By Pastor Dave Farmer
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Worship In The Church
1 Corinthians 14:6 Expanded Translation
But now brethren, if I come face to face with you (assembling worship) communicating in a foreign language, "What shall I profit you (believers in the congregation)? If except [states an alternative] I communicate to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by doctrine.
The subject of this verse is on two methods of communication. On the one hand, someone in the congregation, during assembling worship, speaks in tongues. There is also someone teaching the Word of God. These two methods of communication are being compared. Secondly, an evaluation is given on which method has the greatest spiritual impact on the congregation. This evaluation not only shows which method of communication is the best, but it does something else. It describes what is to take place when believers are assembled for worship. In other words, it provides insight into what brings spiritual blessing to the congregation's members.
The first remarkable statement from this verse is that exercising the gift of tongues in the church provides no spiritual benefit to the congregation, "What shall it profit you?". The answer to the question is that there is no spiritual value to the congregation when the gift of tongues is exercised. I would be thrown out if I said this in a charismatic church today, but so would Paul. So, I would be in good company. Why are we participating in something that has no spiritual value?
However, before anyone feels too comfortable, the message of this passage, when properly understood, would not be welcomed in non-charismatic churches as well, which do everything but TEACH THE WORD. They may call it teaching, but the measure ought to be, has my congregation grown in understanding the Plan of Grace? This would be easy to determine; just ask the people. What new truth have you learned from the face-to-face teaching of the pastor?
There is a warning in this passage of Scripture that must be grasped because His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are greater than ours. How can a Christian fulfill the mandate of 2 Peter 3:18 unless they are taught the Word of God, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."? In Paul's mind, the most important or the key element, the very heart and center of assembling worship, is the communication of the Scripture. He states this clearly, " If except I communicate to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by doctrine." Here is the true purpose of worship.
I am sorry, but to be brutally honest, the church should not be a theater company, orchestra, lonely-hearts club, or friendship center. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ has become everything it was never intended to be. Today, we are very rational. We have good reasons for everything we do. But are we Biblical? It is the Scripture that gives us our mission and manner of operation, not good ideas. The church's priority is to teach the Word of God to the congregation so they may grow spiritually. This is what lies at the heart of Paul's message here.
There are two problems. One lies at the feet of the pastors. He must study and then teach, and nothing should interfere with this. It is a daunting task, and many have given up. The second problem is in the congregation. The congregation has a part to play; they must listen. This article is not being written to dissect this problem, but whatever the reasons, the consequence of an apathetic and indifference toward the Word of God is sinking the ship. We live in a day when there is a lack of interest and appreciation for the Word of God.
Let's take a test!
How would you rate the importance of the Word of God?
1. It is essential and should be done regularly.
2. Very desirable and should be done frequently.
3. All right, if you have time.
4. When you have a problem, it is a good time to turn to the Bible.
5. It makes no difference; it is up to the individual.
The question forces us to ask what value we place on the Word of God, and it requires
us to back it up with actions.
According to Job 23:12, how would Job have answered this question? Rate how Job
expressed his view of the importance of God’s Word.
Job 23:12
l have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the
words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
The Bible is to Job a treasure. His spiritual health depends on it, and for that reason, he values it above food. He greatly desires God’s Word and has an overwhelming passion for it. We should rate him as fulfilling number 1: "It is as essential as eating food and should be done regularly."
According to Psalm 119:72,82,92, how would the Psalmist have answered this question? Rate how David expressed his view of the importance of God’s Word.
Psalm 119:72
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
What is more valuable than money, wealth, or riches?
Psalm 119:82
My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
What is more valuable than sleep?
Psalm 119:92
Unless Your law had been my delight, l would then have perished in my affliction.
David came to value God's word because it encouraged him in times of trouble and difficulty. "I
would have become depressed and ended my life if it wasn't for the Word of God," he said. The Word of God saved his life. This is his testimony. David said, “If I thought the Bible is alright, if you have time for it, l would have died in my afflictions.” I value the Word of God, for it keeps me alive. It keeps me sane. It keeps me from falling apart.
