Devotional 1 Corinthians 14: Tongues, Prophecy, and Order in Worship Reflection on 1 Corinthians 14: differences between speaking in tongues and prophesying, the edification of the church, and the importance of orderly worship. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional 1 Corinthians 14: Tongues, Prophecy, and Order in Worship

Today’s devotional is found in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, and this was what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, Paul explains in his letter to the Corinthian Christians the difference regarding who is edified when someone speaks in tongues versus when someone prophesies. Furthermore, he explains how they should allow the use of these gifts during worship, but always maintaining order.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. The difference between the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy. Paul took the opportunity, following the confusion regarding spiritual gifts, to better explain the difference between the gifts of tongues and prophecy, what the purposes of the gifts are, and which ones we should eagerly desire. The great difference between the gift of tongues and prophecy lies in who is edified. When we speak in tongues (i.e., our spirit speaks for us in angelic or spiritual languages), we are primarily edifying ourselves, because no one can understand us when we communicate with God in spiritual tongues. It sounds like a foreign language to those who do not understand it. However, when we prophesy, we communicate with others in a language they comprehend. Moreover, we do so to edify them through this divine revelation (1 Corinthians 14:2–4). For this helps them better grasp and understand God’s plans. That is to say, both spiritual gifts are important, but what helps others most (believers and unbelievers alike) to comprehend the will of God is the gift of prophecy, unless the speaker also has the interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:5). For the purpose of these gifts is to serve God and help draw others closer to Him. That is why Paul recommends that, among the spiritual gifts, we should eagerly desire those that will edify others and help them understand the plans and will of God (1 Corinthians 14:12).
2. We must maintain order in worship services without prohibiting the use of gifts. Paul also recommends that we must avoid disorder in church gatherings, for God is a God of order and peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Yet we should also make room for members who have a message from God to share. Paul instructs the brothers to permit two or three who speak in tongues to do so before the congregation, provided there is someone who can interpret what they say. If there is no one present who can interpret, then those who possess these gifts should speak to themselves and to God quietly in their seats so as not to distract others (1 Corinthians 14:27–28). Paul recommends the same for those who have the gift of prophecy. That is, we should allow two or three prophets to speak while others weigh carefully what is said, with the help of those who understand the Word so that the prophecies may be properly evaluated (1 Corinthians 14:29–31). These were the instructions Paul gave to the church in Corinth so that they could allow the operation of the gifts without disrupting worship.