1 Corinthians 14

Monday, 19 January 2015

I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:5

Having shown the lesser nature of the gift of tongues, and then demonstrated that it does nothing to edify the congregation when tongues are spoken if nobody understands them, Paul tells the congregation that he wishes “you all spoke with tongues.” Speaking in foreign languages is always a valuable asset when encountering others who only speak in another language. If there is a Hispanic community in one’s town and nobody in the church spoke Spanish, then there would be no way of reaching out to them with the message of Christ.

However, tongues are a gift which are available to all people. With effort, anyone can pick up another language and can then effectively communicate with others in that language. But to speak that language in the church without anyone understanding it would be absolutely pointless, except for the person speaking and for God who knows all tongues. Because of this, Paul continues by saying to the Corinthians that even more than tongues, he wished “that you prophesied.” He then follows up with an immediate explanation for this – “For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues.”

The explanation was given in the verse 3 which said that “he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” Tongues are of no value to others in the congregation if nobody understands them. However, preaching the word of God is of benefit to all who listen. It is the wisdom of God and a proper explanation of it will always build up the body.

However, to not over-diminish the gift of tongues, Paul adds in a qualifying statement concerning them. Yes, the person who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, “unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” The goal of any gift is to build up the body and to bring honor to the Lord. If someone speaks in a tongue, and that tongue is then translated, it becomes a message which is then understood by all others within the congregation. Thus it has become a point of exhortation and edification of the body.

There is nothing in the verse to restrict the one speaking in the foreign language to also be the one who translates it. However, he should be competent in the translation. Just because someone can speak a foreign language, it does not mean that they are acceptable to translate that language. So whether by the speaker or by another, it is right for the words to be translated into the common language of the congregation for their edification. Otherwise, the words are merely an unedifying show of ostentation.

Life application: The goals of using one’s gift in the church are to build up the others in the church and to bring glory to the Lord. Let us remember this in all we do in and for the church.

With the world spinning out of control all around us; with the forces of evil, wickedness, and perversion on the march; and with the overbearing weight of intrusive governments seizing freedom from the people, sometimes it feels like You have forgotten us, O God. But in our hearts we know this isn’t so. You are there and You are attending to all these things. The world will be made right, the wicked will be destroyed, and the benevolent monarchy of Messiah will rule in righteousness. We wait on that day with anticipation! Until then, we will continue to praise You through the storms. Amen.

Sunday, 18 January 2015

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4

In Acts 2, this is recorded –

“And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:5, 6

The followers of Jesus were heard speaking in various tongues according the people groups who were assembled. Those who heard their words in their own language were edified. They heard a message they could understand. However, anyone who spoke a different language was only edified in the language they understood, not in the ones directed to others. This is exactly the type of thing Paul is talking about.

The only people who are edified by the speaking of a language are those who understand that language. And so if someone comes into a church in Walla Walla, Washington where one language is spoken, that being English, and the individual begins speaking in Thai, only the speaker will be edified. Why will he be edified? Because he understands the language he is speaking. We process our thoughts through the construction of speech. This is done in our heads as we speak. When we put words together which we understand, we receive the edification of our thoughts in the compilation of those words.

**It should be noted that Paul says that, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” By virtue of the fact that the speaker is edified, it implies and proves that he is speaking of a known language, not an ecstatic, incoherent tongue (as is so often displayed in supposed “tongue speaking” churches). If the speaker were to be edified by “oola wahla bango wapo shoosh and shim” then everyone else who heard would be equally edified by it as well, because the incoherence of the words would equally apply to all. Instead, this is a known language which the speaker is edifying himself with. Were it not so, there would be no edification for anyone, including the speaker. Again, as every verse of Scripture concerning tongues has and will show, known languages are being referred to.

In contrast to this thought of “tongues” which edify only the speaker of the tongues, Paul continues with, “but he who prophesies edifies the church.” A word of instruction which is conveyed in a known language by the hearers of that instruction will be edified in that instruction.

And so, which makes more sense for the building up of the church – listening to someone speak Thai which nobody else understands, or hearing a preacher speak in the native language of the congregation for everyone to understand? The answer is obvious.

Life application: Speak the word of God, speak it coherently, speak it so others will understand, and therefore edify those who hear the word. For the saying is true – “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”

Lord, may the words of my lips be ever praising You. May my heart be directed to You always, and may others be built up by my words and actions, directing them to You so that You will be glorified in them. Make me a tool of Your using and not a person who is simply here to please myself for the few years You have ordained for me in this temporary walk of life. Be pleased with how I live in Your presence, O God! Amen.

