First Corinthians 14 Part 4 We Have Apostolic Clarity Regarding Speaking In Tongues

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 their midst, and even celebrated (1 Corinthians 5).

This church had many members puffed up with pride because they followed a certain teacher like Peter, or Apollos or Paul. 

Instead of being divided, they should have been united to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and committed to maturing as Christians. 

The Corinthians abused and misused some of the spiritual gifts, notably speaking in tongues.

Thus, Paul had to show that some spiritual gifts were given until the New Testament was complete. 

When the Bible was complete, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongue, prophecy, words of wisdom or knowledge, were no longer needed.

Paul said these gifts would cease or fail. The specific words mean that God would cease to empower people with those gifts. 

They would cease to operate or function because they were no longer needed.

Paul taught that spiritual gifts were to be used according to God's will for the gifts. 

His love is poured into each Christian to shape and mold us into usable vessels. His love must guide the use of spiritual gifts.

The apostle contrasted speaking in tongues which did not edify anyone who did not know the language spoken, with prophecy using language the people knew.

Prophecy edifies the church and builds up our faith. Speaking in a different language than what the hearers knew does not edify.

Paul did not favor speaking on tongues over prophecy.

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. 

Here is a fascinating text that has been seriously abused over the years.

I once read a gospel tract published by a charismatic church and they "proof texted" in order to create support for speaking on tongues.

What is "proof texting?" That is when you take a verse or a part of a verse out of its context and twist it to say something that God is not saying.

The particular gospel tract quoted only these words. "I would that ye all spake with tongues."

Then it quoted another fragment from verse eighteen. "I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than ye all."

This tract went on to tell people that God has a second baptism of His Spirit for them so that they can speak in tongues.

This type of falsehood is what happens when people proof text the scriptures to find support for something they want to believe is true.

Yet, placing the words back into the context of the verse and the chapter and the letter to the Corinthians, reveals a very different message from Paul.

Remember, that certain spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues or interpreting tongues were temporary gifts that passed away.

While Paul lived, these gifts were still operating. He did not forbid speaking in tongues, but he clearly showed them a more excellent gift that they must pursue.

Speaking in tongues in church was appropriate when people who spoke a different language from the Greek spoken by the Corinthians.

It is this sense that Paul says speaking in tongues is rightly used. 

However, a conjunction connects this subject with the more excellent way that he wanted them to pursue.

The words "but rather" mean to pursue something to a much greater degree, sooner, willingly and readily.

In this case, it means prophesying was preferable to speaking in tongues. 

Paul explicitly says a man prophesying is of greater value to the church than one who is speaking in tongues. 

The only way that tongues have value is if there is someone to interpret what was said so that the people understand it. 

I must point out that if you view a televangelist who claims to be speaking in tongues, you will see them violate this command.

They always interpret what they are allegedly saying in tongues. Thus, they both speak in tongues and interpret it, which of course, is self serving. 

In this manner, televangelists fool their audience into thinking that he or she has a direct revelation from God that is specific for their situation.

In teaching us about spiritual gifts, Paul taught us that there is a distinct requirement for speaking in tongues. 

Someone must be able to interpret what is said when another person speaks in tongues.  

Speaking in tongues does not benefit the church but revelation does.

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? 

An apostle could not edify his hearers unless he spoke in language they understood. 

New revelation from God such as a word of knowledge or wisdom are unprofitable if spoken in a language that people do not know.

Thus, Paul shows that revelation, knowledge, and prophecy that is given to the church by the Spirit of God is profitable for the church.

Remember, they did not have a complete Bible like we do, and they needed truth from God to guide the church. 

This is why prophecy, a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom and revelation from God were given. 

An orchestra must have a conductor and music to follow, or chaos results.

1 Corinthians 14:7-8  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?  

Music is a universal medium. Paul rightly points out that an orchestra or band must have sheet music that tells which instruments play and what notes they must follow.

In addition, sheet music contains dynamics that  tell the one playing how loud to play.

If every single instrumentalist played what they wanted to and when, then the orchestra would dissolve into a cacophony of unharmonious, disjointed sounds.

An orchestra playing chaotically and disorganized, communicates nothing but clashing, unintelligible sounds.

Trumpets were used by Roman armies. There were distinct notes and dynamics that told soldiers when to wake up, when to go to bed, when to march forward, when to fight, when to retreat and so on.

Without the specific structure of music their sounds would be uncertain. 

Soldiers would not know when to arm themselves for battle and their enemy could prevail against them. 

The goal is speaking words that are easily understood by those who hear. 

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. 

Remember that the Corinthians prided themselves on speaking in tongues because what they did emulated the pagan glossolalia. 

Paul's argument against the abuse of speaking in tongues is simple. If those who hear you do not know what you are saying, then understanding and edification is lost. 

Such a tongue speaker might just as well jabber in his loudest voice, for it is like speaking into the wind on a windy day. 

Your voice will not be understood and it will be carried away.

Paul has more to say about tongues and doing all things in an orderly manner in the church.

I pray that the Spirit of God will help us understand these important apostolic teachings so that we do not fall into error.

May the Lord use us to reach those who wrongly think about spiritual gifts, so that we can share God's truth with them.

Bob