1 Corinthians 10:12-13 – “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.  ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, my mind was abuzz with thoughts I was seeing and hearing.   From Leviticus in the revealing of the atoning of the blood to the anointing of the oil to 1 Corinthians in the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit, I am in awe.

The blood covers our thoughts, labors, and lives.   The oil is equally applied to all.   Without the blood and the oil, it is IMPOSSIBLE to become and be who we are destined to be.   That makes the fullness of the Holy Spirit all the more vital.

In 1 Corinthians 10, we are introduced to an incredible promise and provision.  “NO TEMPTATION (how many?) has OVERTAKEN you but such as is common (experienced by everyone) to man, BUT GOD is faithful, who WILL NOT allow you to be tempted BEYOND what you are able (to endure), but with the temptation WILL PROVIDE the way of escape also, SO THAT you WILL BE ABLE to endure it.”    There are many elements embodied in that, but suffice it to say that God promised to keep us in temptation if we look to Him rather than at the temptation.

The communion ceremony is revelatory about the Body.  We focus on Jesus and us, but Jesus focuses on the Body.   All members of the human body work together and support one another.  It can be no different in the Body of Christ.  If we can’t get along here, how can we expect to spend eternity together?

The Gifts of the Spirit are for edification (enlargement, development, equipping, and expansion) of the Body.   In 1 Corinthians 13, we encounter Agape in function and the revelation that Agape will outlast Gifts and is more important.  The argument that the Gifts of the Spirit are not for today comes from a misunderstanding.  In verses 9-10 – “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, the partial will be done away.”

Read verses 11-13.    “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.   Now I know in part, but then I will fully know, just as I also have been fully known.”

Notice the “Now” and “Then.”   This is not about when the canonized Bible comes, but about the eternal kingdom that comes; the partial will be consumed by the complete.

The Word edifies includes the meaning of enlarging or creating a greater capacity to receive.    So, in 1 Corinthians 14:4, “One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”

We edify ourselves to edify others.   That is Body Ministry.   All is done out of love and the building up of the Body as a whole, a unit, a family, and an army.  We have the atoning blood, the anointing oil, and the dispensed gifts enabling us to become and be who and what we were created to be.

I desire to receive His fullness, empty out all self, and pursue His purposes now!  I cannot do that without the blood, the oil, and the gifts.  More LORD, more!

LORD, fill us with You!   Enable us to Live Christ In us!