Saturday Night, Grace, and Death…
The last family just left our home after another great Saturday evening. For the last few months, several families have been meeting in our home to eat and fellowship and encourage one another in the Lord. Tonight, besides the normal times of sharing and laughter and tears and kids, two brothers taught us from what God has been teaching them.
First, one brother shared from Galatians 1. I talked with him after most people had left, and he told me that he started reading Galatians because he wanted to learn more about walking in the Spirit. He started reading from the beginning, all the while looking forward to the “good stuff” about walking in the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit that comes in the later chapters. Instead, God had another lesson to teach him, and for him to share with others. He talked about God’s grace and gospel and living life from the gospel. He talked about the gospel as the “good news” that God has done everything necessary for us to know him and to live life in him. Anything that says that we have to do something to please God, or we have to do something to earn God’s love, or we have to do something to earn salvation, is not really the gospel – it’s not really good news at all. It was very encouraging hearing people talk about living in God’s grace.
Another brother taught from Matthew 16. Specifically he talked about the end of the chapter where Jesus rebuked Peter when Peter denied Jesus’ statement about his upcoming death. Then, Jesus said that those who want to follow him should deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. Jesus then spoke about giving up your life. Death should not discourage a believer. One who follows Christ knows that death is not the end, and the threat of death is not a deterrent. (I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he said that the gates of Hades will not prevail against – or overcome – the church.) This brother has been thinking about death lately, and we all talked about death. Perhaps this sounds like a strange subject, but it was quite encouraging. My brother asked, “Do you wake up every morning prepared for that day to be your last day?” This reminded us again of walking in God’s grace.
On one other note, I’ve been greatly encouraged and challenged over the last two days by two families. Each of them feel that God may be calling them to do something that, on their own, they don’t want to do. But, both families told me that if they believe it is God’s will, then they will do it. This is how I want to live my life. I want to trust God and live in his grace in such a way that I do whatever he wants of me – whether I want to or not.
Accept and Admonish…
A few days ago, I posted a blog called “Accept one another…” I was talking about this subject with some friends last weekend, and we realized that there are two mistakes that believers generally make when it comes to accepting one another. In fact, I think these two mistakes tend to demonstrate either a failure to accept one another, or a failure to admonish one another. Either failure is destructive to relationships, fellowship, and community.
As we meet new brothers and sisters in Christ, we should accept them as they are in their walk with Christ. At the same time, we also should recognize that God may use us to mature them in their walk with Christ. Thus, our relationship should be one of both acceptance and admonishment – one of both love and discipleship – one of both mercy and teaching.
The first type of failure occurs when believers accept one another, but fail to admonish one another. This usually occurs when we view (either intentionally or unintentionally) the other believer’s sins as trivial – that is, these sins are not as serious as other sins. In this case, we allow brothers and sisters to continue in their sins without admonishing them or encouraging them toward maturity in Christ.
The second type of failure occurs when believers fail to accept one another because the other believer struggles with “serious” or “unacceptable” sins (i.e. many times sexual sins are included in this category). Note, I am not talking about unrepentant people in this scenario. Assume that the other believer recognizes the sin and repents of the sin, but continues to struggle with sinful habits and temptations. Based on Jesus’ instructions to Peter, we should also continue to forgive this brother or sister. But, instead of forgiving, we do not even accept them as brothers or sisters. We distance ourselves from those brothers and sisters who do not have “acceptable” sins.
For example, assume a sister is struggling with greed or covetousness. This sister buys the latest electronic gadgets, a new car every year or so, fashionable and trendy clothing, etc. However, besides these quirks, she is great friend. Do we approach her about her sin? Do we help her grow past her need to be satisfied by other things instead of finding satisfaction in God? If we recognize the sin in this sister’s life, but fail to help her mature, then we have erred on the side of acceptance with admonishment. This is disastrous for fellowship and community.
As another example, assume a brother is struggling with lust and adultery. The brother has had several affairs, but consistently repents of his sin. Do we accept this brother in spite of his struggles with sin? Do we welcome him as Christ welcomed us and then help him grow in maturity in Christ? If we do not accept this brother, then we have erred on the side of not accepting someone who Christ has accepted. This is also disastrous for fellowship and community.
