QUESTION:
I have been following the interaction with A-1 with curiosity and I have a question: does being anointed and having the benefit of a 'mains connection' so to speak enable anointed to grasp things that much quicker? I tended to think of it as an instant download of everything you need to know but am realizing that may not be the case.
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MY REPLY:
It must be kept in mind that different gifts are given to each member of Christ's body.
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I have been following the interaction with A-1 with curiosity and I have a question: does being anointed and having the benefit of a 'mains connection' so to speak enable anointed to grasp things that much quicker? I tended to think of it as an instant download of everything you need to know but am realizing that may not be the case.
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MY REPLY:
It must be kept in mind that different gifts are given to each member of Christ's body.
All are given Holy Spirit, but the capacity and assignment of each differs, so the gift of spirit differs.
Even those of the body do not discern this divine arrangement presently.
For some reason, all see themselves as prophets and teachers, despite 1Cor.12:29,4,11; 12:17,18.
If a member remains in union with the head, Christ (1Cor.6:17; Rom.8:28; Col.1:17,18; Eph.1:9,10,11)
and "perceives the body", meaning, they understanding the differences between the "parts" (1Cor.11:28,29; 12:17,20);
they will share in the gifts given to all, and thereby, be made complete.
In other words,
if one part was chosen as a "healer", that part could still be equipped and built up to prophesy and teach,
if they accept the spirit as given to the other parts, and
IF they accepted the prophecies and teachings of the prophets and teachers.
The prophets and teachers would be enabled to heal, if they accepted the spirit given to the "healer"...
and so, by means of the acceptance of the Holy Spirit given all parts,
the entire body is built up in every way (Eph.4:11,12,13; 1:23; Rom.12:5; 1Cor.12:7).
This causes unity and peace (1Cor.12:18; 1Cor.14:33).
Yet if God's arrangement of the parts and gifts is not accepted by a part or parts,
by them not accepting their personally assigned place,
Christ stands divided, and those parts have lost union with the head as arranged by God. They become confused as to leadership (1Cor.1:10,11,12,13,25,28,29,30; 3:6,7,8,9,10; Eph.2:20; 1Cor.3:11; Col.2:19)
There is judgment for those who do not discern the body and their place within it. (1Cor.11:27,28,29,30,31).
We benefit by taking a closer look at Eph.4:11,12...
"11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ"
It would seem that few chosen ones today, grasp the purpose of those assigned to be prophets and teachers.
They seem to assume two erroneous ideas...
One, that all members of Christ's body are prophets and teachers. They are not. (1Cor.12:29)
Two, that they are prophets and teachers to non-anointed.
It is assumed that the members of the body (anointed with spirit), do not need to be taught
by other members of the body. This is due to a misapplication of 1John2:20,27.
According to Eph.4:12;
the God-assigned genuine prophets and teachers of the body of Christ;
are for teaching and prophesying to the other parts of Christ's body.
In this way, God fulfills all needs in all parts (1Cor.12:6,7; Eph.4:11,12).
So you see, the body must learn to work in love, respect and unity, according to the will and arrangement of God. (1Cor.12:18)
They must rejoice in the honor shown each part...not envying, coveting, or competing with the position of another.
In subjection to Christ as Head, they each humbly accept their place as assigned by God. (1Cor.12:26)
The benefit (knowledge) that results, is progressive (Prov.4:18; 2Pet.3:18; Eph.1:17; Phil.1:9,10; Rev.10:7).
(Matt.10:27; Isa.50:4; Luke 21:15; Ps.5:3; 119:147; 143:8)
When a master commands a slave, it is not the slaves business to know all the reasons the master has for giving that command. It is enough for the slave to continue to listen, and to obey, as he is given each command.
But Jesus does more than that with his faithful (John 15:15,14). At the right time, when Jesus receives the final spiritual feast, he will share it in the time of the end (Rev.5:1,2,5; 1:1; Dan.12:4,10). Those found faithful with a little by giving freely what they have received (Mark 4:24,25; Luke 6:38; Isa.58:10,7,8; Matt.25:35,36,37,38,39,40), will be given more (Matt.13:12)
until they have an abundance (1Cor.13:9,10).
(Matt.10:27; Isa.50:4; Luke 21:15; Ps.5:3; 119:147; 143:8)
When a master commands a slave, it is not the slaves business to know all the reasons the master has for giving that command. It is enough for the slave to continue to listen, and to obey, as he is given each command.
