First Corinthians 14 Part 1 "Follow After" The Right Things

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 between the end of chapter thirteen and the start of chapter fourteen.

God's love poured into the believer in Christ is the greatest of all spiritual gifts.

Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to tell us we must "follow after" charity, this wonderful love of God.

The words "follow after" mean to run fast in order to catch something or someone. It was used by Olympic runners making a final push for the finish line.

This phrase establishes Paul's Spirit guided instruction about correcting the abuse of spiritual gifts.

We all must periodically ask ourselves "What am I following after?" 

Why? Because the corrupt culture exerts constant pressure to conform to or indulge in its wicked ways.

The Greek word translated "follow after" is a favorite word used by Paul, as the Holy Spirit directed him.

Follow after things that promote peace, unity and edification. 

Romans 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 

Paul wrote to the church at Rome and encouraged them to "follow after the things" which promote peace in the church and edifies other Christians. 

Peace was a rare commodity in the Corinthian church. They suffered from many selfish cliques and from people puffed up with pride.

Instead of peace and unity in the church, the Christians at Corinth caused division and turmoil.

The Corinthians focused on self promotion instead of exalting the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Paul encouraged the Romans to follow after the things which edify the church. 

The word "edify" means to build up, to promote another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, and holiness. 

Some Corinthians distracted other believers by their misuse of spiritual gifts. 

They diverted attention away from the preaching and teaching of God's Word. 

Such self centered actions by those who caused divisions and cliques stymied edification of others in the Corinthian church. 

Follow after the high calling of God on our lives,  in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 3:12-14  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13)  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Paul makes it clear what he is following after. He is pursuing Jesus Christ and the high calling of God upon his life.

He was determined to expend his life in gospel ministry, loving God and loving others, until the Lord called him home. 

Paul is a wonderful example of selfless service and faithful ministry that we can "follow after."

Follow after that which is good and do not respond in kind to evil doers. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

Paul had a special love for the Christians at Thessalonica. 

He reminded them not to render evil to anyone who does something against us, for that is how the corrupt culture acts. 

The world says to respond to your enemies with even more forcefulness to those who are against us.

Psalm 34:14  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Instead we must "follow after" that which is good and wholesome and pure, according to God's standard.

We must avoid having evil thoughts, words or actions as we follow after doing good. 

We must follow after peace and unity in the church (See Ephesians 4:1-6).

We must follow hard after our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Matthew 5:43-45  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44)  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45)  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Thus, we follow after Christ by doing good to all men even our enemies. 

Jesus commands us to love our enemies and bless them that curse us. In "following after" these things, we reflect the heart of God toward mankind. 

Our Father sends life giving sunshine and rain on both good people and evil people. 

Even though we often fail to thank Him for giving us sunshine and rain, He faithfully sends them out each day.

In like manner we must "follow after" loving our enemies as Christ showed us to do.

Follow after righteousness and a life transformed by God's Spirit. 

1 Timothy 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

Paul instructs Timothy to flee evil speech, envy, strife, and the love of money. 

Then, the apostle instructs Pastor Timothy to "follow after" six things which relate to our being in Christ.

Those who are in Christ are to "follow after" that which is righteous according to the scriptures.  

Our lives are to be marked by godliness and integrity in all that we say and do. 

We are to "follow after" a growing, maturing faith in Christ, and to "follow after" the wonderful love of God Paul is teaching us about. 

When we "follow after" these things, we will be patient in our dealings with other people. 

When we "follow after" the things of God we will be meek and humble minded rather than being proud and arrogant like the Corinthians were. 

2 Timothy 2:22  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

When Paul teaches us to "follow after" righteousness, faith, love (charity) and peace he is telling us to put our best effort into seeking these things.

This connects with the ministry of the indwelling Spirit of God in our heart and the fruit that He wants to work into our lives (See Galatians 5:22-23).

God is always seeking to do good work in our heart so that we might make progress in our walk with Him. 

"Following after" the right things as Paul shows, will produce a pure heart in us, and this is very good indeed.

Follow after peace and holiness so that we may see our Lord. 

Hebrews 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 

Finally, the apostle Paul makes it very clear why we must devote ourselves to "following after" these very good things he is pointing us toward. 

If we do not pursue peace with all men and fail to pursue holiness, then we are in trouble. Without peace and holiness no man shall see the Lord.

These are not all the places where Paul speaks of "following after" certain specific good things, but it is enough to show us what he means in chapter fourteen.

1 Corinthians 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 

Thus, having each Christian vigorously pursue or "follow after" the greatest gift which is God's love in us, is his goal.

Paul did not rule out pursuing spiritual gifts, but he did show that some of them were going to pass away, as we previously noted.

For that time, they could pursue spiritual gifts but their use must be governed by the love of God in them, not for self promoting or causing discord.

It is within this context that Paul establishes preaching the Word of God as vitally important to the well being of Christ's church. 

Bob