Instructions Concerning Languages within the Local Church

Introduction

PRE-INTRODUCTION

Acknowledge special music

MAIN-INTRODUCTION

[Get Attention | Raise a need | Orient Theme | State Purpose]

ATTENTION GETTER

Today is Father’s Day. And, since it is Father’s Day, here is a little reminder of how important clear instructions can be.

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NEED

Obviously, instructions are essential. It is no different for us when it comes to living the Christian life. God’s Word is our instruction manual. It tells us everything we need to know to live before the Lord. Thankfully, it is also our instruction manual for the local church. Thus, everything done within a local church is clearly stated for us to follow, including how we utilize spiritual gifts. Therefore, we need to read and follow the instructions as God has clearly given them to us.

THEME

Keep in mind that the first half of this chapter is all about how spiritual gifts are for EDIFYING others. We will use them to build up other believers’ faith and service to the Lord. We had already noted that the Holy Spirit favored the gift of prophecy over the gift of tongues even before God’s Word was complete. Why the gift of prophecy rather than tongues?

1 Corinthians 14:2–5 KJV 1900

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

PURPOSE

Today, we turn our attention to some instructions given to the local church of Corinth concerning the use of languages within that church. Even though the gift of languages has changed drastically since the completion of God’s Word, the principles outlined in these instructions remain the same for other viable spiritual gifts today. Thus, this morning’s purpose is to read the instruction manual and learn what God expects of each local church when using spiritual gifts.

SUB-INTRODUCTION

Last week, we learned that the gift of languages is somewhat problematic. In fact, as I read this chapter, I was convinced that the Holy Spirit sought to discourage believers from pursuing this particular gift. Instead, we are to follow the spiritual gifts that clearly communicate the truths of God’s Word. Unfortunately, as noted last Sunday, languages can be problematic because things are often lost in translation. It is much better to clearly communicate God’s Word through teaching and preaching without the interference of languages. What I mean by that is that much more can be communicated clearly when both the speaker and the listener speak the same language. That was the essence of our text last week.

1 Corinthians 14:6–13 KJV 1900

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

As we pick up from last week, the Holy Spirit gives us several instructions or guidelines concerning languages within the local church. These can be applied to all spiritual gifts, as we will see.

The Terms of Language Usage Within the Local Church

There are several guidelines that the Holy Spirit issues in the following few verses concerning spiritual gifts and, especially, the gift of languages.

We must utilize spiritual gifts to EDIFY (build up) other fellow believers.

1 Corinthians 14:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Validate the point – explain why you have drawn this particular point from a text

Now, as we get into these verses, please understand again the context in which these were given. At the time of writing, God’s Word was incomplete, and the gift of tongues was still active. Thus, as the Holy Spirit utilized Paul to pen this letter to the local church at Corinth, many things needed to be dealt with. It seems from this context of chapters 12 and 14 that the believers in Corinth were misusing their spiritual gifts, and many desired to have the gift of tongues. Unfortunately, their unhealthy desire for this particular gift cause many other issues within the congregation. Thus, the Holy Spirit instructed how the gift of tongues was to be used within the church. In doing so, He limited the scope of its use. These verses, along with some others, such as verses 27-29 and others, were written specifically for the church at Corinth. However, in giving these instructions, we find several principles that apply to us even today. These verses do just that.

Note verse 12 again.

1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV 1900

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Here the Holy Spirit reiterates the sentiment of verses 3-5.

1 Corinthians 14:3–5 KJV 1900

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

The principle is that spiritual gifts are meant to edify others. Thus, if we pursue a spiritual gift, we must keep the edification of others in mind. Two keywords are found in this verse. The first key Word is the word “zealous.” In Greek, it means to be enthusiastic. You might read verse 12 this way.

“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are a spiritual gift enthusiast, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

It is good to be enthusiastic about spiritual gifts. In fact, the Holy Spirit encourages us to go after spiritual gifts. We saw this in verse 1.

