Do not be Ignorant

It is important that we all understand the concept of Spiritual gifts, and Paul addresses that fact at the very onset of 1 Corinthians 12. Paul states in verse 1:  “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” Notice he says , “I do not want you to be ignorant”, as he begins his teaching. In other words, ignorance is the natural state of fallen minds until we receive instruction of the truth. The difference between stupidity and ignorance is made after instruction is received, not before. So what is the difference? Let’s investigate. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge of the truth, and stupidity is not acting on it. Therefore, if one is instructed in truth and begins to walk it out, then ignorance has been overcome, yet if we are instructed in the truth and decide not to walk in it, then that is stupidity. In the course of this study, there will undoubtedly be material that you have never heard before. In addition, there may be depths of truth revealed in the Scriptures that you have never been taught. In either case, it is not the intention of this book to make you feel that your previous studies have been wasted, or to make you feel stupid. All study is of some value and my desire, like Paul, is that you not be ignorant.

Ignorance — The state or fact of being ignorant; destitute of knowledge or education; the lack of knowledge or comprehension.  Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

Stupid — Given to unintelligent decisions or acts; acting in an unintelligent or careless manner lacking reason.  Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

Examination of the Facts

The examination of only the English translation provides us with some insight as to what the Scriptures reveal. In order to understand the fullness, we need to examine the Scriptures in as early a form as possible. In the New Testament, in most cases this would be the Greek. Simply due to the differences between Greek and English words, sometimes the translation process leaves much room for error, and inadvertently causes misinterpretation. Such is the case with the term “spiritual gifts”. Unfortunately, the English language many times only has a single word that describes a group of words or an entire concept in Greek. This one word translation dilemma can be seen throughout the New Testament. The most familiar is the translation dilemma of the Greek words “erros”, “philos” and “agape”. All these words were translated in English as “love”, yet in Greek they each have very distinct and different meanings. This is also the case with the English word “gifts”.  When we think of the word “gift” we think of it in terms as a present, such as a birthday gift, and we bring that understanding to the Scriptures in our studies. In reality, the one English word “gift” is translated for four different Greek words, each of which have very different meanings.

Gift — Something voluntarily transferred from one person to another without compensation; the act, right or power of giving.   Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

The word “gifts” has been translated from the four Greek words “charisma”, “merismois”, “doron” and “domata”. In order to tell the difference, we must always keep the Scriptures in context, and still use a good Greek dictionary. In this study we will not merely rely on the translators for accuracy, but seek deeper truth. Listed below are the four Greek words translated as “gifts”, as well as their contextual addresses. As you can see, the only word translated as “gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12 (the Scriptural standard for spiritual gifts) is “charisma”, Strong’s number NT5486. It is this definition that we will work with most closely. The Strong’s definitions for these four Greek words are as follows:

merismos (mer-is-mos’) — NT3311  from NT3307; a separation or distribution. In the King James version, it was translated as “dividing asunder” and “gift”. This word is used in the following verse(s):  Hebrews 2:4

doron (do’-ron) — NT1435 a present; specially, a sacrifice. In the King James version, it was translated as “gift” or “offering”. This word is used in the following verse(s):  Matthew 2:11, Luke 21:1, Hebrews 5:1, Hebrews 8:3, Hebrews 8:4, Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 11:4 and Revelation 11:10.

doma (dom’-ah) — NT1390 from the base of NT1325; a present.

In the King James version, it was translated as “gift”. This word is used in the following verse(s):  Matthew 7:11.

charisma (khar’-is-mah) — NT5486 from NT5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty. In the King James version, it was translated as (free) “gift”. This word is used in the following verse(s): Romans 12:6, 11:29; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 12:9, 12:28, 12:30 and 12:31.

In addition to the one word translation dilemma, sometimes words are either added or not translated at all. This trend is not always apparent in our English translations of the Scriptures. Therefore, for this study we will use the aid of the Interlinear Scriptures. In the Interlinear Scriptures, if a word has been added, it will be noted with a Strong’s number of 9999, and non translated words will have the Greek word with a Strong’s number, but the English word will be left blank. These added and omitted words do not always change the context of the Scripture, however, sometimes the context is drastically changed. With this in mind, let’s examine 1 Corinthians 12:1 in the Interlinear.

1 Corinthians 12:1

¹Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.

When the additional text is removed, the meaning of the verse changes. It would correctly read:

¹Now concerning supernatural or divine brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.

