Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.

“Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable;  but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.  And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.  On behalf of such a man I will boast;  but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.  For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth;  but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”  2 Corinthians 12:1-6.

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Paul refrained from trying to express his vision.  Paul wanted to be credited for what the church understood through his teaching and the way that he lived his life.  “… I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”  Verse 6.

We may enjoy relaying a vision, because we enjoy remembering it or because it causes others to respect us more.  But, it is not profitable.  It may even hurt us if it just inflates our ego.

“Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.”  Colossians 2:18-19.

We may even be truly blessed by the vision.  It may even edify us.  But, it may not edify the church unless it is interpreted and properly revealed and explained through Scripture.

Although the following Scriptures apply specifically to speaking in tongues, these Scriptures generally also apply to visions and teach us the importance of relaying visions to others only if we can edify others though proper interpretation, revelation, and teaching through Scripture.

“Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.  For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God;  for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.  But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.  One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself;  but one who prophesies edifies the church.  Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy;  and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?”  1 Corinthians 14:1-6.

“What is the outcome then, brethren?  When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation.  Let all things be done for edification.”  1 Corinthians 14:26.