Honestly, I think I fail in both ways. At times, and with certain sins, I fail by accepting the brother or sister, but failing to encouraging them toward maturity in Christ. At other times, and with certain other sins, I fail because I never accept the brother or sister in the first place.
Instead of failing in either of these areas, we must learn to walk in the tension between these two mistakes. We accept one another as Christ accepted us – recognizing that we are not perfect yet. We also teach and admonish one another, encouraging one another toward maturity in Christ. It may not always be pretty. It may sometimes get “messy“. But this is necessary for real relationships, fellowship, and community.
This is something that we cannot do on our own. Instead, this type of life can only be lived out in the power and presence of the Spirit. It can only be lived out in the love of God which demonstrates itself in our love for God and our love for others. When we are living this type of life, we will love people enough to accept them just as they are (just as God does), and we will love people enough to desire to see them grow in maturity in Christ (just as God does).
Saturday Night Live…
Last Saturday evening we once again got together in our home with some friends. (See “Sabado, el Cinco de Mayo” for a description of our last get together, and for a list of posts about our previous Saturday get togethers.) Several of our friends who had been to previous Saturday evenings get togethers were able to come again. Also, one young man was able to come for the first time.
Interestingly, I had planned to make ham for dinner. But, we enjoyed the brunswick stew at lunch so much (see the end of the post “It’s just a thing…“), that we decided to get enough stew to share Saturday evening. Another family decided to bring chili, so we had a soup night, along with a few other extras that people brought.
When I write these posts, it is always difficult to decide what to write about. I’m never able to write about everything that happens. And, in fact, what happens and what is said is not the most important aspects of the meeting. The most important aspects of our Saturday evening get togethers are the people and the relationships – the fellowship that God is creating through the Holy Spirit. We shared words, thoughts, suggestions, prayers, praises, laughs, tears, hugs… we shared life together for a few hours.
So, what did we talk about? We talked about how God had answered prayers in some areas of life and how he is continuing to convict us in other areas of life. We talked about living in the tension of accepting people as they are and yet wanting to see them mature in Christ. We talked about how our get togethers might be more about serving others instead of always only about talking. I have blogged about some of these topics, and I’m looking forward to writing about others soon. When I get together with other believers (not just on Saturday evenings), I usually come away with many things to think, pray, and study about. This was no exception.
I am very excited about many of the things that we talked about. I’m excited about how God is working through my brothers and sisters. There are two things that I am particularly excited about.
First, we decided to think of a way that we could meet one Saturday to serve others instead of just to talk and encourage one another. I think the church has emphasized speaking gifts to the detriment of serving gifts, and we’re hoping to begin having a more level emphasis on both speaking and serving.
Second, the young man who came to our house for the first time told us that he and one of his friends are hoping to spend time with our son – and other young people – this Summer. We are excited about the way these young men can disciple our children.
So, these are a few things we talked about and a few things we did last Saturday evening. These words do not begin to describe what God is doing. We’re beginning to know one another and ourselves better. We’re beginning to trust one another to share our struggles with God and with other people more openly. We’re also learning that others will accept us, even when we admit we are not perfect.
Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
In the first three parts of this series (“Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1“, “Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2“, and “Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3“), I discussed the context of 1 Corinthians 14 and summarized the chapter in various sections. In this post, I would like to give some concluding remarks concerning the entire passage.
Concluding Remarks
When we try to understand what Paul is saying in this passage, we should always remember the context. In the first few verses (vv. 1-5), then scattered throughout the remainder of the passage, Paul continually reminds his readers that he is talking about how spiritual gifts should be exercised when the church comes together. This context – the gathering of the church – is extremely important. If we do not remember this context, then it can appear that Paul is saying that speaking in tongues without interpretation is never allowed. This is not what Paul is saying at all. Instead, he is saying that, when the church comes together, believers should not speak in tongues without interpretation.
Paul does not lift prophecy above speaking in tongues because prophecy is generally better than speaking in tongues. Paul says that prophecy is better in this context – that is, the meeting of the church – because the church can be edified through prophecy, but not through uninterpreted tongues.