As you can see, the context of this passage greatly changes with the added word “gifts”. Now we are dealing with something totally different than mere presents. We are dealing with spiritual brethren. This concept of spiritual brethren and not gifts is much deeper and describes much more than something we possess, but actually describes how we are to be. At this point, it is important to understand the characterization of a spiritual brother. By the simplest definition, a spiritual brother is one who has been transformed according to Romans 12:2, displays the fruits of the Ruach (Spirit) in their private lives according to Galatians 5:22-23, and in the most complex form of the definition, it is a brother who walks as Yahshua walked according to 1 John 2:3-6. In other words, one who walks in Father’s ways, and understands the spiritual context of Torah.

In 1 Corinthians 12:2-3, Paul seems to make a side statement—a statement that has nothing to do with the context of the surrounding passages. However, it is in these verses that Paul begins to make the distinction of the brother described in Verse 1. Let’s investigate. Who has been transformed according to Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Yahweh (God)”? It is the spiritual brother. He once was defined by the world as a Gentile, but now his mind has been changed or transformed. He has gone through a transformation of mind, will and emotion. In short, he is no longer the same. In 1 Corinthians 12:2, Paul states, “…you know that you were gentiles” (NKJV), and in the NIV it is translated, “…you know that you were pagans”, denoting that the brothers in Corinth are no longer “gentile” or “pagan”. Why? What happened? They have been transformed and no longer conform to the patterns of this world.

Gentile — Greek word ethnos (eth’-nos) — Strong’s number NT1484 defined as a race of the same habit, i.e., a tribe, specially a foreign, non-Jewish one, by implication, pagan. Derived from root word etho (eth-o) — Strong’s number NT1486, defined as custom. In the King James version, it was translated as “gentile”, “heathen”, “nation” or “people”.   Strong’s Greek Dictionary

The first definition of a spiritual brother is a person who no longer conforms to the patterns of this world by indulging themselves in idol worship. If we are to move in power today and display the characteristics of a spiritual brother, it is imperative that we cleanse ourselves of idols, which have become false images or elohim (gods) and directly reflects the walking out of the first and second Commandments in our personal lives.

Exodus 20:1-6

¹And Yahweh spoke all these words, saying: ²“I am Yahweh your Elohim (God), who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ³You shall have no other elohim (gods) before Me. ⁴You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, Yahweh your Elohim , am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

It is important to remember that an idol, an elohim, doesn’t have to be a figurine or a statue. It can be a person, role model that you worship, or it can be a role model of ministry. I had a friend in seminary who idolized John Wesley. In conversation he would often state, “John Wesley this” and “John Wesley that”. He modeled himself and his ministry after John Wesley.  While John Wesley was a good man to be sure, the problem was he was just that—a man. What was the problem? Idol worship. The problem was that the idea that this individual had of John Wesley’s greatness became his goal for himself. OOOPS—that’s an idol. Unfortunately, this individual is no longer in ministry because of this issue. The only model we are to have is Yahshua. He is our model for life, for ministry…for everything. Scripture tells us to “clothe ourselves with Yahshua”—not John Wesley, not Oral Roberts, not Billy Graham, not Benny Hinn, not Joyce Meyers…you get the picture. They are just men or women. Yahshua is the Messiah, and only He represents the Plumbline.

Idol — An object of extreme devotion; a false concept.   Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul continues and carries this point forward as he states Yahshua is our Master. In other words, Yahshua needs to be the object of our worship and devotion, not someone or something else. He further makes the distinction that the only way this transformation can happen is by the leading of the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit), when he says, “no one can say Yahshua is Master except by the Ruach haKodesh”.

Through not understanding the fullness of these scriptures over the centuries, we, the body, have fallen into traps set by the enemy to impact and rob our ministries. Remember, the thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, and does this by setting traps for us. The trap that most often ensnares us is pride. In other words, as long as we believe that “spiritual gifts” are things that we possess, at some point we will begin to think it is about us and our ministry. At that point, we become useless in the Kingdom of Yahweh and have to be pruned. There have been many great men, with awesome ministries, who have been sifted because of this very trap.

“Charisma”, the Greek word translated as “gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12 is not about you. By definition, it is an endowment, a miraculous faculty woven into your being before you were born, according to Yahweh’s destiny for your life. This is best seen in Psalm 139:13-16 “¹³For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. ¹⁵My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. ¹⁶Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”  It is all about the Father’s plan. Charisma is part of what makes you the special individual that you are, and the Father created you for a reason. Your charisma, your giftings is that reason. The full definition, our reason for being is only found in our Creator, not ourselves and not someone else. It is your charisma that answers the age-old questions “who am I” and “why am I here.”

Paul writes to the Ephesians that the purpose of our charisma is not for ourselves, but for “edifying of the body of Messiah”. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, he tells us the same thing when he states, “…there are diversities of charisma (gifts), but the same spirit.” In other words, our endowments make us individuals so that we can come together in unity. We are many members, yet one body. Left by ourselves we are only and will always be a part. However, brought together through spiritual authority, we are whole—the body of Messiah. The first and foremost reason for charisma is unity, not separation, and it is only through unity that the power of the Holy Spirit is made complete.

Through the natural wisdom—the carnal mind of man—there has always been a need for one to be better than another. This is mainly due to our pride and ego, as seen as early as Cain and Abel, and has nothing to do with the kingdom of Yahweh. We have “all sinned and fallen short of the glory of Yah”. Yet it is the linear mindset of one being better or further along than another that first developed segmentation of the body. The two groups that emerged were the “haves”—clergy, and the “have nots”—laity. Traditionally, the “haves” would always be “haves” and the “have nots” were without choice or renewal. This was achieved through ignorance and the lack of instruction of the “have nots”. Even though we managed to emerge from the dark ages, many traditions and mind sets of the institution of the church have not. Sadly, we still think of the kingdom of Yahweh in a linear fashion, and have relied on the pastor to do all works of ministry. The laity simply attend, tithe and listen unless something else comes up or they get a call on their cell phone, or pager.

This is not the scriptural model. Due to errors in translation, misinterpretations, and other dilemmas such as one-word translations, additions and omissions etc., we have in many ways failed to see the correct scriptural model for ministry. 1 Corinthians 12 is such a model. When the fullness of this chapter is seen, we discover that ministry is a team effort, with each member doing their part. Each of us were created for a purpose, a destiny, a place on the team, and were given certain charisma, endowments and miraculous faculties to enable us to perform our roles—our ministries. In truth, we are all “haves” by the blood of the Messiah. We have been perfectly and wonderfully made, in Yahweh’s image. As such, we are expected to move with unity and power—not as separate pieces—keeping Yahshua alone as our model. Our effectiveness for the kingdom depends on our ability to be united through spiritual authority, by becoming members one of the other and moving together in our charisma.

2

What Makes Me Tick? 

1 Peter 2:4-10

⁴ Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by Yahweh (God) and precious, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Yahweh through Yahshua haMaschiach (Jesus Christ). ⁶Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”  ⁷Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” ⁸and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. ⁹But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰who once were not a people but are now the people of Yahweh, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.    NKJV

I heard a dynamic young preacher once relate the story of the eagle and the grouse. I believe this story may help us find some focus as we seek the next step in our quest to discover our charisma—our spiritual endowment and miraculous faculties—therefore discovering what makes us “tick”. As we learn in Psalm 139, not only are we perfectly and wonderfully made, but more importantly, Yahweh knew us “before we had form, in our mother’s womb”. In other words, before we even began to discover who we were, Yahweh knew. He knew because He had a specific plan, a destiny in mind when He created each of us.

Regardless of what science teaches, you did not happen simply as a result of biological processes. Biology has its part, to be sure; however it has no creative power in and of itself. The biological process can only follow the plan, and the plan is developed by Yahweh. This plan is specific and unique, making us all individuals, never again to be duplicated—not even by cloning. Your charisma has to do with this specific and unique way you are woven together. There are certain, specific things that intrigue you, that spark your imagination and drive your desires. There are also specific things that drive you and ignite your emotions. Those specific things depend on how the Father wove you together in your mother’s womb, and scripture describes them as your “charisma” in 1 Corinthians 12. With this in mind, see if you can discover yourself in the story of the eagle and the grouse.

A mother eagle made her nest high upon the cliffs. She laid five eggs, and began the process of sitting and protecting her family to be. One night a violent storm arose, and the mother eagle frantically tried to keep her eggs protected as the lightening flashed, the thunder crashed and heavy winds blew. In all the commotion, one of the eggs was nudged out of the nest. As the egg began to fall down the face of the cliff, it was cradled by the wind currents and gently fell into the grasslands of the valley. The egg gently rolled and came to rest in the nest of a mother grouse. When the mother grouse’s eggs hatched, there was one that appeared a little strange. It was bigger and odd looking. Nonetheless, she loved it and raised it as her own.  As the hatchlings grew, the eagle began to realize in himself that he was drastically different than his brothers and sisters. He would spend his afternoons watching as the family of eagles soared high above the grasslands. Every time he watched them, something stirred deep within him. He wanted to soar like they did, yet each day he would sadly walk home as he would tell himself that it was silly to want to fly. After all, he was a grouse, and everybody knows grouse can’t fly like eagles. The orphaned eagle spent his days walking the grasslands with his family and never flew to the heights he was designed to soar.

