Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Attempting to correct the wrong use of spiritual gifts by the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 14:1-4  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.  Paul was guided by the Spirit of God to write to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts.  Many Corinthian Christians came out of a background of pagan religion and carried some of that baggage into the church. They needed instruction on what the spiritual gifts were, how they were to be used and God's purpose in giving gifts to His church. This church was very dysfunctional in that sexual sin was tolerated in the...

Contrasting the gifts of tongues and prophecy in the early church. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2  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.  Paul introduced the topic of spiritual gifts in chapter twelve and then taught that such gifts must be exercised in accord with the love of God poured into us by His Holy Spirit. He is correcting the Corinthians abuse and misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues. God established the pattern for using the gift of tongues and what it was designed to accomplish in Acts 2. This gift along with interpretation of tongues, prophecy, words of knowledge were needed in the early church.  Those early Christians were at a disadvantage compared to Christians today, as they did not have a complete Bible like we do. Thus...

God's love and spiritual discernment are needed in Christ's church. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2  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.  After introducing spiritual gifts in chapter twelve, Paul then spent an entire chapter teaching us about the love of God. He showed us what God's love looks like in the life of a Christian and demonstrated things that God's love in us will never do. Spiritual activity must be shaped by the love of God poured into our heart by the Holy Spirit (See Romans 5:5). Paul is now going to give a clear contrast between the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy.  The word translated "mystery" or "mysteries" refers to mysteries of God. God hid His plan of salvation in eternity past.  These mysteries are hidde...

In chapter twelve, the apostle Paul introduced the topic of spiritual gifts.  In chapter thirteen, Paul taught that spiritual gifts must be governed and shaped by the love of God in us.  The Corinthian church misused spiritual gifts which caused discord and divisions in the church. Paul demonstrated that all spiritual gifts must be used only when God's love is guiding what we think, say and do. He also revealed that some spiritual gifts were temporary gifts to help the churches until the New Testament was complete. In chapter fourteen, Paul is going to address some specific areas where the Corinthians abused spiritual gifts, so that things could be set in a right order. The love of God in us is what we must follow after. 1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.  1 Corinthians 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  We can see the connection...

G od's love pours into our heart like a river overflowing its banks.  Romans 5:1-5  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  I also included the first part of Romans 5 because Paul tells us about the love of God within the context of our need to patiently endure while facing trials and troubles in life. The love of God continues to be the main theme. This love is poured into each believer in Christ by God's Spirit.  Paul frames the outpouring of God's love into our heart by connecting it...