Paul does not distinguish between different types of church meetings. While modern churches may set different rules for speaking in different types of church gatherings, Paul expects his teaching to be followed “whenever you come together”. Similarly, Paul does not set different rules based on the number of people meeting together. While I have heard arguments of pragmatism and efficiency against keeping Paul’s instructions, those arguments are absent from Paul’s presentation. By the way, there are no other instructions in the New Testament concerning how believers should conduct themselves specifically when the church gathers.
I would suggest that in this passage, prophecy and tongues are used as “example” spiritual gifts. Any spiritual gift that directly edifies others (for example, teaching) would fall under the same guidelines as prophecy. Any spiritual gift that does not directly others would fall under the same guidelines as speaking in tongues. Were the Corinthians believers abusing either prophecy or tongues? Possibly, but please note that Paul does not say this at all. It has to be inferred. Instead, we see Paul repeatedly commanding the Corinthians and us to exercise one gift (prophecy) because it edifies the church, and not to exercise another gift (tongues) because alone it does not edify the church.
Usually, when this passage is quoted in the context of evangelical churches, the only phrase that is commanded is “let everything be done decently and in order”, while all other commands are relegated to culture. Instead of dismissing everything else in this passage and maintaining our understanding of “decently and in order” as under control or as planned, I prefer to interpret this passage a little differently. I believe that when we follow Paul’s guidelines for exercising spiritual gifts when the church meets, the Spirit himself will guarantee that things are done decently and in order. And, where someone is disobedient, this should be handled with gentleness and humility by the others present. Does this allow for abuses? Of course. But, the current method of one person speaking also allows for abuses. And, if as this passage indicates, Paul commands more than one person to speak (he commands two or three prophets to speak, what if we add teachers to that?) when the church meets, then we are often quenching the work of the Spirit if we only allow one person to speak. In fact, I would suggest that many believers do not think that God wants to use them to speak, because they think that God requires education and ordination in order to speak during the meeting of the church.
Here are a few more comments on the entire chapter: 1) Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues. In fact, he says that he wishes all the Corinthians spoke in tongues. 2) Paul does not condemn or chastise the Corinthians because they each desire to speak during the meeting of the church. Instead, he directs their desire towards what is important: building one another up. 3) This may seem shocking at first, but exercising spiritual gifts is not the most important thing. Paul recognizes that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift. However, since the church is not edified, he says that spiritual gift (a gift from the Holy Spirit himself) should NOT be exercised during the meeting of the church. Thus, we should understand that tongues and other gifts are from the Spirit, but there are certain context where the Spirit does not want us to exercise them. 4) Preparation is important, but it is not most important. There may be times when a person who has prepared to speak, and is speaking, should sit silently while someone else speaks something that may seem less significant, important, intelligent, or even theologically sound. Why? Because edification is most important.
Perhaps you don’t agree with how I have interpreted this chapter of 1 Corinthians. I will be happy to listen to other interpretations of this passage. I would also love to hear how you have seen these principles implemented when the church gathers.
Series on 1 Corinthians 14:
Prologue 1 – What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Prologue 2 – 1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Context & Verses 1-5 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
Verses 6-25 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
Verses 26-40 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
Concluding Remarks – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
In this parts 1 and 2 of this series (“Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1” and “Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2“) I discussed the context of 1 Corinthians 14 and verses 1-25. Paul indicates several times in this chapter that he is discussing how believers should exercise spiritual gifts when the church meets. Because prophecy edifies the church, Paul encourages believers to exercise during the church gathering. However, since uninterpreted tongues only edifies the one speaking in tongues, this gifts should not be exercised without interpretation during the church meeting. In this post, I will discuss the final verses of the chapter (26-40).
Section 5 – vv. 26-40 – Specific instructions for exercising gifts during the church meeting
I am going to divide this section into subsections.
