868.

THE "OBSCURE EXPRESSION".

"We are looking for right now through mirror in obscure expression, then but face toward face; right now I am knowing out of part, then but I shall know accurately according as also I was accurately known."  (1 Cor 13:12 Greek T.)

"At present we only see the baffling reflections in a mirror, but then it will be face to face; at present I  am  learning bit by bit, but then I shall understand, as all along I have myself been understood."  (1 Cor 13:12 Moffatt).

PAUL PURSUED THE "OBSCURE EXPRESSION," LOVE.       HOW?
It was not just The Christ's teachings that Paul said we are "looking for" (Greek T.) and that will finally be "understood" (Moffatt), or "accurately known" (NWT). For in this same letter to the Corinthian congregation, and with reference to the headship arrangement of God, he reproved them for their shameful conduct, their misuse of spiritual gifts, and issued them with necessary countermeasures. No, what Paul was referring to was that ultimately, through The Christ's subjecting of him, he would come to know perfect love. Fully realizing "face to face" all the parts of love, he would then know how to express what is still for us an "obscure expression". Then, as a heavenly "new creation" he could be employed by The Christ in the subjection to God of those still on earth (just as Christ was able to subject Paul because he accurately knew Paul's weaknesses). (Gal 6:15). In this way the scripture is fulfilled: "then but I shall know accurately according as also I was accurately known."  (1 Cor 13:12 Greek T.)

But before one can truly show love to another, knowledge of that person and their weaknesses is required. Further, one who has knowledge of all the parts of the love of God is truly subject to Him, and so would understand how best to use this knowledge to best effect. For this reason we are told to "pursue love", which means to acquire accurate knowledge of the love of God, and to offer the appropriate part willingly for others. But not unwisely, as love does not "rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor 14:1)  (1 Cor 13:6). By blinding Paul to bring him to his senses, Christ showed love to him, opening the way for him to gain everlasting life. Christ adopted this means to gain Paul's attention, for him to listen and be taught.  (Acts 9:1 22).

LOVE "DOES NOT KEEP ACCOUNT OF THE INJURY".  ("Reckoning".  1 Cor 13:5 Greek T.)
By persecuting his disciples, Paul was once a persecutor of Christ. Of Paul it was said: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many injurious things he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem."  (Acts 9:13,4). But it was Paul that Christ used to bear his name to nations, kings, and to the sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15). Christ did not keep account of the injurious acts of Paul.  Why?  Because although at the time Paul did not know who he was persecuting, Christ had knowledge of Paul's nature, and how Paul would have to suffer for Christ's name. (Acts 9:16). Christ also had accurate knowledge of Judas;  that Judas did know what he was doing, and an account of it has been kept. Jehovah Himself keeps account of certain injuries, and conducts a legal case for His people against wilful enemies, especially against those who prefer to have knowledge of, and act upon, the "deep things of satan".  (Rev 2:24)  (Micah 7:8 10).

Judas Iscariot and Ananias sinned in word and deed against the Holy Spirit of God. (Acts 5:1 11). "...whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come."  (From Matt 12:31,32)  (Heb 10:26,27.  1 John 3:8).

In summary: You cannot show true love to another unless first you have knowledge of that one's weaknesses and spiritual need. When we accurately know all the parts of perfect spiritual love "face to face", it will no longer be an "obscure expression". Those preferring to practice the "deep things of satan" will come face to face with shame. (Isaiah 66:5). Only when that which is complete, perfect love, is accurately known by all members of the "body" of Christ and implemented, will partial knowledge of "The Way" previously made known through gifts of the Spirit such as prophesying, speaking in tongues, and even knowledge itself, cease. (1 Cor 13:8 10). For that which is partial will be done away with, for we will have all the requisite parts of perfect love. As a discerner of inspired utterances, I leave you this directive, correcting a past erroneous teaching of the sect of JWs.  (1 Cor 12:10).

My love to all the brothers of The Christ and to those of the "other sheep" calling upon his name.

25/3/80.
 

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