"Logos"
TEXTS: 1 Cor. 12:9, 14:2; Gen. 1:3-7; John 1; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 6:1-2; James 5:14; Heb. 6:1-2
TRUTHS:
1. When we consider the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it seems as if the talking gifts (prophecy, tongues, and words of wisdom/knowledge) can be observed operating more frequently than the power gifts (faith, healing, and miracles). Why? One good reason comes from Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians. He tells them to desire spiritual gifts, but to especially desire the gift of prophecy.
2. We get no instructions in the New Testament concerning the operation of the power gifts. Additionally, we find no mention of miracle rallies, healing lines, or other activities of that nature. We even find many examples in the NT of believers in physical distress (Paul, Trophimus, and Epaphroditus), but, even in those instances, no directives about the power gifts are given. But there are instructions in the NT about the talking gifts. This points to their importance and to the frequency that they will (or should) take place in a corporate worship service.
3. The oil mentioned in James 5:14 could be a reference to a medicinal treatment. Oil is a picture of several important spiritual truths throughout the Bible, but the way it is commonly approached in the Church today cannot be found being practiced by the early Church. The instructions from James focuses on the power of prayer, not oil. The emphasis and common practice in the NT is the laying on of hands.
4. Acts 2:42-47 reveals what the Church of Jesus Christ should focus on and give themselves to (until Christ returns). What is at the center of that list? Prayer.
5. Why is there so much “talking” in Church? Why do the speaking gifts seem to operate more frequently than the other gifts? God chose to work through speaking (Gen. 1:3-7). The major work of the Lord happens through words and talking. The ‘logos’, or the Word, even became flesh and came to earth (John 1). God uses talking to separate the light from darkness, good from evil. He informs us what is good and what is evil through words (talking). When truth is spoken, those who hear it are given the opportunity to move away from evil and towards what God calls good.
6. The prophesying that happens in a worship service may not “fit” you. You may not be able to relate to it or feel as if it doesn’t apply to where you are at. But that does not mean it won’t fit someone else.
TALK TO EACH OTHER: 1. Talking is an extremely important aspect of a worship service. In light of this truth, does this change how you will approach coming to and participating in corporate worship? If so, how?
2. Why do you think the Church is instructed to practice the laying on of hands? What does this communicate and reveal to believers?
3. If a prophetic utterance doesn’t seem to fit you, does that mean it’s not from the Lord? How should you handle a prophetic word that doesn’t seem to fit you? What should you remember, think through, and tell yourself?
4. How has God used words and talking to separate good from evil in your life? If you can think of a specific instance, please share.
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
- For the gifts of the Spirit to rightly (and powerfully) operate within our church services
- A willingness to learn and to let go of what may be unbiblical
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