1 Corinthians Lesson 13

I Corinthians

Lesson 13

I Cor. Chapter 14 --The Gifts of Prophecy & Tongues

Hi again! And welcome back to this continuing study of 1 Corinthians. And this lesson really is a continuing study because it builds upon what we have learned in the 2 previous lessons. Indeed, Chapters 12, 13, and 14 of 1 Corinthians, though seemingly unrelated, actually are a unit concerning Spiritual Gifts -- what they are, how they are to be used, their importance, their purposes, and more.

In Chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, we learned the ___________ of the specific Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In chapter 13, we learned that _____________ is the most important consideration, regardless of which gift is being considered or used. And now, in Chapter 14 we are going to look specifically at 2 of the Spiritual Gifts, ______________ and ______________ (hint: look at the title of this lesson) and we will determine which of the two is more useful and why.

We will, of course, read and study the Scripture text itself (Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians), but, before we do that, we need to understand the meaning/definition of these specific gifts (Prophecy and Tongues) which are the names of 2 of the Spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Chapter 12. We will hopefully, in this lesson, also better understand why love is the most important consideration when any of the spiritual gifts are being employed, whether it is these gifts or any of those named in Chapter 12 and elsewhere in the New Testament.

You are doubtless aware that there are many "views" and "opinions" of what the Spiritual Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues are! Indeed, beginning in Corinth and continuing down through the centuries, there have been divisions in the Church over the definitions, persistence, purposes, and ministries of these Gifts. Divisions in the Church ? Yes, sadly so. It was already beginning to happen in Corinth. And this is one of the reasons why Paul devoted 3 chapters to the discussion of Spiritual gifts and why he wrote the LOVE chapter before discussing, in Chapter 14, the two most divisive Gifts, the gifts of Prophecy and Tongues.

You will recall that this young fellowship of Believers in Corinth was just beginning to learn the fundamentals of the faith. Most of the believers/Christians in the congregation had only been saved for a very few years (perhaps 2 or 3 or so on average). So, they still had a lot to learn about their new faith and about the Holy awesome Creator God, Whose Holy Spirit now indwells them and gives the various Spiritual Gifts.

Furthermore, they were in a large city which had many temples to gods and goddesses with all kinds of "dark things" going on in those temples. And, among the "dark things" was the practice of speaking in tongues! Yes! Even the heathen / the ungodly/ the non-Christians were often "filled with a spirit" (which was NOT the Holy Spirit of the One True Holy God) but which was a demonic spirit. And these demonic spirits often caused the pagan worshippers to speak in tongues! (The devil loves to try to copy the things of God, and tongue speaking was, and still is, one of these counterfeit activities). Tongue speaking was a very "showy experience" and one which was much sought for in the pagan temples.

And, alas, the Gift of Tongues, being a "showy" gift, was similarly desired and sought for by the Christians in the church in Corinth.

So, yes, there is a Godly Holy Spirit given Gift of tongues and there is a counterfeit speaking of tongues which is demonic in origin. (And there are also "tongues" which are just "made up" by folks who want to speak in tongues but are neither empowered by demons or by the Holy Spirit.to speak in tongues, so they just "make it up", thinking they can gain praise and attention by so doing.) This is why, even today, tongues are still very "controversial" and often cause church splits and broken fellowship with others in the Church. This is also why, then and now, ALL tongue speaking should be carefully evaluated to be SURE that it is of Godly (Holy Spirit) origin and not of demonic origin.

Paul, then, in writing to the Church at Corinth, laid the foundation re Spiritual Gifts in Chapters 12 and 13 and then, in Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians, explains to the young believers about the proper use and purpose of the Spiritual gift of Tongues. He also teaches them why Prophecy is more essential than tongues for their growth to maturity as Christians.

So, with that said, let's look now at the DEFINITIONS of Prophecy and Tongues, as intended by Paul, as he reasoned with them on this very "hot topic".

In the following paragraphs, I have culled for you, from various sources, information about the gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, the Interpretation of tongues, and of a "prophet" (the one with the gift of Prophecy). As you read these definitions and explanations,

underline or highlight in GREEN the words or phrases which explain or define the meaning of the Spiritual gift of PROPHECY (and of the "prophet", the person with the gift of Prophecy)

then

underline or highlight in RED the words or phrases which explain or define the meaning of the Spiritual gift of TONGUES

and finally

underline or highlight in BLACK the words or phrases which explain or define the meaning of the Spiritual gift of INTERPRETATION (of tongues).

