Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues. Orderly Worship. 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

1 Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues Orderly Worship 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

2 Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues Orderly Worship Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, 1. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5. I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7. And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

3 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

4 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. 35. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37. If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order.

5 Introduction: I. 1 Corinthians 14 is the third consecutive chapter dealing with problems related to spiritual gifts and the gift of tongues in particular. A. The genuine gift of tongues among the Corinthians had been corrupted by misconduct by certain believers at Corinth. B. The gift of tongues at Corinth may be in some respect different than those described on Pentecost. 1. The Corinthian tongues required interpreters. 2. The tongues on Pentecost required no interpreters. C. Some Corinthians may have counterfeited the genuine gift of tongues, pretending to possess a gift which they did not have. II. Pride, vain glory, envy and strife (Coffman) present at Corinth in regard to spiritual gifts were soundly condemned by Paul. Commentary: Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues 1 Corinthians 14:1, Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. I. Follow after love... A. Love is the principal thing. II. yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts,

6 A. Love does not disallow seeking divinely bestowed spiritual gifts. B. Love does forbid jealousy and strife present among the Corinthians in regard to spiritual gifts. III. but rather that ye may prophecy, especially the gifts of prophecy. A. The gift of prophecy involved teaching and, sometimes, the foretelling of future events. B. Clearly, prophecy was a highly beneficial gift for the advancement of the gospel and guidance of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:2, For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. I. Anyone that speaks in a tongue does not speak unto men, but unto God, A. for no man understands him, 1. Without an interpreter, hearers could not know what was being said. 2. The speaker evidently did not always know what he was saying unless he also possessed the gift of interpretation of tongues. B. but in the spirit he speaks mysteries, he utters mysteries with his spirit.

7 1 Corinthians 14:3, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. I. Everyone that prophecies speaks unto men: A. edification, strengthening B. exhortation, encouragement C. consolation, comfort 1 Corinthians 14:4, He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I. He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself. A. Speaking in tongues edified the speaker. B. Possession of the gift of tongues may have served as proof that the speaker had received the Holy Spirit. II. He that prophesies, edifies, builds up the church. A. Prophesying then, was a gift to be desired more than the gift of tongues. B. The Corinthians had their preferences misplaced. C. Tongues were spectacular. The Corinthians wanted the spectacular, not the beneficial. 1 Corinthians 14:5, I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. I. I (Paul) would like, have you all speak with tongues.

8 A. Tongues were a gift of God. B. Paul wanted all Christians to be blessed abundantly by all of God s gifts. II. I would rather that you should prophesy. A. If you can t have many gifts, seek to prophesy because its benefits are greater than speaking in tongues. III. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues. A. Unless he interprets so that the hearers can benefit by what is said. B. so that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:6, Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? I. What good would I (Paul) profit you if I came to you Corinthians speaking in tongues unless I speak to you by way of, unless I bring you some: A. revelation, that which is revealed by the Holy Spirit. B. knowledge, supernatural knowledge. C. prophesying, teaching, foretelling future events. D. teaching, word of instruction, ordinary teaching of things learned from others.

9 1 Corinthians 14:7, And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? I. Even lifeless things, things without life A. that make sounds, give a voice whether... 1. pipe, flute 2. harp B. if they give not a distinction of the sounds 1. how shall it be known what is piped or harped, what tune is being played, 2. unless there is a distinction in the notes. II. Sounds even from lifeless sources are of no value, may even be counterproductive if they have no clear meaning. 1 Corinthians 14:8, For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? I. If the trumpet gives an uncertain voice, does not sound a clear call, II. who shall prepare himself for war, get ready for battle? III. Such confusion could result in defeat and disaster. 1 Corinthians 14:9, So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. I. So also you, so it is with you.

10 II. Unless you speak intelligible words, utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, III. how shall it be known what is spoken? How will anyone know what you are saying? IV. You will just be speaking into the air. V. Tongues as misused by the Corinthians, like bugles that give uncertain sounds, produced confusion and were of no positive value to the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10, There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. I. Undoubtedly, there are many kinds of voices, languages in the world. A. Everyone knows there are many different languages spoken on earth. II. No kind of voice is without signification, none of them is without meaning. A. Each language is a vehicle for communication among those who know the language. III. If I do not grasp, know the meaning of the voice, what someone is saying, IV. I will be to him that speaks a barbarian (one who did not speak Greek), a foreigner to the speaker.