Section 5A – vs. 26 – Introduction and overall goal of the gifts during the church meeting
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 Cor. 14:26 ESV)
The phrase “What then, brothers?” begins the introduction. We might say something like, “So, now, what do we do about this teaching?” First, Paul recognizes that the Corinthian believers are coming together with the intention of exercising their gifts (“each one has” – present tense). This shows that there is some preparation for the meeting of the church, but it appears that each believer is preparing for himself or herself. The phrase “Let all things be done for building up” is an all-encompassing directive. By the way, this phrase parallels 1 Corinthians 14:40 in grammar and syntax: “But all things should be done decently and in order.” Thus, the instructions that Paul gives concerning building up (“edification”) will also result in things being done “decently and in order” – as Paul defines “decently and in order”. These are not contradictory ideas.
Section 5B – vv. 27-28 – Instructions about speaking in tongues during the church meeting
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (1 Cor. 14:27-28 ESV)
This is fairly straightforward. Here are a few points: 1) Speaking in tongues is a possibility, but not required (“if”). 2) Speaking in tongues is appropriate between the individual and God, even without an interpreter. However, this is to be done outside of the meeting of the church. 3) The person speaking in tongues can control whether or not he or she speaks in tongues. The Holy Spirit does not force someone to speak in tongues.
Section 5C – vv. 29-37 – Instructions about prophecy during the church meeting
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. (1 Cor. 14:29-37 ESV)
These instructions for prophets are similar to the instructions for speaking in tongues, but they also include instructions for “weighing” prophecy. In this case, Paul commands prophecy and he commands others to weigh the prophecy (no “if”). While before we saw that the believers were preparing for the meeting, in this passage we see that there is also the possibility that someone speaks from a “revelation”, that is, something that was not prepared. It also appears that one method (preparation vs. revelation) is not better than another. The person prophesying can also control whether or not he or she speaks. Once again, the Spirit does not force someone to prophesy.
It seems that the instructions for women are given in the context of “weighing” prophecy. Notice that being silent is not an absolute command in any of these passages. The tongues speaker does not have to be absolutely silent, but he should not speak in tongues without an interpreter. The prophet does not have to be absolutely silent, but he should stop talking if another wants to speak. Similarly, women do not have to be absolutely silent, but they should refrain from weighing prophecy.
Why should prophets allow their prophecy to be weighed? Because God does not speak through only one individual. As Paul says, someone who truly desires to speak words of prophecy will recognize that this command (“weighing prophecy”) is from the Lord.
Section 5D – vv. 38-40 – Summary and conclusion
If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Cor. 14:38-40 ESV)
In these last few sentences, Paul concludes his instructions about spiritual gifts. The word translated “recognize” in the ESV is the same word translated “be ignorant” in vs. 12:1. Thus, Paul concludes his instructions where he began. Those who do not wish to be ignorant will heed his words. Those who do not heed his words simply show that they are not following the commands of God, and therefore should be ignored. During the context of the meeting of the church, Paul says we should seek to prophesy (because that edifies the church), but should not forbid speaking in tongues, as long as we follow the guidelines that Paul gave us. By following these guidelines, things will be done to build up (edify) the church (vs. 26), and things will be done decently and in order (vs. 40). Thus, we can follow Paul’s commands in this passage and still maintain decency and order. These commands are complementary, not contradictory. If they appear contradictory, then we are not viewing decency and order the way that Paul viewed them.
In the next part of this series, I’ll post some concluding remarks.
Series on 1 Corinthians 14:
Prologue 1 – What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Prologue 2 – 1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Context & Verses 1-5 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
Verses 6-25 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
Verses 26-40 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
Concluding Remarks – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
In my previous post, “Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1“, I discussed the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 14, and the first 5 verses of that chapter. It is important to remember that Paul was specifically talking about the use of spiritual gifts when the church meets. Paul had already told the Corinthians that they all had spiritual gifts and that all of the members of the church were important and necessary. Now, he says that when the church gathers, it is important that they exercise those gifts which build up other people. In the next three sections of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul illustrates why tongues does not edify the church, exhorts the believers again that edifying others is better than edifying yourself, and discusses that different purposes for tongues and prophecy.
