Chapter 3
SPEAKING IN TONGUES

There is much confusion about the Holy Spirit baptism. Multitudes of sincere, God-fearing people claim to have received this experience with the accompanying evidence of speaking in tongues.

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Where does speaking in tongues enter into the picture? Has speaking in tongues ceased?

Before we check with the Apostle Paul on this subject, let's look into several scriptures, forgetting the prejudicial opinions of man.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Luke 3:16

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. John 1:33

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:4, 5

Whenever a subject such as this is repeated in the Bible in five consecutive books, then you can know there is an experience we call the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

It is not the Holy Spirit baptism which is so controversial, rather it is the claim by Pentecostals that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence that a person has received this experience. Before we examine the evidence, let's determine the purpose.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

The purpose of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is the power to serve God. Questions must surely arise: Does it make any difference what the initial evidence is? If we do not know what the evidence of receiving is, then how do we know we have received?

Different people make different claims as to how they know they have received. First, let's look at the account of the great move of God in the city of Samaria.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying. This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Acts 8:5-13

Notice the following events:

1. Christ was preached ………………… (verse 3)

2. There was unity ……………………... (verse 6)

3. Miracles took place ...………………...(verse 6)

4. Demons were cast out .………….…... (verse 7)

5. Paralyzed people were healed.............. (verse 7)

6. Cripples were healed .……………….. (verse 7)

7. People were filled with great joy ......... (verse 8)

8. Many were baptized in water..............(verse 12)

9. Signs and miracles were evident ....... (verse 13)

What is so amazing is that with all that was happening in Samaria, people had not been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-17

Notice that when they received the Holy Ghost, something different happened than the nine events before mentioned. We can determine that by the reaction of Simon, the sorcerer. It was when Simon saw the people receiving the Holy Ghost that he offered money to receive the power to do so himself.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:18,19

I believe scripture would bear me out that they spoke in tongues. The apostles knew that when people received the Holy Ghost, they spoke with tongues.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:44-47

Peter knew they had received because, "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." In verse 47, Peter states in a question that these received the same way he and the others received on the day of Pentecost.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zeiotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4

We find an interesting account in Acts 19:1-6. Here we find the people were not only believers, they had been baptized by immersion in water twice, yet they had not received the Holy Ghost. The same thing happened to them as happened in Acts 2:4 and 10:46.

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:1-6

Why is it then that in some Bible accounts tongues was not mentioned when people were filled with the Holy Ghost? It could be because this had become the accepted sign, and the writers did not feel it necessary to mention it every time.

For an example, we can consider that when Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit — a man who was later to become a great apostle — there was no mention of him speaking in tongues.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Acts 9:17-19

Again I ask, could it be that since tongues were the accepted sign the writer felt no compelling need to mention them? I say this without timidity because we know the Apostle Paul spoke with tongues.

Let us look to him for the proof:

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. I Corinthians 14:18, 19

Why speak in tongues at all? What profit is there in speaking in a language we cannot understand? Many people think Paul was able to make the claim of speaking in tongues more than his fellows because he was well educated and knew several languages. However, there is a serious mistake in this belief. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural language one receives when he is baptized with the Holy Spirit. If a person could speak in tongues because he knew another language, then anyone could speak in tongues whether or not he received the Holy Ghost, simply by learning another language.

To the spiritually unlearned, speaking in tongues is useless if not foolish. To the child of God who prays regularly in tongues, speaking in tongues holds a very great place in his life. Why?

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; how-beit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I Corinthians 14:1-4

Speaking in tongues edifies, or builds up, the one doing the speaking. Do Christians need to build themselves up?

But ye, beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 20

The command is to pray in the Holy Ghost and build ourselves up. Why?

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 21

Now if Paul spoke in tongues more than the rest, and thus could build himself up more than the rest because he knew several languages, why would he say the following?

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. I Corinthians 14:14, 15

Speaking in tongues, or praying in tongues, is praying with the Spirit, or as Jude says, "Praying in the Holy Ghost," the purpose of which is to build yourself up to become a better servant of God.

