1 Corinthians 14

Chad Myhre

1 Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

1 Corinthians 14:1–19

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Verse by verse study through 1 Corinthians 14

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Intro:

As you know, it is our vision and our goal here, to teach through the Word of God..

Verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book.

On rare occasions we will break to focus our messages around specific topics..

But for the most part.. we trust that scripture is going to teach us everything we need..

If we indeed, study, everything that it has to offer. ++

Now, in doing that, we encounter the occasional discomforts and offenses..

Why?

Because.. despite our claims..

We don’t know everything. ++

We are not right, about everything we think we are right about..

So here’s what happens.. as we study the Word..

Often times, our beliefs are affirmed..

We are strengthened in what we know..

We are reminded..

Things are clarified..

And we learn completely new things.. ++

But sometimes.. we open up this word..

And it shines light upon things that we don’t want to see..

For if we see them, in the light of God’s word..

We find out.. that we were wrong.. ++

And in that, we’ll stand corrected.

many times.. I’ve had..

My doctrines challenged..

And.. because of God’s Word.. my doctrine changed.. ++

My traditions have been challenged..

And.. because of God’s Word.. my traditions have changed.. ++

And more often that the others..

The condition of my heart.. is challenged..

And, because of God’s Word.. I’ll have to change.. ++

We often say, that all of the scriptures are profitable..

This is based on ++

SLIDE 2

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Sure.. we get our education in doctrine..

We get re-affirmed in the things we know..

We receive instruction.. for a righteous life..

And.. we receive.. “correction” ++

Correction, is often times.. a life changing thing..

In it.. we might change churches.

We might change lifestyles

We might change behaviors

We might change the way we think

We might change the way we treat others

We might change the way we do business

… treat our children..

.. and so on, and so on, and so on..

The changes.. that are produced by correction..

Are, if we deal w/them properly.. .

.. always.. good. ++

.. and on the other side of correction.. we will say..

.. it’s been a good thing.. ++

In today’s passage.. we find.. for the church in Corinth..

a lengthy correction..

they’ve already received several

But this one.. is a big one. ++

Because Paul is a great communicator, and Paul has a way of building a strong case, layer upon layer… these people… as they have read this letter… have... ++

and w/this letter from Paul, they were in fact, reading God’s inspired words..

Already, received instruction in:

Doctrine, reproof, righteousness..

And, in several areas.. they have already received correction.. ++

But now.. as they move on from the instruction that we read in chapter 12

Concerning the responsibilities of the individual church members..

To use the gifts that were given to them to fulfill the churches’ purpose.. ++

And now.. as they move on from the instruction that we read in chapter 13..

Concerning the motive in which they are to minister and use these gifts..

In all things.. that they would serve and minister in love.. ++

Now.. they move again into an area of direct correction.. -Many of them are still licking their wounds from chapter 11… and here Paul is coming at them again.

This correction links intimately to chapters 12 and 13…

There are gifts, that the individuals are to utilize in ministry for the greater edification of the whole body (chapter 12)

And in these gifts.. we are to do everything with a motivation of love.. (chapter 13)

But.. (chapter 14).. there is a problem.. ++

For in some ways, with some of the gifts..

Love is not being a motive..

The same problem they were having at the love feasts..

They were having at these church gatherings.. ++

However, this time, it’s not a matter of food..

It is.. instead.. a matter of spiritual expression.

Everyone should have a turn..

and in that, there should be order..

and in that.. there are certain guidelines.. ++

and these are all established for the consideration of every member..

Otherwise.. these meetings.. would be chaotic.. and unfruitful.. ++

Apparently, such was the case here in Corinth..

Now.. before we get into it..

Let me prepare you..

Today.. we’re gonna talk a whole lot.. about the gift of tongues.

As a matter of fact.. we are going to draw out.. 10 facts.. 10 points concerning the gift of tongues..

Why? - Well, quite honestly, tongues is not something we as the church are generally comfortable with…

No..

Some come out of a background where there was great comfort and freedom concerning tongues, and every church service abounded in it… everyone shouting out at the same time.

Some come out of a background where your pastor told you that tongues were from the Devil...

