Sunday, 8 February 2015
And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. 1 Corinthians 14:25
Paul, noting the difference between people speaking unknown languages and people preaching the word of God (prophesying) shows the contrast in this verse. If everyone is speaking in a foreign tongue, a visitor to the church will think they are mad. However, if everyone speaks coherent words which proclaim Scripture, “the secrets of his heart are revealed.”
The Bible has the power to convict because it reveals the fallen state of man. Among other reasons, God has given us this word to show our fallen state and how the breach between us can be repaired. As the author of Hebrews notes –
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
As the Bible is properly explained, those who hear it will be edified concerning whatever subject matter is being treated. In response to this, there will be a reaction to the words by the hearer of them. In the case of the uninformed, He may be convicted of his need for Christ. Thus, “falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”
This “falling down on his face” is the way that someone in the Middle East would show deep emotion and humility. It is found numerous times in Scripture and would be comparable to a westerner breaking down in tears and covering his face with his hands. There is nothing in this verse which would support being “slain in the Spirit” as Charismatic churches do. The intent is a humble response and a deep-felt conviction at hearing the word of God, not an ostentatious display at hearing a bunch of nonsense issue from the lips of men who would turn a church meeting into a carnival display.
The intent of church is to teach people about God. A church can only teach people about God if they proclaim Christ, who reveals God the Father. And a church can only teach people about Christ if they do so from His word, which is our source for knowing Him. It is from hearing the word properly preached that faith arises, and from properly directed faith will come salvation. When a person comes to this point in the congregation, he will rightly utter “God is truly among you.”
“Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway,
And fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray.” Goldsmith
Life application: It may not be sensational by today’s standards to hear the Bible properly preached, but in the context of eternity for the human soul, it is the most sensational message possible. Be sure to find a church where the Bible is held in high regard and properly explained.
God, You are not fickle. If You are perfect in Your very being, then when You speak to Your creatures, Your word will be perfectly coherent and it will reflect who You are perfectly. Despite there being many religions on earth, only one can logically be correct. Surely it is my duty to sort through them and determine which it is. I know and am convinced that the Bible alone is Your word and that salvation is found in none other than the Messiah -Yeshua. I receive Your word and I bow to Jesus. I have found peace with You through His shed blood! Hallelujah and Amen.