Paul who claimed to "speak with tongues more than ye all," is also considered the greatest apostle. Also, he stated that, "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding..." Where did he do all this speaking in tongues? The answer is obvious. He did it in his private prayer life. That is where he built himself up, to build up God's kingdom.

Let it be said here that there are those who make much of speaking in tongues who are very carnal. Many were like that in the church at Corinth. This seems to be the compelling reason for I Corinthians 13. Speaking in tongues alone will not make you spiritual. Speaking in tongues while living in harmony with all of God's revealed will is of great value.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I Corinthians 13:8-10

Some would say, referring to I Corinthians 13:8-10, that speaking in tongues has ceased and is not for today. They say, "that which is perfect" refers to the Bible. They ignore the next two verses which fully explain that Paul is talking about the next life, the completeness and perfection of our glorified lives with Christ. In fact, many of these same people use this scripture to prove we will know our loved ones in heaven.

The Apostle Peter helps us to understand that the promise of the Holy Ghost was not just for those in Bible days.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38, 39

Some have tried to prove that speaking in other tongues is not of God because women speak in tongues, sometimes in the church.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. I Corinthians 14:34, 35

The preceding scripture plainly says, "if they will learn anything ..." and has nothing to do with speaking in tongues, prophesying, or testifying. I have attended several churches where this argument is used, yet their women testify, teach Sunday School classes, and even stand on the platform to lead the singing.

The scripture plainly teaches that the baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in other tongues is for women as well as men.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. Joel 2:28, 29

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:14

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. Acts 2:17, 18

Speaking in tongues is the privilege of every Spirit-filled believer. It must be understood that every Spirit-filled believer can pray, sing, and worship God in other tongues.

This heavenly language is given to the believer upon receiving their personal Holy Spirit baptism and can be used at will. However, not everyone has the gift of bringing a message in tongues in the church to be interpreted. To bring a message in tongues, one must have the gift of tongues and not just the evidence of tongues. Also, this gift cannot be used at will, but must be activated by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Paul was talking about the gift of tongues when he wrote:

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? I Corinthians 12:30

I will speak more of the gift of tongues in another chapter.

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9

Chapter 4
PRAYER

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

There can be no doubt, that of all praying people, Jesus was the master pray-er.

Many people have read "The Lord's Prayer" without recognizing the power and depth contained therein. When we realize that Jesus was teaching as the rabbis of that day taught, by listing certain topics and then under that topic providing a complete outline, we realize we have come upon great truth.

In this model prayer we now know as "The Lord's Prayer," Jesus enumerated topics and instructed, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (Matthew 6:9)

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say. Luke 11:2

Is it not amazing, then, that when most people pray they say anything and everything but what the Lord told them to say? We memorize the Lord's prayer, we quote it, we sing it, but few pray it, using the Lord's prayer as a group of six topics, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Allow me to list these six topics:

(1) Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

(2) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.

(3) Give us this day our daily bread.

(4) Forgive us our debts (sins) as we forgive our debtors.

(5) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

(6) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

If we will take each of these topics before the Lord, patiently, carefully, we will find it difficult to not spend at least one hour in prayer each day.

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40

Could it be that Jesus is asking that same question of the church today? Someone has said prayer is the most talked about, least practiced subject in the church today.

If it is true the church goes forward on its knees, could it be that the church is almost standing still?

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

Along with our Lord Jesus Christ, I find it extremely interesting to listen in on the prayers of the Apostle Paul. Here's a man who knows how to pray.

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy 2:8

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Colossians 1:3

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; I Thessalonians 1:2, 3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; II Thessalonians 1:3

Could it be that Paul was such a great man in the pulpit because he was such a great man in the prayer closet? I have long been intrigued by Paul's personal statement concerning speaking with tongues.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. I Corinthians 14:18, 19

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. I Corinthians 14:15

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I Corinthians 14:4

Paul evidently spent much time building himself up by praying. Lest that sound selfish or carnal, we need to realize we cannot give to someone else something we ourselves do not possess.

