THE PROPER USE OF TONGUES
I Corinthians 14:5, 13
"I wish that you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the church may receive edification .... Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret."
Paul did not disparage speaking with unknown tongues. In fact, he wished that everyone would, and admonished the church to "not forbid to speak with tongues" (vs. 40). Instead, his teaching subject is the proper use of tongues. My personal prayer language is between myself and God and does not edify the church. So I need to do it quietly. However, tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy, and is for the benefit of the entire assembly. Apparently there was misuse of tongues in the Corinthian congregation where some thought that they should speak their personal tongue to the church, but no one could understand them. Paul used the illustration of instrumental music (vss. 7-8). Unless music is played properly and in harmony (distinction in the sounds), it is just a bunch of noise and has no meaning. If I went into a Chinese church, the sermon would mean nothing to me unless it was interpreted for me (vss. 10-11). That's why Paul wrote, "I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in tongues" (vss. 18-19). So, "let all things be done decently and in order" (vs. 40).
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Proper use of tongues in the church will avoid confusion.
Have a "proper" day. Love you.
I Corinthians 14:5, 13
"I wish that you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the church may receive edification .... Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret."
Paul did not disparage speaking with unknown tongues. In fact, he wished that everyone would, and admonished the church to "not forbid to speak with tongues" (vs. 40). Instead, his teaching subject is the proper use of tongues. My personal prayer language is between myself and God and does not edify the church. So I need to do it quietly. However, tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy, and is for the benefit of the entire assembly. Apparently there was misuse of tongues in the Corinthian congregation where some thought that they should speak their personal tongue to the church, but no one could understand them. Paul used the illustration of instrumental music (vss. 7-8). Unless music is played properly and in harmony (distinction in the sounds), it is just a bunch of noise and has no meaning. If I went into a Chinese church, the sermon would mean nothing to me unless it was interpreted for me (vss. 10-11). That's why Paul wrote, "I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in tongues" (vss. 18-19). So, "let all things be done decently and in order" (vs. 40).
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Proper use of tongues in the church will avoid confusion.
Have a "proper" day. Love you.
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