[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 14
“Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. Anyone who speaks in tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says” (1 Corinthians 14:12-13)
“The spirit of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:32-33)
“In church, I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19)
GIFTS OF PROPHESY AND TONGUES (vs. 1-25)
Between the gift of prophesy and gift of tongues, Paul said that the later is inferior than the former.
Here are the reasons:
- Tongues do not edify the church (v. 17)
- Passion for tongue is a mark of infancy. Immature Christians need emotional signs to bolster their faith. Mature believers have the Spirit and the Word to build his life (vs. 20-21)
- Tongue could not reach the unbelievers for the Lord because it confuses the hearers (vs. 22-25)
ORDERLY WORSHIP (vs. 26-39)
Paul stressed the importance of order in worship with the following guidelines:
- Those speaking in tongues should speak one at a time and with an interpreter (vs. 27-28)
- Those who prophesy should prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged (vs. 29-31)
- Women should remain silent in the church. Husbands must teach their wives spiritual truths at home (vs. 34-35)
- Obedience to the Word of God is more important than any spiritual gifts (vs. 36-38)
SUMMARY:
The basic principles for spiritual worship are:
- They must worship God in truth
- Preaching and teaching of God’s Word must be done
- It must edify church members
- Everyone should exercise self-control
- Interpretation is needed for those speaking in tongues
- Women are not to abuse their gift by speaking out of place
- Worship should result in glory for God and blessings for God’s people
- It must convict sinners and lead them to repentance.
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