Ok, that is your assignment. Here are the sentences and paragraphs culled for you from various sources:

PROPHESY / PROPHESIES / PROPHET

PROPHESY.... in verse 1 and etc. ....from Strong's Ref. # 4395

Romanized propheteuo. Pronounced prof-ate-yoo'-o

from GSN4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:

in KJV--translated "prophesy"

PROPHESY....from the Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown Bible Commentary

"... ... ...prophesy" (speak and exhort under inspiration) (Pr 29:18; Ac 13:1; 1Th 5:20), whether as to future events, that is, strict prophecy, or explaining obscure parts of Scripture, especially the prophetical Scriptures or illustrating and setting forth questions of Christian doctrine and practice. ... ... "

PROPHESY.... from John Wesley's Notes on the Bible

"... ...that ye may prophesy - The word here does not mean foretelling things to come; but rather opening and applying the scripture...."

PROPHECY... in verse 6 and etc....from Strong's Ref. # 4394

Romanized propheteia. Pronounced prof-ay-ti'-ah

from GSN4396 ("prophecy"); prediction (scriptural or other):

KJV--prophecy, prophesying.

PROPHECY: from the The Geneva Study Bible

"... ... prophecy, that is to say, the gift of teaching and applying the doctrine: ... ...

" ... ...prophecy (that is to say, to the interpretation of scripture) ..."

PROPHESYING: from Henry's Concise Dictionary

"... Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture ... "

PROPHESYING: From Gray Home Bible Commentary

"... prophesying, which practically is identical with preaching and testimony, ... "

PROPHETS ... in verse 32 and etc. .....from Strong's Ref. # 4396

Romanized prophetes. Pronounced prof-ay'-tace

from a compound of GSN4253 and GSN5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:

KJV--prophet.

PROPHET: from Easton's Bible Dictionary

" ...(Heb. nabi, from a root meaning "to bubble forth, as from a fountain," hence "to utter", comp. Ps. 45:1). This Hebrew word is the first and the most generally used for a prophet. In the time of Samuel another word, ro'eh, "seer", began to be used (1 Sam. 9:9). ... ...

"The "prophet" proclaimed the message given to him, as the "seer" beheld the vision of God. (See Num. 12:6, 8.) Thus a prophet was a spokesman for God; he spake in God's name and by his authority (Ex. 7:1). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jer. 1:9; Isa. 51:16), and hence what the prophet says is not of man but of God (2 Pet. 1:20, 21; comp. Heb. 3:7; Acts 4:25; 28:25).

"Prophets were the immediate organs of God for the communication of his mind and will to men (Deut. 18:18, 19). The whole Word of God may in this general sense be spoken of as prophetic, inasmuch as it was written by men who received the revelation they communicated from God, no matter what its nature might be.

"The foretelling of future events was not a necessary but only an incidental part of the prophetic office. The great task assigned to the prophets whom God raised up among the people was "to correct moral and religious abuses, to proclaim the great moral and religious truths which are connected with the character of God, and which lie at the foundation of his government."

"Any one being a spokesman for God to man might thus be called a prophet. ... ...

"The title thus has a general application to all who have messages from God to men. But while the prophetic gift was thus exercised from the beginning, the prophetical order as such began with Samuel.

" ... ... the office of prophet, 'to preach pure morality and the heart-felt worship of Jehovah, ... ...

"In New Testament times the prophetical office was continued. Our Lord is frequently spoken of as a prophet (Luke 13:33; 24:19). He was and is the great Prophet of the Church. There was also in the Church a distinct order of prophets (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20; 3:5), who made new revelations from God. ... ... "

TONGUES

TONGUES ...in verse 2 and etc..... from Strong's Ref. # 1100

Romanized glossa. Pronounced gloce-sah'

of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):

KJV--tongue.

TONGUES, GIFT OF: From Easton's Bible Dictionary

"... granted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (comp. Joel 2:28, 29).

"Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1 Cor. 12:10-14:30, "divers kinds of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues." This "gift" was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be "a sign to them that believe not."

TONGUES From Gray Home Bible Commentary

"...Tongues" are a sign not for believers but unbelievers, and not for their conversion evidently, but simply as a demonstration of Divine power. It is far different with prophesying, which practically is identical with preaching and testimony, for this serves both for believers and unbelievers.... "

INTERPRET

INTERPRET....in verse 5 and etc.....Strong's Ref. # 1329

Romanized diermeneuo. Pronounced dee-er-main-yoo'-o

from GSN1223 and GSN2059; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate:

KJV--expound, interpret(-ation).

Wow! That was pretty "heavy" information. And, now, armed with those insights, it is time for us to read the actual words that Paul wrote to the Believers / Christians in the Church of Corinth (and to us) concerning these things.

I have included Chapter 14 for you. Read this chapter 3 times!

The first time you read this chapter, mark every occurrence of PROPHECY, PROPHET, PROPHESIES, etc. or words used in place of those words by putting a GREEN CIRCLE around each occurrence of the word.

On your second reading of this chapter, mark every occurrence of TONGUES, TONGUE, SPEAKS IN A TONGUE, etc. or words used in place of those words by putting a RED CIRCLE around each occurrence of the word or phrase.