11 A. I would be unable to understand what is said. 1. Acts 14:11, And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. V. He that speaks will be a barbarian, a foreigner to me. A. The speaker and listener simply cannot communicate under these circumstances. B. Such speech is useless. So it is with the Corinthians and their misuse of the gifts of tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:12, Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. I. So it is with you. II. Since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, eager to have spiritual gifts, III. try to excel in gifts that build up the church, seek that you may abound unto the edifying of the church. A. The Corinthians were striving for the lesser beneficial gifts. B. Paul urged them to seek spiritual gifts that would do the most good, benefit the most people. 1 Corinthians 14:13, Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

12 I. Let the person who speaks in tongues, II. pray that he may interpret what he says. A. Evidently, all speakers in tongues did not understand what they were saying. III. In this way, tongues would be of some benefit to the listeners. 1 Corinthians 14:14, For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. I. If I speak in a tongue, II. my spirit prays, III. but my mind, understanding is unfruitful. A. Under these conditions, I do not understand nor benefit by what is said in a tongue. IV. Lipscomb via Coffman, I will pray and sing by the inspiration of the Spirit, and in a language that they will understand to their profit. 1 Corinthians 14:15, What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. I. What is it then? So what shall I do? A. McGarvey via Coffman, What is the conclusion of the argument? II. I will pray and sing with the, my: A. spirit.

13 B. understanding, mind. III. Let everything be done in a language everybody can understand. (Coffman) 1 Corinthians 14:16, 17, Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I. If you bless, are praising God, with the, your spirit, II. the unlearned, those who do not understand, cannot say amen at the giving of your thanks, A. Those who do not understand what is said cannot assert their agreement. III. because he doesn t know what you say, are saying. IV. You may be giving thanks well, V. but the other man is not edified because he doesn t understand what you are saying. A. The Holy Spirit certainly was not guiding the Corinthians to misuse the spiritual gift of tongues. B. Some of the Corinthians may have been pretending to possess the gift of tongues by their cheap imitation, counterfeiting of the real thing. 1 Corinthians 14:18, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

14 I. I thank God, A. Paul was grateful to God for all his blessings. B. He now thanks God for his superlative ability to speak in tongues. II. I speak with tongues more than all of you. A. Paul excelled in speaking in tongues. B. However, he never misused the gift. C. Paul s proper use of the gift of tongues condemned the Corinthians abuses of the gift of tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:19, Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. I. In the church II. I (Paul) had rather speak five intelligible words with my understanding III. that I might instruct others also IV. than ten thousand words in a tongue. V. This is the attitude of all who truly have the spirit of Christ. A. This was contrary to the Corinthians attitude and conduct. B. End of argument! Paul had set the record straight.

15 1 Corinthians 14:20, Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. I. Brethren, II. be not children in mind, stop thinking like children, in regard to the gift of tongues, III. yet in your thinking, in regard to malice, evil, be babes, infants, A. Love must characterize your relationships with other Christians. B. Your attitude should be that of infants who show no malice, evil. IV. but in mind, in your thinking, be men, adults. A. Grow up, Corinthians! 1 Corinthians 14:21, In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. I. In the law it is written, A. Isaiah 28:11, For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. B. God spoke to the sinful Israelites by the foreign conquerors and still they did not listen, heed what God said. C. The prophet Isaiah spoke the word, law of God.

16 II. By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; III. and not even thus, then will they hear me, listen to me, saith the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:22, Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. I. Tongues are for a sign to unbelievers, not believers. A. Tongues served this purpose on Pentecost. B. Acts 2:1-6, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. II. Prophesying is for a sign to believers, not to unbelievers. A. Teaching in an understandable language would strengthen the church, benefit believers. B. Teaching directed to the church was not designed to convert unbelievers.

17 C. Evangelistic teaching would benefit the unbelievers. 1 Corinthians 14:23, If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? I. If the whole church be assembled together... II. and all speak with tongues... A. If all spoke in tongues at the same time, each wanting to be the star of the show, utter confusion and disorder would prevail. B. With no orderly interpreting of tongues, what was said could not be understood. III. if some who do not understand, are unlearned or unbelieving come in, they will say you are mad, out of your mind! A. This is an illustration of a way in which this type of tongue speaking was not a sign to the unbeliever. B. Church services were open to the public, everyone welcome. 1 Corinthians 14:24, But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: I. If all prophesy... A. in an orderly manner.

18 II. and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, who does not understand, while you are preaching, III. he is convinced that he is a sinner, reproved, judged by all. A. The teaching convicts him of sin and the lost is led to salvation in Christ. B. Prophesying, speaking the gospel in truth is beneficial to those in and out of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:25, And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. I. The secrets of his hearts are made manifest, laid bare, II. he will fall down on his face and worship God, A. All through recorded history, convicted sinners have prostrated themselves before Almighty God. III. declaring, exclaiming that God is really among you. IV. Prophesying, not speaking in tongues in the manner of the Corinthians, converted souls. Orderly Worship 1 Corinthians 14:26, How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. I. What is it then, brethren? What then shall we say?

