SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 14
BIBLE VERSES:
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:3-5)
“So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.” (1 Corinthians 14:9)
“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (1 Corinthians 14:18-19)
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” (1 Corinthians 14:20)
“The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” (1 Corinthians 14:32-33)
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)
GIFTS OF PROPHECY AND TONGUES (vs. 1-25)
According to Paul, the gifts of prophecy and tongues had different functions. Anyone speaking in tongues does not speak to men but to God because he is uttering mysteries with his spirit. He speaks to edify himself. But anyone who prophesies speak to strengthen, encourage, comfort, and edify the church. Paul would rather prophesy than speaking in tongues unless he can interpret. (vs. 2-5)
Anyone who speaks in tongues should pray that he can interpret what he says. But in church, five intelligible word to instruct others in better than ten thousand words in tongues (v. 19)
ORDERLY WORSHIP (VS. 26-39)
There was disorder at church service in Corinth. Those speaking in tongues speak at the same time without interpreting. Those prophesying speak together causing confusion.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY PAUL:
- Those speaking in tongues must speak one at a time and someone must be able to interpret (v. 27)
- When two or three prophets should speak, they should prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. (vs. 30-32)
- Women should remain silent in church and must be in submission. According to the law, if they want to inquire something, they should ask their husband at home (vs. 34-35)
- Whether you prophesy or speak in tongues, do it in a fitting and orderly way. (v. 40)
PROPHECY VERSUS TONGUE:
- Prophecy speaks to man for their good / Tongue speaks to God – (v. 2)
- Prophecy edifies the church / Tongue edifies himself – (vs. 3-4)
- Prophecy is the greater gift / Tongue is the lesser gift (v. 5)
- Prophecy can be understood / Tongue needs to be interpreted – (v. 13)
- Prophecy is for believers / Tongue is for unbelievers – (v. 22)
PAUL CITIED WHY SPEAKING IN TONGUE IS INFERIOR TO PROPHECY:
- Tongues do not edify the church (1-10)
- Tongues do not edify the believers (20-21)
- Tongues do not win people to Christ (22-25)
THOUGHTS:
The purpose of going to church is to worship God. We worship God by praying, singing, teaching, preaching. We come to church not to display our gifts or to show that we are more spiritual. Therefore, worship service should be prepared and conducted in an orderly way and not to cause chaos or confusion.