The text of 1 Corinthians 12-14 is a fascinating look into the protocol for exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The passage also includes instructions for church order, the superiority of love, and the propriety of male headship in church service. There is much there because there is much to say from the mind of the Apostle Paul to this very ravaged church.
However, one question that some have regarding this section of Scripture is, “Why is it there?” Given the biblical position that the gifts of the Spirit, which refer to speaking in unlearned languages, performance of miracles, and the gifts of knowledge and prophecy, have all ceased and have not be given out by God to man since the days of the apostles, the question is a good one.
In order to answer this question, we need to understand another passage of Scripture that helps us to understand. The other passage of Scripture is Matthew 7:21-23. Look at that passage. What do you see? You will see that Jesus is being accused by men concerning His rationale in judgment. This actually happens all the time. But look closer.
Notice that the point of argument is the following: prophecy, exorcism, and miracle-working. These are apostolic works that Jesus assigned to the twelve in Matthew 10:8. They are apostolic signs. However, Jesus will reject these people and their assertions at His judgment seat. They will be cast into Hell (v.23) as false apostles.
Also, notice 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. There, the Apostle Paul indicates, no doubt repeating the teaching of Jesus from passages like Matthew 7:21-23 and chapters 24-25 of Matthew speaking of false messiahs (probably accompanied with “false” signs and wonders), that the world will see the working of miracles by the man of lawlessness. Paul says that his miracles will be the “activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders.” (v.9)
And finally, in Revelation 13:14 the indication is that the man of lawlessness will be killed and then brought back to life in front of the whole world (Revelation 13:3).
The conclusion is that the context in which God will bring in His purpose prior to judgment is a context of false signs and wonders. This is God’s purpose (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Revealtion 17:17).
Folks, that is why we have such extensive teaching concerning signs and wonders and the true apostolic signs. This is one way in which the elect cannot be deceived since we will have access to the truth about these things (Matthew 24:24-25).
Therefore, it is imperative that we master this portion of Scripture (1 Corinthians 12-14) and be able to judge all forms of so-called miracles, signs, and wonders, against the Word of God so that we do not throw away our knowledge of God and chase after false messiahs.
Sketches of Scripture 