But Jesus does more than that with his faithful (John 15:15,14). At the right time, when Jesus receives the final spiritual feast, he will share it in the time of the end (Rev.5:1,2,5; 1:1; Dan.12:4,10). Those found faithful with a little by giving freely what they have received (Mark 4:24,25; Luke 6:38; Isa.58:10,7,8; Matt.25:35,36,37,38,39,40), will be given more (Matt.13:12)
until they have an abundance (1Cor.13:9,10).
That progression of knowledge faces a special adversity in the time of the end,
due to the final tactics of Satan and the success of his ministers (Matt.24:24,25; Rev.13:7,8).
All God's chosen priests are found asleep (Mark 13:36; Matt.25:5; Dan.12:2; Rev.3:19,20; Luke 12:36),
and must first be refined before their service is made acceptable (Mal.3:1,2,3,4,16,17,18).
That refinement includes perceiving and accepting the arrangement of the body.
Here is a link containing more scriptures about this subject.
Please let me know if what I have provided is lacking to meet your need.
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Hello Pearl,
ReplyDeleteThis article gives immense information for me; just at the right time. But there are two conflicting thoughts I hope that you can help me understand.
In this article you said: All are given Holy Spirit, but the capacity and assignment of each differs, so the gift of spirit differs. Even those of the body do not discern this divine arrangement presently.
And in the article link on Prophets Within Christ’s Body – in a comment at the bottom - you said: Symbolically, he was asking them to take their own "piece", and "eat it" (accept your place in the body).
This would include not coveting the piece Christ handed someone else. I believe this is why "discerning the body" and one's place within it, is necessary to partake worthily, and avoid entering into judgment.
Accepting the arrangement of the body is not the difficult thing; it is the fear of partaking unworthily for the first time this year without discerning clearly my own place within it.
My prayers and love as always are with you today.
Discerning the body is the realization that each has it's place, including one's self.
DeleteOne's place is discerned over time.
The important discernment is not immediate clarity concerning ones own place;
but an immediate clarity that we should not work against the place of another,
due to assuming that each part is the same, and that all the pieces belong to us as well.
We CAN accept our place, even before we discern it.
Let me illustrate.
Imagine that there is a children's party, in which each child is to receive a party gift, a favor.
All the little gifts are wrapped and piled upon a table. Some gifts are larger and some smaller.
There is the unassuming child that waits to be handed whatever will belong to him,
and there is the child that assumes that he deserves all the gifts, especially the larger ones,
simply because he wants them.
Such a child may even steal a few before they are officially handed out,
and rip them open in secret.
When discovered, certainly that child will not be chosen to receive the better gifts.
He may even be sent home.
Although the mild and humble child may not yet know what is inside the wrapping,
he has already accepted that the other gifts are not for himself, because he discerns that they will be
distributed as the owner of them wishes,
and the time will come for him to possess what is meant for him.
With this, he is not only satisfied, but grateful.
Upon being observed by the host,
this child is likely to receive a greater gift.
Jesus also illustrated this point...
"7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke14:7-11)
It is not that the man knew which seat would be his.
In time, he would.
It was due to the nature of his humble heart, that he played it safe
by taking the "lowest place" (Rom.12:10; John13:13,14,15,16,17)
UNTIL HE WAS SEATED BY THE HOST.
This showed respect for the places of others, as well as respect for the choosing of his host.
Once he was assigned his designated seat, he saw it clearly, and accepted it
(Gal.6:4,5; 1Cor.3:8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15; 4:5; Luke14:10; Prov.25:6,7; Rev.11:12; 4:1)
Those shown honor by being given more insight and understanding (Rev.4:1; Amos3:7; Eph.2:20; James4:6),
will have a heavier load to carry
(Matt.13:12; Luke12:47,48,42; John21:17; Isa.58:10; Ps.37:6; Isa.60:1,2; Zech.14:7; Rev.22:5)
After seated in one's place, a humble service to others would continue,
within whatever place he was assigned
(Gal.5:13; 1Pet.4:10; Eph.4:11,12; 1:22,23; 1Cor.4:1,2,7; 12:6,7; Rom.12:5; 14:19; 15:2; 2Cor.13:11)
If we do not display this kind of humbled love for fellow members of the Body,
we risk being thrown out completely (Matt.22:11,12,13,14; Col.3:14,15,16,17)
I hope this clarifies the realities for you.
If not, please just follow up.
With great affection,
Pearl