1ST CORINTHIANS 14
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· 8 viewsWhen it comes to Spiritual Gifting, why are some scared? Why is there so much muddiness? Why have these gifts been deemed as nonexistent? What does Paul say about this issue? Check out this sermon as we allow the word of God to bring clarity to this subject.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WEEKLY RHYTHMS
WEDNESDAY: ZOOM CALL
SATURDAY: KIDS CHURCH
SUNDAY: FB LIVE
SCHOOL: WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN AND IF WE WILL BE ALLOWED BACK IN. THE DISTRICT IS TRYING TO FIGUE OUT WHAT THE NEW NORMAL IS AND UNTIL THEY FIGURE THAT OUT, WE WONT KNOW WHAT IT MEANS FOR US.
WHAT CAN WE DO?: PRAY.
THAT GOD WOULD SPEAK TO US
THAT GOD WOULD MAKE HIS WILL KNOWN.
THAT WE WOULD BE STRENGTHENED TO TAKE STEPS OF FAITH.
LAST WEEK
WE FINISHED HOLY WEEK
BEFORE THAT WE HAD A FEW TOPICAL MESSAGES IN JOSHUA
THOUGH I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE NEW NORMAL IS, I BELIEVE THAT IS FOR EVERYONE TO DEFINE ON THEIR OWN
FOR ME, I FEEL LIKE I DONT WANT TO WAIT FOR NORMAL TO ARRIVE TO “GET BACK TO NORMAL”
SO WITH THAT SAID, WE ARE GOING TO GET BACK INTO 1ST CORINTHIANS AND PRAYERFULLY FINISH THIS SERIES WITHIN THE NEXT 3 WEEKS.
RECAP:
SO JUST A LITTLE RECAP
Corinth was a thriving city
A City that had a lot going for it
But a Church that was being influenced by all the city had to offer.
In Chapter 13, Paul was speaking about the Value of Love
How Love trumps every gift given among men.
One of the things that the Corinthian Church prided it self in, was the ability to speak in tongues
This gift was not only coveted, it was misused and glorified above the giver of the gift.
SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH BEGINS TO COMPETE WITH THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A GOOD BEHAVIOR, A GOOD GIFT, BEGINS TO STRIVE AGAINST GREATER PRIORITIES?
LETS PICK ITUP IN CHAPTER 14
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
21 In the law it is written:
“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”
says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
PRAY
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
PAUL BEGINS THE CHAPTER BY ENCOURAGING THE CORINTHIAN BELIEVERS TO PURSUE LOVE
It is a continuation of what was stated in Chapter 13
Yes, Pursue Love, yes desire gifts
But one thing that Paul wanted for the Corinthians is that they would learn to Prophesy
That they would seek the prophetic gift
WHY?
WHY THE EMPHASIS ON PROPHESYING?
FIRST OF ALL: WHAT IS PROPHESYING? PROPHETEVO
It means to foretell, to make inspired utterances.
HE SAYS:
For those of you who speak in tongues
You are speaking to God and not to men
It is something between you and the Lord
And though it glorifies God and ministers to you
There is something different about prophesying
Paul says: He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men
I believe Paul is trying to build greater community via the gifts of God
I believe the reason why Paul is elevating one gift over the others is because of what it can do to a community
Imagine being so bold and confident in your walk with Jesus
That all you do is speak life into people
Foretelling what is possible with the Lord.
Speaking blessing over someones steps of faith
But also warning people of what poor decisions can do.
HOW DO WE INVEST IN THIS GIFT?
We must first be curious enough to believe that God can do the impossible through one step of faith
We must know the historicity of God, and be able to encourage one another with his faithfulness in the past, present, and future.
We must have courage to speak prophetically into peoples lives
If our God is able
If apart from Him we can do nothing
Why not invite the faithfulness of the Lord into our situation
Why not ask Him to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think.
THE PROBLEM WAS, THE GIFT OF TONGUES WAS MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE IN CORINTH
AND IT IS TO THIS DAY
WHEN I USE THE PHRASE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, WHAT COMES TO MIND? 30 SECONDS IN THE COMMENTS....GO:
MOST PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY THINK 1 OF TWO THINGS:
PENTECOST
SPEAKING IN TONGUES.
