Skillful Excellence vs True Obedience

Worship is an expression of our Faith towards a higher entity. In Christianity, that is none other than God alone. And so how do we worship God? Many of times, we take worship as singing congregational songs with our emotions. And as a musician myself, it often translates to musical excellence which I often attempt to present in order to establish good order for our services.

Well, all these "Practical Aspects" which perhaps I will term it as "Ritualistic Expressions" of worship (just to tie in with the OT), definitely has it's place, and a true worshiper of God will always seek to give his best to God, be it serving as an usher, helper or musician. So what does the bible tells us about "Ritualistic Excellence", is that True Obedience according to the word of God? Why did Malachi wrote that God will smear DUNG on their faces? Let's explore.

I will give this presentation based on 2 Prophets that has influenced by thinking in this area, namely; Malachi and Isaiah.

Malachi recorded his prophecy around 400 BCE, roughly 100 years after the 2nd temple was built. We can imagine, after a great revival in Nehemiah 8:9 when the people of Israel wept as they heard Ezra reading the Law in the re-built temple for the first time, they quickly fell back to spiritual bankruptcy nearly a century later.

In the 1st chapter of Malachi, he recorded prophecy from God against Israel, citing of their sub-standard sacrifices that was offered to him:

"When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts." - Malachi 1:8 (ESV)

It was so bad that he threatened to smear dung on their faces:

"3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring,[a] and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it." - Malachi 2:3 (ESV)

That truly sounds serious enough, and we definitely know clearly from the text, not to give sub-standard service to God. Hence even when we serve, be it organizing an event or helping to arrange tables, we should be mindful that we should not fall into a complacent attitude of just going through the motion and getting things done haphazardly. And definitely as a musician myself, to ensure that all arrangements are well thought through and rehearsed so as to minimize distractions.

But is that all? Are there more aspects to the word "Obedience" than these practical activities that we render for a church service? Let's back track even further to 400 years earlier when Isaiah started writing his collection of Prophecies for Israel.

Isaiah started writing at about 800 BCE, few generations before the invasion of Israel by the Assyrians about 722 BCE. In his opening Chapter, Isaiah gave us an insight on the state of Israel. Let's have a look:

“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats." - Isaiah 1:11 (ESV)

It is clear in this case, that Israel during the time of Isaiah, did not offer substandard lambs that were lame nor sick. In fact, they sacrificed the "fat of well-fed beasts". In fact, there is reason to believe that Israel did what they thought was excellent as they followed the procedures under the Levitical Sacrifices. But it is also clear, that this was not enough, and in fact their "many prayers" became a burden to God. Why?

"Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood." - Isaiah 1:14-15 (ESV)

Imagine a Christian, who is excellent in providing Graphic Design and Animations for the Church. He might be competent in his craft and often prided himself in his perfection. But in the pursuit for excellence, he neglects and is often out of touch with the community. There is no outflow of love coming out from his life and hence there is no opportunity for him to Love his Neighbor, let alone the very community that he set out to serve. Is he being obedient? Hardly.

That was the problem with Israel:

"Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." - Isaiah 1:16-17

Israel was too engrossed with "Ritualistic Excellence" that they neglected "Moral Excellence" which is an important aspect of the God's requirement for his people. In fact, they made use of "Ritualistic Excellence" as a justification for their lack of Morals, thinking that perfecting the Rituals is sufficient for their Sins to be atoned for anyway.

Roman 6:15-19 tells us that true believers of Christ are Slaves to Righteousness; which means Christians ought to be transformed towards bearing the Character of their master, God. 1 Peter 1:16 tells us “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”.

In fact, Malachi said the same thing:

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. - Malachi 3:5

Malachi's and Isaiah's message were plain and simple. There is no point offering "Ritualistic Excellence" when there is an absence of Moral Excellence. In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus rebuked the pharisees for putting their emphasis on their man made Rituals, thinking that they can please God by implementing their own standards of perfection through these Rituals. But in reality, they forsook the Commandments of God which Jesus summarized as Love your God (Ritual Excellence) and Love your neighbor (Moral Excellence). Jesus quoted form Isaiah 29:13 clearly shows that Israel did not learn from their predecessors written 800 years before their time.

Conclusion:

There is a place for "Ritualistic Excellence". True believers who wants to please God will surely seek to serve God wholeheartedly with their gifts, be it through public service, a specific skill set or administration. But to be a truly obedient believer, that is clearly not enough. While we seek to perfect our crafts through public service, let's not forget the whole point of obedience, which has to do with pursuing Christ-likeness in the community of believers.

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel." - Malachi 4:4

Malachi is clear, God is not looking for mere outward sacrifice. He is not looking for an outward appearance of Holiness. He is looking for real fruits of righteousness that stems from the Grace which he has provided through the death of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul said:

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Phil 2:3-4

Are we genuinely obedient to God? Or are we putting on an outward performance to impress others? Do we seek to add value to ourselves or to others? Are we sacrificing our time to love others while we pursue excellence and self aggrandizement? I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal this to our hearts and mind that we may truly bear genuine fruits of love.

How relevant is music in the bible?

Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
I Chronicles 15:16 NKJV

David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.
1 Chronicles 15:16 NIV

God permited David to command musicians to use musicial instruments to make a "Joyful Sound", or in the NKJV, "by raising the voice with resounding joy".

Emotional manipulation can create an artificial experience, which potentially leads the congregation into mental idolatory (violating the 2nd commandment). But while we attempt to avoid the "golden Calf" of mordern worship, we mustn't forget that music and singing is a major part of worship recorded in the very words of God.

In Exodus 15, Moses with Israel sang a song commemodating the Lord's victory over the Egyptian army at the red sea. In Judges 5, Deborah and her commander Barak sang of how God delivered then from Jabin King of Canaan. In 1 Chro 16, David appointed Asaph to lead in a song after the Arc was brought back to Jeruselam. God delicated an entire book of Psalms as a model of music and singspiration as a form of "worth-ship" to proclaim that God is worthy above all.

In 1 Chro 25, the writers dedicated an entire chapter to list the musicians who are to minister to God in the temple. Out of which Asaph, along with his "Worship team", also "Prophesied" under the King's supervision (v1-3)

Rom 12 speaks of worship as a lifestyle of obedience. Yet music, according to a big part of scripture references, remains as an important aspect of open declaration of reverence towards a Holy God.

Music and singing was never meant to be reserved and conservative. It is meant to be a joyful response to our convictions about the God of the bible, especially to those who truly understands and believe in what they read from the bible.

Worship, with music and singing, will be a principal activity for the saints in heaven. Our expression that is birthed out of the conviction of the richness of his glory recorded in the bible, does not only begin in heaven, but here on earth.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and WORSHIPPED.
Revelation 5:11‭-‬14 NIV

Why does a true Christian attends a Church?

Don't give up on the Church... for whatever reasons.

A true born again believer will want to be with a community of believers. There is no excuse for a believer not to attend a local church. 

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him."
1 John 5:1

The bible encourages us to meet together and spur one another up. And warns of those who Sin deliberately after recieving the knowledge of the truth. The "meet together" is called a Church. Those who "Sin deliberately" is not part of the Church.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:24‭-‬27 ESV

Paul's letters are always directed towards the Church. Being "knit together in love", "to reach all the fullness of full assurance of understanding" of Christ. If one is not united with a community of believers, how can one be part of what Paul describes as "Knit together in love" and reach the full understanding of Christ?

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,
Colossians 2:2 ESV

It is through the Church, which Paul describes as having "Unity of the Spirit", that we ought to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling". It is also through the church, that out gifts are given and exercised through his Grace according to the measure of Christ given to us. How can one "Walk worthy of the calling" when one is not part of that "Unity of the Spirit"?

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬7 ESV

A true born again believer will want to be part of a local Church so that he remains useful and united with "those who are born again". One can say, "I am not attending any church, but I meet fellow believers up on my own, and that is Church to me".

However, that is hardly the case. The Ekklesia that the Apostles refers to does not refer to a individual believers who collectively meets to catch up. Although deep individual fellowship has its place among our Kingdom friendships, the idea of the early church is hardly individualistic.

So if you are a believer, you ought to search for a local church where you can actively serve and is relevant to your spiritual needs. One that you can learn more about God through interacting with fellow students of the word, and where you can similarly encourage another through your knowledge of the word.

What does the Figtree tells us about False Religion?

Matthew 21 [True vs False Religion]

V1 to V11 : Jesus entered Jerusalem in the same manner that fulfilled (Zech 9:9), proving his authority as God and King, the Messiah.

V12 to V13 : Jesus overturned the Jewish temple, quoting from Isaiah 56:7 and Jer 7:11. He exposed the hypocrisy of the Jewish religion that looks grandeur on the outside, but corrupted on the inside. Being the Messiah, He has the authority to judge.

V14 to V17 : Ps 8:2 was cited to prove that the Children was praising none other than the God most high, not mere human which the Chief Priests and Scribes assumed. And they are likely to be unhappy with Jesus overturning the tables at the temple in V12-13.

V18 to V19 : Jesus cursed the Figtree because it seemingly showed that it had fruits (by the season of the leaves), but in actual fact was without fruit. Reflection of the Jewish religion in V12-13, that fulfilled all external piousness to show to man, but void of true Holiness that God demanded.

V20 to V22 : If we align ourselves to the same faith that cursed the Figtree (True Holiness, not false pretense), we can ask for a mountain to be removed and it shall be done. That is because if we have true Faith, our desires will be aligned to the True Vine (John 15:7); whose desire is that we may be spiritually reconciled and live Holy lives.

V23 to V27 : Scribes question Jesus authority (refer to V12-13 when he overturned the tables). Jesus used example of John the Baptist to prove that his authority is of God.

V28 to V32 : Contrast between a son who verbally rejected God, but ended up in obedience vs a son who verbally said he will obey but ended up in disobedience. This is true reflection of the Jewish religion that Jesus overturned in V12-13 and like the Figtree that pretended to bear fruit in V18-22.

V33 to V46 : The wicked Vinedressors are a reflection of rebellious Israel (ref Isaiah 5:1-8) who had a form of religion (Isaiah 1:12-15), but did not have true repentance. Instead, they killed the servants (represents the prophets) and finally the Son (represents Christ) of the Owner (represents God). The Vineyard will eventually be taken away from the Figtree of False religion, and given to true believers who will produce real fruits of the spirit.

Matthew 23, Jesus continues with a full condemnation of the False religious system of his time.

Will the Wealth of the Gentiles flow into your pocket?

Will the Wealth of the Gentiles flow into your pocket?

"The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you." - Isaiah 60:5b
Many believers like to claim this verse for their situation. May it be hoping for a financial breakthrough, or simply believing God for a breakthrough in their careers and businesses. While it is true that believers are entitled to pray (Phil 4:6-7), we are also told to submit by abiding in his will (John 15:7).

So what is Isaiah 60 and 61 all about? Did Isaiah wrote those words so that Christians today can lay claim to it? Are the prosperity preacher right to simply claim on "all the wealth of the Gentiles" just because we are spiritual Israel (Gal 3:28)? Let's explore.

In Chapter 40 to 48, Isaiah foresees Israel in a state of confusion after the devastating blow of the Assyrian and Babylonian invasion (Chapter 1 to 39); they then realized that they lost their land because of their sin, and they thought that God had abandoned them because of that. These chapters are God's answer to the distressed Israelites who are serving as Slaves to their foreign masters; that He is greater than the foreign pagan gods that destroyed their nation (actually it was God who allowed them to do so), and that God will not abandon them.

Chapter 49-54 talks about the Servant, which climaxes at Chapter 53:5 with the "piercing for our transgressions". This whole section is about God sending his "right arm" (Isaiah 41:10) to deliver Israel from their oppressors. Israel could well mistaken this "Right Arm" as a military power to overthrow the foreign powers. But God essentially reveal his Right Arm to be a Spiritual Restoration brought about by Jesus' death on the Cross.

Chapter 55-59 is about the response. After God had sent his Servant (Isaiah 42:1-9) to restore Israel, will Israel remain the same just for God to once again judge them for their Sins? No. God will bring "His Righteousness" to Israel (Isaiah 46:13, 51:5), Israel is to forsake their wicked ways (Isaiah 55:7, 56, 58:6-14) with God helping them with his right hand (Isaiah 59:16-17).

Isaiah 60:1 - By understanding the context from Chapters 1 to 59, we can now understand why should Israel "Arise, shine; For your light has come!" It is important to understand that the significance of the word "Light". In Isaiah 58:7-8, God's Light will shine through Israel when they honour his commandments (Sabbaths) by helping the poor. In Isaiah 2:5, Light was used to describe the "Ideal Israel" before going back to condemn their current state at that time. Isaiah 42:6, the Servant will bring Light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 60 is the fulfillment of the promise.

Isaiah 60:2 - What does darkness mean? Does that mean the world will be full of poverty and sickness? If we compare and contrast between verses 1 and 2, we can see clearly that the Deep Darkness is just a comparison to the Light. Now the Light dwells in Israel, the world is Dark as compared to the everlasting Light.

