I Corinthians Chapter 14
The gift of tongues is always a subject that brings confusion in Christian circles. But that is exactly the point that Paul is trying to make in this chapter as he addresses the love that the Corinthian church had for speaking in tongues. Paul wanted the people to see that so many individuals expressing the gift of tongues all at once would only bring confusion in the church and would especially be a deterrent to an unbeliever since they would think the church had gone mad.
As I study this passage, I confess that what I have been taught about the gift of tongues is a bit different than what I read in scripture. But I love that, it causes me to want to dig deeper and to find what I believe God wants me to understand about this passage. Sometimes when a subject in scripture interests us, we spend extra time searching for other passages that relate to this passage and we can read commentaries. But for the sake of reading God’s Word through as a morning devotional we will look at the truths we know to be doctrinal truths.
Let's Reflect
1. Speaking in tongues was something spoken that was not understood by the people of the church. Paul said it was a language spoken to God. Prophecy on the other hand was a gift of proclaiming God’s truths that could be easily understood. Who was the recipient of spoken prophecies?
2. Paul admonished the church that if they were going to speak in tongues that they pray for what? See verse 13.
3. He compared speaking in tongues to singing. When we sing in the spirit, no one else can hear what we are singing to the Lord. Singing to God definitely benefits us, but if we sing out loud, others can hear it and also be blessed. If we speak in tongues to God but do not ask God to also give interpretation than others will not benefit from what is being said. Another example Paul gave is offering thanksgiving. When a word of thanksgiving to God is spoken out loud, others are blessed too. Paul wanted them to see that the gifts had a distinct purpose in the church. What was it? See verses 5 and 26.
4. To help facilitate this purpose and to also be a better witness of the gospel, Paul offered another admonishment regarding speaking in tongues. What was it? See verse 27.
5. In verse 28 Paul also admonished that if there were no interpretation of the tongues, what should be done?
6. Paul also instructed them to be orderly as they expressed the gift of prophecy. What did he say they should do rather than all speak at once?
7. What is the underlying truth that must be kept in mind when using these gifts? See verse 33.
8. Verse 34 speaks to women in the church – most likely they were judging prophecies over men. Paul had already taught in chapter 11 that women are to pray in church, so this is most likely a case of women usurping men’s authority. In my humble opinion this would be a good passage to answer the question should women be preachers? I think the answer is clear, no- they should not. What do you think?
9. Paul ends the chapter with two instructions. The first is that if the church is to express spiritual gifts they must be sure they are of God. The second thing he instructs is found in verse 40. What is it?
Devotionals