BUT THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THIS PHRASE
SO MANY OTHER FACETS OF WITHIN THIS GIFT TO THE CHURCH
BECAUSE MANY WERE MISUSING OR MISUNDERSTANDING THIS GIFT
PAUL GOES ON TO GIVE CLARITY
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
THE SPEAKING OF TONGUES COMES IN TWO BIBLICAL FORMS
ONE OF THEM HAPPENED TWICE
BABEL
JERUSALEM
THIS IS A LINGUISTIC GIFTING TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION.
THE OTHER HAPPENED THROUGH THE IMPARTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
IT IS A HEAVENLY LANGUAGE
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE BELIEVER
WHAT PAUL IS TRYING TO COMMUNICATE HERE IS THAT THIS GIFTING IS FOR PERSONAL EDIFICATION
Where the Believer in Christ is built up
Equipped
Empowered
Enboldened in their personal walks with the Lord
IT SERVES A PERSONAL MORE INWARD PURPOSE
IF I WERE TO BEGIN TO SPEAK THIS LANGUAGE THAT IS MEANT TO BE A CONVERSATION THAT ONLY I AND THE FATHER CAN UNDERSTAND
WHAT GOOD IS IT FOR THE CHURCH THAT I SPEAK IN TONGUES?
IMAGINE, ME SPEAKING IN SPANISH TO A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH?
That wouldn’t be helpful
That language has a place and a purpose
Yet the gift of being able to speak Spanish is limited.
Spanish is just 1 of over 7K languages spoken on the planet
THOUGH THE GIFT OF TONGUES CAN BE A BIT SINGULAR IN NATURE, THERE IS A CAVEAT
IF WHEN YOU SPEAK IN TONGUES, YOU ALSO HAVE AN INTERPRETER PRESENT OR YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION
THEN THIS GIFT HAS THE ABILITY TO EDIFY THE CHURCH.
WHICH IS THE GOAL OF EACH AND EVERY GIFT
FRIENDS, LET ME REMIND YOU
That every Good and Perfect Gift is given to us by the Father of Lights in whom there is no variation or shadow of turning
The gifts of God are irrevocable, unrepented of.
As stewards of these gifts, we are called to minister to one another within these gifts.
The gifts are not meant to build your spiritual resume, but for the edification of the Church
That Followers of Christ would be encouraged and built up in their faith.
AS ONE WOULD MINISTER THE GIFT OF TONGUES, ONE MUS ASK THEMSELVES, WILL THIS EDIFY THOSE AROUND ME? OR WILL IT CAUE GREATER CONFUSION?
I LOVE THAT PAUL’S HEART IS ALWAYS ALIGNED WITH THE HEALTH OF THE CHURCH
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR GIFTING
CONSIDER WHAT PAUL SAID IN VERSE 12
12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
AND THE HUMILITY OF VERSE 19
PAUL WOULD RATHER SPEAK WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL
THAN TO PUT ON DISPLAY HOW HIM AND THE LORD ROLL
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
21 In the law it is written:
“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”
says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
CHURCH WE MUST REMEMBER THAT ONE OF THE AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH WAS THEIR SPIRITUAL MATURITY
NOT ONLY DOES PAUL REITERATE HERE, BUT HE CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE THEM.
BROTHERS AND SISTERS, DO NOT LET YOUR UNDERSTANDING BE JUVENILE AND YOUR EVIL ACTIONS BE IN FALSE INNOCENCE
INSTEAD, BE MATURE
MATURE IN THE THINGS OF CHRIST
HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST
THAT YOUR ACTIONS WOULD REFLECT THE GROWTH THAT IS BEING NURTURED BY THE SPIRIT.
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT UNBELIEVING PEOPLE THINK OF TONGUES?
IMAGINE WALKING BY SOMEONE SPEAKING A HEAVENLY LANGUAGE ALL BY THEMSELVES
OR COMING INTO A CHURCH WHERE DURING WORSHIP, MANY WOULD SPEAK IN THIS UNKNOWN LANGUAGE?
You have to admit, it would definitely be unforgettable
PAUL BRINGS CLARITY
HE SAYS, IT IS A SIGN TO THEM OF THE POWER OF GOD
WHAT ABOUT PROPHESYING?