Section 2 – vv. 6-13 – Illustration of why tongues does not edify the church
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? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 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. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 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. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. (1 Cor. 14:6-13 ESV)
Next, Paul gives two examples to illustrate why speaking in tongues does not edify the church. The first example is from the use of musical instruments. The second example is from foreign languages. In each case, the person hearing must recognize what is played or what is spoken. Thus, Paul is illustrating that in order for something to edify the church, it must at least be understood by the church. Apparently, the people in Corinth could not understand the tongues that were being spoken (unless they were interpreted). Because other believers could not understand the tongues, then believers should not “strive to” speak in tongues during their meetings. Instead, they should strive for those gifts which build up (edify) the church. Notice that in this section, the ideas of benefiting and edification are paralleled in vs. 6 and vs. 12 respectively.
Section 3 – vv. 14 -19 – Instructing others is better than edifying yourself
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. (1 Cor. 14:14-19 ESV)
In this section, Paul once again emphasizes the importance of building up other people instead of building up the individual. It seems in this section that Paul is equating praying in his spirit to praying in a tongue. It is possible then, that he is also equating singing praise in his spirit to singing praise in a tongue, but this is not explicit. Similarly, he could also be equating giving thanks with his spirit to giving thanks in a tongue. Many people use these phrases to associate speaking in tongues with prayer. This is possible, but it is not necessary. It could also be that someone can pray in tongues and speak in tongues (different ways to exercise the gift of tongues). It is important to recognize that Paul de-emphasizes the benefit that the tongues speaker (prayer, singer) receives in order to emphasize benefits that other people receive. For Paul, speaking in tongues is good, but when the church gathers, anything that builds up other people is better.
Section 4 – vv. 20-25 – Signs for believers and unbelievers
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. (1 Cor. 14:20-25 ESV)
This is a difficult section. I have read many interpretations of this passage, but I have not seen anything that seems to take everything into account. Instead of explaining it (because I’m still trying to understand it), I want to point out a few things that Paul tells us in this passage. 1) Prophecy and tongues have different purposes and are for different audiences. 2) Uninterpreted tongues is neither for believers nor unbelievers during the meeting of the church. 3) During the meeting of the church, unbelievers will not understand tongues. 4) During the meeting of the church, unbelievers will understand prophecy, and God can use prophecy to convict and convert unbelievers.
In these three sections (vv. 6-25), Paul continues to emphasize that he is discussing spiritual gifts within the context of the gathered church. He continues to recognize that all spiritual gifts are valid and all are beneficial, but when the church is meeting, it is important that believers only exercise those gifts which benefit others. Spiritual gifts (such as uninterpreted tongues) which only benefit the one exercising the gift should not be exercised when the church is gathered together.
Series on 1 Corinthians 14:
Prologue 1 – What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Prologue 2 – 1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Context & Verses 1-5 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
Verses 6-25 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
Verses 26-40 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
Concluding Remarks – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
I intended last week’s post on 1 Corinthians 14 to be a stand-alone post (see “What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?“). However, there were several good questions in the comments, so I thought I would respond further. Last Friday, in response, I asked some questions about “1 Corinthians 14 and Leadership“. This week, I plan to post a summary of 1 Corinthians 14 in order to explain how I interpret that passage of Scripture. I originally wrote the summary as one post, but it was much too long. So, I’ve broken it into four parts. In this first part, I want to examine the context of 1 Corinthians 14, and discuss the first five verses of the chapter.
First, remember that 1 Corinthians 14 does not stand alone. It is part of three chapters that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in order to answer their question(s) about spiritual gifts: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed [or, ignorant].” (1 Cor. 12:1) At the conclusion of these three chapters, Paul returns to the idea of ignorance: “If anyone does not recognize this [or, is ignorant], he is not recognized [or, he is ignored].” (1 Cor. 14:38) Thus, it appears that in these three chapters, Paul tells the Corinthians what they need to know about spiritual gifts (i.e. so that they won’t be ignorant).
