Spiritual Gifts - Decently and in Order.

In Corinth, if you were to come into their church you would no doubt hear many people speaking in different languages or speaking differently. It was such a noticeable difference Paul cautioned them that outsiders would think them crazy.

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.

What a Contradiction.

Many will tell you not to worry about what others think about you; live your life and only be concerned with what God thinks about you. This stated, many will immediately agree; since we have to be taught as children not to give in to peer pressure. However, peer pressure does not describe the thoughts of those outside of the church looking in. Thus when it comes to what the world thinks of the church there is a necessity to have our faith above reproach.

Paul was concerned with this too and wrote the Corinthian church to be mindful of what others think.

Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 1 Corinthians 14:23 (NKJV)

The church must maintain an impeccable image before non-Christians. Judgment should begin in the house of God; yet the very organization which claims Jesus Christ as their savior and Lord is often rocked with scandal.

The world has watched the church have scandals, misconducts, church splits, and they have watched the church argue over many issues. Thus, if we do not take care of our own sin, how can we stand a city on a hill? How can we say be like us; follow us to salvation?

It is echoed here when teaching on the use of tongues in the church. If an unbeliever comes in and hears everyone talking in tongues won’t they say those in the church are crazy? Thus we must consider that speaking in tongues can work against the evangelism the church attempts. It become anti-evangelism and could be considered anti-Christ.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand the things they do, can cause many to not believe in the work of God in the church. Their actions can keep people from salvation.

Some of the greatest reasons for not going to church are because the church misbehaved. The misbehavior reinforced decisions not to join with the church. Thus there are many scarred people who will tell you to your face why they don’t go to church.

They will tell you the church is full of hypocrites! To which we all must agree. The church is full of sinners and because of this we must work hard to teach people the right way to live and enforce what a godly lifestyle is.

Now how can a godly lifestyle coexist, with people  who act like crazy people?

Tongues are a gift given by God to break the language barrier, so others could hear the gospel in their own language. Yet it was being sought by the members of the Corinthian church because they wanted to do something that was mystical and it became a spiritual feat to speak in an unknown tongue and an expectation for church members.

Even today some churches teach that you are not filled with the Spirit if, you do not talk in tongues. They make people feel inferior until they do.

Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.  And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 (NKJV)

If you already speak  a person's language, do you have to have some other language to get through to them? Of course not; so how do you get through to them? This is where the church needs true gifts from God.

Every person in the church should seek God for wisdom and knowledge about the people they meet. If they are seeking the person’s good, and not their own personal satisfaction, the Lord will let a person know what to say to deliver people from their problems. When you minister to them, then they will know that your Christianity is real.

I’m asked all the time why I believe the Bible. I believe in the Bible is truth; however, I tell people it is not the Bible which I have put my faith in. I have put my faith in a God who answers my prayers and speaks to my heart directing it. God never lets me down; people will let me down, but God never does. I believe the Bible because I see Gods work in my life and the Bible teaches me more about it.

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV)

Even in our church today, people will look at this writing of Paul and only see what they want to believe is true. They disregard the truth that Paul was frustrated at the Corinthian church for their speaking in tongues.

Now if Paul could be so frustrated, what about their own society and image outsiders saw? What was the city saying about the way their church was acting? Many times those in the church do themselves harm by the way they speak and act in front of the world.

A modern example of this is the boycott of Disneyland for its acceptance and celebrate of gay pride. When the church speaks out against them, the world only remembers the pastors and priest who have fallen into fornication. Can you see this becomes a contradiction, because we have the same sin of fornication inside the church?

We must  remember the world does not see themselves as sinful. The church pointing out sin does not change the world's way of thinking; it only casts undue attention on the church. Thus when you add in all the other things the church does do to hurt their image, you can see barriers erected by their own actions.

Our sin puts a barrier between us and God; and then it puts a barrier between us and those who God wants to reach. So when many are speaking out and trying to show their spirituality, they should be seeking to be quiet and listen to God for understanding to deliver ourselves first and then our ministries will be notices like a city on a hill.

In many situations the church needs to shut their mouth, bow their heads and not look up until they have a true revelation from God.

Jesus would go away to a quit place and seek God, pray, and let the Father minister to Him before He would go to address people. So should the church; they should quit trying to be spiritual and let God open their eyes to truth, fill their hearts with love and compassion, and then God will give  to them the directions to act.

Everyone in the church wants to be spiritual and thought of as spiritual. Yet spirituality comes through seeking God, not be seeking gifts.

Tongues, is it Babble?

Was Paul endorsing the use of speaking in tongues in the church? In Corinth there were many who believed God used this spiritual gift often and it was becoming common to hear someone speak out in a different language, but no one understood the language, it was as if they were babbling.

