Sermon Tone Analysis

Last Week “The Power of God”

power n.

— possession of controlling influence; often understood as manifesting influence over reality in a supernatural manner.

Last week we looked at scripture that centered on the power of God as the source of power for the church.

Community ministry both inside and outside the local church must demonstrate the power of God in action.

Clearly the church in Corinth is divided in many ways.

As the Apostle addresses many divisive actions he moves to the organization and unity of the church.

He moves to the aspect of Love.

The love that Paul is describing can only come about through the power of God.

Spiritual Gifts

Excel in Gifts that Build the Church

Thoughts: Paul’s goal in writing to the church in Corinth is to “Be United”

Key Verse

It seems to me that Paul is addressing a pattern that has taken over in the church at Corinth.

The gift of speaking in tongues had become popular to a point that was causing division in the church.

Follow the way of Love!

love (Christian) n. — a strong, non-sexual affection and regard for a person and their good as understood by God’s moral character; especially characterized by a willing forfeiture of rights or privileges in another person’s behalf.

to prophesy (inspired) v. — to make a representative declaration of the mind, will, or knowledge of a god, as in his agency, under his influence, or indwelt by him.

I believe it is correct to say that the only way this kind of love can be extended is through the power of God.

Shortly we will observe the Lord’s Supper which is intended to be a reminder of the salvation and life we have in Christ!

Next, Paul contrasts prophecy with tongues placing the spiritual gift of prophecy as more desirable than tongues.

Why?

Prophecy Edifies the Church

Tongues: language (supernatural) ⇔ tongue n. — any language but often referring to a language one has never studied and a supernatural ability to speak (or be understood) in it.

Self Edification:

Edify the church

1 Cor 14:6-12

1 Cor 14:18

The Gift of God is to communicate

To follow means to strive after.

It means we are chasing after.

to strive after ⇔ chase v. — to strive for something, conceived of as going after something with the intent to catch it.

love (Christian) n. — a strong, non-sexual affection and regard for a person and their good as understood by God’s moral character; especially characterized by a willing forfeiture of rights or privileges in another person’s behalf.

Verse 5: I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophecy.

to be zealous v. — to be or become marked by active interest, passion, and enthusiasm for something, often a cause or faith.

to prophesy (inspired) v. — to make a representative declaration of the mind, will, or knowledge of a god, as in his agency, under his influence, or indwelt by him.

Verse 5: so that the church may be edified.

building up n. — the act of bringing something closer to fullness or completion; understood as if assisting in the construction of an incomplete building.

verse 12 excel in those gifts that build up the church!

Chase After the Gifts of the Spirit

Love communicates

language (supernatural) ⇔ tongue n. — any language but often referring to a language one has never studied and a supernatural ability to speak (or be understood) in it.

Verse 2 - speaking in a tongue does not speak to people.

How do we apply the bible truth in our lives today.

Flow chart:

Follow the way of Love.

Literally, to strive after ⇔ chase v. — to strive for something, conceived of as going after something with the intent to catch it.

Desire: to be zealous v. — to be or become marked by active interest, passion, and enthusiasm for something, often a cause or faith.

The Gift

The goal of God’s gift to the church is to be used for the building up of the body of Christ.

The gift is given for the purpose of unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Jesus to maturity.

The end goal is the whole measure of the fullness of Christ!