READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Christians are to eagerly desire spiritual gifts to build each other up. (V12, 26) Usually attention is drawn to the more spectacular ones such as healing, prophesy or speaking in tongues. Paul addresses this issue and reminds the Corinthian church not to allow gifts to be a divisive issue but to always focus on the giver rather than the gift. Every gift, even the more ordinary, is intended for the common good of the Body of Christ and must be exercised in love or there is no advantage or gain.
So what are the gifts of prophesy and tongues and how do they build up the Body of Christ? Prophecy is the ability to foretell (predict the future) and forth-tell (speak forth) God’s will and purposes for situations and circumstances. Most frequently it is forth-telling and is understandable, giving warnings, judgement, wisdom and insight. Every prophecy is potentially fallible and needs to be weighed and tested. Does it glorify God, is it consistent with the Bible, is it spoken in love and does the speaker submit to the collective discernment of the community? Prophesy is never meant to condemn but to encourage. The speaker should humbly accept that he may be wrong. We can all seek God’s wisdom and discernment to share uplifting words of encouragement with those around us.
There are two Greek words for ‘tongues’. Xenolalia means ‘known languages’ as in Acts 2:1-11 and Glossolalia means ‘unknown language’ which requires interpretation (V2, 26-28). In this context Paul is taking about glossolalia which is a prayer language expressing desire beyond words for more of the Lord’s presence. Like all gifts, it is not universal or superior and is mainly for self-edification, to encounter God in a deeper way. Paul reminds the Church that the main point is that gifts are not for personal glorification but to build others up. There are 3 lessons to be drawn from this passage.
1. Edify others instead of yourself. Prophecy is a preferred gift because it strengthens, consoles and encourages (V3). It brings revelation, knowledge and instruction (V6). It convicts unbelievers of their sin (V24). It lays bare the secrets of the heart so the presence of God is witnessed in the congregation (V25). Tongues, however, is primarily a personal gift and does not edify unless interpreted. Paul is not against tongues, but he cautions that gifts should only be exercised in love to bless others, not show off or please ourselves. We must always encourage participation, not an individual performance! An excellent Bible study teacher should not exclude other small group members from taking turns to facilitate. A magnificent sermon is not judged on its craftsmanship but on whether it clearly communicates scriptural truth and draws people towards God!
2. Welcome instead of hinder. (V 22) Quoting from Isaiah 28:11-12, Paul says that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. This was a prophecy from 700 years before, alluding to the period of exile. Because of Israel’s sin, God judged them by speaking in foreign languages through the powers who ruled over them. However, prophesy reassured the Israelites that God had not forgotten them.
Uninterpreted tongues are very confusing and unwelcoming and will hinder seekers. Prophecy is a sign of God’s presence and will draw others in to our community. Are we a welcoming church, listening without judgement, seeking to encourage and genuinely caring for newcomers and thus making it easy for them to join us?
Before we try to evangelise a pre-believer, we should build a meaningful relationship with them.
3. Bring order instead of disarray. Paul stresses that the church must do things in a fitting and orderly way to reflect our God of Peace. People should take turns to speak in tongues (with interpretation) and prophesy (V27,31). Wives should not interrupt their husbands during church service (when the men may be prophesying) but save any questions for a more appropriate time. Do we help facilitate order in the way we organise and communicate? Do we bring clarity or confusion? Every Worship Service is arranged in a theological order: Preparation, Praise, Prayer, Proclamation and Promise (that God goes with us as we leave the service).
Isaiah 50:4a says: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.”
May we go forth and seek to give a prophetic word to bring life to the soul of others.
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Questions for discussion:
1. How have we regarded some gifts as of greater value/importance than others?
2. Discuss a few differences between prophecy and tongues as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 14.
3. Why did Paul think it’s important to have interpretation of tongues in a corporate worship setting?
4. Why are tongues a sign for unbelievers and prophecy a sign for believers?
5. Are there ways that we have used our gifts for self-glorification instead of mutual edification?
6. Have what people said or done in church or as part of a church activity (e.g. small group) made you feel unwelcomed?
7. How can you learn from that experience in what you yourself can say or do?
8. How can we as a church welcome instead of hinder others from belonging to us?
9. How has the sermon helped you appreciate the importance of order in our services?
10. As you reflect on Chapter 14, what will you pray for Wesley? Take time to pray for our church.
