The Reporter     Volume 48 # 3,  --  January 18, 2008

 

TONGUES & PROPHECY

– FIRST CORINTHIANS FOURTEEN –

 

This is the concluding chapter in the discussion of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul identified the spiritual gifts. The gifts included (1) The word of wisdom, (2) The word of knowledge, (3) Faith, (4) The gifts of healing, (5) The working of miracles, (6) Prophecy, (7) Discerning of spirits, (8) Diverse kinds of tongues, and (9) The interpretation of tongues. Each gift was important because each gift was given by the same Spirit. Those that received these gifts were to be united in one body.

 

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul showed that all spiritual gifts must be exercised in love. Without love we are nothing. Love is defined in these words, "Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love is not selfish or quick tempered. It does not keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!" Love continued after the spiritual gifts ceased.

 

First Corinthians fourteen is the sad account of contentions that had been caused in the church at Corinth by attitudes dealing with spiritual gifts, especially the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. This chapter shows how the miraculous spiritual gifts were to be  regulated  and  how important the edification of the church is in all matters. Whatever is done in the church is to be done humbly and in love.

 

The gifts of tongues and prophecy -- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5: These spiritual gifts were temporary and were only possessed in the first few years of the existence of the church. In this chapter Paul dealt with the many abuses of spiritual gifts that existed at Corinth. The theme of the chapter centers in proper conduct in worship by correct use of spiritual gifts. Paul wanted them to be guided by love and to understand the value of the gift of prophecy. Speaking with tongues showed miraculous power, but it did not help the brethren as much as prophecy. Prophecy provided edification, exhortation, and comfort. It helped the entire church.

 

Paul was happy for anyone to speak in tongues. He did not begrudge them. However, prophesying did more good than speaking in unknown languages, unless someone could help the church by explaining what was said in the tongue. Paul was very practical in dealing with the gifts. He felt that the brethren should desire the gift that would provide the most help for the church and that would be the gift of prophecy.

 

Tongues must be properly interpreted -- 1 Corinthians 14:6-19: What good would it do speak in a language that the church could not understand? It would do no good for Paul to speak without giving them some knowledge, prophecy or teaching. Even lifeless instruments must give a certain sound or their sounds would be useless. In olden days when the trumpet was blown in a certain way it meant prepare for battle. An uncertain sound would mean nothing and the soldier would simply remain in his tent.

 

The tongues should be used only in a way that would benefit the hearers. They must somehow be able to understand what is being said, otherwise there is no profit in the speech. Speaking in a language that cannot be understood makes you appear to be a foreigner to those that hear you. At Corinth the members were seeking gifts that would make them look better. Paul said they should seek gifts that would best help the church. If a man prays or preaches with an unknown tongue, the hearer that does not understand that tongue will not gain anything from the prayer or preaching.

 

In the early church there were inspired songs and there were inspired prayers. "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Corinthians 14:15) Sing so that everyone can hear and understand the words because we are taught thereby. When we pray others should be able to say "amen." A prayer in a foreign language may be beautiful, but there is no way it can edify the person that does not speak that language. Paul preferred a few understandable works over thousands of eloquent words that could not be understood.

 

Tongues might bring reproach - 1 Corinthians 14:20-25: Paul said the brethren at Corinth were acting like children when it came to the matter of spiritual gifts. They had shown malice toward each other over these gifts. Unbelief led Israel into a land of captivity where people spoke in languages they could not understand. (Isaiah 28:11-12) Tongues were a sign to those that believe not. Prophecy was for those that did believe. Remember, prophesying edified the church.

 

When a person hears a message that touches his heart he will kneel down and say to God, "We are certain that you are with these people." They would never be able to do this if all they heard was people speaking in a foreign language. However, prophesying that instructed the mind would bring about such a reaction.

 

   The proper use of spiritual gifts -- 1 Corinthians 14:26-40: Paul wanted it understood that when the church met for worship that everything that was done must be done for the good of all that were present. One would sing, another teaches and another speaks in a language, another interprets and all do so for the edification of the church. When tongues were spoken it was to be done orderly with one speaking a few words and another interpreting. If no one was present with the gift to interpret then tongues were not to be spoken. Even the prophets were to speak orderly; only two or three speaking at the same gathering. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." There would be no excuse for the assembly being disorderly. "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." The assembly must be a place of edification and not of confusion.

 

   In Paul's attempt to restore order in the church he told the wives of those men with the spiritual gifts to remain silent in the church. They were not to speak; they were to be in subjection. Their wives were to be in silent subjection while their husbands exercised their gifts. If there was something they wanted to know they could ask their husbands at home instead of causing confusion in the church.

 

   The Corinthians should never have been puffed up. The word of God did not originate with them or go forth from them. Paul wanted it understood that the truly spiritual person would know that what he was writing was from God. They were to pay no attention to those that ignored his writings. He taught the brethren to "desire earnestly" to prophesy, but not to forbid the other spiritual gifts. The conclusion of the entire matter was that confusion must not exist in the church.

 

   Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Have you obeyed the gospel?  

