“Seducing Spirits & Doctrines of Devils”

Some may wonder, after last Sunday’s posting, what Paul meant in verses 2-3 of the passage I referenced. We generally do not see sermons focusing on these statements. Moving past them quickly, pastors move on to unfold the wonders of the Spirit’s manifest presence in believers. Let me cite it again.

1 Corinthians 12:1-8. 12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3Therefore I make known to you that . . .

 no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and

 no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

It would seem obvious that those converted from the paganistic culture in Corinthian had carried some dark echoes and influences forward with them into the church. Apparently, there were people who had “spiritual” experiences as they worshipped “dumb idols.” They had been led astray by false, demonic promptings. Today, we can identify some people as “mediumistic.” They connect with the spiritual realm, but not necessarily the realm of the Holy Spirit of Truth. They are unaware that they may be holding and teaching doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1)

Remember, Peter could receive insight from both heaven and hell. See Matthew 16:13-20 as compared to Matthew 16:21-13. In the first instance, the Father had revealed truth to Peter, yet in the second portion, Satan had influenced Peter. Jesus called him on it. "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

The online Bible Knowledge Commentary (Cook Communications Ministries) offers this insight:

“Before Paul began his discussion of spiritual gifts, he thought it necessary to confront, at the outset, any in the Corinthian assembly who might contradict his message (cf. 14:37). It is probably in this regard that 12:3 is to be understood. Many explanations of the verse have been offered (though most commentators "handle" the problem by ignoring it).” The pagan background out of which many had come (and some were still coming; cf. 8:10; 10:14,20-21) did not help them ascertain the presence of false prophets. When they were pagans, they had been influenced and led astray to dumb idols (12:2). . . . In the Corinthians' vaunted wisdom, they showed themselves to be unusually gullible [cf. 2 Cor 11:1-21, esp. 19-20].)

This explains why Paul admonished the Corinthian Christians to beware of the possibility of false prophets in their assemblies. He said, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” 1 Corinthians 14:37-38.

So, what are we to understand from Paul’s opening and closing warnings in this most complete teaching of the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit today?

1. Honesty: We accept and value the cautionary note about our gullibility. We must test all things. 2. Humility: Pride is the stepping tool on which people stand, seeking approval for their giftedness. 3. Dependence: Spiritual gifts are never to be separate from the Giver. Walk in reliance on Him. 4. Love: Gifts are not about ME. They are about HIM and THEM. 1 Corinthians 12:7 defines the gifts.

Thanks for staying with me through my explanation of this often-neglected text. May you find joy in being empowered and used of the Spirit to impact the lives of fellow believers for the Lord’s glory.

Jesus! Then Others! And finally, You! What a wonderful way to spell JOY!