July 9, 2017
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Reading along with us in 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Corinthians 14 (ESV)
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.
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… Continue Reading
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Prophesy and serving others
Tongues and edifying self
Let all things be done for building up.
Not a fan of the not speaking part…..just saying (speaking) 😉
Yeah, I get that Melanie. How times have changed though and what balance we need to strike between whatever cultural, 1st century issue Paul is addressing here, what submission God does call women to in different areas of their lives (for their benefit and those angels that are watching), and what we as a body would absolutely miss out on if we adhered to verses 34 and 35 strictly (ie. the great wisdom and insight that comes from God’s greatest creation).
But this chapter certainly highlights whatever is the most practical, useful and edifying in the church as opposed to what is mystical or undefined. Whereas I do believe that tongues can be talking about a known language spoken by a person that has never learned it, this passage leads me to think it is also a spiritual language understood only by someone with the spiritual gift of interpretation. I like 14:12 though, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. I also wonder how we might express verse 26 while adhering to the standard of verse 40. It would be a profitable discussion…..