If Christians ever come to realize the power of prayer, it may be difficult to get them to do much else. In Paul's epistle to the church at Ephesus, we can glimpse a little of the potential of increased wisdom and revelation through prayer.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:15-23

It would be well for us to pray that prayer, putting ourselves, or even our own name in the prayer. We travel a little further on in Ephesians and find Paul praying again for the Christians.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul doesn't stop praying for the Christians, he instructs us to do the same.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

In his discourse on the armor of God, most of us have missed the weapon of prayer. We have mistakenly ended with ".. . the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

We need to go on to verse 18 and include one of the greatest weapons in the Christians' arsenal, the weapon of prayer. I believe prayer is one of the mighty weapons Paul referred to when talking about pulling down strongholds.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Corinthians 10:3-5

Jesus also taught about this matter of pulling down strongholds.

And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divided his spoils. Luke 11:16-22

The "strong man armed" in verse 21 is the devil. The "stronger than he" in verse 22 can be us, you and me. One of the greatest weapons we can use against the "strong man" is the weapon of prayer. Prayer, combined with fasting, is even more powerful. Daniel is a prime example.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10

There are times when God wants us to contend with Him. Times when the Holy Spirit will anoint us to pray fearful prayers. Years ago, when we were in the beginning stages of the work in Independence, Iowa, we had a need of $300. Now this may not seem like much to you, but back then it seemed a huge amount. With only a handful of people, and the average Sunday evening offering less than $5.00, I went to prayer on Sunday afternoon. What started out to be a nice, quiet, mild request, became very fervent. I prayed something like this, "God, we have to have $300 by tomorrow morning. You said you would 'supply all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' God, if you don't supply this money by tomorrow morning, you are a liar." There it was. It was out before I knew it. Immediately I asked God to forgive me, but a strange thing happened. The Holy Spirit began to talk to my heart. He said, "Do not be afraid, that was not you, I was anointing you to pray like that."

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

But then, in the Sunday evening service, I made a grave mistake. In the excitement of God's blessing, I forgot to ask for the $300. Alas, alas. "Oh well," I thought, "we never get more than $5.00 in the evening service anyway."

As I was standing at the door to shake hands after the service, a lady visitor shook my hand and pressed into it a piece of paper. I calmly put it in my pocket, thinking it was a check for $5.00 or at the most $20.00. Later, when I looked, I saw it was made out for $350.00.

Again, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. He said, "God gave you $50.00 more than you asked for so you would know He is not a cheapskate." Yes, what would happen if we would learn to pray like Jesus, and Paul?

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9

Chapter 5
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. I Corinthians 12:1

Someone has remarked, that of all the teachings in the Bible we are ignorant of, we are more ignorant of the teaching of the gifts of the Spirit than any other. And this after Paul says "... I would not have you ignorant."

On this subject, as well as so many others, we look for enlightenment to the Apostle Paul. In fact, it seems the Apostle Paul, and he only, has been singled out by the Holy Spirit to bring in-depth teaching concerning these miraculous gifts.

Because of lack of understanding, many have ignored, or shied away from the gifts of the Spirit. Others have mistakenly pushed aside these supernatural gifts and relegated them to bygone days. Some have said these gifts are no longer needed and have ceased to be in operation since the days of the apostles.

Let's look at several aspects of these gifts. For instance:

THE NEED FOR THE GIFTS TODAY

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS? HOW MANY GIFTS ARE THERE?

WHOSE GIFTS ARE THEY?

TO WHOM ARE THE GIFTS GIVEN?

WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE FACTOR?

THE NEED FOR THE GIFTS TODAY:

Can any deny the desperate need of the church today in its effort to reach out to a degenerate world?

Some would argue that the gifts were given to prove God's Word to be true and establish the church in the early days, the beginning of Christianity. I cannot disagree with this premise; however, do we not still need them for the very same purpose?