Isaiah 60:2-18 - It is because of the Light, nations will gather to Israel just like how Chapter 42 describes. Their sons and daughters will come from afar, the multitudes of Camels (Merchants), Flocks of Kedar, Ships of Tarshish will bring silver and gold to pay tribute to the Light. The gates will not shut because of the continuous trade and activity (v11), no nations will be spared for not coming to the Light (v12), the descendents of Israel's enemies will now seek the Light as they give forth His Law (42:4).

Isaiah 60:19-22 - Did the nations come because Israel was great? Did the Light dwell in Israel because Israel is good? Neither. God chose Israel to be a servant, they are responsible to show forth the Light to the world. They are custodians of righteousness which God had planted, a work of his hands (60:21). Israel had to first acknowledge that they are Sinful and there is no way they are able to become Righteous (Isaiah 59:9-15), and God will deliver them from continuously living in sin (Isaiah 59:16-21).

Isaiah 61:1-3 - Jesus quoted this verse in Luke 4:18. He pointed himself (or that event of reading it), as the fulfillment of these verses. Evidently, Jesus is the one who will bring good tidings to the meek, poor and afflicted, to bring spiritual restoration to these hell-bound souls. All these are done so that Israel can become "Oaks of Righteousness" (v3), distinguished for uprightness and justice among the nations. He is the Light that this entire book is talking about. He is the Light that the Jews and Pharisees missed, and only those whose eyes are opened can see through this very same book that the Jews are still reading today.

Isaiah 61:4-5 - Again describes how Israel will lead Gentiles to the Light.

Isaiah 61:6-9 - This is the prove text for Israel's responsibility. It is not Israel who are special nor privileged. It is the God whom they serve that nations are coming for. They are called to be the priests that ministers to the world; not merely chosen to enjoy the tributes. Blessings are given to them because they are to use it for God's purposes. All will come to recognize the glory of God who dwells in Israel.

Isaiah 61:10-11 - This is Israel thanking God who made them to be ""Oaks of Righteousness" (v3). The garland and Jewels are personification with the robe of Righteousness which they will don. He will "will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations" (v11).

So if you think that now because you are a Christian, and "The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.", by understanding the context of these Chapters, you have badly mistaken and have taken the very essence and message away from the text.

What is clear in the bible about the gift of tongues?

Some clear teachings in the bible that you may wish to consider when it comes to handling inquiries regarding the gift of tongues.

1. Diversity of Gifts :
Different Spiritual gifts are given to different individuals, NOT ALL will receive the same gifts. Hence it is not biblical for Charismatic leaders to expect ALL their congregation to ask for the gift of tongues. Read 1 Cor 12. Why do people not ask for a gift of teaching, helps or administration, but have to ask for a gift of tongues. Referring to the occurrence in Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6, did the recipients of tongues asked for the gift, or it was Holy Spirit initiated? Can the eye say to the feet "I don't need you"?

2. Ingenuity of the Gifts :
How do we know "shi ke ra la ba ke ri la ka" is the same tongues as the Corinthians spoke. Are we sure that it is not a result of imitating other believers instead of true inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Another consideration, the history of this tongue speaking we know today, is not much deeper than 1906 at Azuza Street revival and 1960s during the New Apostolic movement. Are we sure it is authentic of the early church to speak the way we do today?

3. Purpose of the Gifts :
In 1 Cor 14:11-12, Paul quoted Isaiah 28:11-12. The early Church (in Acts 2) spoke in tongues speaking of the "Wonderful works of God. The "Rest" that Isaiah was talking about is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which would be what the Jews heard in Acts 2 as a witness to them. It is a sign to the Jews that God spoke to them but they were unable to hear. Can we fulfill the purpose of Paul's quote in Isaiah 28, that tongues are meant primarily as a sign for unrepentant Jews? 1 Cor 14:22-23.

4. Priority of the Gifts :
1 Cor 12:4-6, the variety of gifts are given by one Spirit, same God (Eph 4:4-6). 1 Cor 12:15, no one can say that any gift are better than the other.  1 Cor 12:31-13:7, the more excellent way which Paul was referring to, is Love. We are to seek Love for one another as a priority. Gifts are not meant to be attained, but discovered as one puts his hand into the plow. If one does not have a ministry, one will not need the gifts either. If there is no outpouring of Love that is relevant to ministry needs, then one's gift will only be nothing more than a noisy gong or clanging cymbal (1 Cor 13:1-3).