Soar as Designed

The misplaced eagle lived out his life, yet never realized his full potential because he was limited by his surroundings and his beliefs. He thought that he was a grouse. After all, he was raised as a grouse and he grew up with other grouse. What else could he be? Even though he was an eagle, designed to soar great heights and had great desire to do so, he never realized his full potential because he never discovered who he really was—mainly due to his current beliefs. What a tragedy! Yet when we examine the body of the Messiah, this same tragedy becomes apparent. Although we acknowledge our salvation, many times we do not walk in its fullness because we have a grouse mentality. However, in 1 Peter 2:9-10, we find some clues that we are actually eagles.

1 Peter 2:9

⁹But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.   NKJV

The key words in this verse describe who you are:  “chosen”, “a royal priesthood”, “a holy nation” and “special people”. In other words, you are special—you are an eagle, not a grouse. You have been set apart from the common, from the world. That is what “holy” means. Set apart for what? Set apart for the kingdom of Yahweh—designed for a purpose, a destiny, and given charisma—personal attributes to help you soar to the heights you were designed to reach.

Chosen — Greek word “eklektos” (ek-lek-tos’)—Strong’s number NT1588, defined as “select and by implication, favorite”. Derived from two Greek root words, Strong’s number NT1537, “ek”, defined as “a primary preposition denoting origin, from, or out of”, and NT3004, “lego” (leg-o), defined as “a primary verb to lay forth, to call, put forth”. In the King James version, it was translated as “chosen” or “elect”.

Royal — Greek word “basileios” (bas-il-i-os)—Strong’s number NT934, defined as “kingly”. In the King James version, it was translated as “royal”.

Special — Derived from the two Greek words “eis” (ice), Strong’s number NT1519, defined as “a primary preposition, to or into”, and “peripoiesis” (per-ee-poy-ay-sis), Strong’s number NT4046, defined as “extension or preservation, and acquisition”. In the King James version, it was translated as “obtain”, “peculiar”, “purchased”, “possession” and “saving”.

Yahweh wants you to understand what makes you tick, so that you are able to walk out your destiny, which is realistically a part of obedience. If we define obedience as “doing the Father’s will”, we need to understand that His specific will for our lives is our destiny. If we do not pursue that destiny, then it would logically follow that we are not being completely obedient. The misplaced eagle did not walk in obedience, because he never soared. He was not guilty of the storm, being misplaced or even being hatched in a grouse family. His guilt lay in not responding to the drive deep within himself, placed there by his Creator, to fly. He never tried. Therefore, he never reached his potential. It’s time for you to understand who you are and what drives you, so you can soar to your full potential.

In order to understand what makes us tick—how we are wired—we must do three things:

            1.         Pray and seek the Father

            2.         Examine our lives

            3.         Search the Scriptures for understanding

Just think—if that misplaced eagle had ever stopped and examined himself thoroughly, he would have understood that he was not a grouse. Now what about you? Are you an eagle misplaced with grouse, or are you a grouse trying to do something that you are neither capable of nor designed for? Simply put—if you are a square peg, the place for you to serve is in a square hole. The only way to find that hole is through prayer, self examination and searching the Scriptures.

Charisma, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12, can be defined as one’s character or motivations. Therefore, we must realize that these things (charisma) have been a part of us all of our lives, yet we have defined them according to worldly standards. We have been ignorant of the Father’s ways and have perished because of it, just as outlined in Hosea 4:6:  “My people are destroyed for lack of  knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the Torah (law) of your Elohim (God), I also will forget your children.“ (NKJV)

So, what is it that you enjoy doing? What things do you do well, and what things come easily for you? The answers to these questions are indicators that will help you discern your charisma. For example, do you explain concepts in such a way that most can easily understand? Do you get excited when you see the light bulb of understanding ignite in someone’s brain? Do you easily understand new concepts and revelations? Then perhaps you have the charisma of the teacher. In addition to these aspects, each charisma has definite emotions connected to it. Think of the eagle and the grouse. The eagle tends to be more aggressive than the meeker lowland grouse, simply because he is an eagle. He is a bird of prey—a hunter—and therefore, must be aggressive. The grouse, on the other hand, is not a hunter and is less aggressive. Why? Because he is a grouse and not an eagle. One is not more correct or mature than the other, they are simply what they are designed to be.