1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV 1900

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

However, we must always remember that edifying others is always the goal. We must never forget it.

The other key Word is the word “excel.” It simply means to abound. Thus, we are encouraged not only to enthusiastically desire spiritual gifts but also to excel or abound in our efforts to edify or build up other fellow believers.

Now look at verse 13.

1 Corinthians 14:13 KJV 1900

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Here is the first regulation placed on the gift of tongues. Speaking in tongues always required an interpreter who could adequately interpret what was being said. Later, as we get into verses 27-29, the Holy Spirit repeats this regulation. In fact, He emphatically states in verse 28 the following.

1 Corinthians 14:28 KJV 1900

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Thus, for the church of Corinth and all the churches which existed before the completion of God’s Word, any person gifted with the gift of tongues was required to have someone who could interpret what they were saying. They were not allowed to speak within the congregation if there was no interpreter.

Now, the fundamental principle at play for us is this. The Holy Spirit wants us to utilize our spiritual gifts, and He wants us to abound in our efforts to edify others. The gift of tongues no longer accomplishes this since we have the Word of God in our hands.

Explain the point – Probe the meaning of the point and use illustrations to help people understand the point.

However, there are plenty of other spiritual gifts that do promote the edification of others.

Speaking Gifts include the gift of teaching, preaching (prophecy), knowledge, wisdom, and exhortation.

Teaching = encourages others to study God’s Word and helps others know the truths of God’s Word.

Preaching (Prophecy) = reproves, rebukes and builds up others as it confronts them with their sin and admonishes of God’s Word.

Knowledge = helps others understand Biblical truth and gives practical application helping them live it out.

Wisdom = helps identify specific problems, shows explicit instruction for that problem from God’s Word, and helps lay out clear, practical steps to overcome that particular problem.

Exhortation = provides others with comfort, courage, help, and strength by coming alongside and helping another bear a specific heavy load.

There are the Serving Gifts of administration, help, giving, mercy, faith, and discernment. These are practical acts of sacrifice designed to help others grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Every gift has the capability of edifying/building up others.

Nowhere are we encouraged to use these gifts for ourselves; instead, we are to use them to help others.

Apply the point – apply the issue in practical ways to everyday living.

God had placed each of us in this local church. It is no accident that you are part of our church. Consequently, God has something for you to do within our local assembly. He has uniquely designed and gifted you to serve Him right here. Some of you have a speaking gift or a serving gift. You might have a combination of speaking and serving gifts. No matter your gifts, God expects you to use them for Him. He wants you to step up and begin helping others by utilizing those gifts. There are people in our church who need you. They need your help. They will grow spiritually if you do your part. It is incredible to think how God has brought us all together. Yes, we are all different in our personalities and our gifts. Still, we are all part of something extraordinary and, if I might say, supernatural. I say supernatural because God has done it, not us. Now, think about this for a second. God gifted you with your own special and unique set of talents and gifts. If you choose not to use them, then there is a strong possibility that you are causing a fellow believer to stumble or, at the least, not grow spiritually. In fact, just you showing up to each service and each activity of the church is an encouragement to others. Now couple the fact that you are showing up along with you utilizing your gift, and you become a mighty instrument that God can use in helping others around you. However, suppose we develop a selfish attitude of doing things only when we feel like it, or it is convenient. In that case, we lose the true intent of God’s design. In the end, the selfish believer becomes an unusable instrument. Instruments that cannot be used for God end up on the shelf or in the closet, doing nothing.

Now, here is the next guideline.

We must always pray/sing with our voice and with clear understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:15 KJV 1900

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Validate the point - explain why you have drawn this particular point from the text

Verse 15 starts with a question. The Holy Spirit further clarifies His intent for us to utilize our spiritual gifts. He says, “What is it then?” or, as we might say today, “What then?” Remember that He has just encouraged us to be enthusiastic about spiritual gifts. Without any doubt, God wants us to use what He has given us. It was no different with languages. Even then, God wanted them to utilize their gift. However, every gift from above must be used to “edify” (build-up) others spiritually. Thus, the Holy Spirit prompts Paul to pen the words of verse 15.