5. Clarity of the Gifts:
In 1 Cor 14:1-25, it is clear that Paul preferred Prophecy (Sound Teaching) in a real language rather than speaking in unknown tongues. One just have to be diligent to read the entire passage as a whole, to understand Paul's argument, instead of nitpicking verses like 1 Cor 14:2 to justify why tongues are meant to edify oneself.

6. Relevance of the Gifts :
When we pray in tongues in church, do we follow the guideline of having an interpreter? If no interpreter, one ought to speak privately so that it does not confuse the others with irrelevant intelligible messages that one claims to be angelic? 1 Cor 14:13-16

7. Authority of the Gifts :
V18 may show that Paul had the gift and spoke more than any of the Corinthians. But one has to just zoom out a little, think and realize that, we are not Apostle Paul. Jesus and the Apostles could heal on command, that does not mean all believers can replicate the same miracles by imitating them. That was what happened to the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16.

What does healing miracles in the gospel really about?

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
Mark 5:34 NKJV

If we isolate verses like these, it does sound like we need to "exercise faith" in order to get healing. And then we extrapolate that principal to believe for financial breakthroughs... you get the prosperity gospel.

But if we zoom out a little and try to understand how the gospel writer crafted the narritives and the message he is trying to convey, we get a better understanding...

Let's look at Mark 2, the beginning of the series of Miracles Jesus performed, what is Mark trying to say?

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘ Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” —He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Mark 2:9‭-‬11 NKJV

The question that Jesus asks implies a few things.

1. He uses Miracles to illustrate his power to forgive sins.

2. What do you thing was his priority, restoration of eternal life, or restoraton of physical life which will fade away again?

3. The first thing Jesus answered the Paralytic was not "I will heal you now", its "your sins are forgiven".

4. Miracles proved that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins.

The healing miracles are meant to show Jesus authority to forgive sins. They are here to illustrate his power, the focus is in spiritual restoration, not physical. Mark is trying to prove to the Jews that the Messiah they are waiting for has arrived, he proves himself by performing miracles and therefore has the authority to spiritually restore Israel to God.

Is Paul telling us to wage war against demonic oppression?

Put on the armour of God (Eph 6:10-20).

Many modern Christians apply this passage to spiritual warfare, often citing it as a way to wage war against demonic oppression or bad situations that one might accredit to the Devil. Is that really the case? Let's examine the context.

In Chap 1 and 2 of Ephesians, Paul established God's master plan of Salvation for the Christians, essentially establishing their inclusion into the Church of Jesus Christ, which was originally meant only for the Jews (Eph 2:19-22).

The inclusion of the Gentile church was termed in Chap 3 as the "Mystery" which was hidden in the ages and now revealed in Jesus Christ that the Gentiles should share of this eternal inheritance, fellow partakers of this wonderful promise through Jesus Christ.

Paul then spent Eph 4:1-6:9 to expound on how these truly converted Christians should live "Worthy of their calling", at which he addressed the following issues:

1. 4:1-6 - Unity of the Spirit
2. 4:7-16 - Exercising the gifts through the unity of the Spirit
3. 4:17-24 - Regeneration through the unity of the Spirit
4. 4:25 - Lying vs Truth
5. 4:26 - Anger vs Sin
6. 4:28 - Stealing vs Giving
7. 4:29 - Unwholesome vs Edifying words
8. 4-30-32 - Consequence of unwholesome words which grieve the Spirit. Believers to be Kind.
9. 5:1-7 - Walk in Purity
10. 5:15-21 - Walk in Wisdom
11. 5:22-6:4 - Responsibility in Family
12. 6:5-9 - Responsibility at Work

With this in mind, one would wonder, what has the whole passage of the Armour of God has to do with Paul's admonishment from 4:1 to 6:6? Why would Paul deviate from admonishing the Ephesians on moral living to "how to fight demonic oppression"? The answer is, he is not.

1. The term "Heavenly places" in 6:12 was also found in 1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10. These references refers to the realm in which Christ, rulers and Principalities, and demons operate in. A picture of what happens in the spiritual realm is also found in Daniel 10 where the "Prince of Persia" is referred as a territorial ruler from the Kingdom of darkness. What aspect of "Spiritual warfare" was Paul trying to address? Are we to apply the Armour of God against Demonic oppression?

2. The spiritual issues in which Paul tried to address in this epistle are i) false teaching (4:14) and ii) Sin (5:11) induced by the Kingdom of darkness.

Therefore the aspect of spiritual warfare in which Paul is referring to (6:11) refers to fighting against dark spiritual influences that introduces false teaching and Sin. By putting on the Armour of God, we are called to be equipped with the of the Word which produces the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Boots of Peace, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit. All these are found from all that Paul expounded from 1:1 to 6:9, citing from Justification, Inclusion of Gentiles to the Church, Sanctification... being filled with the Spirit, we pray in the Spirit and obey his word to walk in faith.

Hence as we consider all that Paul taught in this epistle, let us consider how we can continue to walk out the Belt of Truth with our lives, putting on His Breastplate of Righteousness, that we can wear the Boots of the gospel of Peace that is found in His Helmet of Salvation, as we pray in the Spirit to enable us to live a life that is worthy of our calling.

Does Speaking in tongues mean you are closer to God?

Can we speak Tongues and Prophecy by "Attaining Holiness and Intimacy" with God? In other words, does Tongues and Prophecy makes one "Holier and more intimate with God" than a Christian who don't?

God is certainly able to give instructions through inspiration and promptings of the Holy Spirit. But to use a prophet through a "thus says the Lord" mode? Even prophets are rare in the OT. The number OT prophetic authors that was produced was done in a span of at least 2 Millenniums.... how can we have so many "prophets" that suddenly emerge within the past century??

Yes, granted that Joel prophesied young man dream dreams and old man see visions. Jesus also predicted that there will be false signs and wonders in the last days and deceiving even the elect. Relating to Joel 2, having the same Holy Spirit who works among all believers (1 Cor 12:4-7) does not mean all believers are Prophets (1 Cor 12:29-30)

But the issue here is about the intention. What are we really chasing after? Signs and wonders? Or getting the work of the ministry done? Why is the Holy Spirit here for? Improve our quality of lives? To give us the same peace that can be similarly achieved by other religions? Gifts are meant to help us in ministry to fulfill His will, not ours.

That is the issue with the Corinthians. They have disunity because on one hand some sought the gifts thinking it gives them exclusive spiritual superiority over others, while others doubt that the spirit works that way at all... this caused disunity and needed Paul to intervene. Paul's idea is not to snuff out every tongues and prophecy but to test if everything is true... therefore he set forth his guidelines in 1 Cor 12 to 14.

1 Cor 12 tells us that there are a diversity of gifts (v4-11), none is given to all in the community, none are superior than another (v15-19). Tongues and Prophecies are not better than another other gifts (v20-26).

1 Cor 13 tells us that Love is the highest form of our giving. Next comes Faith and Hope (v13). If one thinks he is superior because of the gifts, then he is not fulfilling Paul's description of Love because Love is not proud and does not boasts (v4).

1 Cor 14 sets the guidelines for the operation of tongues and prophecy in the church:

a) Prophecies are preferred. (v1-5)
b) if there is tongues, an intepretetion is compulsary. (v13-19, 28)
c) All prophecies must be weighed by the church. (v29)
d) Only 2 or at most 3 may speak one at a time. (v27)

Today, we have people so eager to give prophetic words and word of knowledge, why? Because there is a culture of exclusivity that is being cultivated. The "gifts" are cool and makes people feel more "special" than others... precisely because they think they can "achieve" it by "Holiness and intimacy"... so if I can speak in tongue and prophecy, it proves that I have achieve that "holiness and intimacy" than you who do not.... there is a form of superiority complex involved...

What did Paul teach in 1 Cor 12? Simple.... all gifts are the same, none is better than the other.... all are members of the body. Do all speak in tongue? Do all prophecy? Do all teach? Answer is a resounding NO. All have different gifts, no gifts are better than the other. I can be playing guitar or even cleaning toilet, and there is no different from speaking in tongues nor prophecy....

Hence the idea that "it takes holiness and intimacy to get these prophetic instructions" is biblically incorrect according to the standards of 1 Cor 12, because "getting a word of prophetic instruction" has nothing to do with your efforts to attain "holiness and intimacy", but everything to do with whether there is a specific purpose for instruction relevant for your ministry. Gifts are appointed, not attained.

If your ministry works fine with practical means of work and the word of God is sufficient information to carry it out, you don't need prophecy. What you need is faith and love to carry out his commission.