Paul's Address - Part 4


Paul ends off his main addresses to the church with the topic of prophecy and tongues. I've always stray away from the word "tongues", i've always found it such a supernatural, odd topic that I could never tackle, but God works amazingly. Today, the pastor spoke on 1 Corinthians 14, briefly, but explained an overall gist of this word, "tongues". Tongues basically means languages. I dont know why I always thought it meant some sort of holy language that just sounded like gibberish, but it really is just different languages that the Holy Spirit speaks through you.

Paul says the the gift of prophecy (going back to the topic of spiritual gifts) should be desired (v.1). There are basically two types of proclamation. With tongues and through prophecy. The main difference is that prophecy is spoken in a common language everyone understands, whereas tongues are harder to understand.

When speaking with tongues, it cannot be interpreted by another individual (except an interpreter), and it can only edify the speaker themselves (v.4).

Whereas through prophecy, it can be understood, will convict unbelievers and ultimately edifies the whole church rather than just themselves.

The overall goal as a church is to build up the entire community. As individuals, we are to edify and build ourselves up, but in a group setting we want growth as one, and Paul is trying to say that through prophecy, that can be achieved, instead of tongues. He is not saying to forbid speaking in tongues, but he is saying to be eager to prophesy (v.39).

There are two sections found in chapter 14, and the second portion gives us an interesting insight on the past while giving up applications and reminders for the present.
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. - 1 Corinthians 14:26
This is how worship was formed back then, with a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue/interpretation. Paul encourages the church of Corinth to have orderly worship. To listen to one another, rather then babbling off on your own. Even with the tongues portion incorporated in, Paul suggests an interpreter to help the congregation understand. At the same time, he reminds us that even though some people are granted certain gifts, it does not make anyone better than another. "Let others weigh in" (v.29), he says, and as a church and community today, we must be open to other opinions and thoughts because everyone is equally important, whether you are a deacon, a pastor, or an attendee.

verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 14:39
39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

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