The Great Benefit of Preaching God's Word
Our Blueprint for a New Testament Church • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
PRE-INTRODUCTION
PRE-INTRODUCTION
Acknowledge special music
MAIN-INTRODUCTION
MAIN-INTRODUCTION
[Get Attention | Raise a need | Orient Theme | State Purpose]
ATTENTION GETTER
ATTENTION GETTER
As I was studying this week for today’s message, I came across the following account from one of the Bible commentaries I was reading. The author recounted his experience.
“I once attended a service in a church that practiced speaking in tongues. The preacher delivered a good message, well-reasoned and interesting. Toward the end, however, he launched into ‘tongues.’ All of a sudden his face became contorted. The pitch of his voice went up so that it no longer sounded like him speaking. Words were forced out between his lips like bullets out of a machine gun. All over the building people began to give way to emotional excitement. Some went down to the basement of the church where a ‘tarrying meeting’ was being held. Soon the sounds rising from the basement were like those of howling dogs. I did not wait to see the end of this display. It was quite evident to me that what was taking place was not of the Holy Spirit.”
I find it interesting from this man’s testimony that the first part of the service was beneficial to him. Note that the preacher “delivered a good message, well-reasoned and interesting.” However, as soon as this man along with his congregation fill into a confused mess of incomprehensible words, nothing was gained. In fact, this man’s observation was that it was no longer of the Holy Spirit and he was determined to get out of Dodge as quickly as possible.
NEED
NEED
One of the biggest issues with the modern-day tongues movement is that they have intentionally ignored the entire context of 1 Corinthians 14. Instead, they seize upon isolated statements such as 1 Corinthians 14:18
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Or 1 Corinthians 14:39
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
May I say that whenever you study God’s Word be sure that you study it within the entire context of Scripture. Too many false religions start by taking out of context a single verse or phrase. This is exactly what has happened with the modern-day tongues movement. In doing so, they have led many people down a road of false teaching deceiving them into thinking they are close to the Lord. The grim reality is they have made a mockery of God, His Spirit, and will be responsible to Him one day for leading people away from the truth.
Now, as we get into our text this morning, the Holy Spirit turns our attention to the differences between the gift of languages and the gift of prophecy.
THEME
THEME
Essentially, we are going to see that there is greater benefit utilizing prophecy than languages. Seeing that language is no longer valid as a supernatural gift, it obviously has its issues for today. However, prophesy as we have defined is quite beneficial and profitable for today. As we will see, the Holy Spirit strongly encourages local churches to emphasize the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Prophesy is, as we discovered, simply delivering God’s message concerning expected behavioral standards as well as future events. It is, in a nutshell, preaching and teaching God’s Word. When it comes to ministering to believers and unbelievers, languages complicates things, while prophecy has many great benefits.
PURPOSE
My purpose this morning is demonstrate how beneficial the preaching and teaching of God’s Word truly is for all people. By doing so, I want to solidify our resolve here are Calvary Baptist Church to do just that. We are determined to know Christ and to make Him known. There is only way to do that. We must read, study, and know Scripture. Therefore, we must remain committed to preaching the Word of God and it alone.
SUB-INTRODUCTION
Up to this point, we have learned much already.
The first five verses of chapter 14 emphasized the overall purpose of all speaking gifts. Speaking gifts, at the time of writing this letter to Corinth, included languages, prophesy, teaching, words of knowledge, wisdom, and exhortation. Those who utilized these gifts are to speak only the truths of God’s with clear communication.
As we moved further to verses 6-13, the Holy Spirit illustrated some problems when utilizing languages.
Then, in our last message which dealt with verses 14-20, we were given some general guidelines concerning the use of languages. Our text today is verses 21-25 which says...
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Verse 21 is quote from the Old Testament. You can find that quote in Isaiah 28:11-12
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue Will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; And this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
If you recall, in Isaiah’s day, Israel and Judah were riddled with all kinds of apostasy. Many of the kings in both kingdoms led their people to worship false gods giving into pagan worship practices such as child sacrifices. However, there were two godly kings who helped to stem the wickedness of that time. They were Hezekiah and Josiah. Unfortunately, even their leadership did not completely halt the spread of idolatry and rebellion towards God. Israel especially advanced so quickly into sin and depravity that soon they were beyond hope. Their ultimate demise came because they had turned a deaf ear to the prophet’s many warning. Their leaders repeatedly ridiculed the warnings coming from God. Even though Isaiah, God’s man, warned them by spelling out to them “precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10) Israel continued in their sin racing towards the inevitable consequences.
