In 1 Corinthians 14 we are given some challenging instructions on the usage of the vocal Spiritual Gifts. The chapter starts with an exhortation to “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (v.1). These are vital keys to developing in the Spiritual Gifts. Love has to be actively pursued; Spiritual Gifts have to be eagerly desired, with a focus on our releasing Prophecy. Why is this? Through Spiritual Gifts – and especially Prophecy – God wants to speak to His people. He wants to convey to us things that come through no other means. The Spiritual Gifts (operating by the Holy Spirit anointing) are varying aspects of the voice of God to us. Prophecy speaks “edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (v.3). Every person needs these “building-up” experiences, and we need to have them regularly. Spiritual Gifts are far more important than most Christians realize (we suffer the consequences as a result).

Then Paul goes on to challenge us to make very sure that we are communicating very clearly through the vocal gifts - to speak with a distinct sound; to make sure people clearly recognize the message of that distinct sound. Otherwise the God-purpose of the message is lost because the hearers do not know how to respond (which usually means no response at all). In the context of Spiritual Gifts the question is asked, “For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?” (v.8). Wow! Spiritual Gifts are all about preparing for battle. They are about helping us to get to where we should be so that we can stand and not fall in the battle! They are about strengthening the Body of Christ to function in Her God-given capacity. When we lack or ignore Spiritual Gifts operating amongst the believers, we are robbing ourselves of vital keys that prepare us for the battle! Every “spiritually aware” person knows that we are in a battle. But are we preparing ourselves? Ezekiel 33 tells us that those who hear the sound of the trumpet, and do not take warning (“to gleam; to enlighten – by caution – admonish, shine, teach, give warning” – Strong’s), then they have to carry the responsibility of that inaction.

Here is a concerning statement from Scripture: “They have blown the trumpet and made everyone ready, but no one goes to battle” (Ezekiel 7:14). So many today seek to be equipped with Bible knowledge, etc., but never seem to go into battle. We are too often full of unproven theories. It is in the battle that we quickly discover what works for us, and what does not! The Holy Spirit of truth wants to reveal His strategies and, through them, help us to prepare ourselves for the battles we face in being faithful to His call. It is one thing to receive a call – it is entirely another to fulfil that call! “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfil it” (Colossians 4:17). If we are not hearing the clear, distinct call of the Holy Spirit through Spiritual Gifts we will not prepare ourselves, or be sufficiently prepared in the way that God wants us to be. Then, in the heat of the battle (if we get that far), we will stumble through uncertainty of what to do.

When we recognize, listen to, and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit through Spiritual Gifts, then we wilI respond and prepare ourselves for the battle. Further than that, we will take the next step and go into battle in the name of the Lord with the weaponry He has equipped us with through the application of His voice, Prophecy and the other Spiritual Gifts. Rise up, prepare – and GO into battle!  ~ Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  2 Timothy Chapters 1 and 2.

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