1 Corinthians 14 (2)

Without Meaning To, We Sometimes Allow Process To Become Vision

The thing we do becomes important—it seems central, and becomes so funcamental to thinking that it slowly takes over prominence

Activity becomes purpose

?illus

from ch 13—saw that sometimes error is from content and sometimes it’s from priority

For the Corinthians, they had confused a spiritual function with spirituality, and that had results

1- tunnel vision left them immature

2- self-inflation led to division

you dont see what I see- you’re obviously not where I am (because of the immaturity their difference is inadequacy in my estimation

So ch 14—Paul concludes by giving a new approach to spirituality, adn we can boil down spiritual maturity in the church to two main things:

Edification is the validation of our spirituality, not expression

in a general we can’t lose sight of teh ultimate goal

tongues were the standard because tongues had been the definition of spirituality

How we define the goal will always determine whether we see success in reaching it

** if tongues … if something else...

NOte v. 12—subtle shift--

benefit of doubt (like )

their desire is “manifestation

Paul’s concern—spiritual manifestation doesn’t have to mean sensational manifestation

spirituality is not by definition sensational

Love is the most spiritual thing we can do—

and how can we?

use all for edification (build up)

Gifts serve love, and love works for edification

the test, therefore, of gifts is edifocation

The mind is a function of spirituality, not a competitor to it

for some, somehow the mind is contrary to the spirit

used 4x in this chapter alone

Cf. Romans

Romans 8:5–6 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

used 5x in that chapter

actually see something big here--

Romans 8:27 ESV

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

cf issue w/ prophets--

prophecy aims at teh mind

prophecy goes through the mind (subject to otehr prophets; subject to the prophet speaking

** not ecstatic

Presumed to be misguided occasionally

So goal is spiritual maturity--

redefine spiritual maturoty

Process must never becoem vision—process serves vision

marriage,

work,

spiritual life