Did Jesus mean it?
As most of my readers know, I believe that love is paramount in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. For example, see the post “Loving disciples…” and the posts linked from there.
my it nIn the last week, Joel from “Grace Roots” has written a five part series called “That ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ Thing…” (click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5). This is an excellent series on love, but Joel moves beyond what love is to ask (and answer) this question: “Can we keep Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves?”
For example, Joel says:
Jesus’ words to the rich younger ruler, “sell all you have and distribute to the poor,” were mouth-stopping, guilt-producing words to this man who considered himself justified by his law keeping. Jesus’ words to the lawyer were mouth-stopping, guilt-producing words.
No one can be justified by keeping the law. That is the whole point of the law!
And, for the most part, we would agree with what Joel says here. Can we be justified (made right) with God by keeping the law? As Paul would say, “μὴ γένοιτο“, which is loosely translated, “May it never be!” We cannot keep the law and so we must rely on God’s grace for justification. We are right with God only because God has chosen to declare us righteous in his mercy.
Beyond justification, what do we do when we realize that we are not loving our neighbors as ourselves? Well, according to many well-meaning authors, we need to practice the “Christian disciplines” more. We need to read Scripture, pray, fast, give, etc. When we do these things then we will become… What? Do we really believe this? Does our justification depend entirely on God but our sanctification depend on us? As Paul would say, “μὴ γένοιτο“, which is loosely translated, “Are you out of your mind!” We cannot change ourselves! Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit as he indwells the believer.
So, if we cannot keep the commands of God – even the command to love our neighbor as ourselves – do we just give up and continue in a state of “un-love”? As Paul would say, “μὴ γένοιτο“, which is loosely translated, “Are you Homer Simpson?” Failing to love our neighbor is sin, and just as with any sin, the Spirit will convict us when we are not walking in love with our neighbors. As James says, we then submit to God and rely on more grace from him.
Relying on God for grace is not the same as trying harder, nor is it the same as giving up. Relying on God’s grace means that we admit that we cannot obey God on our own, and that He must change us himself in order for us to obey him. It takes humility, both before God and before other people. Again, as James says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”. If we do not see the fruit of the Spirit (such as love) being produced in our lives, it may be an indication that we are living in pride instead of humility.
Joel ends his series by reminding us that God’s life is being created in us… not when we try to do better, but when we simply abide in Christ:
The “how” is really a Person – Jesus Christ. He is in us, and we are in Him. His life is our life. We are one spirit with Him. In Him we live and move and have our being. When it came down to the truth of living a godly life and bearing godly fruit, Jesus didn’t say, “follow all these laws and principles and you’ll bear fruit.” He said, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” Under the law and principles, we could bear no fruit. In fact, Paul says, “the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death!” (See Rom 7:5). But now that we’ve died to what once bound us (the law), we serve in the newness of the Spirit! The good fruit that comes forth is the Spirit’s own fruit that He produces in and through us as we simply abide in Christ, not struggling to fulfill commands and principles. Maybe I’ll put it this way: The commands of God and the principles for Christian living are fulfilled in us, not as we set out to try to do them, but as we rest in Christ and let His life in us take over and produce all of it. All of it!
Do you love your neighbor as yourself? No, not that neighbor, the other neighbor. You know the one I’m talking about. No? You don’t love them? Abide in Christ, and allow him to love them.
Two conversations worth reading…
Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, posted a great blog called “Real and Present“. In this post, he discusses the presence of God with individual believers and as believers gather together. We use different terms and different methods to focus on the really, real presence of God. Consider this paragraph:
The only God I know of in the Gospel is a God who is real, a God who is present, a God who promises to be with his people corporately and individually, and a God who has given us multiple ways to focus on the particulars of his presence and the particular kinds of reality that involves.
I agree with him here. God is real and God is present. This is the God of Scripture – the God of the Gospel. This is the God who has called us into his family. He has promised to be with us – never forsaking us. Now, do we live as if God is present with us, or do we live as deists – God is far away? Do we live as if God is present with all believers just as He is present with us? Would our attitudes towards and discussions with other believers change if we spoke as if God was present with them just as he is present with us?
