Building Up the Body (part 1)

Building Up the Body (part 1) 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 January 20, 2019 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. THE THEME OF CHAPTER 14 is “building up the church” vs. “personal experience”. [vv. 3, 5, 12, 17] Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 (ESV) NOTES: THE BIG IDEA: The greatest value of any spiritual gift is if it brings glory to God by building up the people who make up the Church. Paul’s challenge is to, in love, use your gifts to strengthen, encourage, and console people. REMEMBER: The underlying debate is “What is the measure of what it means to be spiritual?” 14 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 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 . 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. 20 Definition of “Tongues” – In Acts 2, “tongues” was a Holy Spirit driven miracle whereby Christians began preaching the Gospel in known languages of pilgrims in Jerusalem. In Corinth, the gift seems to be more of a language of prayer and edification requiring translation into a language the worshipers would understand. Definition and Value of “Prophecy” (v. 3) – a gifting of God to bring the truths of the Word of God to bear in the particular circumstances of a Christian brother or sister, helping them see what God would have them do. Guidelines for the use of “Tongues” 6 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 13 The “ideal” worship experience involves both “spirit” and “mind” 5 Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Are you committed to chasing after a life of loving God and loving others? Do you desire to understand and use your spiritual gifts to build up, encourage, and console your fellow Christians? When you come to corporate worship is your primary concern what you will get or what you will give? Whether in private or corporate worship, do you seek to involve both your spirit and your mind? Will you pray that God will help you speak clear words about Him, His Word, and His purposes?