ESOCS Devotional 21 October 2022
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-31
MEMORY VERSE: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:11
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
One of the problems that face churches today is the issue of spiritual gifts and the spirits in operation. Spiritual gifts and its use is a matter that has become controversial and confusing to many, with all kinds of operations and practices which many times do not agree one with another. How can one know among this several manifestations which Spirit is of God?
An important fact that stands out in this lesson is that the Holy Spirit is one. His manifestation as gifts in men comes in different ways and operations. These different manifestations do not point to different sources of power or different spirits but they are all manifestations of one spirit, which is the Holy Spirit. This fact is clear. The implication of this is that the different manifestations will be one in purpose, speak the same language, and be in total agreement; otherwise, there is a contrary spirit in operation.
On the basis for knowing the Spirit and operations that is of God, St Paul tells us two things; he says, no one speaking by the spirit of God says “Jesus be cursed”; and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. In other words, the testimony of any spirit about Jesus Christ as seen in its words or action is the basis to determine the spirit that is of God (Holy Spirit) or not of God. The Holy Spirit is consistent in His testimony about who Jesus is, His mission, His death on the cross, His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God and its implication for man (the gospel). He upholds this and does not in any way contravene it. But the spirit that is not of God does not and cannot. This is how you know the spirit or operation that is of God. However, this is not easy for the unbeliever. You will need to be born again, grow in intimacy with the Lord, and know the gospel experientially for you to be able to judge correctly.
CHALLENGES
- Can you think of any prophecy or spiritual directions you have heard that was not of God?
- Why do you think so?
PRAYERSLord, we pray for your abiding presence in our lives. Purify our lives and purify our hearts. Keep us, O Lord, from deceitful spirits that we may not be led astray. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 21 October 2022