19 II. When you come together, each one has a... A. services of the early church were clearly informal. B. psalm, hymn. 1. Coffman, They sang by turns a hymn to Christ as God. 2. Coffman, There were no hymn books or congregational singing except tunes sung in unison. Four part harmony had not been invented. C. teaching, words of instruction by uninspired teachers. D. revelation, the words of inspired teachers. E. tongues, the genuine spiritual gift of tongues. F. interpretation of tongues. III. Let all things be done unto edifying, for the strengthening of the church. A.... as God has specified. B. Disorder and confusion are contrary to God s will and purpose. 1 Corinthians 14:27, 28, If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

20 I. If any man speaks in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn, one at a time... A. Paul stipulated certain rules in regard to tongues which would preserve order and decorum and assure the purposes for which God gave tongues to certain first century Christians. II. and let one interpret, someone must interpret. A. No one was to speak publicly in a tongue without the availability of an interpreter. B. Otherwise, no one could understand what was being said. III. If there be no interpreter, A. let him keep silence in the church... 1. Clearly, the gift of tongues did not overwhelm the person and take possession of him. 2. The speaker had control of himself and could either speak or not speak. B. and let him speak to himself 1. Without an interpreter, tongues were not to be used publicly in church. 2. Tongues were to be confined to private use in the absence of an interpreter. 3. This took all the spotlight off the tongue speaker and eliminated the glory seeking sought by certain Corinthians.

21 C. and to God. 1. There was humility, not pride, in talking with God. 2. This certainly defused the Corinthian hypocrites. 1 Corinthians 14:29-32, Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. I. Let the prophets speak by two or three and let the others discern, weigh carefully what is said. II. If a revelation be made to another sitting by, A. let the first keep silence, stop. B. As with tongues, those with the gift of prophecy had control of themselves and could speak or not speak as the situation dictated. C. There was no irresistible compulsion to either prophecy or speak in tongues. III. You can all prophecy one by one, in turn, A. that all may learn, be instructed B. and all may be exhorted, encouraged. C. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the control of the prophets.

22 IV. We can only imagine the disorder and confusion that must have characterized the Corinthians worship services before these regulations were introduced. 1 Corinthians 14:33, For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I. God is not a God of confusion, disorder, but of peace. II. The conduct of the Corinthians was clearly the opposite of God s nature. A. The Corinthians were wrong. B. They were to forthwith cease and desist their confusing, disorderly, strife filled behavior. C. The devil, not God, was the author of all this corruption, pandemonium. 1 Corinthians 14:34, Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. I. As in all the churches, congregations of the saints, A. In matters of faith, there is to be uniformity among all the churches of the saints. B. In matters of opinion, there may be diversity. II. Women should be, let the women keep silence in the churches. A. Do not let the women speak in tongues in the church at all.

23 B. This is not a universal law forbidding all women to speak in church under any circumstances. III. because it is not permitted for them to speak, they are not allowed to speak, A. that is, in tongues. IV. They must be, let them be in subjection. A. Corinthian women may well have been the leaders in the confusion relating to tongues. V. as also saith the law. A. Genesis 3:16, Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. B. Genesis 2:18, And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. C. Christian women were not to usurp the authority of the husband in the family and so disrupt the harmony of the family. VI. Women in both the Old and New Testaments on occasion served publicly. A. Miriam. Exodus 15:20, And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

24 B. Deborah. Judges 4:4, 5, And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. C. Huldah. 2 Kings 22:14, So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. D. Anna. Luke 2:36-38, And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. E. Pentecost. Acts 2:17, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: F. Priscilla. Acts 18:24-28, And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the

25 synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. G. Phoebe. Romans 16:1, I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 1 Corinthians 14:35, And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. I. If they want to inquire about something, would learn anything, A. The women in view here were married. B. Rather than cause confusion in the church, Paul specified an orderly way to deal with questions, problems that arose. II. let them ask their husbands at home. A. Coffman, What about the woman whose husband is an ignoramus, an unbeliever, or an open enemy of God? B. Clearly, this is not a universal role for all times, societies and circumstances. III. It is disgraceful, shameful for women to speak in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:36, What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