Judgment came swiftly from the great Assyrian empire. All the Israelites of the Northern Kingdom were uprooted, deported, and scattered. They were forced to live in lands where the people around them spoke foreign languages. Thus, the Holy Spirit foretold they would be with “men of other tongues and other lips.”
This then is the passage the Holy Spirit now uses again in this letter to the local church of Corinth. Interestingly, He uses it as a means to explain the gift of tongues. If you consider verse 22, you realize that the Holy Spirit allowed the gift of tongues as “sign.”
There is greater benefit for unbelievers and believers through prophecy (preaching) than tongues (languages).
There is greater benefit for unbelievers and believers through prophecy (preaching) than tongues (languages).
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Validate - why this particular point?
As I study this chapter, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit desires that God’s Word be preached with clarity. We will see more of this theme as we get into today’s text and message. However, to begin with, the Holy Spirit points us back to the main reason He gave some the gift of tongues in the early days of Christianity. Note that He states, “…tongues (languages) are for a sign...”
Explain - go deeper.
The word “sign” in Greek simply means “miracle.” Miracles, as we know, were marvelous events that happened as a result of God’s divine act. We have many examples from Christ’s ministry. He, as God, did many miraculous acts (signs) during His earthly ministry. From turning water into wine to calming the storm to healing people of many different diseases and handicaps, there is no doubt that He was indeed God and able to perform such miracles. What was the purpose of Christ doing so many miracles?
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
Christ did these many miracles (signs) so that people would know that He was God. As it states in John 2:11, He did them so that He might “manifest (make clear)…his glory.” His miracles authenticated Him as God and His message that He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Praise God that He did!
Later, as Christ’s ministry came to a close, He commissioned His disciples to carry on His work here on earth.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Christ gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples and, then, after His ascension and on the day of Pentecost, He empowered them with His Spirit. What happened?
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
The entire crowd gathered there that day were unbelievers. They were people who did know Christ as their personal Savior. Thus, the Holy Spirit supernaturally empowered Peter and the other disciples to speak in all the languages of those present that day. For what reason? He did so that all would know they were of God and that their message about the Savior and salvation was from God. As we know, it impacted these people greatly and over three thousand believed the message.
The Holy Spirit continued to gift certain believers with the gift of languages throughout the rest of the book of Acts and until God’s Word was completed. Again, the sole reason for this gift was that it might be “sign, not to them believe, but to them that believe not.”
However, also note the rest of that verse, which states, “prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” Now, let me reiterate my point.
There is GREATER BENEFIT for both unbelievers and believers through prophecy than tongues.
Verse 22 is the beginning of several verses that runs with this theme. Initially, looking at verse 22, you say that prophesy was only for believers and not for unbelievers. However, we must be careful keep this verse in its context. Later, we will see the Holy Spirit emphatically state that prophecy is a great benefit to both believes and unbelievers when we arrive at verses 24 and 25. For that reason, I contend that this theme starts with verse 22 and finishes with verse 25.
Now, as we move forward with our text, the Holy Spirit demonstrates the possible disadvantages to the gift of tongues. Now, keep in mind, the Holy Spirit was, at the time of writing this letter, speaking to the local church of Corinth. At that time, God’s Word was not complete. The gift of tongues was an active gift. Today, it is no longer active, however, we have many who teach that it is and promote a false teaching. Therefore, I contend that the Holy Spirit wrote these words knowing that this gift would be controversial even today. Consequently,
Tongues do more harm than good.
Tongues do more harm than good.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
Validate - why this particular point?
Again, reading our text, reveals that tongues often caused many problems. We already discovered one of those problems earlier in the text. Look back at verse 11.
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.
One of the detrimental effects of tongues is confusion. Here is another.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Another detrimental effect of tongues is misconception of the truth. There is no understanding. Here is third.
