Tag: 1st Corinthians 14
A God of Order and Peace!
Scripture reading for July 25th: 1st Corinthians 14
Key scriptures for over-comers: 1st Corinthians 14:26-29, 33 “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two–or at the most three–should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said”. . . . “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
God made provision to strengthen His Church that He is building. He places each person in the Church as it pleases Him and then gives gifts to each member to be used to strengthen it. There are those that teach, prophesy, and are used in messages in tongues with interpretation. Respect for each other and taking time to allow each one to use the gifts they have make for an orderly and peaceful service that honors and invites the God of Peace to be enthroned on the praises of His people.
Observations for over-comers: The gathering of God’s people brings strength, encouragement, and a community of unity and peace when the Holy Spirit is in charge! “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like the precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1-3)
Building up the Church!
Scripture reading for July 24th: 1st Corinthians 14
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophesy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” (1st Corinthians 14:1-3) Paul encouraged the church members to follow the excellent way of love and to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. The one gift to be especially sought was prophesy.
Prophesy was not just a foretelling of the future. Prophesy was speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in a known language to strengthen and encourage others in the faith. God knows each individual and group of believers and wants to communicate with them to help them in their walk and mission. God uses people who are willing to share His word and speak by the Spirit’s inspiration.
The Corinthians were often speaking in tongues in their meetings. Paul stated that this gift was good, but in order to help others, tongues must be interpreted and put into a language that all could understand and benefit. (1st Corinthians 14:13-17) When a person speaks in tongues by the Spirit, he is speaking directly to God and speaks ‘mysteries’. When someone who is gifted to interpret gives the understanding, then all are edified.
Paul did want all church members to eagerly desire the spiritual gifts. He also wanted the gifts to be used to build up the church. “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” (1st Corinthians 14:26) Are you eagerly seeking spiritual gifts?