Coffee With The Lord

What is authentic “spirituality” – Who really is a “spiritual person?”

Good question eh? … And opinions (and misconceptions) abound!!

In 1 Corinthians 12 – 14 Apostle helps provide an answer to those questions… (This was part of my Bible reading today during “Coffee with the Lord, and is a part of the Bible that I’ve taught from many times)…

Here’s how Apostle Paul starts this section of 1 Corinthians… “Now concerning spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be uninformed…” and then he begins to address the issue.  Interestingly, the word “gifts” in NOT in the original Greek text of verse 1 (it does not appear until verse 4 and has been supplied by the translator simply because of the context).

Capable scholars and interpreters agree that Paul’s greater argument is “WHAT is considered “spiritual” by the Corinthian church” or “WHO is looked upon as a “spiritual” person.”  So the big deal in these chapters (chs.12-14) is what constitutes “authentic Spirituality!”

Let me make a few observations from these chapters with that in focus…

1.  Authentic Spirituality acknowledges and expresses the truth about Jesus
2. Authentic Spirituality affirms the rich variety of giftedness in the church
3. Authentic Spirituality insists that all gifts build up or “edify” the church
4. Authentic Spirituality is characterized by a healthy “Spiritual self-concept”
5. Authentic Spirituality emphasizes Spiritual unity within rich diversity
6. Authentic Spirituality is much more than simply “Spiritual gifts” or “manifestations”
7. Authentic Spirituality recognizes that it is godly character expressed through “love” that makes a person truly “spiritual”
8. Authentic Spirituality encourages broad participation in what the Holy Spirit is doing within the church.
9. Authentic Spirituality longs for the Holy Spirit’s to work in and through a person’s life
10. Authentic Spirituality expresses itself in orderly worship that “builds up the church”

An Old Testament “beatitude” – imagine it! We tend to think of “beatitudes” only in terms of the classic group Jesus gave us in Matthew 5:1-2 (or Luke’s grouping in Luke 6:20-23) but that is short-sighted. The form is found elsewhere in Scripture and Psalm 32 is a wonderful example of that!

The “beatitude” form is made up of 3 major elements: 1) The blessing stated… 2) The character quality or behavior that God blesses… 3) And finally the nature of the blessing itself.

The Old Testament “beatitude” in Psalm 32 articulates God’s blessing like this…

1) “Blessed is the one… Blessed is the person who…” That word blessed is really important! Its significance is that it expresses “God’s favor” upon someone! Let me tell you, to experience “God’s favor” is a wonderful thing – collaterally it results in all kinds of “blessings!” A friend of mine expressed it this way… “picture God looking at you and smiling with approval!”

2) In Psalm 32 this is what brings “God’s favor” – “God’s approving simile”… “BLESSED IS THE ONE WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED” – the one “AGAINST WHOM THE LORD COUNTS NO INIQUITY AND INN WHOSE SPIRIT THERE IS NO DECEIT!” (vss.1-2) Apostle Paul expressed it this way in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus!” Apostle John declared: “If we confess [acknowledge] our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!” (1 John 1:9) How good is that?! What a blessing!!

3) And the blessing the “beatitude” in Psalm 32 promises? … “I acknowledge my sin to You and I did not cover my iniquity! I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin! … [God speaking…] ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you!’ … Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord! Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (vss. 5, 8, 10-11)

Oh what blessing – what “favor” from the Lord… To be forgiven, made “right with God” – experiencing His righteousness and approval! Hey, believe me, it pays to acknowledge your sin and receive God’s forgiveness! What an awesome “beatitude” – even if it’s in the Old Testament! King David can tell you all about it (in addition to Psalm 32 read Psalm 51)!

A wonderfully delicious “sip” from my Bible reading today… “Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear [reverence] You and worked for those who take refuge in You! … Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love to me!” (Psalm 31:19 & 21)