.” When we study the Word it is important we don’t get distracted, not so much by people and events as we can handle that, but often we can get distracted by all the available resources. Commentaries can be contradictory, publications polluted, comments contorted but the Word of God remains unchangeable. It is the only reliable measuring stick for ministry.
1 Corinthians 14:1 – 19 provides precise directions in matters relating to the gifts of the spirit and is well worth deep contemplation and adoption.
For the Word to “dwell in all its richness” means that we have to mine the depths by the intense and constant study to the exclusion of all the overburden of popular sources which may meet our fancy, be it books, DVD’s, religious TV programs, or some individual we respect. The Word has to be “Hid in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11)
The first thing we need to do when we believe Father has shared something with us by the Holy Spirit is to see that it is wholly consistent with the Word of God. Anything we bring as a study or exhortation must have C.A.R.S (2 Timothy 2:15, “Carefully analyzing, Accurately handling, Rightly dividing, Skillfully teaching) thoroughly applied as a blowtorch to eliminate any self or solicitation in the gift. Also, notice that it is “THE WORD” which differentiates it from “A WORD”, which sometimes may be the expression of our favourite TV evangelist, or an author has tended to colour our thinking or captured our attention. Conversely “A word” can also be comfort, consolation, encouragement but again, is always consistent with “THE Word”.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 For our appeal [in preaching] does not [originate] from delusion or error or impure purpose or motive, nor in fraud or deceit. But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the glad tidings (the Gospel), SO WE SPEAK NOT TO PLEASE MEN BUT TO PLEASE GOD, Who tests our hearts [expecting them to be approved].
THE LORD’S ASSESSMENT IS BASED ON OUR MOTIVES, THE ATTITUDE OF OUR HEARTS, NOT ON OUR ACTIONS.
Psalm 25:14 The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning
The outcome of Psalm 24:4 depends on the compliance, our “fear and reverent worship”, which expels any chance of offence to the Lord. Scripture reinforces this position when it differentiates between “THE WORD and “A WORD”, as recorded in Acts and establishing that “THE WORD” takes precedence over all else.
Acts 13:15 AFTER the reading of the LAW AND THE PROPHETS, (The “Word of God” in this dispensation … comments mine) the leaders of the worship of the synagogue sent to them saying, Brethren, IF (The “IF” implies that there is the potential for uncertainty, it is a “conditional conjunction) you have “ANY WORD” of exhortation or consolation or encouragement for the people, say it.
Spiritual gifts, sometimes called “talents” are evidence of God’s grace working through our lives to benefit others. Our gifts are not for us. God intends us to use them for the good of His church. “My gift is for you; your gift is for Me.”
It is important to recognise God-given abilities outside of the gifts of the spirit and the ministry gifts, and the example in Exodus 35 provides a stunning illumination of “manual ministry”, and the attached importance both for the sanctuary and the saints. Although I digress here from the spiritual functions under consideration, manual ministries should not be dismissed.
Exodus 35:30-35 And Moses said to the Israelites, See, the Lord called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And HE HAS FILLED HIM with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship, To devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, In cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, for work in every skilled craft. And God has put in Bezalel’s heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. HE HAS FILLED THEM with wisdom of heart and ability to do all manner of craftsmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, of the embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff] and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do or design any skilled work.
And although these particular talents may not be required in today’s church, there are those who still “minister” in very practical ways, and if the attitude of the individual is aligned to honour the Lord in the way they discharge that responsibility then it qualifies as “let everything be constructive and edifying and for the good of all.”
We need to recognise the “constructive and edifying” components and realise that they are for our good. Whilst these may not be called “spiritual gifts” because do not involve expressions of faith and they are not aiming to strengthen faith, they are still service unto the Lord, carried out in obedience.
The second important point is that whatever we bring is required to “teach, admonish and train one another” and can be just one of these or all three but not limited, as often there is a word of comfort or consolation, and Romans 12:8 expands the dimensions quite significantly.
I frequently reflect on the apostle Paul and the extent of the subjects he covered, the eloquence of the language, and the precision of the detail. I am not sure that he would be particularly happy with the way Scripture is presented in many instances today as the “attention to detail” is lacking, and adherence to the Holy Writ is manipulated to suit the occasion. This unequivocally requires that we are positively aligned with scriptural principles and avoid the potential for “a little leaven leavening the loaf”.
It requires that attention to detail and precision demanded of Moses when he built the tabernacle and Solomon when he built the Temple. Slovenliness or sloppiness or shoddiness is a blatant reproach against the Lord.
Two observations, notice that we teach and admonish ONE ANOTHER but we make melody in our heart TO THE LORD. We need to understand that “making melody” is different to “making harmony”, which is the intended purpose of the gifts.
Those who engage in the secularisation of the church are under the misconception that they are making the church “suitable” or “relevant” to current times. On one hand, they succeed, by neutering the fire and the hammer of the Word of God designed to refine and define what Father intended the church to be.
On the other hand, they have failed miserably, for so many “have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof” (Timothy 3:5) and the suitability they achieve will make aliens of the kingdom of heaven. The times have certainly changed but the Word of God has never changed, and never requires “updates”.
The third thing is that whatever we bring must contain “INSIGHT, INTELLIGENCE, AND WISDOM”. Now, this may not mean that all three are required in every instance, but it does require that there is that incontrovertible stamp of the divine clearly intelligible in what we have to share. KJV uses only one word, “Wisdom”, but the Greek word “Sophia” means “the insight into the true nature of things”, and so confirms the expansion of the Amplified version. Whatever the particular gift we bring must have one dominating an underlying characteristic, that is, IT MUST GLORIFY GOD.
We have been, for decades, exposed to those ministry aspects addressed by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, not always with the clarity intended by the Lord, but we understand the role of preaching/teaching and the operation of several specific gifts of the spirit, and as yet we so frequently fail to make ourselves available for these particular gifts.
Of great concern is the concentration on the vocal gifts at the expense of the other spiritual dimensions such as the revelation gifts and the power gifts. It is confronting that the vocal gifts are more prone to misuse or abuse and consequently GREAT DISCERNMENT IS REQUIRED. To a lesser degree, the revelation gifts are also misused, particularly when an individual allegedly has “a word from the Lord” for another individual, and it is not subject to the scrutiny of the church at large.
The power gifts are not excluded, and the enemy today is making the occult a sought-after recreation simply because of the paranormal appeal to men’s curiosity. We have a classic example of Moses before Pharaoh and the wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians replicated the event.
DISCERNMENT DOES NOT ALWAYS REQUIRE DISCLOSURE, BUT ALWAYS REQUIRES DISCRETION.
Proverbs 1:4 That prudence may be given to the simple, and KNOWLEDGE, DISCRETION, AND DISCERNMENT to the youth
Proverbs 2:11 DISCRETION shall watch over you, UNDERSTANDING shall keep you,
Proverbs 5:2 That you may EXERCISE PROPER DISCRIMINATION AND DISCRETION and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].
“UNDERSTANDING” is the ability to discern between two or more things and as Proverbs points out, they go together like a hand in glove. Job calls it a “Vital Force” which is afforded us by the Almighty (Job 32:8) The word “discrimination” used in Proverbs 5:2 has the same meaning as “understanding”.
We must follow “THE RIGHT COURSE “ as the whole body has not been operating to its full potential and so the ministry has been left to a few individuals. We now understand however that every member has an obligation firstly to the Lord and secondly to the body to operate as the “whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions]”. (Ephesians 4:16)
NOT EVERYONE IS CALLED TO BE A TEACHER, BUT EVERYONE IS CALLED TO BE AN EXAMPLE.
A further consideration we need to make when bringing something to share is to ascertain whether the matter is for sharing publicly or was it meant specifically for me. If Father is not speaking to us constantly, daily, and correcting and directing my daily activity, I have to ask why He would choose to give me a “one-off” for a public meeting if I was unreceptive to his personal daily dealings. A good test is if my daily journal reflects if I am developing in God and the directions He is providing.
So, what constitutes a “Psalm, hymn, spiritual song, or disclosure of special knowledge or information”. The latter may include what we see as an exhortation or as described in Colossians 3:16 as “admonish and train”.
David, et al, gave us a good handbook on what a Psalm looks like, the authors compiling some 150 chapters covering myriad aspects of life.
The Hebrew title of the book of Psalms is “Tehillim”, literally, “PRAISES,” OR “BOOK OF PRAISES” but also included are prayers, confessions, poems, some mournful while others are jubilant. The vigour and depth of devotion recorded in the Psalms serve to stimulate and inflame our hearts to join in the sentiments with deeper affection and zeal and consequently to elevate us to spiritual heights and reach the potential Father intends.
Unlike psalms, hymns are not generally written by spontaneous divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit but by contemplation and meditation and are not considered part of Scripture. The term spiritual songs is a more general description. Scripture indicates the songs we bring must be “spiritual,” that is, the songs of the church deal with spiritual themes.
No less is expected of those Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, exhortations, studies, revelations that we bring, they will consist of various themes and observations, but central to every one of them should be the recognition and acknowledgement of God Himself and the improvement of the body of Christ.
The difficulty exists because there are “DIFFERENT GIFTS” and they are manifested by “DIFFERENT PEOPLE” and so the “DIFFERENCES” of the individual often become obvious in the expression or manifestation of the gift. The comforting component it is that though there are differences in the gifts and different vessels it is the one and same God who gives these gifts. But the authenticity of the expression, whatever it is, must be supported by the evidence of fruit in the life of the Minister/s.
Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. BUT TO EACH ONE IS GIVEN THE MANIFESTATION OF THE [HOLY] SPIRIT [THE EVIDENCE, THE SPIRITUAL ILLUMINATION OF THE SPIRIT] FOR GOOD AND PROFIT.
The “ILLUMINATION” spoken of here is that also referred to in;
Psalm 119:130 THE ENTRANCE AND UNFOLDING OF YOUR WORDS GIVE LIGHT; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.
The focus is on the Godhead, not on the gifts. The focus is on what God is doing in the group, not on people’s particular passions, or bents, and simply determined by “IS IT GOD GLORIFYING”? One word of caution, however, the enemy is very subtle and knows the Word intimately and we need to be alert to the nuances which will misconstrue the truth.
Ross Smith 