And in between those two extremes… most of you will probably find your unique background. ++

But chapter 14 is obsessive about tongues.. in a corrective manner..

And that’s where we’re at… chapter 14

Many of you come from one of two backgrounds concerning this issue..

Some.. have been in environments..

Where tongues are practiced freely and frantically..

They believe that tongues is validation.. of the Holy Spirit’s filling..

They hold no guidelines or structure on it’s practice..

And to those of you.. who hold these ideals..

You’ll find a challenge from God’s Word ++

Some.. have been in environments..

Where tongues are a non issue..

Why?

Because they claim that this gift ended w/the apostles..

But this chapter.. this entire chapter.. addresses a practice.. that is real..

And the instruction on it.. because it IS scripture… is intended to be profitable for us..

If you are from this tradition..

Then this chapter.. will bring a challenge to you. ++

As always.. I in no way, am claiming to have the corner on truth..

and I won’t argue it…

You can believe what you want..

You’re responsible, for the actions you take with the information you receive..

I’m merely doing my best..

To teach.. what the Word of God says.. ++

The Charasmatics and the Pentecostals.. they have a lot of church tradition that dictates this doctrine..

And the Dispensationalists..

They too.. have a lot of tradition.. dictating this doctrine..

We’re not here to interpret tradition..

We’re here.. to interpret the word..

So.. let’s give it a try.

SLIDE 3

1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV

1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Especially, that you may prophecy.

Paul is about to address a problem, that lies on the opposite side of prophecy.. ++

First off.. prophecy, as we know.. isn’t a term that exclusively speaks of future predictions..

More often than not, this is how it’s used in scripture..

But, in a more general sense.. it means:

literally, “to speak inspired utterances” ++

It’s when, we get the privilege, to speak a truth, that is inspired by God.. that has a very specific, divine purpose..

It’s a message, that may have present or future implications..

Whatever they are.. if it’s prophecy..

It will be a message that rings true, in a powerful, spiritual, and seemingly miraculous way… w/a hearer..

And brings that hearer to a place of response.. to God’s message ++.

Prophecy, is a spiritual gift, that is given in understanding..

and is received.. in understanding.. for the purpose of edifying others..

This is what Paul is telling them to desire..

Yes.. desire the gifts..

But especially.. desire the gift that is most profitable for others.. ++

Why is Paul making this specification?

Because.. there was a problem in the church..

And it dealt with the one gift.. that was for personal edification..

It was this gift, that was being over-emphasized and used.. in a gluttonous, disorderly manner.. ++

SLIDE 4

1 Corinthians 14:2–5 ESV

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.

Here, the contrast is laid out..

the gift of tongues.. is used to deliver a message..

not to man.. but to God.

It is a gift that is for personal edification.. ++

The gift of prophecy.. is used to deliver a message..

Not to God.. but to man..

It is a gift that is for the edification, the exhortation and the comfort of others.. ++

Both are gifts from God.. and both have their place..

the problem here, is not with tongues..

there is no problem with the gift of tongues..

tongues are not bad or despised..

they are in fact.. something that God bestows upon people.. for good.. ++

Paul emphasizes here..

That they are a good thing..

“I wish you all spoke in tongues”

However.. there is something.. that is more beneficial for the entire body..

And that’s prophecy. ++

The gift of tongues is a hard thing to understand..

it makes.. absolutely.. no sense.

That God, would enable us to worship Him, and speak wonders to Him.. in a language..

That we willingly speak..

And yet.. we don’t understand it… ++

But in this practice, which is beyond our reasoning..

We speak mysteries..

And we are edified.. built up… strengthened in a personal, spiritual way. ++

To our minds.. this sounds crazy..

And because of this craziness.. many people will not be recipients of this gift.. ++

I doubt that God’s going to give you something that you are opposed to using..

To some.. this gift is judged.. by the abusive use and misapplication of others..

And because others go over-board..

And use this gift in a manner that is outside of scriptural teaching..

…in their fears and apprehensions..

They cut it off.. get rid of it.. and create reason to explain why they believe it doesn’t exist.. ++

In their attempts to throw out the dirty bath water..

They inadvertently toss the baby.

No where in this chapter, are we being told that tongues are bad..

But, we are being told.. that there is a “bad use” of tongues.. ++

SLIDE 5

1 Corinthians 14:6–9 ESV

1 Corinthians 13:6–9 ESV

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

4.6

1 Corinthians 14:6–19 ESV

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.

SLIDE 6

1 Corinthians 14:10–12 ESV

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.

1 COR 14.

SLIDE 7

1 Corinthians 14:13–15 ESV

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.

SLIDE 8

1 Corinthians 14:16–19 ESV

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.

=++

So far, this is what we’ve learned about the gift of tongues.. ++

SLIDE 9

Tongues are spoken to God, and not to man.

In some circles, you might hear a message in tongues translated as a prophetic message to the people..

The one giving the message in English, may very well be giving a word of prophecy.

But it’s not an interpretation of the tongue, according the scriptures..

Tongues are not messages to people..

They are.. messages to God. ++

We’ve also learned..

SLIDE 10

Tongues are spoken to God, and not to man.

Tongues is for the edification of the one who is practicing them.

There are times when we have amazing worship experiences..

And we walk away saying.. “wow, the Lord is so good.”

And we are emotionally and spiritually full..

Great worship experiences..

The ones that are more than emotion..

The ones that truly open our eyes and our hearts to the majesty of God..

These worship experiences..

… edify us.. ++

And this is an example of the edification.. or the .. strengthening and building up..

That tongues does for the individual.. ++

The next thing we’ve learned.. (vs. 14)..

SLIDE 11

we won’t understand the words we are saying..

Tongues are spoken to God, and not to man.

Tongues is for the edification of the one who is practicing them.

we won’t understand the words we are saying..

Our spirit is praying, through our flesh..

But our flesh.. just doesn’t get it.

In vs. 15, we learn, that it is something that can be expressed, in prayer, or in song..

And also, we get the impression, that this is a gift that can be practiced at will..

Some gifts are bestowed upon people to practice, as God wills..

But it seems, for the one who has the gift of tongues..

That this is something that can be practiced at will ..

For Paul says.. he can do one or the other..

In the spirit, or, in understanding..

And also..

If it were dependant upon God for the practice..

It’s unlikely that it would be abused..

For Paul does not say, that these are false tongues..

It’s implied.. that this is the real deal..

And if it can be abused.. it must be able to be practiced.. at will.

Paul recognizes.. that they are zealous for spiritual gifts..

obviously, this zeal is being expressed in an exclusive way..

Not for all the gifts..

But more..

.. for tongues..

The encouragement here, remains consistent w/the previous two chapters..

Let’s make it our goal.. when we are w/body of X..

.. to do what we do in love..

That is..

For the purpose of building others up..

Rather than self.

In church.. 5 words of understanding are better than 10,000 words in a tongue.

That which edifies the whole..

Is better.. than that which edifies self.

SLIDE 12

1 Corinthians 14:20–22 ESV

20 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.

Paul gives a comparison here..

Mature in knowledge and understanding..

But don’t mature.. in evil

It would be absurd for someone who wants to live for the Lord..

To excel in evil.. ++

To grow in the knowledge and practice of criminal practice

Such a thought.. would be crazy..

And if I said to you today..

You should all freshen up on your shoplifting skills..

You should learn how to work better scams..

You should study better ways to practice identity theft.. ++

If I encouraged you to do that.

You’d call me crazy..

And you’re right..

And this is what Paul is saying in vs. 20..

“To remain immature in your understanding of truth.. is crazy.” ++

There are things to learn, and God is extending to us.. “understanding”.

And if we settle into the place where we are now..

And say.. that’s enough..

Then, we’re crazy. ++

So, in the middle of Paul’s correction..

He tells the church at Corinth..

That it would be crazy for them.. to not learn from this..

.. it would be crazy for them..

To ignore this instruction.. and not grow in it.. ++

In vs. 22.. we learn something else about tongues.. ++

SLIDE 13

Tongues are a sign for the unbeliever. ++

Now.. here’s where I was confused for the longest time..

I had visited churches that practiced tongues twice.. when I was a teenager..

I didn’t think much about it..

I just brushed it off as being weird. ++

My home church was of the “they are not for today” view..

So, for me.. those who practiced tongues.. were a bit strange..

It wasn’t until several years later, that I came in contact w/it again..

Bible School / assignment to play percussion / full on charismatic church..

At first / freaked me out /

But, I wanted to learn..

So I began to study this stuff.. ++

Asked questions / both sides / studied..

This is the topic that confused me the most..

Tongues.. are for the believer..

They are spoken to God..

Not to man..

But..

Somehow.. they can also be a sign to the unbeliever.. ++

How was I to bring these two characteristics of tongues, into a unified understanding? ++

The folks from this full on charismatic church told me..

That there are two kinds of tongues..

One.. for prayer and worship

And one..

For preaching to those who don’t understand you.. ++

And they went on to say, that in .. this is what was happening..

The disciples were preaching to the masses in tongues.. ++

This confused me all the more..

Because the Bible doesn’t say there are two kinds of tongues..

And , doesn’t tell us, that they preached to the people in tongues..

For if they did.. they would be speaking to man.. and not God..

And that would contradict vs. 2 / chapter 14. ++

began to get a grasp on what tongues were..

And began to weed through a lot of the extra-biblical theology that I was being introduced to..

But this topic, took me a while..

How.. is it a sign to the unbeliever?

Well, It took some time… but I finally figured it out.. ++

According to / there is one kind of tongue

That which is spoken to God / not man. ++

I had to settle on that.

… close all other options.. - The Bible does not make any room for other options. ++

Then, I went to account in ..

Where they spoke in tongues..

And the people heard them.. speaking.. in their own native languages..

Men of Galilee.. speaking languages they shouldn’t know.. ++

Why were they heard by all these people?

They were attracted there, by a sound, a mighty rushing wind..

What did they hear them say? Where they preaching? ++

No.. they weren’t speaking in tongues to the people in Jerusalem

They were, speaking to God..

SLIDE 14

Acts 2:11 ESV

11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

In / the folks in the city said: “We hear them, speaking in our own tongues, the wonderful works of God.”

The disciples.. on the day of Pentecost.. were praising God.. in tongues..

So yes… they were not speaking to man… they were speaking to God…

However, at the same time…

It was a sign.. because unbelievers listened on.. and recognized a miracle.. ++

This miracle.. made them curious..

Their curiosity.. drew them into Peter’s message..

Which was preached in a known, common language..

And as a result.. over 3000 people were saved. ++

I finally figured it out.

The gift of tongues.. is one thing.

It’s a divinely inspired ability to speak a language that you don’t understand.. to God..

And.. if an unbeliever overhears it..

And finds out, that it was miraculously practiced..

Then, it is as a sign to them, that God is real..

SLIDE 15

1 Corinthians 14:23–25 ESV

1 Corinthians 14:23–33 ESV

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. 26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

1 COR 14.23-

SLIDE 16

1 Corinthians 14:26–28 ESV

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

. 26-

SLIDE 17

1 Corinthians 14:29–32 ESV

1 Corinthians 14:29–34 ESV

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.

SLIDE 18

1 Corinthians 14:33–36 ESV

33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached?

SLIDE 19

1 Corinthians 14:37–40 ESV

37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

Here is the 7th thing we learn about tongues..

SLIDE 18

The uninformed and the unbeliever will think that that the practice of tongues.. is crazy.

That is.. if it is done out of order / and w/o interpretation..

In a public service, like this, we can easily draw the assumption that there will be..

Either: uninformed / or unbelievers here.. ++

If we all came together on Sunday morning..

Whipped everybody up into a frenzy..

We all let loose in tongues..

Then.. those who didn’t understand tongues.

Or.. the unbeliever..

They would say..

That we are all crazy! - AND THEY WOULD HAVE A BIBLICAL ARGUMENT FOR SAYING IT. ++

For this reason.. I believe.. the public Bible Studies..

Like this one.. are not the place for this practice.

In vs. 26 / Paul says:

“whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, teaching, tongue, revelation, interpretation… “

1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Notice the implication here..

They were coming together, as members of the congregation..

… w/the intent of participating in some kind of “open format meeting”

In the early church, they had several kinds of gatherings..

They had times of instruction..

They had the agape dinners

And.. they had, what they might have called “Sharing” meetings.. ++

These were meetings.. where the body came together, and the body provided the content..

Whether it be in testimony

Song

Prophecy

Tongues

Whatever.. ++

This is the kind of meeting that the church needs more of..

Times where we come together.. and see what the Lord is saying, to you.

But what about you?

This is kind of the heart of our 3rd Wednesday meetings..

Yes, we do meet here on Wednesday nights.

We study the O.T.

It’s a great time. There’s an excellent program for the children..

And, unfortunately, most of you miss out on it..

But, on the 3rd Wednesday.. we take opportunities to open the floor..

And see what the Lord is showing you..

I don’t say much on those nights..

.. on purpose..

That’s your time to share.. as a body.. what God has put on your heart..

And it’s a great blessing.. that.. again.. most of you are missing out on.

Sometimes, on our 3rd Wednesdays.. folks are reluctant to talk..

But in Corinth.. they didn’t have that problem..

In Corinth.. these people were coming together..

And they were.. essentially, competing w/their gifts.. ++

There was no order.. it was chaos.. and it was not edifying to the whole body.

Therefore, Paul laid down some ground rules..

Here, we learn our 8th thing about tongues..

SLIDE 19

The number of people who do it, should be limited to 2 or 3..

The 9th thing..

SLIDE 20

They should take turns.. one at a time..

The 10th thing..

SLIDE 21

They should only do it, if there is someone there who has the gift of interpretation.

Apparently, if these meetings were a regular thing..

And people practiced these gifts regularly..

It became evident, who was gifted to give the interpretation.. + ++

If, when a tongue was given,

And a sufficient amount of time was given for the interpretation..

And nobody interpreted..

That should be the end of tongues in that meeting..

At that point, the folks who want to speak in tongues..

Should.. as vs. 28 says:

.. keep silent in church.. and speak to himself and to God.

Should this be disappointing?

No.. quietly, under your voice.. you can pray in tongues..

And God hears you..

That’s what matters the most.

The rules are similar, for words of prophecy..

They need to be done in order.. ++

And.. notice.. here’s how the congregation should respond..

They might learn

They might be encouraged

They might, receive a revelation..

And in that.. await their turn to share. ++

Another responsibility we have.. is to discern

Sometimes.. things are said.. that are in contradiction to God’s Word..

SLIDE 22

(NKJV)

1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 ESV

20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.

20 zDo not despise prophecies. 21 aTest all things; bhold fast what is good. [1]

When I share from the Word..

Or others share.. a Word from the Lord..

We are to test it..

w/what?

The Word. ++

Sometimes.. things are said.. that are in line w/the Word..

But .. something about them.. or their words.. doesn’t sit right w/you..

told us of another gift that needs to be in action..

“The discerning of spirits” ++

An open time of sharing, does make us vulnerable. It does open up the floor to some messages and some agendas..

That might sound Biblical..

But maybe.. the heart of the prophet.. is off base.. - Maybe the one who prophecies, is using a truth out of context… for their own gain… for their own purpose… ++

In such cases.. we should heed that uneasiness w/in us..

And seek for the Lord to reveal.. that which you are beginning to discern.. ++

Apparently.. the atmosphere of these meetings in Corinth.. were chaotic..

in vs. 33.. Paul emphasized the nature of God.. to prove his point..

God.. is not the author of confusion..

But of peace.. ++

Here is something.. that we miss out on at times..

There are so many standards that we need to use..

.. when attempting to interpret the Word..

And often times.. people forget to use God’s Nature. ++

Do we ask ourselves..

“Is this consistent w/the nature of God?”

Is this.. what God is like?

Is this, the way Jesus is?

Do I see this kind of heart.. this attitude.. displayed in the ministry of Jesus? ++

Often times.. in the things that are being said.. from the Bible..

We don’t.

I often see people on TV, w/Bibles in their hands....

.. saying things.. that don’t line up, w/my understanding.. of God’s Character.. ++

This standard should speak directly to each one of of…

Do, our actions.. our motives.. our doctrines.. our attitudes.. our deeds..

.. do they, reflect the character of God? ++

It’s a good heart check.

It’s a good question to ask yourself.. every day.

Now before we move into the last section.. let’s review real quick..

We’ve learned 10 things.. about tongues..

SLIDE 23

TONGUES:

1. Spoken to God, not man.

2. Edifies self

3. Our understanding.. is unfruitful / we don’t understand what we’re saying.

4. It can be expressed in prayer, or in song

5. It apparently can be practiced at will.

6. It can be.. a sign to the unbeliever

2. Edifies self

7. If practiced out of order / uninformed / unbeliever / you are crazy.

8. Two / at the most 3 .. in a service. 9. Those two or three.. are to take turns.. one at a time. 10. There must be interpretation / otherwise.. keep quiet..

3. Our understanding.. is unfruitful

9. Those two or three.. are to take turns.. one at a time.

. 4. It can be expressed in prayer, or in song 5. It apparently can be practiced at will. 6. It can be.. a sign to the unbeliever 7. If practiced out of order / uninformed / unbeliever / you are crazy. 8. Two / at the most 3 .. in a service. 9. Those two or three.. are to take turns.. one at a time. 10. There must be interpretation / otherwise.. keep quiet..

4. It can be expressed in prayer, or in song

10. There must be interpretation / otherwise.. keep quiet..

5. It apparently can be practiced at will.

SLIDE 24

1. Spoken to God, not man.

2. Edifies self

3. Our understanding.. is unfruitful

4. It can be expressed in prayer, or in song

5. It apparently can be practiced at will.

6. It can be.. a sign to the unbeliever

7. If practiced out of order / uninformed / unbeliever / you are crazy.

8. Two / at the most 3 .. in a service.

3 .. in a service. 9. Those two or three.. are to take turns.. one at a time. 10. There must be interpretation / otherwise.. keep quiet..

9. Those two or three.. are to take turns.. one at a time.

10. There must be interpretation / otherwise.. keep quiet..

SLIDE 25

1 Corinthians 14:34–37 ESV

34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.

SLIDE 26

1 Corinthians 14:38–40 ESV

38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

Ladies? How does that make you feel?

Does that get you a little riled up?

If so, keep quiet about it, and share it w/your husband when you get home.

Before we jump to conclusions..

Let’s consider this in context..

First off.. back in chapter 11..

We already learned.. that women were praying and were prophesying in church..

This passage can’t be contradicting that one..

Women are having something to say..

That’s happening in Corinth… that’s ok… it’s been mentioned.

The context here.. is order..

If, this were a service where someone was teaching..

Or, different folks were giving words of prophecy..

And the ladies had questions..

It’s believed.. that they were asking their husbands to explain things to them..

Right then and there..

For us.. this wouldn’t be a problem..

One of you ladies might be confused by something I said..

So you’ll whisper into your husband’s ear ear.. or send him a text. w/the phone on silent… and ask him what I’m talking about..

And the husband will respond, quietly…

He’ll say… “I have no idea.. I was sleeping”.. ++

And.. there’s not problem w/order..

But in those days.. women were on one side.. and men were on the other..

So, it’s believed by the commentators.. that the women were shouting to their husbands..

Across the room..

And this, in addition to the people getting drunk at the love feast..

And the people squabbling over head coverings..

And the people flaunting their liberties in front of those who held strong convictions..

And the congregation all speaking in tongues..

Well.. it was just one more disorderly thing that needed to be addressed. ++

Conclusion..

The chapter ends.. with this exhortation..

Let all things be done decently and in order.. ++

That literally means.. “let all things be done.. in beauty and by arrangement..”

Wow.. doesn’t that sound nice?

Do things.. beautifully..

And.. let there be order.. arrangement..

end.

We like to cut you loose by 11:30 so you can beat the 12 noon church people to the resaraunts..

So.. w/that said..

Let’s beautifully arrange an ending to this message..

By praying!

u []

v ;

3 training, discipline

x ;

z ; ,

a ;

[1] The New King James Version. 1996, c1982. Thomas Nelson: Nashville

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