Since this writing many churches have taken on the Corinthian format for speaking in tongues and see this passage as endorsing their approach. Yet Paul was frustrated with Corinth's approach and knew much of what they were doing was a pushed effort to be like others. Some of the speaking in tongues was not real.
It is common knowledge that God will not let language barriers stop the gospel message and when needed. God will allow people to speak in a language only the hearer will understand. Even the Apostle Paul had this occur to himself as he spoke in a language which he did not first know, reaching the people God wanted.
Yet what Paul knew to be real, was not real in the case of many in Corinth. Some would claim it was their heavenly language given to them by God. Yet, if not true, Paul wanted to end the miss use of this spiritual gift and draw these people back to real service and looking towards real gifts. Here is how Paul did this.
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (NKJV)
The rule for speaking in an unknown tongue is, the spiritual gift has to happen for a reason. It is important the reason of God sending a specific message to the hearer and for the hearer to share what was said, is verified.
To start, this will silence the group and no frenzied outbursts can continue as people will listen to see if what was said, was real. But if there is no one who understands what is being said, the person speaking in tongues must stop and remain silent.
The same guidelines applies to prophesy. Paul told the Corinthians they are to put prophesy to an equal test.
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:29-31 (NKJV)
In the church we need the inclusion of real spiritual gifts and not the outbursts from people who are wanting, trying, and hoping they are right.
In the days of Moses, the law of God had strict guidelines for the use of prophesy. It said if a prophet declares a prophesy and it does not come true, they are to be labeled a false prophet and killed.
It is God who wants people representing Him in truth; for if a person falsely speaks in an unknown tongue or speaks a false prophesy they are liars. Thus we are to protect the image of God and not portrait the church as crazy liars.
The problem is, people are not patient and they want to have their lives changed instantly. They want to be spiritual and experience spiritual experiences. Yet, the very truth others are watching, brings out the worst in people. These want to be seen doing things others will respect. This is the reason Lucifer fell from Heaven.
Yet many of the spiritual gifts are not meant to be seen, they are without glory. A servant is a worker for His master; to God be the glory and to want to share in the glory is shameful.
Lucifer was the angel who covered. His musical orchestration of worship filled the expanses of heaven. He led the angels in the praise of God. Yet Lucifer found beauty in what he was doing. He saw himself as beautiful and watched the angels worship God.
In Lucifer's mind he developed the desire to be seen and respected by others and by the time this evil played out in his mind, Lucifer was angrily challenging God saying " 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
Lucifer fell to spiritual pride and it is spiritual pride which will cause people to attempt to speak an unknown language when they are not speaking it at all. The same with the person who profess and it does not come to pass. Thus Paul saw it important the people of the church to have accountability in their gifts.
All spiritual gifts have a purpose. God will do the dramatic to communicate to others He is real and confirm the gospel message by miracle.
A man went on a missions trip to India taking his father, who did not believe in Jesus Christ. The father wanted to see the sight of the exotic country and traveled with the other missionaries.
A crusade in Calcutta was an objective of the missions trip and on the night of the crusade, all the missionaries were asked to sit on the platform while the speakers spoke; this group included the father.
The message was spoken in Indian and though the missionaries did not know Indian they sat patiently while the masses listened.
Towards the end of the crusade and at the culmination of the alter call, it was spoken in Indian and in English, telling the masses to come forward for prayer and the missionaries from America would pray for them.
Masses of people, touched by God, came for healing and salvation. A blind man was brought up to the unbelieving father, which caught the father by surprise; he never thought himself to be part of the group; however, the father did not want to bringing discredit to the group on stage, so he reached out touching the blind man and God restored sight to the man.
A great outburst of praise rang out and the miracle became conformation that the words spoken about Jesus Christ were true; the masses believed and the father believed also.
Were these from America or these holding the crusade expecting the miracle? No; they preached the word of God in truth and the miracle came.
Spiritual gifts come from God so that individuals may do the work of God to the furtherance of building the kingdom of God. Yet great miracles as this do not occur every day; but spiritual gifts do. But both miracles and spiritual gifts are for reason. God uses spiritual gifts for edification, for deliverance, and for comfort and care of God's people.
There are so many churches who have given up on spiritual gifts, teaching they are no longer need today. They say the church has spread throughout the world and God no longer must establish His truth. Yet, who are they to limit God?
We need spiritual gifted people who have gifts of wisdom, abilities to teach, insight in to understanding how prophesy applies to our end times. The church needs counselors who can see through falsehood and know how to counsel those they meet with.
We need prophets, we need leaders with vision, and congregations who serve. Yet it must all be done that God may receive the glory and no fakery is allowed to establish itself in our congregations.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 14:32-33 (NKJV)
There are many spiritual gifts God grants when it is time and they are needed; but when people focus only on tongues and prophesy, it breeds confusion. Paul wanted to limit the confusion so the orderliness and truth of God could be known.
God will always bring proof of the spiritually gifted out so others may confirm the good work of God.