26 I.What, was it from you that the word of God was sent forth? Did the word of God originate with you? II. or came it from you alone? Or are you the only people it has reached? III. This was Paul s sarcastic denunciation of the Corinthians, Surely, you could not believe that you are some kind of Mother Church! Coffman. 1 Corinthians 14:37, If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. I. If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, spiritually gifted, II. let him acknowledge, take knowledge of the things which I (Paul) write unto you, III. that they are the commandments of God. IV. The proof that the Corinthians were truly righteous before God was their acknowledging by statement and deed that what Paul here said was true, God s will. A. This continues to be true in all ages. B. Those who follow Paul and the other inspired Biblical authors are sound in the faith, right with God. C. Those who don t, aren t! 1 Corinthians 14:38, But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

27 I. But if any man is ignorant, ignores this, Note: RSV, If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. II. let him be ignorant still, he himself will be ignored. III. We are not to recognize people as faithful Christians who ignore what Paul and other inspired Biblical authors taught. 1 Corinthians 14:39, 40, Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. I. Wherefore, my brethren, A. Hear the conclusion of the matter. II. be eager, desire earnestly to prophesy, A. Teaching is superior to speaking in tongues because it converts sinners and edifies the church. B. Therefore, the Corinthians should earnestly desire the gift of prophesy. III. and forbid not to speak with tongues. A. Genuine speaking in tongues was a spiritual gift and, of course, was not to be forbidden. IV. Let all things be done A. decently, in a fitting way, B. in order, in an orderly way.

28 C. Speaking in tongues was to be done, as in everything in the church, decently and in order. D. The confusion at Corinth had to end immediately! Enough already!

29 Questions 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 1. Exactly what was the gift of tongues? Were the tongues of Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 the same? If not, how were they different? 2. What was wrong with the way certain Corinthians were speaking in tongues? 3. is the thing. does not disallow seeking. does forbid and present among the in regard to. 4. The gift of involved and, sometimes, the of. Clearly was a highly for the of the and of the. 5. Anyone that speaks in a does not speak unto, but unto. Evidently the speaker did

30 not always know what he was saying unless he also possessed the of. 6. In contrast with tongues, everyone who speaks unto,,,,,. 7. Which gift was to be more desired, tongues or prophecy? Why? 8. Why did the Corinthians prefer the gift of tongues? 9. Paul wished that all Corinthians would with, but he preferred that they should. Why? 10. Paul would benefit the Corinthians by speaking in tongues only if he thereby brought to them a,, or.

31 11. What point did Paul make by referring to pipes, flutes and harps? 12. There are many in the. Each one is a vehicle of among those who the. If a person does not the, the speaking does him no. 13. Paul urged the Corinthians to seek that would do the most, the most. 14. Let the who speaks in, that he may. Evidently, all in did not what they were saying. In this way would be of some to the. 15. I will and by the of the, and in a that they will to their. (Lipscomb via Coffman.) 16. If you Corinthians by speaking in tongues are God with the, those who do not, cannot say at the of your because he doesn t know what you are. You may be well, but the other is not because he doesn t what you are.

32 17. Paul with more than all the. He never the. Paul s use of the of the s of the of. 18. Paul said he had rather with his that he might others also than in a. 19. How were the Corinthians not to be like children? How were they to be like children? 20. When did God speak to his people by men of strange tongues? How did the people respond to this approach? 21. How can it be said that tongues are a sign to unbelievers?

33 22. How can it be said that prophesying is a sign to believers? 23. If all, the, speak with at the, each wanting to be the of the, utter and would prevail and some who do not will say you are, of your. 24. If all and an or person should come to the service, he would be that he is a, be and by all. The of his are made and he will on his and declaring that God is really you. 25. When you come together in worship, each one has a,,, of,, of. Let all be done unto, for the of the. 26. What rules did Paul stipulate regarding speaking in tongues? See verses 27, 28.

34 27. What rules did Paul stipulate regarding prophesying? See verses 29-32. 28. What were the purposes of these rules? 29. is not a of, but of. The Corinthians were to forthwith and their,, behavior. 30. Is it sinful for women to speak in church services? Give scriptural reasons for your answer. 31. Tell about Old and New Testament women who served publicly?

35 32. Were women involved in the problems at Corinth? Give reasons for your answer. If you answered yes, state how you think they were involved. 33. Women who had husbands were to ask them about any matter regarding which they had questions. What were single women to do? What if a Christian woman s husband was an unbeliever? What was she to do? 34. Is this a universal rule to be followed by Christian women everywhere for all time? What circumstances led to this injunction by Paul? 35. Did the Corinthians have an exalted view of themselves? How could they really prove they were spiritual?

36 36. What did Paul mean by the statement, But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant still? 37. is to in because it and the. 38. Genuine in was a and, of course, was not to be. 39. Let be done, in a way, in, in an. 40. Do some Christians possess the gift of tongues, interpretation of tongues today? If not, when did they cease? Give scriptural reasons for your answers.