Lawrence DeMetrius

Lyrics

Letter of Apostle Paul – I Corinthians
An Intimate Review
Pt 6
By Lawrence DeMetrius

In [I Cor 11:1-16] Apostle Paul being the spiritual father he was to the Corinthian Church, asked them to follow him as he followed Christ. In so doing, he asked them to adhere to certain customs. One of which regarded head coverings during corporate prayer and prophetic teaching. The purpose for this custom was to honor divine authority within Christian Assemblies. Yahweh being the HEAD of Christ, Christ being the Head of men, and men being the head of the woman, namely their wives who in turn were to honor their husbands by covering their heads during public prayer and prophetic teaching. This was especially so when married women led such activities. In Apostle Paul’s perspective, women who did not honor this custom were as women were completely shaven and without natural covering, which is their hair. He also considered it shameful for men to wear long hair and to cover their heads during such occasions as it seemed to dishonor the glory they are to naturally reflect, which is Yahweh’s and HIS Christ. In [I Cor 11:17-34] Apostle Paul strongly advised against haphazardly partaking in the feast that honors the Passion of Jesus Christ. Doing so could result in unfortunate circumstance like illness and even mortal death. Thus, Apostle Paul admonished everyone to eat at home before attending these services to avoid partaking therein unworthily.

The Consequence of Ignorance

In [I Cor 12:1-3] Apostle Paul addresses the subject of spiritual giftings within the Body of Christ. As it is to Christ, so was it important to Apostle Paul for Christians to not be IGNORANT concerning these things. Both Secular and Ecclesiastical History reveal that IGNORANCE can be a most powerful tool of destruction in the hands of the wicked. In many instances what one does not know or properly understand can destroy them. [Hos 4:6; Jn 8:12, 24; 10:10; I Pet 5:8; Job 1:7] Unfortunately, there are some Christians who embrace the idea that accurate understanding of the literal meaning of the Holy Scriptures is not necessary.
They hold to the erroneous perception that the Holy Ghost will provision the insight they need without their effort to diligently study the scriptures for accurate interpretation thereof. From Enoch to Christ and His Original Apostles, Yahweh has always required HIS worshipers to study HIS Word to ensure proper knowledge and understanding thereof. [Eno 37; Ps 1:1-3; Jn 8:31, 32; II Tim 2:15; 3:18; Jn 5:39, 45-47; 6:44, 45; 7:16-18, 37-39; Lk 24:44, 45] This is prerequisite to the Holy Ghost bringing such insight back to one’s remembrance and certainly before receiving increased revelation of deeper spiritual truths. [St Jn 14:26; 16:13] Furthermore, Apostle Peter reiterated that there is no private interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Thus, what Yahweh is saying to one HE is saying to all. [II Pet 1:20, 21] It is one of Lucifer’s primary goals to obscure and keep mortals IGNORANT of divine truths, which begin with proper understanding of the letters. [Gen 3:1-6; Jn 8:33-47; 10:10a] Apostle Paul is admonishing the Elect of GOD to do away with IGNORANCE concerning SPIRITUAL GIFTS operating within true Christian Assemblies. In that he is addressing a church that is primarily comprised of Gentile citizens, he briefly reminds them of their former devotions to DUMB IDOLS.

*ignorant Gk #50 agneo (ag-no-eh-o) it means to…
1. not know through lack of information or intelligence
2. ignore though disinclination, which is lack of desire or willingness to know

King Solomon writes,

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not HE that pondereth the heart consider it? And HE that keepth thy soul, doth not HE know it? And shall not HE render to every man according to his works?
[Pro 24:12]

Apostle Paul writes,

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them.
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly see, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[Rom 1:18-20]
*dumb Gk #880 aphonos (af-o-nos) it means…
1. naturally mute and without a voice or choice
2. without meaning or significance

*idols Gk #1497 eidolon (i-do-lon) it is an image created for worship, a heathen god and the worship of such gods

Throughout this passage Apostle Paul addresses the perception of IDOLS and IDOLATRY within and without Christian Assemblies. This subject is vital in that all mortals are created to worship and produce be they redeemed or not. [Eccl 12:13] However, they can only be reconciled to divine worship by faith filled obedience to Christ the Word Whose testimony one must reverently acknowledge to experience divine iconoclasm. [II Tim 2:26; Jn 8:13, 24] Thus, Apostle Paul writes,

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.
[I Cor 12:3]

*calleth Gk #3004 lego (leg-o) it means to mean and lay forth or relate in words systematically or by set discourse

*accursed Gk #331 anathema (an-ath-em-ah) it is a religious ban or an excommunicated person or thing

