Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

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, prophecy was used to c

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 between the end of chapt

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 to the new birth.  We have peace with God thro

May the Spirit of God work His wonderful love deep into our heart. 1 Corinthians 13:1-6  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  3)  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  4)  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  5)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  6)  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  The apostle Paul is teaching us that the operating principle of spiritual gifts administered in the church by the Holy Spirit, is the love of God in us. He describes what God