Author: Charlie Garrett

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.

Wednesday, 14 January 2015

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Paul concludes his discourse on love in this verse by beginning with “And now…” Among scholars, there is division over what this means. Some take it as a temporal sequence which would place it in opposition to the “then” of the previous verse. What that would mean is that “now” isn’t speaking of our present existence in comparison to the future, such as – “And at this time abide faith, hope, and love, but someday only love will abide.” Instead, it is speaking of the logical nature of the summary thought; it is the conclusion of everything he has said. “And now when every other gift is done away with, faith, hope, and love will remain.”

Other scholars will argue the opposite by stating that only love will remain in the future. Faith will no longer be needed because it will be swallowed up in sight, and hope will no longer be needed because we will have possession of our hope in the joy of the Lord. Thus, only love will remain.

The first argument is correct; all three will remain. They are all permanent and they are all essential, even in the eternal state. What Paul is telling us here is that the “gifts” which the believers at Corinth had been arguing over were temporary and that they would pass away, even gifts such as prophecy. On the other hand, the three individual components of faith, hope, and love would continue on forever.

If eternity is set before us and yet our eternity is based on God’s willingness to maintain His created order, then our faith will remain in God who continues to sustain our existence. Tied into this is hope which will always remain as an anchor for the soul of the redeemed. It will never find its completion, but will always exist. Because God is infinite, we will infinitely hope to see more of His infinite goodness as He ceaselessly reveals Himself to us.

Despite these being eternal though, the facet of love is greater than they are. It is not greater in duration (which is impossible because all are eternal), but in logical order. The Pulpit Commentary explains why love is greater than faith and hope in four ways –

“1. Love is the greatest, because it is the root of the other two; ‘we believe only in that which we love; we hope only for that which we love.’
2. And love is the greatest because love is for our neighbours; faith and hope mainly for ourselves.
3. And love is the greatest because faith and hope are human, but God is love.
4. And love is the greatest because faith and hope can only work by love, and only show themselves by love. Thus love is as the undivided perfection of sevenfold light. Faith and hope are precious stones of one colour, as a ruby and a sapphire; but love, as he has been showing us throughout the chapter, is a diamond of many facets.”

Life application: Paul has shown a “more excellent way” in 1 Corinthians 13. Rather than arguing over who has the better gift, and rather than having feelings of either jealousy or contempt towards others because of their gift, we should express gratitude to God for His provision and demonstrate love towards God and others as we await our final call to eternal glory.

O God, I cannot express to You the thanks in my heart and soul for the people I worship with, work with, walk with, and who I share in life with even on the internet each day. There is always someone to lift me up in prayer or someone that I can return that favor to. When I have something exciting to share, folks are there to share in those moments. And when they have good times, I get to revel in their happiness as well. Thank You for all the people who I have had the pleasure and honor of coming to know in this life. Thank You, O God! Amen.