Ye Which Are Spiritual (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of this series of letters entitled “Ye which are Spiritual” - Paul said to those who were “called to be saints” (I Corinthians 1:2) in the church of God at Corinth, “I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal (controlled by the flesh), even as unto babes in Christ” (I Corinthians 3:1). This occurred not because Paul was not spiritual, but because the saints at Corinth were yet carnal. The Corinthian church was the largest work wrought through the hands of Paul by God, so much so that there were had “ten thousand instructors in Christ” (I Corinthians 4:15) in the church, not including the membership itself. Furthermore, the church was the most gifted church, boasting over 27 distinct spiritual gifts in operation among the assembly (I Corinthians 13 and 14). Yet, according to Paul, the church still had not yet grown into a hearty spiritual condition, since carnal saints were still to be found there. Remember, as Paul said to the church in Rome, “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Hence, it is possible to be gifted and talented, have a large church assembly, and yet be controlled by your fleshly appetites. That is not our desire for the Anointed Harvest Fellowship Church.

Precious Ones, you must notice that Paul did not (even in rebuke) cast out their names as evil, but rather called them “brethren”. Beloved, there is a lesson in this for us. When we disagree with some of the ways, personalities and mannerisms of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we must not define them by their faults or their infirmities (weaknesses). In God’s eyes, they are still a part of the Body of Christ. Don’t forget what Paul instructed the church at Ephesus - “Grieve (make sad) not the Holy Spirit of God (and your brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what their problem is), whereby ye are sealed (preserved by God to inherit His Kingdom) unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

Chosen Ones, some of our “brethren” may yet be carnal in their attitudes, even though they may have acquired much stature among us. Yet, we must be patient, kind and understanding. This letter is not written for everyone’s benefit - it is written only to “those who are spiritual” (led by the Spirit of Jesus). I remind you of this - “if a man (or woman in this assembly) be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, (otherwise you will) also be tempted (in the same manner)” (Galatians 6:1).

Children of God, Paul acknowledged that the Corinthian Church was carnal, but criticism is not always an effective means of change. Speak words of life into the weaknesses of your brother and sister in Christ. Remember, Paul also encouraged the Corinthians to “come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 1:7). “Ye which are spiritual”, administer the same kind of healing in this body of believers.

I love you all SO very much!
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy