Introduction: The 14th chapter of 1 Corinthians tells of the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, focusing mainly on speaking in tongues and prophesying. While both are gifts from God, Apostle Paul points out the importance of edification within the church, urging that everything be done for the strengthening of the church. This chapter chapter guides us to a more orderly worship and the more useful exercise of spiritual gifts.
I. The Superiority of Prophecy over Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
Paul encourages the church to love one another, and have the earnest desire for spiritual gifts, prophecy in particular (1 Corinthians 14:1). Speaking in tongues is a personal communication with God, but prophecy benefits the whole church, all can hear clearly the words spoken (1 Corinthians 14:2-4). While speaking in tongues is a gift, prophecy is much greater unless there is an interpreter for the tongues, main focus should words that builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:5). Some verses in the Bible that cross reference this are Romans 12:6 speaks of prophetic gifts used according to faith. Acts 2:4 shows the early church speaking in tongues, every person heard in their own language. Ephesians 4:12 points out the purpose of gifts to equip the saints for ministry.
II. The Necessity of Clarity in Worship (1 Corinthians 14:6-12)
These verses state, without clear communication, words have no meaning (1 Corinthians 14:6-11). Church members should seek to excel in building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). Other verses in the Bible that cross reference these verses are: Acts 2:6-8 emphasizes understanding the Words of God for people that speak different languages, which is what speaking in tongues accomplished in the earliest meetings of the saints. We read in Genesis 11:7-9 about the confusion of languages at Babel, but at Pentecost, everyone heard in their own language. And in Ephesians 4:29, we find the Bible instructs us about wholesome talk that benefits the listener.
III. Instruction for Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:13-19)
These verses instructs us on the proper way for the use of tongues in church, if one speaks in tongues, they should also pray for the ability to interpret, so the whole church can be uplifted (1 Corinthians 14:13). Paul pointed out in these verses, in worship service, he would rather speak 5 words others can understand than 10,000 words they couldn’t understand (1 Corinthians 14:19). Other verses in the Bible that cross reference these verses are 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul said without love, speaking in tongues is worthless. And in Acts 10:46, the Bible talks about all different dialects of people were able to understood God’s word in their own language. Romans 8:26 refers to the Spirit interceding with utterances, when we don’t know what or how to pray.
IV. Tongues as a Sign for Unbelievers; Prophecy for Believers (1 Corinthians 14:20-25)
These verses teach that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy is for believers (1 Corinthians 14:22). If an unbeliever or outsider enters and hears everyone speaking in tongues, they may think they’re mad (1 Corinthians 14:23). But if all prophesy words all understand, an unbeliever is convicted and will repent(1 Corinthians 14:24-25). We can find other verses that cross reference these verses in Isaiah 28:11-12 tells God speaking to people with another tongue an stammering lips. In Acts 19:6 where believers spoke in tongues for the reason found in John 16:8, where the Spirit could convict the world of sin.
V. Guidelines for Orderly Worship (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)
We see here and outline on how to use spiritual gifts in an orderly manner in the church setting (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). The Bible gives specific directions for women to keep silent in the church, if they need to know something, ask the husband (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). Paul reminds the church of his authority to instruct the church in proper worship (1 Corinthians 14:36-38). We find an encouragement to desire prophecy, but not forbid speaking in tongues in the church(1 Corinthians 14:39-40). Other verses that cross reference these verses are Colossians 3:16, where the Bible talks about teaching in wisdom. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 gives instructions on women learning quietly in the church and 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that prophecy comes from God.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 14 teaches believers the proper way to use spiritual gifts, a way that prioritizes the edification of the the entire church. The Apostle Pau made his message very clear, love should guide the exercise of gifts, and all things should be done in an orderly and in a constructive manner. He puts prophecy at the top for it’s ability to build up, encourage, and console the believers, and while speaking in tongues is acknowledged as a gift, it is to be practiced with interpreters present for the benefit of all. This chapter calls on us to a worship of God that engages both the spirit and the mind, ensuring that every act of worship strengthens the faith of the church.
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