Tag Archives: Corinthians

1 Corinthians 14- Commandments of The Lord

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What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:36-40

Over the past few Chapters we have gone through some intense teachings of scripture, and judging from Paul’s rhetorical response here, I can imagine the Church of Corinth was probably having the same reaction as the Church today is. Notice the statement here from Paul “What? Did the Word of God come or originate from you?” Paul is making a sarcastic rhetorical question to the Church of Corinth

Obviously the Church of Corinth was practicing and worshiping in ways that was not in line with scripture or the Apostles. As Paul was dropping the hammer of truth on the Church of Corinth, I’m sure there were many of them questioning Paul’s Apostolic authority. This is the same scenario we see today, many will discredit Paul’s teachings or some even reject Paul all together. However as Paul states “The things that I write unto you are the commandments of The Lord”

The teachings that Paul is instructing to the Churches, are not his own ideas or interpretations. These are direct commandments from Jesus Christ, as Paul testified under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To deny Paul’s teachings is to deny Jesus Christ as your Lord. Unfortunately we are seeing many Churches denying the true teachings of the Bible, and embrace traditions of man instead

Does your Church’s practices and doctrine align with the Bible? I don’t think many Christians love God enough to care about the obedience to His Word. They love their religion more than they love God. This is no different than the Pharisees or the Sauducess, everyone loves religion but do you love God with all your heart, soul, and strength?

This entire Chapter could be summed up with this final statement by Paul “Let ALL things be done decently and in order” This comes back to practicing Communion, to speaking in Tongues, to Women Pastors, everything must be done in decent order. We don’t worship a God of chaos, we worship a God of order. 

Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) The teachings of the Apostle Paul are the commandments of Christ, if Jesus is your Lord, you will obey them, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Order Of Creation

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Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35

These scriptures are probably some of the most controversial scriptures possibly in the whole Bible. The question is how do we interpret and respond to them? I’ve heard arguments that these verses were added at a later date, I’ve heard arguments that this was just a cultural issue with the Church of Corinth, regardless of what your interpretation is, we must deal with these scriptures in honesty and obedience.

The Apostle Paul says a little later “What I am writing to you is The Lord’s command” (V37) So this totally destroys the idea that this was just Paul’s prejudice towards women. The Apostle Paul is stating these are commands he received personally from The Lord Jesus Christ. So either Jesus is your Lord (Master) or he’s not. If Jesus is your Lord, then you must be obedient to his words and commands.

The full context of this paragraph of scripture is order in the Church. Yes women are filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) and women can prophesy and speak in tongues, however when it comes to a Church structure , there is supposed to be order. Remember earlier Paul taught us the order of creation “ the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3)

This is a creation order from God, the woman was created from the man , and the woman was created for man (1 Corinthians 11:8-9) Now in a liberal crazy world we live in , this concept is unacceptable to the world, but this is the reality of creation. You either believe the word of God or you reject the word of God, there is no in between

Regardless of what the world says, Men and women are different and were born for different roles. I, as a man, can’t conceive and deliver a child, that is biologically impossible. That’s the reality of creation, we are different , and we were made and designed for each other. This doesn’t mean the man is greater than the woman, it means we were designed for different roles from God for serving family and the Church

The Apostle Paul dives more into this in 1 Timothy Chapter 2, The Apostle Paul says “ I do not permit women to have authority over a man,  Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:12-13) A couple things here we can clarity:

  1. This is not a cultural issue specifically aimed at Corinth, as Paul teaches on this multiple times, specifically in his letter to Timothy
  2. The issue is regarding creation order, God created Adam first, and Eve was created from Adam’s rib
  3. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions that these are commandments from Jesus Christ himself
  4. We can’t reject parts of the Bible we don’t agree with, if you reject one part of the Bible , you reject all authority of the BIble

1 Corinthians 14- Order of The Church

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How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 1 Corinthians 14:26-28

We often hear a judge yell “Order in the Court” when there are multiple people talking at one time, well this is what Paul is saying here for the Church. God is not the author of confusion (v33) The Church of Corinth had multiple people talking at one time, one person was singing a psalm, another person was speaking in tongues, another person was prophesying. But it was all just mass confusion instead of edification for the Church

Again we see those words here again in this Chapter, Paul says “Let all things be done unto edifying” It’s great when we sing Psalms or Hymns together, but if someone is singing and another Christian is preaching, it doesn’t work. We as the body of Christ need to be in sync with each other. It’s not about me and you, its about us and Christ. 

