Recently, we noted that the enemy's endeavor to thwart the Gospel at Philippi did not involve open opposition or contradiction to the message of Paul and Silas but rather, by means of an occultic psychic, misconstrual of their ministry in terms of spiritist power and identity (Acts 16).
Spiritual opposition, obviously, is not always so extreme or dramatic. Throughout the history of the Church, however, confusion and loss of perspective has often hindered the cause of Christ. The student of Church history needs no enlightenment here.
During the 'sixties and 'seventies of relatively recent times, many churches and believers were touched by a gracious move of the Spirit in what was at the time designated the Renewal Movement. Lives were inspired and believers drawn together on a basis of common faith in, and commitment to, the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus had, in fact, stated that such would be the ministry of the Spirit (John 15:26; 16:14; Acts 1:8, etc.). Simply stated, the fundamental mark of spiritual validity is always a Christocentric focus (Col. 1:18).
In time the battle began - not from without at large (although there was some opposition), but to considerable extent from within as focus began to shift from Christ to the supernatural as an end in itself. Other distortions followed as, in much the same way as at Corinth, many believers became obsessed with prominent human leadership. (Paul, interestingly, seldom bypassed the opportunity to point out those willing as well to utilize the Gospel, and others in the name of the Gospel, for purposes of self-interest and aggrandizement [e.g., II Cor. 2:17; Phil. 2:19-21; I Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7; cf. I Pet. 5:2; II Pet. 2:3; etc.]. Apparently resigned on one occasion to the fact that there was little he could do regarding ulterior motive, he accepted that to at least some degree the Gospel was being preached, Phil. 1:15-18).
With the Renewal Movement, focus on human personality was in turn followed by formulaic routines whereby one could allegedly manipulate the power of the Spirit for personal ends and objectives. If one would just "praise the Lord for all things," the believer could achieve that which was desired. Then came the "shepherding" movement in which, by unconditionally subjecting oneself to a "more spiritual shepherd's" control (ultimately leading to a Florida based organization of those in highest authority), one could himself attain great spirituality. The devastation was, of course, profound. Then came the extreme "faith" teachings wherein, by correctly "confessing the Word" one could, in godlike fashion, create his own reality, ad infinitum. The result of it all, of course, was that in many instances - thank God, not all were so carried about - spiritual power and dynamic came to be seen in terms of self-focused, rather than Christ centered, pneumatology.
This all came to mind again this past week when we were given some copies of a prominent "Charismatic" publication. (We had discontinued our own subscription to the magazine years ago when one month's issue was devoted to personal biographies and an appeal for votes so as to determine the "most popular Charismatic" among then prominent leaders.) While, in these current issues, one could find some articles of benefit, one could also little escape the "Christian celebrity syndrome" yet projected throughout. We were considerably disappointed.
We are, once more, reminded that when, along with others, Paul was himself so idolized by some at Corinth, his response was that they were "carnal." It was not Paul who had been crucified for them, nor had he endeavored to create a personal following by playing on their spiritual needs, hunger and response (as in the act of baptism) to such ends (I Cor. 1:13-15).
Who then was Paul or Apollos (another idolized leader)? Merely servants through whom they had believed "as the Lord gave opportunity... So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who gives the increase" (I Cor. 3:1-8; see II Cor. 4:5).
Some of us need to come back to square one. Perhaps the even greater need is for a spiritual "Reformation" within Renewal circles.
Burl Ratzsch