Saturday, 17 January 2015

 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Corinthians 14:3

Paul contrasts verse 2 with these words by beginning with “but.” As he noted, people who speak in other languages while in the congregation (tongues) don’t “speak to men but to God.” In contrast to this, is the one who prophesies to the congregation. Rather than simply having a sole conversation with God (which the speaker can do anytime and at any place), the one prophesying does more. Not only does God hear his words, but he also “speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.”

Edification is spoken to build up the members of the congregation, to instruct them, to give them sound guidance, and to make them knowledgeable in the things of God. Exhortation is spoken to take away their feelings of insecurity, sluggishness, or timidity, thus making them bold. And words of comfort take away sadness, hopelessness, and despair.

Understanding the contrast between the two, which one is preferable to be spoken in the congregation? The answer is plain and obvious. Paul will say this later in this chapter –

“I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

Again, following through the logic of Paul’s argument in this epistle, he demonstrates conclusively that tongues, though having been needed at the establishment of the church, are all but unneeded in the workings of the regularly operating and established church; thus the comparison “five” to “ten thousand.” The inordinate focus on tongues by supposed “tongue speaking” churches shows a lack of scholarship and a complete misunderstanding of the purpose and meaning of “tongues” in the now-established church.

Life application: When one is in the church for growth and learning, and in order to be edified, he should either be explaining the word of God or listening to the word of God being explained in a competent and relevant way.

Lord God, I pray that my time will be used wisely in the pursuit of that which is right, honoring of You, and for the building up of others. Help me not to continue to squander my few precious moments of life on this earth in the pursuit of wind. I have tried to grasp it and it never fills my hand. I have tried to capture it and it simply disappears. And so Lord, help me to stop pursuing worthless things and instead give me right thinking to pursue that which is fixed, permanent, and enduring. To Your glory I pray this. Amen.

Friday, 16 January 2015

 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2

Paul will now contrast the speaking of a “tongue” to “prophesying” which he mentioned in the previous verse. Before analyzing this contrast, it needs to be noted that the word translated here as “tongue” signifies a human language in Acts 2:11, 10:46*, 19:6*; Romans 3:13;  1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:4*; and Revelation 5:9, 7:9, 10:11, 11:9, 13:7, 14:6; 17:15. The other times that “tongue” is used, it refers to the literal tongue in the mouth or something which resembles a tongue (such as “tongues” of fire). In three of these verses marked with an asterisk (*) it is implicitly understood to be a language because the people around them understood what was said.

There is no instance recorded in the Bible where the word “tongue” signifies anything other than a known language. The text must be forced to have this word imply some type of ecstatic utterance or a “shoo bop be loo bop” type of sound which is so commonly used by Charismatics and others in an attempt to draw attention to themselves.

Understanding that this is speaking of known languages, Paul’s words imply that the language is not known to all. It would be comparable to saying, “A French guy stood up and spoke French in a German church meeting.” In grasping this, we can properly interpret Paul’s intent. When a person “speaks in a tongue” (meaning a known language which is not understood by those in the congregation), he “does not speak to men but to God.”

When Charlie Garrett preaches at the Superior Word in Sarasota, Florida, he often preaches words and sentences directly from the Hebrew. When he blesses the elements of communion, he often gives the blessing in Hebrew. In this, none of the congregants understand what he is saying. If he throws in a German or Japanese phrase, the same will probably be true. Either few or none of those present will understand. Thus he speaks not “to men but to God” (who understands all languages). However, holding to the tenets of Scripture, (as will be seen later in this chapter), he always translates what he says in a foreign tongue for the benefit of those in attendance.

The reason that when he speaks in a tongue he “does not speak to men but to God” is explained by Paul as he continues with verse 2. It is because “no one understands him.” Without training in a language, nobody suddenly grasps that language. Instead, they sit listening without comprehending. This is no different than the recipients of the tongues spoken to in Acts 2. People heard the gospel preached in their own languages. If the languages were unknown to them, there would have only been confusion in their minds. But the Holy Spirit, acting as a “universal translator,” converted the words of the believers into a language that they could understand; a known language.

If this didn’t occur, a different outcome would have resulted. As Paul says, “However, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” The term “in the spirit” is pneumati. It can mean “wind,” “spirit,” or “breath.” Only the context of the surrounding verses can properly interpret the exact meaning of pneumati. As this is speaking of oral utterances, the word pneumati is certainly referring to “breath.” His “breath” speaks mysteries.

But even if it is to be translated “spirit,” it is certain that the breath of the man indicates the utterance of his spirit. There is no reason to assume that this is referring to the work of the Holy Spirit. From the later verses, it will be seen that speaking in “tongues” which do not fit certain guidelines cannot be of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, this here is certainly not speaking of Holy Spirit inspiration either.

In Paul’s words, we see that anyone who speaks in a different language will not be comprehended by those who hear it. Instead, they will find the words to be a mystery. A mystery is simply something unknown and which cannot be grasped without an explanation of the matter. Thus, Paul will give very strict guidelines in the verses ahead for the speaking of tongues.

Too often, readers of the Bible insert presuppositions into the text as they read. When this is done, anything can mean anything. Along with presuppositions, sensationalism is also introduced in order to heighten the experience of reading. The reason why this is often the case is because Bible study takes effort and contemplation. But that is hard work. And so rather than enjoy the Bible for the depth of wisdom it contains, a lighter and more sensational approach is taken in order to find satisfaction from the words which seem difficult and even confusing.

Life application: Be diligent in the study of the Bible. As believers, we get just one brief life to glean from it all we can before we will stand before our Creator for rewards and losses.  Let us be approved on that day.

Lord God, life is such a brief vapor. In my mind, I’m still young and full of energy, doing the things that I did as a youth. But in my body I am slowing down and finding a few new pains with each passing day. Lord, help me to use my time rightly before my days are done. Give me the wisdom, the intelligence, and the desire to pick up Your word, read it, study it, and cherish it during this brief moment of my existence. Why should I stand before You and say, “I was busy watching TV”? Instead, let me say, “Your word carried me though each wonderful day.” Amen.

Thursday, 15 January 2015

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

Paul now returns to the subject of “gifts” which he left off with in Chapter 12. However, even in Chapter 13, he never really left the issue behind. Rather, he had used his discourse on love to show the believers at Corinth that their use of gifts, and particularly tongues, wasn’t in line with that precept. This will be seen in his coming words.

In order to set up his logic concerning tongues in the coming verses, he will first introduce a thought concerning obtaining a different gift. Why would he do this? The answer becomes evident when we see how Paul viewed the gift of tongues and its use within the church at Corinth.

Chapter 14 will explain these things in detail and understanding his instruction on tongues, in proper context, should be mandatory for every charismatic Bible college, seminary, and church. Almost every verse in chapter 14, a chapter which is 40 verses long, is given to properly instruct us on the completely abused gift of tongues.

And so to begin the chapter, he says to “pursue love.” This asks us to reflect on his words of chapter 13. Everything that is done should have this as its main consideration. In pursuing love, the use of our spiritual gifts will be proper.

Secondly, he says to also pursue “spiritual gifts.” True gifts of the spirit are necessary for the instruction and edification of the church. In that then, we are to pursue obtaining them. In fact, in 12:31, just before his parenthetical thought concerning love of Chapter 13, he said, “But earnestly desire the best gifts.” So it is right to seek after spiritual gifts and it is right to seek after the best of those gifts.

Having said that, and understanding the context of his words, he now finishes this verse with, “but especially that you may prophesy.” Why has he said this? To understand fully, consider again what he was speaking about in Chapter 12 – all the gifts of the spirit. To him, the best of the gifts was that of prophesying. This does not mean specifically “foretelling” but “forth-telling.” Forth-telling is the right interpretation and then explanation of Scripture in order to build up and edify the church; it is “preaching.”

The value of preaching the word is the highest gift to Paul because “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The means of hearing about the salvation which God has chosen for the people of the world is preaching. Without people exercising this gift, the word won’t be heard and people won’t be saved.

Therefore, Paul says that men of God should pursue this gift above all else. With that now understood, he will contrast this with “tongues” in the coming verses. In other words, the intelligible, thoughtful, and proper preaching of God’s word will be used as the standard to compare to the gift of “tongues.”

Thus he will demonstrate that the use of tongues at Corinth (and which continues to this day in unstable churches) is unintelligible, thoughtless, and even improper. Instead of edifying the body, it often divides and confuses it. For this reason, Paul will set very strict limits on the use of tongues; limits which are all but ignored in many churches. In ignoring Paul’s words, they ignore the One who inspired his words.

Life application: Pay attention to the coming 39 verses of 1 Corinthians 14. Be prepared to rightly explain the use of tongues in a church – why they are to be spoken, who should speak them, and when they are to be allowed.

Heavenly Father, we often claim that we love You, but then we don’t do what You have instructed us. Sometimes it’s willful disobedience and sometimes its just our human weakness. Help us to know Your word and then to live by it. How can I say I love You and then willingly ignore what Your instruction manual says? Would my boss be pleased with me if I did this? Would the government allow me to ignore their laws? Help me in this. Surely obedience to You is a demonstration of love for You. And loving You is what I truly desire. Amen.