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Jimmy Allen (1065 Arrowhead Drive, Prattville, AL 36067), Joe Barrett, Mae Beverly, Donald Davis, Ruth Davis (eye surgery), Birdie Lee Godwin, Roy Goodwin, Montine Hardin, Evan Hartsell, Linda Holley, Mary Lawrence, Dee Matthews, Gary Moore, Jo Ann Moorer, Mary Powell, Austin Shows, Robbie Starkie (son of Eleanor Stabler), Lane Strickland, Bobby Terrell, Jerry Thomas, Rhonda Thomas, Alma Ward (mother of Bill Ward), Richard Watts, Johnnie Wesley, and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Homewood of Greenville: Marie Walton. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Requesting Our Prayers: Julia Scott Patterson responded to our Lord’s invitation. Please remember her in your personal, private prayers.

 

3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to (a) Lydia Ann Raybon and her family in the death of her uncle, Oliver Barganier, (b) Pat O’Connor and his family in the death of his uncle, and (c) the family of Tina Stuckey

 

4. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan: Taylor Bodie, Todd Till, Paul Fullington, and Ben Newton (son of Curtis Newton). Pray for them often!

 

5. Visiting Speaker: Our Elders have invited Bobby Wood from Conyers, Georgia to visit as a special guest speaker on January 27^th. He will teach a combined Adult Bible Class and preach Sunday morning.

 

6. Birthdays: January 21^st Helen Autrey and Kelli Smith, and January 25^th Jeff Owens, and January 26^th Sue Bagents.

 

7. Thank You: (a) Dear Walnut Street Family, Thank you so much for the beautiful floral arrangement that you sent to the funeral of our brother, James Acreman. Thanks also for your prayers, and kindness shown to us. We are so fortunate to be members of this caring congregation. May God bless you. In Christian love, Alice Padgett and Earl Acreman (b) A million “Thanks” for your prayers, cards, flowers and your visits while I was in the hospital and rehab. I am slowly getting better and hopefully soon I can walk again. Linda and I felt each prayer that was made for us. Without all your prayers, we probably wouldn’t be here today to “Thank You”.  Again, my thanks and God bless each of you. Love, Birdie Lee Godwin

 

8.  Marc Ginsberg Moved:  We will miss Mark as he has moved to his new location. Please stay in contact with him. Address: 233 Nicholas Street, Winder, Georgia 30680, Phone 678-463-1294.

 

9. Peggy Harper Writes: Peggy Harper sends her greeting to the church and asked that you write to her if possible. Address: P.O. Box 395, Red Level, Alabama 36474.

 

10. Visit Our Website: The website address is: http:\\www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org.

 

11. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a)  January 25^th – Singing – Elba Church of Christ – 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., (b) January 26^th – Today’s Youth – Grady Church of Christ – Speaker Caleba Colley – Topics: Science and the Bible and How to Love God – Time 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., (c) February 1^st – Singing – Panama Street Church of Christ – Time 7:00 p.m., (d) February 1^st-2^nd – Financial Management Seminar – Walnut Street Church of Christ – Dwayne Wilson – Time Friday 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided, (e) February 16^th – Ladies Day – Century Church of Christ – Theme: “Joy Deep in My Heart” – Speaker: Becky Blackmon – Time: 9:00 a.m., (f) February 22^nd – 24^th – Yes Weekend 2008 – Forrest Park Church of Christ Valdosta, Georgia, (g) March 30^th – April 3^rd – Memphis School of Preaching Lectures – Theme: “Strengthening The Heart”, (h) June 22^nd-26^th – Vacation Bible School – Walnut Street Church of Christ, and (i) July 6^th-13^th – Backwoods Christian Camp – Please participate!

 

Ungodly Friends Are

Grizzly Bears

 

    From time to time, I like to refer back to one of my previous articles entitled A Pet Grizzly Bear, in which I described how nutty it would be to invite a grizzly bear into your home while assuring your family and friends, “He’s friendly and would not hurt a fly.” Most of us wouldn’t dream of doing that, but somehow, we would consider allowing other equally deadly things into our homes and lives. Today, think about the fact that making poor choices regarding one’s friends is like hanging out with a killer bear.

 

   While you alone will give account of yourself before God (Romans 14:12), you are not the only person who will influence your faithfulness to Him. In Fact, I believe that the decisions you make concerning your relationships here on earth will probably have as much influence on your Christianity as any other decision. The Word of God is clear regarding the peril that looms around evil companions. 

 

   Paul clearly stated, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (I Corinthians 15:33). There is no doubt that good intentions can quickly and easily be changed for the worse by a friend who doesn’t care about doing right.  “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Do you want to become like your current friends? The Bible teaches that you can count on that happening. If you’re thinking, “I really don’t want to be like some of my friends;” I think we both know that some changes need to be made concerning friendships. 

 

   A sane person would never walk alongside, play with, or even purposefully go near a wild grizzly bear. It would just be too dangerous to one’s physical health. But, if we truly believe that spiritual wellbeing is more important than physical wellbeing, why would we willingly submit ourselves to the destructive influences of unrighteous people? Just as good parents are often concerned about the negative influences of their child’s evil companions, God, our Father, also cares about the kind of friends we keep.

 

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)