On our recent video chat, brother Fred mentioned at a prayer meeting, there are multiple people praying at one time, this actually is not Biblical. And it’s not surprising why , because it’s just causing mass confusion. There might be an edifying message or prophecy, however nobody can hear or understand it, therefore its not edifying to the Church

The Apostle Paul states here “If there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church, let him speak to himself, and God” If nobody understands what you are saying, then by scripture you are to remain silent in the Church. Now I think this bruises more egos than anything. If you have the gift of tongues , there is a time and place to use this gift, according to scripture

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 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 churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33

God is not the author of confusion, we need to remember and understand this. I’ve visited a Church where people were rolling on the floors and people were randomly speaking out, is this a Biblical structure of the Church? The Apostle Paul says No, and to be honest with you me and my wife walked out, because it was pure madness. 

As brother Fred also said “People are trying to create an upper room experience” , as we said before, we are not the Holy Spirit, we can’t create an upper room experience, only God Almighty can do this. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self control (Galatians 5:23) If we have no control over ourselves is this really from the Holy Spirit? God wants a Church of order and not chaos Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Tongues Are A Sign

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Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25

The Apostle Paul continues to drop more truth bombs on us with his teachings. The first part of his statement is “Tongues are a sign” So , as we established, the speaking of tongues has a reason or purpose, people don’t just randomly babble for no purpose. As we talked about previously, tongues are used for evangelism and for edification within the Church. Unknown tongues are to be spoken in private while alone with God, since there is no interpreter

Paul goes on to say “Tongues are a sign for non-believers, not believers” Now I believe Paul is referring to evangelism of the gospel but also its evidence of God’s presence. Again we see a specific purpose for speaking in tongues, God has a reason for delivering this message. 

Now think about this from a non-Christians perspective, they hear a Christian speaking in tongues, and their first thought is “What is going on here”? I think that is part of the reason, God is grabbing the attention of the unsaved, God is demonstrating a supernatural gift into the natural world. So now what is the response from the non-believer? Are they going to seek this more or are they just going to blow it off as foolishness? Its a heart condition check by God

On the flipside Paul states “Prophecy is for the believer and not the non-believer” So this makes sense, if someone doesn’t believe in God they obviously are not going to be in prophecy. But it also demonstrates the importance of sharing your revelation with the rest of the Church. If God is giving you a prophecy , it needs to be shared with the Church, as it probably effects the Church. 

So just to summarize what Paul is saying towards the end of this “ If a non-Christian witnesses multiple Christians speaking in tongues, their heart condition will be checked” the KJV says “his heart made manifest” , meaning how is this non-believer going to respond to a supernatural event? Are they going to continue to deny God or as Paul says “fall down on his face and worship God”

  1. Tongues is a sign of the New Covenant for non-believers
  2. Tongues of prophecy are purposed for the Church
  3. The response to tongues determines someone’s heart condition towards God

1 Corinthians 14- New Covenant Gift

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Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 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. 1 Corinthians 14:16-19

The Apostle Paul makes an important statement here “ In the Church, I had rather speak five words with my understanding, than ten thousands words in an unknown tongue” You have heard the phrase quality over quantity, Paul would rather speak only 5 words that was understandable and edifying to the Church than ten thousand words that nobody could understand

Again this goes back to why are we speaking tongues in Church? Are you trying to edify the body of Christ with a message or are you trying to puff yourself up? There has to be a reason and purpose for what your saying, God doesn’t just randomly make up words with no edification. 

As Paul says here also, and I’ll paraphrase, “How can those in the room say “Amen” and they don’t understand what you say” When the Church says Amen , they are agreeing to something being said, the Church can’t agree or they shouldn’t agree, if they don’t understand what is being proclaimed

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:20-21

It’s interesting here because the Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah , there are a couple of things we can conclude from this reference.

 1. Speaking in tongues is a New Covenant practice- as Isaiah referenced , the prophets beforehand spoke in clear language to the people of Israel, yet they still rejected Gods Word, now that the Holy Spirit speaks through foreign tongues, its clear the New Covenant is for All nations and people and not just Israel

2. Speaking in tongues is a sign and confirmation of the New Covenant in Christ. Those who claim Christ is just a renewal of the Mosaic Covenant, would have to dismiss the gifts of speaking in tongues at Pentecost all together

3. Paul warns the Church to be mature in the use of speaking of tongues and not like spiritual children. Even discussing the topic of tongues we see brings a strong reaction and sometimes division among the Church. The use of tongues is a powerful gift given by the Holy Spirit, it should be used with wisdom and caution of Gods providence.