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?
Tongues discourages spiritual interaction. No one knows what is being said and thus no one can relate or commend what is being said.
And, then, in our text today, we find another detrimental effect of tongues. It invokes criticism from unbelievers. Look again at verse 23.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
Explain - go deeper.
The Holy Spirit draws a great example of what happens when tongues are misused. Imagine for a moment that every member of our church possessed the ability to talk in a different language. Everyone one us spoke a completely different language than the other outside of our native language, English. And, let’s suppose that this morning as the service began, we all utilized that gift. Olaf began speaking Norwegian. I began speaking Nepali. Lyn began speaking Spanish. Ryan was speaking French. Everyone was speaking a completely different language. As we know there would be complete chaos and confusion. Now, think about what anyone visiting our church would think as they sat here listening to everyone speak their language. What would be there reaction? I am sure they would be thinking, “What in the world kinda of church is this?” And, I would imagine they would think the very thing that the Holy Spirit said they would think about us in our text.
“Ye are mad!”
The word “mad” there literally means to be insane. They would think we were all insane and need to be committed to a mental institution. By the way, they wouldn’t be wrong. How then can we win them to the Lord is we are speaking languages they can’t understand and acting like fools? That is the point. We wouldn’t. Instead, we would drive them away from our church and not towards the redeeming message of the Gospel.
Thus, we find in our text, that the gift of prophesy becomes a much more useful gift than speaking in tongues.
Prophecy (preaching), however, produces amazing spiritual results.
Prophecy (preaching), however, produces amazing spiritual results.
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Validate - why this particular point?
Now the Holy Spirit flips the illustration. Instead of everyone speaking languages, we have everyone preaching God’s Word. Note our text which says, “BUT IF all prophesy...” For example, in this scenario, we have one person who gets up and preaches a 10 minute message followed by another person who preaches a 10 minute message and so on. Again, in this scenario, we have an unbeliever who walks in while the preaching of God’s Word is taking place. They hear the first person speak God’s Word, then the second, and then the third. In doing so, God’s Word results in God’s Spirit working in that person’s heart.
Look again at the text and note several spiritual results that come from the gift of prophecy.
First, they are convinced of all that they hear. The word “convinced” means to be convicted.
Second, they are judged by all that they hear. The word “judged” means to be evaluated.
Third, the “secrets” of their heart are revealed. There are two key words here. “Secrets” means the hidden things of their heart. The word “manifest” means revealed. Thus, they come to terms with the fact they are truly sinful.
Fourth, the conviction, judgment, and revelation of the heart by the preaching of God’s Word results in them “falling down” on their “face” to “worship God.”
Last, they then become a great testimony to us and others of how God is in us and is using us.
Explain - go deeper.
The Holy Spirit always works in conjunction with God’s Word. When God’s Word is preached, the door is opened for the Holy Spirit to do His Work. In fact, Christ told us what works the Holy Spirit would do.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
It is the Holy Spirit who empowers effective preaching (prophesying).
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
And, by the way, we must never forget that the Holy Spirit is the author of all Scripture.
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
The point is that the Holy Spirit always uses the might of God’s Word to convict others of their sin. If it is not preached, then there is no avenue for Him to do His divine work. When it is preached, it must be done with clarity. It should never be presented in such a way that people are confused.
Apply - if possible apply now.
What is the gospel?
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Why did He do what He did?
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Thus,
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Now,
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
What happens when someone opens their heart to its message?
Their sins are forgiven and reunite in fellowship with God.
They experience a complete spiritual new birth.
They recieve the wonderful gift of eternal life.
They immediate access to God.
They become a member of God’s family.
They begin to understand the things of God.
They become a new person capable of living God’s way.
They are empowered to change, to grow spiritually, and increase in their knowledge of God.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Within the local church, there is much more significant benefit to simply preaching God’s Word with clarity than speaking God’s Word in a foreign language. Languages often lead to confusion and criticism. Preaching, however, produces amazing spiritual results. People’s hearts and lives are changed through the clear preaching of the Gospel. It is why I am determined that here at Calvary Baptist Church we make God’s Word the focal point of all we do and say.