WHEN IT COMES TO PROPHESYING:
Paul makes a pretty bold claim
He says, Prophesying is not for unbelievers, but for those who already believe
What is he saying here?
Prophecy remains a mystery, a tabloid, click bait for those who do not believe.
But for the Believer, it is Hope in the ability of God to do
It is a belief that God is able
That God is trustworthy
That God can move mountains
This is foolishness to the unbeliever
It is foolishness to those who have yet to experience the Resurrecting Power of God.
AND IF A PERSON WHO KNOWS NOT OF THIS POWER, AND COMES INTO A VENUE WHERE THIS POWER IS ACTIVE
THEY WILL NOT SAY “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND”, INSTEAD THEY MAY SAY “TELL ME MORE”
“I WANT TO KNOW THIS JESUS”
THEY WILL BE CONVICTED
THEY MAY HUMBLE THEMSELVES BEFORE THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE
WORSHIP WITH HIS PEOPLE
AND COME TO A CONCLUSION THAT GOD IS TRULY AMONG THEM.
FRIENDS THE PROPHETIC UTTERANCE OF THE CHURCH NOT ONLY BUILDS UP THE CHURCH
NOT ONLY EDIFIES US
NOT ONLY ENCOURAGES US
BUT IT HAS THE POWER TO DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND
AND DRAW DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THE LIVE OF A BELIEVER AND A NON BELIEVER
AND EVEN DRAW PEOPLE UNTO JESUS.
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
SO WHAT SHOULD CHURCH LOOK LIKE WHEN WE COME TOGETHER?
LET PEOPLE SHARE
A Psalm
A Teaching
A Tongue
A Revelation
An Interpretation
WITH ONE GOAL
For the edification of the Churh
IF TONGUES
Do it in order
Let there be someone who can interpret it
If there isn’t an interpreter, then let the one who has the gift stay silent
Let that tongue be between him and the Lord
IF PROPHECY
Let a few prophets share the word of encouragement
Let there be order
Let it be organized that all may have a chance to share
And let others judge if its from the Lord or not.
WHAT IS THE MEASURING ROD FOR THIS?
The Prophets know that God is not the author of confusion
He is the author of peace and brings peace through prophetic utterances.
NOW WHAT ABOUT 34-39
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
ONE OF THE REASONS PAUL MAKES SUCH STRONG COMMENTS IS IN LIGHT OF THE DISORDER HAPPENING IN CORINTH
AND QUITE POSSIBLE IN OTHER CHURCHES
AS THE CHURCH SERVICE WOULD PLAY OUT A FEW WOMEN WOULD STAND UP AND CAUSE A DISTRACTION BY CALLING OUT THERE HUSBAND ON A SPECIFIC PRECEPT.
IT WOULD BE DISTRACTING
IT WOULD CAUSE DRAMA
AND THERE WOULD BE DISORDER.
THIS IS HARD, BUT IT’S NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT.
PAUL IS TRYING TO BRING UNITY AND ORDER TO THE CHURCH SERVICE AND THIS WAS A POINT OF CONTENTION
THE MEN WERE IMMATURE IN THEIR WALKS WITH THE LORD AND BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING
THIS IS NOT ONLY A CALL OUT TO THE WOMEN
BUT TO THE MEN.
THE MEN WERE CALLED TO NOURISH THEIR FAMILIES WITH THE WORD
STARTING WITH THEIR WIVES
BECAUSE THEIR WAS DISORDER IN THE HOME, THEIR WAS DISORDER IN THE CHURCH, WHICH IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY PAUL WAS WRITING TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH.
ONE THING THAT OFTEN GETS COMMUNICATED WITH THIS TEXT IS THAT WOMEN HAVE NO VOICE IN CHURCH
THAT IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH
JUST 4 CHAPTERS AGO, PAUL STATED THAT WOMEN SHOULD PRAY AND PROPHESY AS LONG AS THEIR HEAD WAS COVERED.
HE ALSO STATED THE EQUALITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.
I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE IS PERTAINING TO THIS SPECIFIC CHURCH, OR OTHER CHURCHES EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING
WHAT PAUL DESIRES IS ORDER.
THEREFORE BRETHREN, DESIRE EARNESTLY TO PROPHECY AND DO NOT FORBID THE SPEAKING OF TONGUES
BUT LET EVERYTHING BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER.