3 Questions about 1 Corinthians 14:5-19

Date:     October 06, 2020

Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:5-19 (NLT2)

5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Summary:     "Understanding" is what's most important in a church meeting, so the use of tongues should promote understanding when used properly.

What does this passage say about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)?

v. 6, God reveals Himself to people.

v. 12, The Spirit gives special abilities.

v. 16, God can be praised "in the spirit" but in the presence of others it has limited use.

v. 16, Praising God can (and should) be a corporate experience.

v. 18, Tongues is one reason to thank God.

What does this passage say about me or my relationships?

summary:  prefer the needs of unbelievers during public worship.

What should I do about this passage?     Focus on Wally's understanding of, and response to the Lord.