Surely, the church today needs credibility in a perverted world. Surely all the scoffers and skeptics did not pass with the days of the apostles. The devil is still loose. The manifesting of the work of demon powers is seen on every hand.

Each child of God needs the gifts in order to be able to cope with satanic powers and defeat the works of the devil in the lives of men.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS?

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. I Corinthians 12:7

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. I Corinthians 14:1, 2

In a nutshell, the purpose of the gifts is the edifying of the church. Paul makes this clear in his discourse concerning tongues and interpretation of tongues.

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. I Corinthians 14:1-5

". . . that the church may receive edifying" is the crux of the matter. Christ loves His church, make no mistake about it, this is His body.

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:5

For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. I Corinthians 10:17

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ I Corinthians 12:12

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:20-23

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

Again, in the discourse concerning tongues and prophecy, Paul emphasizes it is more important to edify or build up the whole church, rather than just one individual. He goes on to explain that tongues with the interpretation is equal to prophecy.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. I Corinthians 14:5

HOW MANY GIFTS ARE THERE?

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: I Corinthians 12:8-10

1. The gift of the word of wisdom.

2. The gift of the word of knowledge.

3. The gift of faith.

4. The gifts of healing.

5. The gift of the working of miracles.

6. The gift of prophecy.

7. The gift of discerning of spirits.

8. The gift of divers kinds of tongues.

9. The gift of interpretation of tongues.

Although I have listed the number and names of the gifts, allow me to put them into three classifications, or categories, so they may be identified more easily.

I. THE REVELATION GIFTS

1. The gift of the word of wisdom.

2. The gift of the word of knowledge.

3. The gift of discerning of spirits.

II. THE POWER GIFTS

1. The gift of faith.

2. The gifts of healing.

3. The gift of the working of miracles.

III. THE VOCAL GIFTS

1. The gift of divers kinds of tongues.

2. The gift of interpretation of tongues.

3. The gift of prophecy.

It may be easier for you to remember the nine gifts in these three categories.

WHOSE GIFTS ARE THEY?

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. I Corinthians 12:4-7

Without a doubt, the gifts belong to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they are His to give.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; I Corinthians 12:8, 9

TO WHOM ARE THE GIFTS GIVEN?

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. I Corinthians 12:11

I find the preceding scripture to be good news indeed. While it is true the Spirit gives the gifts according to His will, the verse also says "... dividing to every man." It seems obvious, at least to me, that any and every born again, Spirit filled believer is a likely candidate to receive one or more gifts of the Holy Spirit. Notice the word "severally" in verse 11. I call special attention to that word as it is very important.

There are those who teach that every Spirit filled believer has all nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in him, potentially at least. They teach one person can have all nine gifts of the Spirit in actual experience and usage. Others teach that a Spirit filled believer can have only one or two gifts.

So now, let's look at that word "severally." Does it mean that the Spirit gives several gifts to every man? That is not the meaning. The word "severally" is from the Greek word idios which means private, or separate, alone, apart, aside, their own.

This is very interesting, especially the word alone. Does this mean one gift alone? No, that is not the meaning. The word severally does not mean one alone or many. It simply means the gifts are the property of the Holy Spirit, to be given at His will, to whomever He pleases. He will give these gifts as He chooses, privately, separately, alone, apart and aside from what anyone else thinks, feels, or says about it.

It will be Him, alone, dealing with each individual, alone, without consideration to what, if any gifts, someone else may have. If the Spirit wants to give one gift or nine gifts to an individual, that is between the giver and the receiver of the gift, or gifts, alone.

Can the Holy Spirit be influenced by the receiver? I believe He can and will be influenced by the individual whose heart is hungry to serve and glorify God with the gift(s).

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. I Corinthians 12:31

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts ... I Corinthians 14:1

I cannot believe God wants us to hunger and thirst, covet and desire, if He did not intend to answer. So, therefore, any member of the body, Christ's body, who hungers and thirsts for, or covets and desires after, the gifts of the Holy Spirit is a likely candidate to receive.

WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE FACTOR?

There are those who really get confused at this point. I have heard speakers say the gifts of the Spirit are not important, it's love that counts. Others have thought that I Corinthians 13 was a misplaced chapter. Not at all! Look and see and marvel at the wisdom of God when He moves upon His servant Paul.

God knew there would be those who would receive a gift, then get puffed up with pride because of that gift. He knew others would try to use their gift to usurp authority or lord it over someone who did not have a gift. So God straightens it all out in the thirteenth chapter.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though l have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, I am nothing. I Corinthians 13:1-3

"Look," God is saying, "You can have the gift of prophecy, the gift of discerning of spirits, the gift of the word of knowledge, and the gift of faith, but, if these gifts are not controlled and regulated by love, and that love must be found in you, you are nothing." Notice, He didn't say you are lacking somewhat. He didn't say you were a little less than the best. He says, "Nothing," zero, zilch.

He goes on to say:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. I Corinthians 13:4-7

Charity, which is taken from the Greek word agape, means the highest form of love. This love will keep us from being proud, harsh, and impatient with others. Man has a problem. When he feels spiritual, or used of God, he begins to get proud or impatient with those he feels to be less spiritual.

Agape love takes care of that problem. Should we then seek to excel in love and neglect the spiritual gifts? No, this is not God's will at all. Watch this:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. I Corinthians 12:31

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. I Corinthians 13:13

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. I Corinthians 14:1

The answer is to follow after agape love and desire spiritual gifts. How can any sincere believer miss this obvious answer unless he has been prejudiced by prior teaching?

Paul closes out Chapter 12 by saying, "I shew unto you a more excellent way." Then he spends an entire chapter, Chapter 13, talking about love. And then he tells us in so many words, "Go for it, get it all!"

To those who say the gifts have ceased with the passing of the New Testament apostles, let me point out that the words in verses 10 through 12 are talking about heaven, not the passing of the apostles, or the printing of the Bible.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I Corinthians 13:8-10

Paul is clearly referring here to our limited state of knowledge in this present world as compared to what we will know in heaven. Remember, the gift of the "word of knowledge" is not, as some mistakenly believe, the gift of knowledge. Even with the gifts we are severely limited compared to how we will know in heaven. When Paul says, "...then shall I know even as also I am known," he is clearly referring to heaven and our glorified bodies.

Allow me to give a brief description of each of the gifts and their individual functions in edifying the body of Christ.

I. THE REVELATION GIFTS

1. THE GIFT OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

The gift of the word of wisdom is a supernatural revelation of one tiny part of God's wisdom to the recipient of this gift. It is miraculous as all the gifts are. It is not natural wisdom, psychology, or human insight.

2. THE GIFT OF THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

The gift of the word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation of one bit or particle of God's tremendous storehouse of knowledge. It is not suspicion, worry, or guessing. It does not have anything to do with what we studied in school, it is not human intellect.

3. THE GIFT OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS.

The gift of discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability to look into the realm of the spirit world, at least enough to know whether a spirit is good or bad.

It is not fortune telling, seances, or witchcraft.

II. POWER GIFTS

1. THE GIFT OF FAITH.

The gift of faith is the supernatural ability to believe what God says is an established fact. It is God's faith miraculously placed in our heart, It is not mind over matter, emotion, or just hoping.

2. THE GIFTS OF HEALING.

The gifts of healing is the supernatural ability to impart divine healing effecting deliverance from pain, sickness, and disease. It is not medical science or psychology.

3. THE GIFT OF THE WORKING OF MIRACLES.

The gift of the working of miracles is the supernatural ability to intervene in the course of nature when the work of God can be furthered. I believe some healings can really be attributed to the working of miracles in conjunction with the gifts of healing.

III. THE VOCAL GIFTS

1. THE GIFT OF TONGUES.

The gift of divers kinds of tongues is the supernatural ability to deliver a message in a language unknown to the speaker. It is not the ability to learn and speak foreign languages. I believe it is different from the evidence of tongues given when a person is baptized with the Holy Ghost.

2. THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.

The gift of the interpretation of tongues is the supernatural ability to interpret or make clear what has been spoken in another tongue. It is not knowing the language which has just been spoken. It is not guessing at what you think the message was meant to be.

3. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY.

The gift of prophecy is the supernatural ability to speak a message direct from God in your own, known language. It is not anointed preaching. It is not giving someone a "piece of your mind" in religious disguise.

I do believe anointed preaching sometimes merges with prophecy when the preacher proclaims anointed truths that he himself was unaware of until God revealed it to him at that moment.

May I point out to you that when any of these gifts are operating, the person using the gifts still has control of himself? Some have done outlandish things claiming they were forced by the Holy Spirit.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I Corinthians 14:32, 33

I think it would be well to let the Apostle Paul close this chapter.

Let all things be done decently and in order. I Corinthians 14:40

As we said before, so say I now again. If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9

Chapter 6
TITHING

What about this matter of tithing? Why are there so many different views by so many different individuals and churches?

Isn't it true that tithing was instituted under the law of Moses, and the entire New Testament is silent on this subject?

And if a person is supposed to tithe, where and when would he pay or give that tithe, and how much should it be?

I will attempt, with God's Word and God's help, to answer all of these questions. First, let me say, I am a firm believer in tithing. But then, after all, I am a pastor. Being a pastor supported by money from the tithes of Christians, I would be somewhat stupid not to believe in tithing.

And then, let me say, that it really does not make any difference what I believe, or you believe, or any group or denomination believes, if that belief is not scripturally correct.

We will probably wait until about the end of this chapter to see what, if anything, the Apostle Paul has to say about this matter. For now, let's do some research on tithing.

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy: it shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel in Mount Sinai. Leviticus 27:30-34

It doesn't take us long to run across the doctrine of tithing in the Old Testament. We see in the preceding scriptures that the tithe belonged to the Lord, and was considered to be holy.

If you care to do your own checking on the word tithe, you will promptly discover that tithe means tenth. So, God was saying that a tenth of land, seed, fruit of the tree, the herd, the flock, etc., belonged to God. In fact, He just makes it outright plain, "It is the Lord's."

The scripture goes on to say in this instance if you hold back your tithe, or borrow it, you must pay twenty percent on the ten percent. Sounds like a stiff penalty to me. That tithing was commanded under the law of Moses can hardly be denied.

In addition to Leviticus 27:30-34, we have a startling question, accusation, and commandment from God in Malachi 3:8-10.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:8-10

Here we have God establishing the truth that to not pay God the tithe is to be a robber, crook, or thief. He also plainly states there is a curse pronounced on the non-tither.

You will probably notice I usually refer to tithes being paid rather than given. The reason for this is easily seen if you take into account the truth given in Leviticus 27:30-34 and Malachi 3:8-10. How can you give someone something that is already his? Also, if you are considered a robber for not bringing in all the tithes, then you certainly could not be considered to be giving a gift if you do bring them in.

I would not go to the electric company, hand them some money along with my bill, and tell them I had come to give them a gift. No, I was only paying them what was due them. So it is with the tithes.

We know that tithing was commanded under the law of Moses, but tithing did not originate there. It seems tithing has always been required by God. The first recorded instance of tithe being paid was by Abram to Melchizedek approximately 430 years before the law of Moses was given.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said. Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14:18-20

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. Hebrews 7:1-9

Several years later, but still way before the law of Moses was given, Jacob vowed to God to pay tithes.

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Genesis 28:20-22

We find many references to paying tithes throughout the Bible, 39 in all, not counting where it was referred to by the word tenth instead of tithe. Tithing is referred to by name seven times in the New Testament. It was also referred to without using the exact word tithe, tithes, or tithing several other times.

What was the purpose of the tithe; for what did the money collected go? The practice of tithing was used to support the Levites, the priests, the poor and needy, God's house, and to honor God.

THE LEVITES:

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Numbers 18:24

THE PRIESTS:

Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them. When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe. And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing floor, and as the fulness of the winepress. Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave offering to Aaron the priest. Numbers 18:26-28

And that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. Nehemiah 10:37

THE POOR AND NEEDY:

And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithes of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. Deuteronomy 14:27-29

When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them: Deuteronomy 26:12,13

TO SUPPLY GOD'S HOUSE:

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

TO HONOR GOD:

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:9

WHERE IS THE TITHE TO BE BROUGHT?

Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord; and they prepared them, And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully; over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. II Chronicles 31:11,12

And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes; and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. Nehemiah 10:38

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

It is easy to see that the tithe is to be brought to God's house. In the Old Testament, the temple. In the New Testament, the church.

WHAT ABOUT TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?

CHRIST TAUGHT IT!

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Matthew 23:23

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Luke 11:42

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:11, 12

For I say unto you. That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

Christ plainly teaches that tithe should be paid, but the other things should not be left undone. Even hypocrites pay tithe.

PAUL TAUGHT IT!

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Romans 2:22

Committing sacrilege here is the same as robbing God in Malachi 3:10 or using the consecrated things for self.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Galatians 6:6

The word communicate in Galatians 6:6 is from the Greek word koinoneo. It refers to the material support of the ministry. The next scripture reference is very clearly referring to tithing. In the light of the scripture we have already shared, it should be easily seen by the serious student of the Word. Watch closely.

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. I Corinthians 9:7-14

In verse 13 and 14, Paul compares the preacher of the gospel in the New Testament to the priest of the temple in the Old Testament. Notice in verse 14 that Paul clearly confirms tithing in the New Testament when he says, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" Many believers like to claim the blessings of Abraham.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13,14

If we as New Testament believers want to claim to be children of Abraham by faith, we need to walk in his steps.

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Romans 4:12

Tithing is proof of obedience and appreciation of God's blessings.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; I Timothy 6:17, 18

There are spiritual and material blessings promised to the tither.

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9,10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: Deuteronomy 28:1-8,13

Why is there so much confusion and resistance to tithing among today's believers?

I believe the answer is obvious. SELFISHNESS!

Many people are too stingy to pay God what they owe Him, but in the end, they do not get to spend the money themselves. The doctor or hospital gets it, or the divorce lawyer, or the mental institution. Consider the following:

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her; thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: Thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof. Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand. Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee: Deuteronomy 28:15-21, 30, 32, 45

I personally consider tithing one of the greatest ways to worship God. I remember seeing a bumper sticker with the slogan, "IF YOU LOVE JESUS, HONK!" I say if you love Jesus, tithe. It costs nothing to honk. Any old lukewarm Christian can lift their hands and mouth a few "hallelujahs" or "praise the Lords," but it costs something to tithe. When a person tithes, that person is giving up the product of his or her strength, talent, or wisdom.

They are saying, "Here, God, is one-tenth of a big part of my life." The person who refuses to pay God the tithe, yet claims to be righteous and holy, is deceiving himself. He has the father of all sins in his heart — the love of money.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. I Timothy 6:10

As we said before, so say I now again. If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9

Chapter 7
HOLINESS

In the Epistles of Paul, we find the word holy 42 times, holiness 9 times, righteous 8 times, and righteousness 63 times. If you count Hebrews as having been written by Paul, you can raise those numbers.

The word holy is found in the entire Bible 596 times; holiness 45 times; righteous 236 times; righteousness 300 times; and sanctify, sanctified, and sanctification a total of 136 times.

It might be interesting to note that the word sanctification is found only in the New Testament, and that only five times, and four of those times are by Paul.

Holy, holiness, righteous, righteousness, sanctify, and sanctification all mean basically the same thing:

"Perfection, spiritually pure, set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use, consecrated, dedicated, innocent, just, lawful, cleansed."

Some will differ with me as to the difference between righteousness and holiness. I will not quarrel with that for I respect their opinion. But, basically it still comes back to being right with God, and we cannot be right with God without being holy.

We must realize, however, that there is a difference between justification and holiness. Some are making a shipwreck of their faith by believing the lie that justification places them in the position of holiness to the extent they need never do any more to perfect holiness after they are justified, or saved. (See Chapter Four, "The Big Lie," in my book, What Is Holiness?)

God commanded those in the Old Testament to be holy.

For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Leviticus 11:44

The Apostle Peter reminds us of this in the New Testament.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. I Peter 1:15, 16

If you will notice the context of both of these passages, you will find there is something the reader must do to be holy. Therein lies the grave mistake many teachers and preachers are spreading today, and that is that holiness is given to us automatically and there is nothing we can do to make ourselves holy.

Obviously, they are not seeing clearly enough to understand the difference between holiness and justification. Paul talks of justification in the book of Romans and many people have completely misunderstood his message.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:1-5

The words justified and justification mean "to be acquitted, to be innocent, free from sin." When Abraham was justified by faith it brought him to a place of "acquittal," "freedom" from his past sins, or as so many like to define justified, JUST-AS-IF-IED never sinned.

But you see, justification only brings you to the starting line of your Christian experience. As great as justification or salvation is, it is not the end of the race, it is only the start.

Because many have misunderstood the fourth chapter of Romans, a great number of people have ceased to believe that living a life within holiness standards is necessary.

A great number of ministers have ceased preaching against sin and worldliness. Because they mistakenly believe a person is as holy as he will ever be when he receives Christ as his Savior, they frustrate the working of God's holiness in many people.

Again, let me say that justification, as wonderful as it is, only brings us to the starting line of the Christian race. The argument that you can never be any more perfect than when you arise from the place of prayer where you are made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ is a good argument. Truthfully, we are redeemed, justified, or born again because of faith in Christ's work on the cross, and not by our own good works.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9

But let's not stop there.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

It is true, you can never make yourself good enough to be accepted into the family of God, you must be born into that family by the Spirit of God. But it is just like the little baby who is born, and the doctor comes out to tell us the baby is perfect. All it can do is cry, throw up, and make messes. Yet, that baby is declared perfect. However, if in a certain period of time that baby does not begin to pull itself up, or walk, or talk, we know that the baby has not retained its state of perfection, because it has ceased to grow and make normal progress.

We take that baby to the doctor and want to know what is wrong. How do we know something is wrong? We can easily determine that the baby is no longer perfect because it is not making normal progress. Perfection in this instance means growth, improvement, and coming to maturity.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48

These words of Jesus are talking about labor, growth, and completeness as we mature and make forward progress. So you see, if we do not continue to grow, to labor and mature, we who were once perfect become imperfect. Many have been misled into believing that if they try to make themselves better by living a holy life, they are in danger of falling from (or at least frustrating) grace.

How can such teachers ignore scriptures as the following?

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

The preceding verse, by the way, is written by the Apostle Paul, the same man who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote Romans 4:1-8.

There is no contradiction here, not at all. You see, in one place, Romans 4:1-8, he is talking of being saved; in the other, Philippians 2:12, he is talking about necessary growth after salvation, or justification.

Again, there is no contradiction or discrepancy in the two teachings: one, that there is absolutely nothing you can do to make yourself good enough to be saved; two, that you yourself must do something if you are to stay in the grace of God.

The problem arises either when the sinner tries to earn his salvation, or when the Christian ignores his responsibility to keep himself in the grace of God and perfect holiness in his life.

What is so amazing is that so-called Bible teachers and expositors not only cannot see this truth, they fight against it. Many loudly proclaim there is nothing we can do to keep ourselves. We are kept by His grace and His love. The truth is that we must keep ourselves in His grace, and in His love.

Consider the following wide range of Bible authors.

JESUS:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. John 8:31

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him, Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him John 14:21, 23

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandment, and abide in his love. John 15:10

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5

PAUL:

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Corinthians 9:27

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. I Timothy 5:22