This refers to any philosophy or philosopher that discredits Christ and attempts to BAN and EXCOMMUNICATE Him. Per Apostle John Lucifer is the Old Serpent that deceived all nations, tribes and tongues into IDOLATRY. [Rev 12:9] Christians are never to let them into their dwelling lest they inherit their unfortunate fate. [II Jn vs 7-11] Because they know that only Yahweh can grace one with the mind of repentance the Elect are forbidden to strive with anyone about the Testimony of Christ. They are only to avail themselves to those who sincerely desire and inquire of it. [II Tim 2:24-26] Jesus said,

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
[Mt 7:6]
In addition, Apostle Paul clarifies that those who effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ do so only by the Holy Ghost. [Act 1:8] In fact, without the Holy Ghost it is impossible for anyone to wholeheartedly SAY that Jesus Christ is LORD, which means Supreme Controller in authority. [Mt 28:18]

*say Gk #2036 epo (e-po) it means to speak or say by word or writing

*Lord Gk #2962 kurios (koo-ree-os) it means supreme in authority as controller

In [I Cor 12:4] Apostle Paul begins to expound upon the DIVERSITIES of GIFTS distributed throughout the Church by the Holy Ghost.

*diversities Gk #1243 diaireo (dee-ah-ee-res-is) it means distinct and concrete variety

1. distinct means…
• separate, not identical and distinguished and not the same
• dissimilar and different in nature or quality
• unmistakable, plain and clear to the senses or intellect
• clearly perceiving and distinguishing
• unquestionably exceptional and notable

2. concrete means…
• real and constituting an actual thing or instance
• particular and pertaining to or concerned with realities or actual instances rather than abstractions
• representing or applied to an actual substance or thing, as opposed to an abstract quality

*gifts Gk # 5486 charisma (khar-is-mah) it is…
1. a divine gratuity i.e., deliverance from danger or passion
2. specifically, a spiritual endowment i.e., a religious qualification
3. a miraculous faculty and free gift

One must remember that GIFTS and CALLINGS are without repentance. Thus, people can and do use their God-given GIFTS in divine worship or worship to idols. [Rm 29:11]
It is by CHARISMA and RELIGIOUS QUALIFICATIONS that many agents of anti-Christ spirits become established within Christian Assemblies. Therefore, the Elect of GOD must be careful not to become seduced by their CHARISMACTIC presentations nor their RELIGIOUS QUALIFICATIONS. [I Jn 4:1-3; II Jn vs 7-11; Mt 24:5, 11, 21; II Cor 11:3, 4, 13-15] In [I Cor 12:5] Apostle Paul advises that there are DIFFERENCES of ADMINISTRATIONS that are governed by the same LORD.

*administrations Gk #1248 diakonia (dee-ak-on-ee-ah) it is…

1. attendance as a servant and is figurative of eleemosynary aid, which is…
• of or relating to alms, charity and charitable donations
• charitableness, derives from and provided by charity
• dependent upon or supported by charity

2. official service especially of a Christian teacher or deacon

In [I Cor 12:6] Apostle Paul notes that there are DIVERSITIES of OPERATIONS that can only be WORKED or activated by THE LORD when HE desires to activate them from within the believer endowed with them.

*operations Gk #1755 energema (en-erg-ay-mah) it is an effect, which is…
1. a result, consequence and thing produced by an agency or cause
2. influence, validity, force and power to produce results
3. execution, accomplishment, fulfillment and state of being functional
4. a mental or emotional impression produced by visual art or speech
5. intention, purpose, meaning or sense
6. the making of a desired impression

*worketh Gk #1754 energeo (en-erg-eh-o) it means to…
1. be active and efficient
2. do and be effectually fervent
3. be might and work effectually in and to shew forth self

The Elect of GOD are the called according to HIS purpose. [Rm 8:28] HE empowers them to will and do according to HIS good will. [Phil 2:13]
In essence, like Christ, they are EFFECTS HE INTENTIONALLY CAUSES to be in their generations. [I Jn 4:17]
They are vessels of honor filled with substance that is needed by someone at some point. [II Cor 4:3-7] They are the remedy needed to help someone attain salvation, deliverance, healing and direction. They are the embodiment of a much-needed word that must be spoken to some weary mind at an appointed time. [Isa 50:4; Rm 8:18-22] They are purposely designed to perform a task that only they can do in someone’s life. By divine design, all mortals are created to reflect THE LORD’S likeness, image and creativity. However, HE favors and WORKS through them who have chosen to be sanctified by Christ to worship HIM exclusively. [St Jn 1:11-13; 4:23, 24; 17:17; Rev 1:5, 6]

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