Therefore, the teacher charisma, i.e., the teacher anointing, carries with it certain emotional characteristics as well. For example, the teacher is often patient, kind and merciful. As you reflect over your life and your characteristics (charisma), read the following list of attributes of different charismas to see if you can discover any that fit you. Remember, Yahweh created you for a purpose, and you are perfectly and wonderfully made. Please also keep in mind this is only a limited list and by no means is intended to be exhaustive. There are enough different charismas listed to give you a feel for the process. Meet with your spiritual authority and discuss your findings so they may assist you in the remainder of your journey. Following this process, search the Scriptures to make sure your findings are valid.

Charismatic List

Charisma of the Prophet

The prophets in the ekklesia (Greek for the “called out assembly”—the church), are the eyes of the body. They serve as an accountability element by speaking into the body and reminding it of the Father’s ways.

Strengths

• They clearly perceive Yahweh’s will and direction for the body and speak it.
• They focus on meeting spiritual needs within the body.
• They attempt to keep the body spiritually focused.
• They make people aware of the nature and presence of Yahweh.
• They are straight forward with little or no diplomacy.
• They have no gray area. Black is black and white is white.

Obstacles

• They come across as harsh, brash and arrogant at times, especially true of young prophets.
• They are impatient, especially when it comes to seeing Yahweh work in His people to get them where He needs them to be.
• They have no compassion, especially for those in rebellion. A prophet would rather see judgment instead of mercy rain down on those in rebellion.
• They tend not to be open to correction.
• They sometimes come across as controlling.
• They can be very unteachable.

Charisma of Intercession

The intercessors are the ears of the body. Many times revelation will be given to them before the prophets, not to be spoken forth, but to be kept in prayer until the time it is to be birthed by the prophet. The intercessor lays down the foundation of prayer the rest of the body moves upon.

Strengths

• They are meek, never calling attention to themselves.
• They are compassionate.
• They hear the “now” word of Yahweh.
• They have sharp discernment.
• They are sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit.
• They do not carry the burdens of others.
• They are obedient to the voice of the Father.

Obstacles

• Many times they are run over and trodden upon.
• Sometimes they are taken advantage of.
• They tend to be so spiritually minded that they do not blend well with the rest of the body.
• They are sometimes not perceived as standing their ground.

Charisma of the Deacon or Servant

Those with this charisma are the arms of the body of Messiah. The Greek Word used is “diakonia”, which means “service to others”.

Strengths

• They enjoy meeting the practical needs within the people.
• They don’t like long range projects. They do one job at a time.
• They can see what needs to be done and will set out to do so before being told.

Obstacles

• It is hard for them to say no, which usually leads to them being overwhelmed and leads to burnout.
• They have difficulty accepting service for themselves from others.

Charisma of the Teacher

The Greek Word used is didaskoles, which is defined as “instructor to others”. They are the mind of the body.

Strengths

• They communicate Yahweh’s Word in a teachable fashion.
• They teach Biblical truth to meet spiritual needs of the body.
• They dig for truth and motivate others to do the same.
• They enjoy research.
• They analyze and prove all that is given to them.

Obstacles

• Sometimes they are misunderstood as not depending on the Holy Spirit because of their need for facts and research.
• They tend to be so objective about things, it seems as if they are not personable.

Charisma of Exhortation

The Greek word used is “parakaleo”, which is defined as “to call aside; to make an appeal—a word of entreaty, comfort or instruction”. These believers are the mouth of the body.

Strengths

• They encourage spiritual growth.
• They make others aware of the need to apply spiritual truth in their lives on a consistent, day-by-day walk with Yahshua.
• They love people and tend to be very outgoing.
• They desire to encourage, edify and challenge the body of Messiah.

• They make walking in the Way too simple.
• They sometimes take scriptural truth out of context for practical application.

• They generously share their self, time and assets.
• They always look at the financial needs of the body with the underlying reason of sharing the kingdom message.
• They motivate others to give and share their assets to proclaim the kingdom message.
• They take delight in meeting an immediate need, even when it is unexpected.

• They sometimes try to buy control or use their money to control decisions of the leadership, especially if they are a new convert.
• They tend toward giving to the extent of enabling instead of rehabilitating.

• They meet the organizational, functional and developmental needs of the body of Messiah.
• They help broadcast the vision of a particular ministry.
• They keep the body running efficiently.
• They are time oriented and manage time well.
• They desire to accomplish tasks quickly.
• They are not idle.
• They tend to see the “big picture”.
• They assume responsibility, even when not their area of ministry.

• They are sometimes considered callous, curt and intensive to others.
• They move on to new challenges even when they are in the midst of an unfinished job.