The same phenomenon concurs in some churches today. The people who participate will tell you tongues is a language only God knows; they say it is a heavenly language, and will admit they themselves do not know what they are saying. The words they speak have also been linguistically challenged and have no connection to a know dialect.

This has left many people wondering if this is really happening or a disconnected way to feel spiritual. Most non-Christians think these who speak in tongues in their services are mad.

When the tongues of angels swept over the disciples on the day of Pentecost, the scriptures explain Peter and the others could speak and be understood by men who spoke different languages. Each heard the gospel message in their own language. This led to 3000 people giving their hearts to become followers of Jesus Christ.

The great difference from that day and what became a practice, based on that day, is the disciples spoke actual languages. There is no other place in scripture which addresses the use of speaking in tongues but the one we read today.

In our passage, the following words of Paul address those who speak in tongues, but do not know what they are saying.

There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:10-13 (NKJV)

Paul did not dispute the Corinthian claims to speak in a heavenly language. However, he does say there are many dialects which are significant. The use of words is to be understood and if there is no understanding what good is it?

Paul also encourages these to take responsibility for their self proclaimed spiritual gift and pray for interpretation; for the practice of speaking in tongues does not edify the church.

If you logically look at miracles of God and His communication to people, there is always common ground. God does miracles to increase a person's belief. He also has spoken to people to be heard and understood. When tongues did occur on the day of Pentecost, people understood the language and gave their hearts to Jesus. There were none who walked away without knowing what was being said.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.. 1 Corinthians 14:14-17 (NKJV)

Paul spoke openly about their use of tongues and what he said is very relevant in churches today, who endorse speaking in tongues, as it was back when Paul addressed the Corinthians. When churches let go of speaking and praying in real words, those in the church listening are hearing nothing. If they heard nothing they are not edified nor can they say Amen and truly mean it. They can say the word Amen with vigor, but they do not know what they are saying it for.

When asked about this, the answer heard most is, "We agree in faith saying Amen." Yet faith was never to meant to be blind. Faith is overcoming doubt and endorsing a reasoned trust. Faith is not believing in what you do not understand.

If a person is capable of praying in the common language to God, why would they want to pray in an unknown language, especially if no one understands what they prayed? Is it not better to pray from the heart and pray in sincerity and be understood by all?

Praying, speaking, not being understood; frenzied, goose bumps, extraordinary, an unexplainable, service filled with wonder, people come and people go. They think themselves so blessed and for many this is the only service to God they do. This is very common amount churches which endorse the open speaking in tongues.

They fill their services with wonderment and push out the opportunities to challenge the hearts of others to service. There are people in the pews saying "Amen" but they do not understand what being a servant truly is.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 1 Corinthians 14:18-20 (KJV)

Paul did not discourage speaking in tongues and admits to practicing it himself. You see Paul exposed himself to many different cultures and there were times he needed the word to preach to those he was around.  Paul was truly a man who God did miracles through and Paul's ministry was effective.

Tongues do exits. If God needs to reach a person, a people, a society, God will and has unlocked the jaws of people to speak in a language they never spoke, that people might understand in their own language. It is a great miracle and one which occurs at the right moment when serving those people was needed.

If you remember Paul began is conversation saying, "When I was a child I spoke as a child, but when I became and adult I put away childish things." Paul's desire was to be effective, not create or encourage others to be ineffective.

The church has a mission to fulfill. Jesus gave to the church a great commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel baptizing them in the names of the Lord. We are to preach in real word and serve with real compassion.

Christianity is to become servants and think of others before yourself; thus we must agree with Paul that the practice of speaking in an unknown language does not accomplish the great commission.

In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 1 Corinthians 14:21-23 (NKJV)

People need to make their decision to follow Jesus or not follow Jesus. Thus they must hear the gospel in their own language and some will believe, but others will not. Paul adds, if they come into your service to hear something the cannot understand and know that no one else does either, will they not think you are crazy?

God has not called us to focus on one spiritual gift, but the many spiritual gifts that people might be saved. Prophesy, hospitality, faith, hope, love, teaching, healing, administrations, wisdom ,leadership, mercy, discernment, giving, and logical spiritual application of God's divine design into our lives. These we should be seeking and our services fill with; it is then people will find understanding and value to build the kingdom.

Let's have sensible gifts.

It is a truth that all people, from all of time, have had some of the same deficits in attitude and conduct. The people of the past have been jealous, they have cursed, cheated, lied, and plotted against others. They were also puffed up, prideful, self seeking, and arrogant. Therefore, the attitudes and problems Paul addresses in Corinth are just as relevant in today's societies and churches. People are people no matter where they come from or what language they speak.