Then, on your third reading, mark every occurrence of INTERPRET, INTERPRETS, etc. or words used in place of those words by putting a BLACK CIRCLE around each occurrence of the word.

Ok, that is your assignment, and here is Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians. If you prefer to use your own Bible or another version, please feel free to do so. This is just included for your convenience.

1 Corinthians 14

1. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

2. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7. Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8. Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9. So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17. You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

18. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20. Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

21. In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord.

22. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24. But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25. and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"

26. What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

29. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

As in all the congregations of the saints, 34. women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

36. Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37. If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. (some manuscripts: "if he is ignorant of this, let him be ignorant.")

39. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Hmmmmm. This is very interesting and informative !!! And, there certainly is a LOT of information concerning the gifts of Prophecy and Tongues in these verses -- information that they (and we) need to know to correctly understand and/or practice these gifts.

And, I suspect that you, like I, are thinking that it would be a good idea to organize and summarize this information so we can better understand it. So, let's do that now.

On the following chart, in the appropriate columns, list what this chapter teaches about the Spiritual Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues. ALSO include information about these gifts that you gleaned as you read the various insights and definitions from the commentaries, Strong's numbers, etc. Be sure to include the scripture reference (or the source such as which commentary,etc) for each fact that you list on the chart. I will begin this chart for you as an example of how to do this. Also, the length of this chart is, I agree, definitely too short. So feel free to continue on additional paper. The MORE information you include, the better you will understand what Paul is teaching. So, take your time and do a thorough job of making a complete and detailed chart / listing of this information.

x x

Well, how did you do? Did you need more space than the 'lil 'ole chart provided? Sure! I thought so. It took me a lot more space than this, too. But I was trying to save you paper as you printed this out from the internet or photocopied it later for your friends and I assume that you figured that out and understood.

Anyway, let's continue. You surely recalled, as you read this chapter and made your chart, that earlier in this study of 1 Corinthians we discovered that this letter was being written by Paul to this young church for two main reasons. And, those two reasons were: (hint, if you don't recall this off hand, refer back to the earliest lessons in this study. There are several places where we discussed this, one which is easy to find is on page 1 of Lesson 5)

1. in Chapters 1-6, Paul is

2. in chapters 7-16, Paul is

Yes, you are correct. Paul, in chapter 14, is responding to the second main reason for writing to this young church, and that 2nd reason was to answer specific questions which they had asked him in a recent letter from their church to him. And, apparently one of the specific questions they had asked concerned speaking in tongues -- they had probably asked such things as: are folks allowed to speak in tongues in the worship services?, which is the "best" spiritual gift (tongues, prophecy, etc.)? Also, they likely had asked about the proper order of the worship service and what should be included in a worship service.

Oh, and in case you want to know if you got the first reason "correct", which I am sure you did. The First reason Paul wrote this letter to them was because he had heard (from others) about several specific problems that they were having and he was writing to directly address those problems in Chapters 1-6. Then, of course, as you just said, Chapters 7-16 were in response to their specific questions.

Yes, this young Church at Corinth had problems -- lots of problems! But, don't be too hard on them. Think of your church -- it probably also has problems and misunderstandings in various areas and would do well to also heed Paul's words of wisdom and instructions on the foundational fundamental doctrinal truths and principles. But, lest I be accused of "meddling", let's just focus on the problems of the poor 'ole Corinthians right now.

As we do this 'focusing', let's think about what we have read and studied and answer a few questions. OK? OK.

And, as you answer the following questions, be sure to note the scripture references (or commentary source, dictionary, Strong's number, or whatever), so in the future when you refer back to this information (and you will as you discuss this with others or want to refresh your memory), you will be readily able to "prove" what you are saying by having the exact "proof" scripture or source written by the "fact". And, by the way, as we have mentioned before, this including of the Scripture reference is ALWAYS a good thing to do when you are making lists, answering questions, writing summary statements, or in whatever assignment you are doing, as you study God's Word. So, as a rule of thumb, whether I "ask you to" or not, get into the habit of ALWAYS putting the scripture reference (or other source) by your answer or summary or in a list or whatever. It is EASY to do at the time you are doing it, but it is amazingly difficult to find your "source" after a few days, weeks, or months when this is not "fresh" in your memory. Trust me. -- "been there, done that" -- the "wrong way" (ie without putting the reference) and it is MUCH better to put the references at the TIME you write the information. "A word to the wise should be sufficient....". So, with alllll that said, let's answer some questions !

First of all, in Ch. 14, what two gifts were discussed the most? ____________ and ____________ .

And, of these two (prophecy and tongues), which is to be preferred? _____________

Why is the gift of Prophecy to be preferred when in a worship service?

Is anyone to speak in tongues in Church if there is no Interpreter? __________

Why?

Should people be forbidden to speak in tongues? ________ Why or why not?