Also, there is something very interesting about 1 Corinthians 12-14. In chapters 12 and 13, there is only one imperative (command) which is found at the end of chapter 12: “But earnestly desire the higher [or, greater] gifts.” (1 Cor. 12:31) This command is then repeated and expanded at the beginning of chapter 14: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14:1) Thus, 1 Corinthians 13 does seem to be a parenthetical statement in this passage. This does not mean that 1 Corinthians 13 is unimportant – it is extremely important. Instead, it indicates that the command in 1 Cor. 12:31 is interrupted, then continued in 1 Cor. 14:1.
So, chapters 12-14 contain only 1 command which is interrupted then continued in chapter 14. But, chapter 14 includes 21 commands – 17 of the commands are found in the last half of chapter 14. Thus, chapter 14 appears to be an application of chapters 12 and 13. Is this application for everyone at all times, or is it simply for the church at Corinth? In order to determine that, we should examine the specific way that Paul applies his teaching on spiritual gifts. Now… on to the summary.
Section 1 – vv. 1-5 – Application of spiritual gifts when the church gathers
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 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. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 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. (1 Cor. 14:1-5 ESV)
In this section, Paul begins to apply his teaching about spiritual gifts. Specifically, we see three phrases that tell us that the context for this application is the meeting of the church: “speaks to people”, “builds up the church”, and “so that the church may be built up”. Some suggest that Paul is being sarcastic when he says, “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself.” However, there is no change between this phrase and the next: “[B]ut the one who prophesies builds up the church.” They are parallel statements. Neither appears to be sarcastic. Speaking in tongues does build up the person speaking, but exercising that gift without interpretation does not edify anyone else. Since the context is the meeting of the church, edifying others should be the focus. Therefore, prophesy is better than speaking in tongues. By extension, exercising any gift that edifies others would be better than exercising any other gift that does not edify others.
Remember that Paul has already said that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Spirit given by the will of the Spirit. However, in these first five verses of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul begins to teach that there are situations where it is not prudent to exercise some spiritual gifts. For example, in the context of the gathering of the church, believers should not exercise speaking in tongues unless there is also interpretation. Paul does not say that believers should never speak in tongues. Instead, in this chapter, he is instructing them how to apply his teachings about spiritual gifts when the church is meeting together.
Thus, this is also the context in which we should apply this passage. As the church meets together today, the people should consider Paul’s instructions. Are they exercising gifts that edify other people? We should keep this context in mind as we study the remainder of this chapter.
Series on 1 Corinthians 14:
Prologue 1 – What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Prologue 2 – 1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Context & Verses 1-5 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
Verses 6-25 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
Verses 26-40 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
Concluding Remarks – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
Sabado, el Cinco de Mayo
Last night, several friends once again joined us at our home. We’ve been meeting together with different friends on Saturday evenings to share a meal and to encourage one another and build one another up toward maturity in Christ. (If you are interested, here are a few posts that describe some of our other Saturday evening get-togethers: “Fellowship of Faith…“, “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night…“, “Another Saturday Night…“, “Saturday Night’s Alright for … Friends“, and “Saturday Night…“)
After eating and several very good conversations between small groups and individuals, we sang a few songs that some of the children suggested: “In Christ Alone” was first. Then, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we sang a few songs in Spanish. Then, a four year old led us in singing the chorus of “ABC” by the Jackson Five. That was a great moment!
Renata from “Nurturing Notes” asked the group a question she had asked on her blog: “How do you define ‘a good mother’?” I’ve always appreciated Renata’s honesty and openness as she shares her struggles as a mother of three young children. I gave my answer to her question: any person’s goodness is directly related to how they reflect God (see a more extensive answer in this comment on her blog). Leah, from “Our Payneful Memories“, shared some things that she learned while visiting Walt Disney World: some things about herself, and some things about other parents.
Another brother shared a teaching from Hebrews. I really appreciated this teaching. I could tell that he was teaching something that God was teaching him. He didn’t have all the answers, but he was asking questions, and God was answering him. For the most part, the teaching dealt with obedience. This turned out to be the theme for the remainder of the evening as we all talked about obedience from many different perspectives.