Also, robbymac writes about a fictional conversation about leadership in a post called “Through the Looking-Glass“. In this conversation, he has an Elder believer discussing leadership with a Younger believer. The Younger gives his definitions of strong/weak leadership and mature/immature leadership. The Elder responds:
The gaze of the Elder turned to look in the eyes of the Younger. “Well,” he began, “I just can’t help but notice that the characteristics of what you label ‘immature’ most closely matches what you also described as ‘strong’.”
“And I wonder, is it possible that a truly strong leader might actually reflect your idea of ‘mature’, coupled with your version of ‘weak’?”
The noise of the busy cafe seemed to recede into the far distance. For several moments, nothing was said.
Then the Elder continued, “What if a truly strong leader is one who is un-threatened enough to actually, honestly listen to the input of those around them, precisely because (a) they are secure in their identity in Christ, and (b) they know they need the voices of others to adequately hear what God is saying to the whole group? What if the ‘weak’ leader is really the one who insists on his or her own personal vision, and is too threatened to consider the voices of anyone else?”
“Maybe it takes more cajones to NOT insist on the leader’s ‘vision’, or ‘strategy’, and to trust that the Spirit speaks through the Body, hmm?”, he asked, gesturing with open hands.
I agree that leaders who trust the Spirit to speak through the body – and I would add to work through the body – are demonstrating true traits of strength, maturity, and wisdom. Meanwhile, those who feel that they must push a vision or an agenda themselves demonstrate a lack of relying on the Spirit and immaturity. Where do we find characteristics of good leaders? Do we look for them in the business world or in Scripture? Do we look for people with A-type personalities, or people who are Spirit-led and humble? Do real leaders make things happen, or wait for God to make things happen?
Meeting and Speaking and Serving…
A few days ago, in a post called “The church meets here…“, I discussed some interested places that the church could meet in order to serve people. But, after thinking through this even more, I realize that the problem is deeper than the church’s meeting location. I think we need to go back to our understanding of spiritual gifts and their use during the meeting of the church.
There are several lists of spiritual gifts in Scripture. Each list includes both speaking gifts and serving gifts. In fact, Peter seems to categorize all spiritual gifts as either speaking gifts or serving gifts:
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles [sayings] of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)
Interestingly, to Peter, the category of the gift is not as important as the source of the gift. Thus, it is possible both to speak and also to serve in ways that exercise the gifts of God. However, it is also possible both to speak and also to serve in ways that do not exercise the gifts of God. The source is important.
In each list of spiritual gifts, it might be possible to separate those gifts into the two categories of speaking and serving – although some gifts may span the two categories. If we agree with Peter and Paul that all spiritual gifts are important and necessary to the proper functioning and edification of the church, then we should desire to see people exercising both speaking and serving gifts.
So, when did the meeting of the church become a time for only exercising speaking gifts? (Yes, I know what you may be thinking: what about playing the piano, or handing out bulletins, or ushering people to their seats. But, do you really think this is what Peter had in mind when he said we should serve by the strength that God supplies?) What of those who are gifted to serve or help or other physical activities that benefit the church? All spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit for the benefit of others – this is certainly true of serving gifts. Plus, any spiritual gift that builds up the church can be exercised during the meeting of the church according to 1 Corinthians 14 – this also can be true of serving gifts. So, where do we see these gifts exercised?
When the church only allows believers to exercise speaking gifts during the meeting of the church, what are we telling (intentionally or unintentionally) those brothers and sisters who are gifted with serving gifts? I know the answer to this, because I have asked some of them. Many believe that they are second rate believers because they are not “gifted” speakers like others.
What would happen if the church met in ways and in places that allowed those with serving gifts to function as well as those with speaking gifts? What if the church met in places where people were hurting or needed help? What would happen if we found out that people appreciated our working hands and that led them to listen to our words?
Could it be that we have “silenced” many gifted people in the church, and that in doing so, we have kept some from doing their share (Eph. 4:16) and stunted the growth of the church? Could it be that our whole idea of church meetings is not conducive to all believers using their Spirit-endowed gifts?
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.