Note what Paul writes.

“I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with understanding”

Paul repeats the same thing. This time he inserts singing for praying.

“I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding.”

One of the great things about a local church is our ability to worship the Lord corporately and publicly. In every service, we pray and sing outwardly.

Now, note something vital here. Understand the word “spirit” in our text. Too many times when we see the word “spirit,” we automatically attribute that Word to the Holy Spirit. Note that the term “spirit” is not capitalized in your Bibles. It is not capitalized because the translators knew that this Word did not reference the Holy Spirit. Instead, the word “spirit” in Greek literally means “breath.”

Consequently, we must read this verse, understanding that it is talking about utilizing our own breath to verbalize what we say when we pray and sing publically. There is NO INDICATION in the construction of this verse of a believer praying or singing IN THE SPIRIT, meaning in the Holy Spirit. Instead, it is simply saying that when we sing, we, as is evident, sing utilizing the breath, the voice that God has given us.

In addition to that voice, we are to pray and sing publically with clear understanding. The word “understanding” references the mind and its ability to communicate our thoughts and feelings clearly.

Explain the point - Probe the meaning of the point using illustrations to help people understand

Diving deeper, we must understand the simplicity of God’s Word. God does want us to worship Him outwardly with our voices.

This is a common theme that runs throughout all of Scripture.

Psalm 81:1 KJV 1900

1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Ephesians 5:19 KJV 1900

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

He also desires that we use our voices to offer prayers unto Him.

Psalm 3:4 KJV 1900

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Psalm 26:7 KJV 1900

7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all thy wondrous works.

I could list many more verses supporting God’s desire that we sing and pray with our voices unto Him. We have many examples of people who did just that listed within the Old and New Testament pages. However, the important thing is that we utilize our voice and understand that in doing so, we help others around us. I just recently stated that when we sing, we sing for the Lord and others around us. Public singing and prayer benefit the spiritual welfare of those listening. I often encourage you to sing out and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. I know many who are not comfortable praying before others. I understand that they are embarrassed about what they might say or do not feel confident about public prayer. However, may I say that praying out loud should be as comfortable for us as talking to each other about the weather. Additionally, we are helping and encouraging others.

Apply the point - apply the issue in ways that are practical to everyday living

Now, let’s focus on the practical aspect of this verse. Again, remember the context, which is languages. It is essential that when we sing and pray in public that we do so that others can understand us. Twice the Holy Spirit emphasized in this verse that we sing and pray with UNDERSTANDING. The next verse is going to elaborate further on this point. However, here is the practical application. It does no one any good when someone prays or sings in a language no one else can understand. Yes, we are using our voice. God gives us our voices, not just so we can communicate with others, but so we can talk with Him.

Additionally, God gave us a mind. It is a beautiful thing by which we can reason. We use our minds to think, consider, and ponder the things of God and the life He has given us. Via our mind, we evoke feelings of love, worship, thankfulness, and so on. God is telling us to utilize these beautiful gifts (your voice and your mind) to help others know how you feel about me. Tell others how much you love God and your commitment to follow Him. In doing so, you can significantly bless others, encouraging them to do likewise.

Here is a third guideline.

We must remember our purpose is to help others understand the principles of God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 14:16–17 KJV 1900

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Validate the point - explain why you have drawn this particular point from the text

In this verse, the Holy Spirit gives a practical illustration demonstrating any speaking gift’s true purpose. Now, remember there are several speaking gifts. I mentioned these earlier. They are teaching, preaching, knowledge, wisdom, and exhortation. When writing this letter, the gift of languages was active and included in the list of speaking gifts. Unfortunately, the gift of languages had its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is illustrated in these two verses.