1 Corinthians 14- Edify The Church

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There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12

The Apostle Paul makes a profound statement here “You are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the Church” As we talked about previously , we should seek to obtain our spiritual gifts from God. Those who deny spiritual gifts altogether are basically denying God. These are gifts God wants to share with us, why wouldn’t we want to be obedient and receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit?

But then we go back to what is the purpose of these spiritual gifts? I believe its been concluded spiritual gifts are for evangelism and to edify the Church. We should be seeking to edify our brothers and sisters with our spiritual gifts. This is one of the main reasons we need to assemble or fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. If we don’t gather as a Church, how can we edify our brothers and sisters?

As Jesus said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) How we use our spiritual gifts shows our heart condition. Are we using our spiritual gifts to edify the Church and share the gospel? Or are we trying to use our spiritual gifts to promote ourselves and build up our egos?

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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 14:13-15

Notice what the Apostle Paul teaches here “pray that he may interpret” If you’re speaking in tongues for the Church, we need to make sure it’s edifying for the Church. If you speak in tongues and nobody has any idea what you’re saying, you are not edifying anyone except yourself.

For those who do have the gift of speaking in tongues, you have a responsibility to know when to share with the body of Christ. If there is nobody that has the gift of interpretation, then you should remain silent. Part of this would be knowing who your brothers and sisters are that you are worshiping with, it’s very awesome to see how the body of Christ compliments each other when we share our spiritual gifts with one another

In all things, we must remain in the will of God, led by the Holy Spirit, obedient to The Lord and edifying to the Church, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Spiritual Gifts Purpose

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I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 1 Corinthians 14:5-9

Our scriptures today generate some questions, does everyone speak in tongues or prophecy? Secondly, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues or prophesying? As we talked about previously, there are various spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12, Romans 12) and we all that are Born Again, have a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit. You may not know or understand what your spiritual gift is at this point, but I can guarantee if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then He has given you a gift

Now the first question, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues? God is a God of law and order (1 Cor. 14:33) God doesn’t just create random things to create confusion, there is a purpose and plan for everything He has created, including You! We know in the past that Speaking of Tongues, was instrumental to spreading the gospel very quickly. In fact that might still be the case today, as missionaries go to foreign countries , the Holy Spirit may enable them to share the gospel in their native language. 

There are many today who claim to have the gifts of speaking in tongues, what is the purpose of your gift? Are you using it for the body of Christ to edify or spread the gospel? And what about unknown tongues? What is Gods plan and purpose for this gift? I’m not going to claim to have all the answers, in fact to be honest, speaking in tongues is very mysterious to me. I do believe they are real, because the Word of God says they are real, but I don’t fully understand everything about it

As the Apostle Paul says here “What shall I profit or benefit you” How are these gift going to enhance the Kingdom of God or edify the Body of Christ? That should be the question if you are speaking in tongues or if someone in your Church is also. We know there are some false prophets who fake speaking in tongues to gather attention or to try and demonstrate a greater spiritual authority, but what are they accomplishing? Has anything been edified since they have spoken? Has the gospel been increased?

The Apostle Paul also says here “except you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how shall it be known what is spoken”? Again what is the purpose of what is being spoken, if its now understood by anyone? Is this to glorify God or to glorify yourself?

Many false prophets have abused the gifts of the Holy Spirit, lets make sure we are worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Desire Spiritual Gifts

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Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  1 Corinthians 14:1-4

 I love how Paul begins this teaching here , he says “Follow after Love and Desire Spiritual Gifts” When it comes to the controversy of Spiritual Gifts, it almost seems like some Christians don’t want any spiritual gifts! As we talked about previously the Holy Spirit is continually active in every believer’s life. You can’t be saved without the Holy Spirit, you can’t be Born Again without the Holy Spirit, you can’t confess Jesus Christ is Lord without the Holy Spirit.

So when it comes to the topic of spiritual gifts, I don’t understand why it would be hard to believe that some Christians can speak in unknown tongues or still make prophecies. I think the KJV translation brings a little more clarity to this teaching as it states “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to man but to God” Now I think this clarifies things here a little bit, because the word “tongues” basically just means languages. So to speak in tongues basically just means to prophecy in a different language. Now this is effective if there is a Christian there who can interpret the prophecy in their own language. This is precisely how the gospel message got spread to the entire world so rapidly

So in my opinion , there is nothing “strange fire” about people speaking in “tongues” if its an actual language, Paul goes on to say there are some tongues that are unknown to people speaking to God. Now the problem with our modern day Christianity is we have alot of false prophets who fake speaking in tongues. We have all seen and experienced this probably at one point in our Christian walk, however that doesn’t mean that everyone who speaks in an unknown tongue is false, because Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said it would happen. 