When (in what situations) is speaking of tongues "ok" (ie, to be especially encouraged?)

When (in what situations) is speaking in tongues NOT "ok"?

Why?

If speaking in tongues in certain situations is "OK" (such as in the church when there is an interpreter or in private in times of prayer and praise) and if Paul says that he speaks in tongues more than they...., then why isn't the gift of speaking in Tongues better than the gift of Prophecy?

In verses 3, 4, & 31 Paul gives several very important reasons/purposes for the spiritual gift of "Prophecy". Write the purposes here: "...everyone who prophesies

In verses 7 -8, Paul gives an illustration using instruments such as the flute, harp, and trumpet. What he was teaching by using these instruments?

Which Spiritual Gift (Tongues or Prophecy) is more likely to build up the church? _______________

Why?

In verse 22, Paul says that Tongues are a ________, not for ___________ but for ______________ and prophecy is for ______________ and not for __________________. Explain what Paul means when he says this.(hint see also verses 23-25)

Will a person, whether saved or unsaved, usually be more convicted by hearing people speaking in tongues or by hearing people prophesying? = by hearing people _____________________

Why?

In verses 26-35, Paul gives important information about HOW to have a worship service. In the space below, list the things Paul tells them concerning the "how to" of a worship service:

What is the maximum number of "tongue speakers" for a worship service? _________________

Do you have to have tongue speaking in a worship service? __________________

Should a person speak in tongues in a worship service if there is no interpreter? ______

Why?

How many prophets can speak in a worship service? _________________

Is anyone to "check" on these prophets? ___________ Who?

What are they to do as they "check" the words of the prophets? (Hint: see verses 29 and 32)

What else can be done in a worship service? (Hint: see v. 26)

In Verse 33, Paul says "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." Explain what this means as relating to the instructions that he has given to them concerning how a worship service should be conducted.

Now think about the worship services in the "average" church today. Does worship today adhere to this concept of "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." or is there disorder in the worship services of many churches today? Explain your answer and give specific examples of the order or disorder that you see in worship services today. (Yes, I know I am "meddling" again, but, as you well know, the PURPOSE of studying God's word is not just to gain facts and information but to find out what God desires and then to apply what we have learned in our individual lives and daily actions. So, think about this, and then answer in the space below.)

Hmmmmm. That was likely rather convicting, especially if your church is anything like the "average" church today. And if your church has "problems" (re worship, relationships, doctrinal problems, or in any area), you should spend time with the Lord, praying to Him about it, confessing your failures (if you are a part of the problem) and praying that those in authority will come to understand, from the Lord Himself, the things that need to be done or changed in order to return to the true worship that God desires. (And, unless you are absolutely, positively, and unequivocally sure that God has told you to "go" to your pastor or whomever, do NOT rush off and confront your pastor, song director, or whomever and tell them of their "errors". Instead, first spend MUCH time in prayer asking the Lord Himself to reveal the things to them. (Then, IF the Lord leads you to confront them, you will know and can do it with the Lord's words, love, and grace). Prayer is much more effective! Let the Lord do the confonting. As it says in the book of James, "The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" So, pray to God about these things. He will hear and answer in His time and in His way WHEN He has prayer warriors interceding in this or any matter. Begin to be a prayer warrior!!! Is it possible that this is at least part of what Paul was doing (ie interceding in prayer re their problems, etc) when he said "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you."???? Just a thought.

Ok, with that said. Let's wind up this lesson with one more short series of easy questions. It is time to answer the questions and thoughts that we stated at the beginning of the lesson -- and surely you now know the answers -- so here goes:

Which of the spiritual Gifts (Prophecy or Speaking in tongues) is to be most eagerly desired (v1) and why?

In verse 40, Paul makes it very clear that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way". What does he mean by "everything" and "orderly"? Explain your answer.

Well, folks, that's "it". We have come to the end of another lesson and you have done a good job of "hanging in there" while we studied this "hot topic". This probably hasn't answered ALL of your questions, and, again, we have only scratched the surface of what is in this chapter. But, the things we have studied have hopefully helped you to better understand what the Bible teaches concerning these 2 controversial Spiritual Gifts, their proper use, their purposes, and why they MUST be practiced in LOVE. These "hot topic" gifts, as well as all of the Spiritual Gifts, must be practiced in ways that do not glorify man but, rather, bring honor and glory only to God! And that is the bottom line!

Scriptures unless otherwise indicated are taken from

International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

This material is Copyrighted,

but you may copy and freely distribute it,

as long as NO fee for profit is charged and it is NOT changed in any way.

This is for the Glory of God and NOT for the financial profit of man.

Bible Studies Net /"Yes Lord" Ministries

POBox 22397

Chattanooga, TN. 37422

biblestudiesnet (at) yahoo (dot) com

http://BibleStudies.Net