Toward the end of the evening, after some people had left (we don’t have an ending time), some of us continued talking… this time, we talked about grace. Specifically, do we truly understand grace? I know, for me, I often act externally in ways that are contrary to the way I feel internally. Sometimes I “fake” Christ-likeness in order to make other people think I am more mature that I really am. All the while, I know that this is not what I am truly like on the inside. Yes, I am maturing, but perhaps not as much as my “behavior” suggests. Am I the only one that does this? Well, according to my friends, I am not. Why do we do this? Perhaps we are afraid that others will not accept us as we really are, because we know that we would not accept someone who acted that way. Thus, we do not understand grace. Grace says that God accepts us as we are – and, he knows the truth, not the “fake behavior” that we show to other people. No, God does not leave us as we are, but He does meet us there. So, I need to understand grace more. I need to understand both the grace that God shows me, and the grace that I should show to others.
Preach the word…
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul exhorted his young associate to “Preach the word” or “proclaim the message”. Especially since the reformation, this command has taken center stage during the meeting of the church. But, what does it mean to preach the word? When Paul commanded this to Timothy, did he have in mind what we see today? Perhaps… but, what if Paul meant something different… something simpler…
This is what Dave Black said on his blog today (5/5/2007) at 8:10 a.m.:
On this Cinco de Mayo I’m sitting here thinking about my Sunday message and saying to myself, Where in the New Testament is there the “well-crafted homily”? Where is the excellency of speech that is so highly sought-after in preachers today? Does not the beauty of New Testament preaching lie in a completely different direction? Should not our preaching be like that of our Lord and His great apostle? Jesus spoke in the very simplest language with mundane illustrations. Paul eschewed the excellence of human oratory. I want my public speaking to be powerful (in the Spirit) and passionate (in the spirit) but I also want to be understood by the commonest man from the workaday world. May God forgive me for the times I’ve sought to dress up the simple Word in the gaudy garments of worldly wisdom.
Fancy sermons that focus on rhetoric as much as content inadvertantly teach people that they cannot preach the word. But, I think Jesus expected all believers to teach and proclaim his message. Let’s model this for other believers.
The road goes ever on and on…
I love the Lord of the Rings. Perhaps this is why I also love a blog called “Tales from Middle Earth“. “Strider” publishes this blog about his experiences as a missionary in an undisclosed location. He uses names and places from Middle Earth to protect himself and the believers in his area. He tells great stories that always strengthen and challenge me. His latest story is called “Going Far to Get Near“. He begins this story like this:
I am interested in people who are lost. What drives them? What touches them? If I could know that then maybe my demonstration of Christ before them could be more effective. It could have meaning to them and touch them in a powerful way. The sad truth is that too many of us are too good at making the old old story boring. If you want to lead a guy out of lostness you must first find him. I am not talking about prostituting Jesus for the masses, making him some kind of Santa Claus or anything like that. I am talking about sharing the real Jesus with real people.
As I read Strider’s stories, I learn more about the work of believers around the world. I also recognize many opportunities that God gives me to interact with unbelievers every day. For instance, in this last story, Strider describes a time he travelled a long distance with a group of unbelievers. He learned more about himself and others through this encounter. (Read his stories! They are great!) How far are you willing to go to get to know the lost in your community?
Certainly, one of the reasons that I enjoy “Strider’s” blog so much is because of his use of people’s names and locations from Tolkein’s Lord of the Ring trilogy. LOTR is, first and foremost, a story about a journey. I think this is a great parallel for the Christian life. Following Christ is also a journey, and we should realize that we are going somewhere – we have not arrived – and we should realize that God has placed others on the journey with us – in a “Fellowship”, if you will – because we need them and they need us. We are on a journey. In Scripture, that journey was once called “The Way”. I think I like that name. It reminds me to keep walking. And when I stumble, it reminds me to get up and start walking again. I’m glad that God has allowed me to walk along this journey with so many others who encourage me and challenge me, and, most of all, to help me up when I fall.
I think I’ll close this post with two of my favorite lines from the movie (I think they are in the book, but perhaps spoken in different scenes):
Frodo: I wish The Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had ever happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to face such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
Pippin: I didn’t think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path… One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass… And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?… See what?
Gandalf: White shores… and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: Well, that isn’t so bad.
Gandalf: No… No it isn’t.