 Have you noticed there are people who associate together because they enjoy each other's approach to life. Individuals sport enthusiast seek out their own kind. The same applies to collectors, adventurers, thrill seekers, virtually every interest you can think of; the saying is true, "Birds of a feather flock together."

In the Christian Church you would think the main association would be the savior, Jesus Christ. All who follow Jesus Christ share this in common and thus would congregate, support, seek out, and enjoy the companies with each other. In a large degree, this is not the case with in our churches.

Around the globe there are Christians who meet other Christians only to find their differences are too great to overcome. Churches are different in the way they approach the doctrines of scripture and many of these want to be separatists.

Paul saw this very attitude ripping apart the one church in Corinth. The congregations had ethnic differences and the meshing of cultures was very hard. Yet some of the hardest areas of coexistence are the same many churches struggle with today. It's obvious these words of Paul to the Corinthians are not given enough consideration.

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

The one thing which should unite all Christians and every church, is Love. There Greek word used for love is the type of love which is unconditional and serves the needs of others. This love accepts all people without regard for their ethnic or cultural differences.

In the church at Corinth, there were those who loved their way of doing things and they developed prejudices towards others who wanted to do thing different. This love was greater than the unconditional love God wanted them to have.

Many sought after spiritual gifts; they wanted to manifest the truth of God's existence and make it obvious. They were in love with this idea so much, they grabbed onto a gift seen earlier when the church first formed and was made famous in Jerusalem. It was the gift of tongues.

When speaking in an unknown tongue it cannot be easily disputed unless you have a linguistics expert who can understand what is being said or a person who speaks the language being spoken translate it. Thus, who is to say their speak is a spiritual gift or a forced attempt to exhibit being spiritually gifted.

Some churches encourage speaking in tongues and teach there is a heavenly language which we are to speak to God. Thus the congregation will defend the use of their heavenly language as their soul speaking to God. Many of these admit not even they themselves understand what is being said and they base their doctrine on this same passage we study today.

This was even an issue Paul was not willing to debate, nor let get in the way for you cannot teach that unconditional love believes all things and disagree with these Christians who believed the gift of tongues was active in their church.

Paul however did see opportunity to deemphasize the practice by rechanneling their efforts towards prophesy.

Prophesy is the telling of a future event pertaining to the Kingdom of God. It could be foreseeing a direction the church should move into or knowing the course of their own actions. Prophesy is most helpful in understanding what God wants and is a step in a direction of knowing rather than not knowing what some one is saying.

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 1 Corinthians 14:2-6 (NKJV)

Unconditional love is a two way street. This love is not only accepting of others, it seeks what is best for others. Thus Paul defines a dilemma in self edification which speaking in tongues brings to a person.

If a person has unconditional love for others, how could they be self seeking? In saying this, Paul graciously prods these Christians to understand this unconditional love does not seek its own; and when applied to the person who speaks in an unknown language and is seeking to edify themselves, it is very contradictive.

Paul was a servant of God and called all Christians to be imitators of himself. Thus Paul set the doctrine that all Christians are to be servants of God. Paul also taught Jesus was the ultimate example of being a servant and the same attitude, fortitude, and love Jesus Christ had, who humbled Himself and became obedient to the cause of saving others, should be our own. Therefore, Christians should not focus on their own edification, but to edify others.

Christ like service is serving others without thought of being served. A good servant has more interest in the needs of others, than their own needs. Thus Paul was able to see opportunity to serve others even in prison; this included the guards who had obligation to make his life uncomfortable.

If Paul were to show up at your church and greeted the congregation and began to speak in an unknown language would it have an effect on your church. The truth is, it would. Many knowing the reputation of Paul would be in awe of what they saw and would desire to have an equal benefit. Many would leave this service and peruse the same things which they saw Paul do.

But what if Paul showed up at your church and taught on the love of God for others and gave incite on what your church should do to save others, building the Kingdom of God. What effect would this have on your church?

What if Paul told you church their future and described ways to better it or make it into a magnet for hurting souls. What if Paul told your church how to help these people, binding their wounds, and healing their hurts? What effect would this have on your church?

Paul was very gentile with the Corinthians; a church which had many faults, many sinful practices, many misunderstandings about God. They were a church which had many deficits and Paul with unconditional love was trying to call them back of the edge of destruction to a good future.

In this passage, the statement of Paul's saying, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" is not a statement confirming a doctrine of speaking mysteries which evokes God to action for us. Paul is only confirming it has no confirmed scriptural good; it stays a mystery; that is if it is truly acknowledge by God.