According to Jeremiah 15:16, how would Jeremiah answer this question? Rate how he expressed his view of the importance of God's Word.
Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
Jeremiah searched the Scripture, diligently studied the law, and found that it brought him great joy. Here is that same picture. A person is hungry and searching for food; they find it and have a feast. Not just a nibble but ate them, received them entirely, conversed with them intimately; they were welcome to me, as food is to someone hungry; I entertained them, digested them—a great way to cure sadness. Read and meditate on the Word.
According to 1 Peter 2:2, how would Peter have answered this question? Rate how
Peter expressed his view of the importance of God's Word.
1 Peter 2:2
like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
A baby desires one thing: milk! It doesn’t care about anything else. It doesn’t care about the color of the curtains or the carpet in his room. He doesn’t care about the color of his slippers or nightgown. It doesn’t care about what car you buy. All the baby wants is milk. Peter says, "Just as a baby has a single-minded desire for milk, so should our hunger be for the Word.” It is crucial if you want to grow spiritually.
According to Colossians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 2:15, how would Paul have answered this
question? Rate how he expressed his view of the importance of God’s Word.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Paul appreciated the Word of God, for he understood the blessings it brings into a believer’s life. In this new way of life, Christians must “put on” the Word of Christ. These words of the Bible, God’s written Word, are to dwell in believers. By studying, meditation, and applying the Word, they become a permanent abiding part of one's life. The results are phenomenal. They teach, counsel, and lift our hearts by singing praises to God.
2 Timothy 3:13-17
13) But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14) But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of knowing from whom you have learned them.
He values the Word of God because it PROTECTS us from false teaching.
15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able *
to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
He values the Word of God because it PROVIDES the words that lead to salvation.
16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
He values the Word of God because it PROVIDES the words enabling us to grow and become more like Christ.
17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
work.
He values the Word of God, for it PROVIDES the enablement and the opportunities for service and ministry.
Finally, according to Matthew 4:4; Mark 12:24; and John 15:7, how do you think Jesus would have answered this question? Rate how Jesus expressed his view of the importance of
God's Word.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Jesus said we must eat daily to sustain and maintain good physical health. So, each day, we must partake of spiritual food in order to grow and maintain good
spiritual health.
Mark 12:24
Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?
Jesus knew it was important because it kept us from error.
John 15:7
“lf you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
He taught us that knowing God's Word is the basis for an effective prayer life. Many believers have expressed the importance of the Word:
D.L. Moody: (Moody, Dwight Lyman 1837-1899) From 1875 until 1899 Dwight L. Moody
was unquestionably the chief spokesman for American evangelicals of his day.
He said, "l prayed for faith and thought that someday faith would come down and strike me like lightning, but faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, "Now faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I had closed my Bible and prayed for faith. I now opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since.
George Mueller (1805-1898) Leader in the Plymouth Brethren movement; founder of Christian
Orphanages:
The power of our spiritual life will be according to the measure of the room that the Word of God takes up in our life and in our thoughts. After an experience of fifty-four years, I can solemnly declare this. For three years after my conversion I used the Word little. Since that time I searched it with diligence, and the blessing was wonderful. From that time, I have read the Bible through a hundred times in order, and at every time with increasing joy. Whenever I start afresh with it, it appears to me as a new book. I cannot express how great the blessing is to me of a faithful, daily, regular searching of the Bible. The day is lost for me on which I have no rounded time to enjoy the Word of God.
John Murray (1898-1974), A Reformed theologian:
Before I take leave of my readers, I would come back to this all-important point. I cannot too earnestly and urgently address this call to my beloved young brothers and sisters: Upon your use of the Word of God your spiritual life in great measure depends.
