1 Corinthians 14
July 4, 2022
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” (v1-4)
The first ground rule Paul lays down for corporate worship is to sacrifice our personal preferences for what will most edify the whole church. One of the problems with the Corinthians was that there were a lot of folks speaking in tongues (other languages) – all at the same time, in the middle of the worship service. Paul didn’t have a problem with tongues per se. His problem with the Corinthians’ practice of tongues was that the other people in the room didn’t understand what was being said – such that it wasn’t edifying the whole church. Paul says there’s a different gift that should be prioritized when we gather together: prophecy. ‘Prophecy’ in the NT is not first and foremost a foretelling of the future, but a forth-telling of God’s Word, a proclamation of God’s Word. And Paul says that’s what the church needs most. When the church gathers, it’s the proclamation of God’s Word that is most “edifying” (v4) to God’s people.
Father, I praise You for making Yourself known to us through the Living Word, who is Jesus, and the Written Word, that is the Scriptures. Forgive me for the times I take for granted the gift it is to open a Bible and receive instruction, correction, encouragement and inspiration. Even now, I’m reminded of Your people in Burundi, some of whom did not have one Bible in their entire community, and their dancing and joy when we brought them Your Word in their language. Cultivate in our Trinity family that kind of joy when we gather on Sunday to open up the Word and hear from You.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