It’s like the gift of healing, I believe God still heals today, even though they are many false prophets who perform fake healings. Does that mean all healings are not valid, of course not. This is the same with tongues and prophecy, just because some people abuse the Holy Spirit, doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit isn’t still alive and working today. 

The Apostle Paul says “He that prophecies speak unto men for edification” Now again , because the cannon of the Bible is closed, many believe prophecy is over. Why? The purpose of prophecy is not just to foretell the future but as Paul says here for edification. When you look at the original Greek word for Prophecy “prophēteuōn” it also means to “speak under inspiration” or “divine” Just because you are “prophesying” doesn’t mean you are adding to the revelation of God, it’s just guidance from God in our daily lives

Going back to Paul’s original statement “Desire Spiritual Gifts”, do you desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit or are you quenching the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we need to step out of our box of theological understanding and trust the Holy Spirit , Amen!

1 Corinthians 13- Love Never Fails

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Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  1 Corinthians 13:8-10

Love never fails! What a powerful statement by Paul with inspiration from the Holy Spirit. How many times in our lives have things failed? Have many times have people failed us? But true Love will never fail, you might say that sounds good but where is the proof. If you want evidence of Love never failing just look at the cross! God demonstrated his love towards us, even when we were still sinners , Christ died for You ! (Romans 5:8)

And even though we may fail Christ, Christ will never fail us! God said “I will never leave or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) God can’t fail you and never will, what a guarantee we can rely upon, Love never fails! As a human it’s hard to even fathom such a perfect love, this kind of love could never exist, right? Well this love exists because it’s the love of God demonstrated through Jesus Christ

Now for those who believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit has ceased, could these be scriptures to support their case? The Apostle Paul says “whether there be prophecies, they shall fail, whether there be tongues, they shall cease ” So what does this all mean? Well let’s keep things in context, we currently live in a fallen world, and even though this fallen world will fail us, God will never fail us! That’s what I believe is the main message!

Now back to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, do we truly believe the Holy Spirit is dead in our lives? The reality is none of us would be saved without the Holy Spirit, you can’t be Born Again without the Holy Spirit. You can’t be drawn to Christ, repent of your sin, or declare Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit. So it’s clear the Holy Spirit is still active and working in our lives!

With all that said, I believe the canon of scripture is closed, the 66 books are the inspired Word of God, there is no further revelation needed. However, do I believe we can have a “prophecy” about our personal lives or someone else’s, yes of course we do! So has prophecy ceased, not in a scriptural  sense. Do I believe the speaking of tongues has ceased? I know Born Again Christians who have or spoken in tongues, do I fully understand the purpose, no but I’m not the Holy Spirit.  

The Apostle Paul makes another strong statement “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” I believe Paul is talking about God’s Kingdom when we are in our glorified bodies with The Lord, all things will be perfect. Currently we live in a fallen world, so many things will fail us, however true Love will never fail us, because God is Love in Jesus Christ, Amen!

1 Corinthians 13- Love Is…

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Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

We established from my earlier post that Love (Agape) is an action not just an emotion or feeling. Now Paul goes into further detail, what is the actions of Love. We got used to reading other English translations of this Chapter, sometimes it’s good to look at another translation like KJV, to get more context. 

Again we see the original Greek word Agape translated as Charity instead of the commonly translated Love, to demonstrate an action. Love is patient has become as popular as any bumper sticker, how about Charity suffereth long. Doesn’t sound as catchy, however gives some deeper context. Patience can be difficult, sometimes even suffering. Do we have the patience of Christ? 

When we see Paul describing Love here, as not envious, not puffed up, not proud, we get the message conveyed here, Love is self sacrificial, that’s a true understanding of Agape. Denying yourself for the greater good, where does that sound familiar? Oh yes that’s the gospel, the Love Christ has demonstrated to us on the cross (Romans 5:8)

And true Love seeks righteousness, rejoices not in iniquity, thinking not of evil, but rejoices in truth. The world has no true understanding of Love by these definitions. The world tells you Love is Love, but rejoices in its own iniquity, the world’s love thinks and celebrates its evil. The world’s love is self seeking and puffed up with pride. Satan’s Love is a false and deceptive Love, it’s not really Love at all, just perception

The Apostle Paul gives us a clear view and definition of what Love is by God’s standards. The world could never know or understand this love without the Holy Spirit, as God is Love. The world offers a false Love that is self worshiping and destructive.

True Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things!  True Love is only found through our Lord Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His Love for us on the cross, Amen!