How about the Bible's own testimony of itself:
1. Food for spiritual strength 2 Peter 2:2.
2. A lamp for guidance Psalm 119:105.
3. Weapon against our spiritual enemies Ephesians 6:17.
4. Equipment for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
5. The Word of the believers God Hebrews 1:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
If we do not place the Bible as the highest value, we will not spend time with it; we will not be able to grow and fulfill God’s plan for our lives spiritually. In fact, the Bible calls this ailment “dull of hearing.” It is the opposite of being a ready and eager listener, James 1:19.
Back to the point of this passage. If I bring you a revelation, or knowledge, or prophesy, or a
doctrine, the content of that communication is of great spiritual value. The four ways mentioned here were how the mystery doctrine was communicated during the pre-canon period of the Church. After the New Testament was completed, the last referred to in the list, "doctrine," would continue through the face-to-face teaching of pastors. Sadly, not too many pastors or congregations are interested in doctrine today. I believe this is a shameful symptom of a lack of appreciation for the Word of God. Paul now provides three illustrations to drive his point home.
1 Corinthians 14:7 Expanded Translation
Even lifeless things that give a sound whether a pipe (wind instrument) or a harp (string instrument); if they do not give a distinction in the sounds, How will the instrument being blown and the instrument being strummed be known?
Speaking in a foreign language during a worship service is like playing a musical instrument without harmony or melody. The question is asked, "How will the instrument being blown or strummed be known?"
When a pianist sits down and plays the piano, we enjoy what we hear because it has melody and harmony, but if they play the piano and pound the keys, Bang! Bang! Clank! Clank! Clunk! Clunk! There is no harmony. Paul says that is what it is like being in the presence of someone exercising the gift of tongues; there is no harmony or melody to the communication. The music doesn't make sense.
1 Corinthians 14:8 Expanded Translation
For indeed, if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound or an indefinable signal, who will muster himself for the war or campaign.
One thing about the military is they use a lot of different signals to communicate commands. The signal that I remember best was used during the Cuban Crisis. A red five-star cluster meant to advance and attack. It was never sent, but the Marines were prepared for that command flare. So, in the ancient world, trumpets were used in the military to communicate orders. One toot, march! Two toots, fall back! What a disaster if the command given by the bugler was imprecise.
The battle plan for the Church Age does not come from the gift of tongues but from the face-to-face teaching of the Word of God. For instance, we receive our combat orders from passages of Scripture like, "Put on the whole armor of God," as in Ephesians 6:10-12. Great spiritual benefits and blessings come to a congregation ready and eager to hear the Word of God when taught.
1 Corinthians 14:9 Expanded Translation
So also you (the same is true of you) unless through the foreign language you have a clear (understandable) word, "How will that which is communicated be known? For you will be communicating to the air.
1 Corinthians 14:10 Expanded Translation
There are, it may be, many kinds of languages in the world and not one is meaningless (not a language).
There are many kinds of languages or dialects in the world. The conditional sense in this passage indicates that Paul doesn't know how many there are or will eventually appear. However, he does know that none of these are voiceless without meaning to someone. In other words, the purpose of language is to communicate. God gave man the faculty of communication, a voice so we can speak with Him and others. On the other hand, tongues is a language outside of the vernacular of the congregation, a language they were unfamiliar with. Therefore, its operation has no spiritual benefit because the words are meaningless.
1 Corinthians 14:11 Expanded Translation
Therefore [conclusion], if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be the one speaking as a foreigner (stranger) and the one speaking to me a foreigner (stranger).
Once again, Paul concludes that because tongues are outside the native tongue of the congregation, it is meaningless communication. It has no spiritual value. It doesn't bless, benefit, edify, exhort, or encourage the worshippers. What is of great spiritual blessing is when the church gathers and the pastor communicates the Word of God. This is his responsibility. He must teach the Word. The congregation has a responsibility as well. This is not dealt with here, but they must assemble and be ready and eager to hear the doctrine taught to receive the blessing from the Word of God, James 1:19; 23-25.