This appeared in the Winter 2017 issue of Anglicans for Renewal magazine. Both digital and print subscriptions are available here.
I hope you were able to take some time to read 1 Corinthians and to ponder the outline included in the first installment of this series. It’s rich fare for all Christians, but especially for those interested in the work of the Holy Ghost.
1 Cor 1.1-9
First, it is instructive and significant that Paul begins with Jesus in his opening greeting and thanksgivings. Not only are his credentials as an Apostle called by the will of God in Christ Jesus, but he refers to Jesus seven more times in just the first nine verses of the letter.
According to Paul in these verses, Spirit-filled Christians are saints called by the will of God to be followers of Christ Jesus, to be sanctified (set apart and holy) in Christ Jesus, to call on his Name as our Lord as we enjoy his grace and peace, to await his revealing, sustained, guiltless and in full fellowship with him.
Jesus is our distinctive. He is the reason for all our seasons. Jesus is The One about whom the Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us of what he said (John 14.26) and bears witness (John 15.26). Jesus is also The One who gives the Spirit without measure (John 3.34). Through us, as we open ourselves to the operation of the Gifts of the Spirit in our lives, the Holy Spirit also teaches, reminds and bears witness to Jesus for others.
FOR REFLECTION
How does Jesus sanctify us? (1 Cor 1.2)
Paul writes that the Corinthians were “not lacking in any gift” (1 Cor 1.7). How true is that for Christians today? What gifts do you feel you lack?What spiritual gifts do you have, or would you like to have, in order to reveal Jesus to others?
How might you make yourself available for the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus as he is described in John 1.1-5; Heb 1.1-4 and Col 1.15-20 through you?
1 Cor 1.10-17
Although the years in which Paul journeyed and wrote were golden years for the Christian Church it does not mean they were conflict and division free. On the contrary. Just as Jesus faced a great deal of it, so did his followers. He said himself that he came not to bring peace, but division (Lk 12.51). The disciples squabbled about which was the greatest of them (Lk 9.46). Even after Jesus rose from the dead and the amazing wonders of Pentecost—conflict with the rulers, elders and scribes continued, Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead for lying to the Holy Spirit and there was conflict between the Hellenist and Hebrew disciples over whose widows were getting more than their fair share of things. And we’re only up to Acts, Chapter 6!
The fact is that charismatic renewal, too, has brought about considerable controversy, disagreement, division and conflict throughout the history of the Church. Many priests, pastors and ministers have lost their jobs over it—Dennis Bennett, for example (whose books, by the way, are still a good read and very helpful and encouraging for those interested in things charismatic). Congregations have split. People have been hurt. Many have shut themselves off from anything to do with renewal because of things they’ve experienced or heard about.
So, I believe that the way Paul, immediately after placing his message in the context of Jesus, gets down to divisions and quarreling among the saints is inspired. There’s nothing in the Scripture by accident and there’s nothing out of order. When people open themselves to the Holy Spirit of God, his Gifts and fruit—when people stand up straight in the faith so the winds of God can whip through their hair—it can be noisy and perplexing. There can be consternation, fear, even ridicule. Consider Pentecost (Acts 2.1-21). But remember, whenever God or his messenger shows up in Scripture, what is the first thing said? “Don’t be afraid.” So if something disturbs or frightens us it does not necessarily mean God is absent. Quite the opposite, in fact. I suggest that if there isn’t at least a little apprehension, it’s probably not God at all.
Paul goes from Jesus to trouble because he’s being real and telling it like it is. Besides, as Michael Marshall wrote in his excellent book, The Church at the Crossroads (San Fransisco: Harper & Row, 1988),
Conflict and tension lie at the very heart of life an there will always be plenty of it at the heart of a living and lively church. (p34)
Marshall goes on to quote Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie:
We are not here to avoid conflict, but to redeem it. At the heart of our faith is a cross and not, as in some religions, an eternal calm. (p130)
Paul knew that Christians need to be aware of real life with all its challenges and that because we are not lacking in any gift we need not avoid conflict because we are anointed and equipped to redeem it—along with misunderstandings, fear and ridicule—by the power of the Holy Spirit and the cross of Jesus (1 Cor 1.17) working through us.
FOR REFLECTION
From what fears do you need to be delivered concerning charismatic renewal?
Read Gal 5.16-21. Are there any particular works of the flesh which might be keeping you stuck in conflict while inhibiting your availability to walk and be led by the Spirit?
What Gifts (1 Cor 12.7-10) and Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5.22) are of help to you in dealing with the conflicts in your life?
Gene+
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