The Holy Spirit paints this picture. Everyone is gathered together as a local church should. In our midst, someone stands and begins to speak in Nepalese. We are all listening. Currently, in our congregation, only two people may understand what they are saying (me and my wife). As they are preaching and/or teaching, how would anyone in this room outside my wife and I know what they are saying? No one is the answer. How can you affirm or agree with what they are saying? The answer is simple. You cannot verify or agree. In our text, the Holy Spirit uses the word “Amen.”

“Amen” is a fascinating word study. This Word is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase from the Old Testament. It originated from a couple of Old Testament verses. Here is one of them.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV 1900

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Note what this verse tells us about God. He IS God, and He IS faithful. This statement is one of fact. It is not a question or even a possibility. God is, and He is faithful. Thus, because God is God and He is faithful, anything He determines to do, He will do. In this verse, He is determined to keep His covenant and demonstrate His mercy to those who love and obey Him.

Here is another verse from which we get the word “Amen.”

Isaiah 49:7 KJV 1900

7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, To him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the Lord that is faithful, And the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

Again, the essence of this verse is that God is and He is faithful. Whatever God determines, He will make it so. Consequently, over time, the word “Amen” came to be known as God said, “It is and shall be so!” and man’s response is, “So let it be.” Thus, each time a person says “Amen,” they respond to the factual statements of God and His Word by saying, “So let it be.”

If a person speaks a foreign language, how can you say “Amen” to what God is saying if you have no idea what is being said? That is the point. In fact, verse 17 notes that you might be saying all that is right and correct about God and His Word, but no one hearing knows. The content of what you are saying is wholly lost.

Explain the point - Probe the meaning of the point using illustrations to help people understand

Now, let me give you a couple of observations here.

First, God encourages people to respond to the teaching and preaching of His Word. It is perfectly okay to respond to someone speaking about God and His promises with “Amen.” I appreciate people saying “Amen” as I preach, as most preachers do. As a kid, I remember the pastor of my dad’s home church, Bro. Walker. He used to say in his messages, “If Sears and Roebuck sold an “Amening” machine, I would buy it and put it at the back of the congregation just so I could get a few “Amens” in here.” He said that in jest, but it illustrates that when someone preaches and teaches, they enjoy feedback from others who agree with God’s Word. “Amens” are welcome by God and others.

Second, you can’t say “Amen” or agree with what is being said if you don’t understand it. That is the more significant issue here.

Yes, God wants you to agree with the teaching/preaching of His Word, but you have to know what is being said to agree.

Apply the point - apply the issue in ways that are practical to everyday living

The application is quite simple. The ultimate purpose of all preaching and teaching is to clearly communicate the Word of God so that all can understand. A great indication of people’s understanding is their response. A great way to respond is by a simple “Amen.” Suppose I stand here preaching/teaching in a language you cannot understand. In that case, there will be no “Amens” because there is no understanding.

Conclusion

What have we learned today? We have learned that even a simple thing, like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, can go awry if we do not have clear instructions. Praise God that He gave us an entire Bible with clear instructions on living the Christian life. Today, His instructions were about spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of languages.

‌All spiritual gifts, especially speaking gifts, must seek to edify (build up) others in their spiritual walk with Christ.

‌We are encouraged to pray and sing using our voices as we clearly communicate our thoughts and feelings for the Lord.

‌Our communication must help others understand God’s Word’s message.

‌Will you commit before the Lord to use your voice and gift to edify others around you? This means you must confess corrupt communication, turn away from corrupt communication, and conscientiously use clear communication that helps others grow in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

‌Suppose we, as a congregation, will focus on loving God and loving others instructed in Scripture. In that case, we can be an effective spiritual force for the Lord. Many around us, such as our children, grandchildren, close relatives, and friends, need us to influence them for Christ. We can do it by simple obedience to God and His Word.