Bible Answers about Continuing Spiritual Gifts for Your Non-Charismatic Friends
i. Colossians 1:9‑12
“We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all Spiritual wisdom and understanding (this must include revelatory gifts) . . . being strengthened with all power (must include charismata of healing, miracles). . . to build spiritual maturity, looking toward (though already provisionally experiencing) the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Indeed we have already been brought into that kingdom.”
j. 1 Thessalonians 1:5‑8
The rabbi-disciple relationship of the New Testament period required that the disciples imitated not only the words of their rabbi, but his deeds (note that Jesus is frequently called “teacher,” “master,” or “rabbi”—all meaning “rabbi”). Based on that understanding this passage portrays the clear normative transmission of the gospel in “word and deed.” “Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power (en dunamei), with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction . . . . You became imitators of us and of the Lord . . . . And so (it follows) you yourselves became models to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
This passage, then, teaches that the gospel in word and deed, preaching and miracle-power, is supposed to be transmitted from generation to generation (see Isa 59:21)—all this with the goal of building Christian maturity until the end of this age.
k. 2 Thessalonians 1:11‑12
“For which—in an ongoing process toward the goal [that you will be counted worthy at the coming of Christ] we constantly pray for you that our God will count you worthy and may fulfill your every good purpose and every work of faith in power (Greek, en dunamei)—all the charismata, so that the name of our Lord Jesus might be glorified in you and you in him.”
l. 1 Peter 1:5
“Through faith you are being shielded by God’s [miracle] power (en dunamei), until a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time.”
m. 1 Peter 4:7‑12
“The end of all things [the goal and context of this warning] is near. . . . Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks—as the oracles of God.” Most commentators see this as a reference to New Testament prophecy. The teaching is given against the approaching end, with the understanding that prophecy is to be operative up until that point.
n. 1 John 2:26‑28
As an antidote to false prophets, John encourages the gift of prophecy: “Dear children, this is the last hour . . . But all of you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth . . . As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him . . . continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” This passage is strikingly parallel to the promise of the Paraclete to the apostles (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13f). Here the promise is to the general readers! Again, today we cannot be earlier than the “last hour” when this promise is offered.
Category: Spirit, Winter 2000
Followers
Fans