1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Because of several questions and comments on my post called “What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?“, I have prepared a summary of 1 Corinthians 14, but it is long. So, I am planning to divide it into sections and publish it over two or three days next week. In this post, I would like to return to the question of leadership that I have been examining over the last few months (see “Leadership, Obedience, and Authority…“). Specifically, I would like to examine of role of leaders during the meeting of the church.
Without doubt, 1 Corinthians 14 gives the most extensive view of a meeting of the church by any New Testament author. However, leaders are nowhere in view in the book of 1 Corinthians, much less in chapter 14.
In Gordon Fee’s commentary on 1 Corinthians, he has this to say about leadership in regards to chapter 14:
What is striking in this entire discussion is the absence of any mention of leadership or of anyone who would be responsible for seeing that these guidelines were generally adhered to. The community appears to be left to itself and the Holy Spirit. What is mandatory is that everything aim at edification.
Is Fee correct? Does Paul expect believers to rely only on the Holy Spirit to conduct affairs when the church comes together?
Let me ask a series of questions. I hope you’ll think through these questions and share your answers in the comment section.
1) Why do we believe that one person (or a small group of people) is responsible for scheduling the meeting of the church? Where do we find this responsibility given in Scripture?
2) Why do we believe that only educated and prepared people should speak during the meeting of the church? Where do we get the idea that a 20-45 minute explanation of Scripture is the best way to teach people? Where do we find this idea in Scripture?
3) Why do we believe the “preacher” or “pastor” is always responsible for bringing a teaching, but other people in the church are not? Where do we find this in Scripture?
Perhaps you believe the some or all of these questions can be answered by Scripture. I hope that you will share that with us.
I end this post with one more question: What would happen if the meeting of the church was left completely to the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all of the believers both before and during the meeting?
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
What is God doing in your life?
Last Saturday evening, as several friends gathered in our home (see “Saturday Night…“), Maël (from “The Adventures of Maël & Cindy“) asked the question, “What is God doing in your life?” He told the group that he had recently been asking brothers and sisters this question. Over the last several weeks, he said he had even asked a ten year old believer this question several times.
I love this question. It reminds me that God is alive and that God is working. It reminds me that the Spirit that indwells me and other believers does not leave us as we are, but He works in us to mature us toward Christ-likeness. The theological name for this is sanctification – the Spirit makes us more holy, that is, more different from the world and more like Christ. I know that God is working, but do I always ask myself and others, “What is God doing in your life?” No. As a matter of fact, while my wife and I talk about this occasionally, I had never asked my children what God was doing in their lives.
My wife’s birthday is soon… very, very soon. So, last Monday evening, I took my son and daughter shopping. Since we were in the van for a long time, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to continue our “discipleship program” (See “A Van-based discipleship program…“). At one point in our conversation, I asked them, “What is God doing in your life?” I was very excited about how they both recognized God working in their lives.
Just as an example, my son said that God had been leading him to love and care more for people in need. I asked him what he meant. He explained that last summer we had several opportunities to help people move – and my son took part in this. However, since then, he said he had not had as many opportunities to help people. We talked about some opportunities that God had provided for us to help people, and how we could take better advantage of these opportunities.
Similarly, I talked about how God was teaching me about hospitality through Scripture, as well as through examples in my life and through several comments to my post “Hospitality – vacancy or no vacancy?” I was surprised at how much they understood hospitality, especially the cost involved with showing hospitality. I don’t know why I am always so surprised what my son and daughter are learning. And, I don’t know why I am surprised that they can recognize God working in their lives.
Still, it is good to remind ourselves and others to look for ways that God is working in our lives. God may be teaching us, or He may be convicting us. He may be comforting us, or He may stretching us. He can use Scripture, prayer, other believers, circumstances and situations, and, certainly, His presence.
Perhaps asking questions like, “What is God doing in your life?” is part of the process of “considering how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Perhaps this is one way that we can encourage, admonish, and teach one another. Perhaps, when someone asks us what God is doing in our lives, it is one thing that God uses to keep our eyes off of distractions and fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfector of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Perhaps, questions like this remind us that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).
So, I ask you: What is God doing in your life?