1 Corinthians 14:4-6 brought greater insight into Paul’s teaching concerning the gifts and their order of importance, as listed in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. Desire earnestly the best gifts, tempered by the more excellent way — agape, unconditional love! The believers in the church admired and desired those gifts that were external in their manifestation – the sign gifts, but lost sight of the purpose of those gifts, edifying the church and revealing the resurrected Lord to the Jews. The gifts were not given for personal enrichment, but for the benefit of others. Personal edification is a natural by-product of the legitimate exercise of your gift, but it is not the main reason for its exercise.
1 Corinthians 1:22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Sharing truth in a simple manner of revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or doctrine, is sharing the whole counsel of God, comparing scripture with scripture, rightly dividing the Word of God.
2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 3:16-17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Rightly dividing the Word through seeing the separation of the dispensations and identifying them, as discussed this morning in 2 Timothy 4:1, helps us understanding the DTDA — Deep Treasure Doctrinal Application of future events.
2 Timothy 4:1: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
The judgment of the “quick” or spiritually alive / the Church Age saints, will occur at the Bema judgment or judgment seat of Christ. This will occur at the harpazo / rapturo / rapture of the body of Christ. Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10
The judgment of the dead will occur at the 2nd Advent, the physical return of Messiah King Jesus. He will return with the armies of heaven to purge out the wicked from this world, and establish his righteous kingdom, that will last forever. Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:11-15
God’s Word paints the complete picture of coming events, helping us to know what is coming, and to be prepared for eternity. We are to live each day, as if Jesus were going to return, setting our affection on things above. Living with an eternal perspective helps us endure the present and live in victory!
Colossians 3:1-4: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 1 John 2:28: And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.