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Discerning the Spirit of God
1 Corinthians 12:1-3
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
The word ‘gifts’ is not in the original, although it is in the context. Literally, ‘As pertains to the realm of the Spirit.’ In the original there is a definite article ‘the’ between ‘concerning’ and ‘spiritual.’ Paul’s desire, as that of any God appointed preacher, is that the brethren [ones united together by the Spirit of God in Christ-Ephesians 4:3-6] not be ignorant [compound word in the original meaning ‘un’ ‘discerning’ or imperceptive], in matter concerning the Spirit of God. Without the Spirit of God regenerating, illuminating, and teaching the heart of a sinner, none could know God, and none would desire God. 1 Corinthians 2:14- “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
All humans are born into the world equally pagan (gentiles), and idolaters. It is only depraved pride that makes some feel they are better than others based on social status, ethnicity, or goodness. Until the Spirit of God enters into those whom God the Father chose from eternity, and for whom God the Son paid their sin debt, and thereby they were justified before God the Father [declared righteous], they are in their hearts and minds just as ignorant and rebellious as all others, at enmity in their minds, although already redeemed, justified, and reconciled at the cross- Colossians 1:21. ‘Led’ unto dumb idols, following after a god that cannot save, as is the ‘free-will works’ god, who would like to save but can’t unless the sinner first ‘allows’ him, or gives him the permission. Such is an idol god who has to be carried and directed by its worshippers. Such is NOT the GOD of Scripture who saves effectually whom HE wills, according to HIS eternal sovereign will in Christ. Romans 9:16- “So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.”
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
The determining factor in determining whether the Spirit of God is in someone is their perception of the LORD Jesus Christ. Those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God, Romans 8:14. The Spirit’s work is to reveal the LORD Jesus Christ to the heart, in accord with the Scriptures, the inspired word of the Spirit- John 16:13, 14. There are many who profess ‘another jesus,’ who is not THE Jesus of Scripture- 2 Corinthians 11:4. When confronted with the Jesus of Scripture, they deny HIM, in favor of the god of their own making. The jews considered Him accursed (anathema) because the ‘christ’ they sought would not have died on the cross. They sought a political messiah, but not the sin-bearer- Isaiah 53:4. Sadly today, there are some who go so far as to declare that He was ‘accursed,’ not just made a curse in bearing the sin of His people, but actually becoming what they are, a sinner! Were the Spirit of God in such, they could not call Him accursed (an actual sinner). Any who do declare Jesus as THE LORD, acknowledging HIM as the Sovereign Savior who saves effectually every one for whom He paid the debt. The LORD Jesus is not known by education or reformation, but by revelation.
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