Two extreme views on 1 Co. 14 “Since 1 Co.14 discusses spiritual gifts, it has no bearing on what we do today” –But Ac.2 introduces gospel in setting of H.B. baptism. Does this make the chapter irrelevant to our day? “Whoever edifies and exhorts is a prophet” –Cf.: “Whoever speaks in a tongue, speaks to God; thus whoever speaks to God speaks in a tongue”?

1 Co.14 – universal principles Worship in two relationships –Vertical –Vertical – focuses on God –Horizontal –Horizontal – considers other worshippers Hb.10: Co. 5

I Worship God worship1 Co.14:24-25, worship (14:37) This reaction recalls marvelous meetings Each meeting teaches a lesson

1. Job 42:…5-6, honor All complaining is based on ignorance When we compare ourselves with others who are “beneath” us, we imagine ourselves important In His presence, we become as nothing The more we see of God, the less we think of ourselves He deserves the respect

2. Is.6:3-5, humility The Lord's presence humbles even the best of men No one can see the glory of God and continue to glory in himself –Who is more worthy than I? Haman (Est. 6) Publican (Lk.18)

3. Lk.5:8, hatred (for sin) Apocryphal Barnabas: the Twelve before their call were “sinners above all sin” 1.Exposes one folly of uninspired writings 2.Holy men always strongly confess their sense of sin, especially in the presence of the Lord 3.The Corinthians confessed no sin; were they mature?

4. Rv.1:16-18, horror Human nature cannot endure such a glorious appearance, but it was necessary for John to experience the horror before he could receive so weighty a prophecy –Rv.4-5, those who see most clearly... –Rv.22:18-19, who could be so presumptuous as to alter His word or pervert His plan?

II Edify Others In Love What is love? 1 Co.13:4-7 Though 1 Co.13 occupies context of spiritual gifts, love is always necessary V.1 looks back to 12:31. Paraphrase: You are right to desire spiritual gifts, but make sure you maintain the right motive (love) and the gift most fitted to the common good (prophecy)

Love is a virtue that Christians work to attain Prophesying and tongues were gifts that could be desired, but not secured by effort (12:11) No one is morally better because of a gift Character depends on personal effort Desire w. intensity. (13:4) –Instead of edifying others, some were showing off; others were jealous (5)

Corinthians emphasized tongues over prophecy (6) 7, Corinth’s music hall seated about 20,000 –Wind and string instruments were used at banquets and funerals 8, the battle trumpet –W/o a distinct sound, soldiers won’t know whether to get up, go to sleep, charge, or retreat –9, if the tongue is not understood, it is breathing into the air

Each language has distinctive sounds (10-11) All kinds of languages met at Corinth’s harbors Barbarian = non-Greek, gibberish Yet some introduced these sounds into the assemblies 12: Pentecostal “gibberish” does not edify a church; neither does a leader who cannot be heard. Neh.8:…6 –This is a two-way street

Prayer (13, 16) –If I can’t hear, I can’t say Amen 15, songs –If Holy Spirit, bless others w. spiritual gift –If our spirit, still a spiritual gift (14); still must bless others Ep.5:19; Col.3:16

III Continue To Grow In Understanding, 20 Be not children in understanding…. –14-16, 19 –Children prefer what glitters instead of something more valuable –Corinthians desired tongues over prophecy Be childlike, not childish

In understanding be mature. How? 1.Get enough rest before you come 2.Do your Bible lessons in advance 3.Be an active listener –Some cut nails, knit, watch babies and children, or wander 4. Ask questions; see if speaker answers them

Questions to ask –Is there a lesson to learn? –Is there a command to obey? –Is there a promise to receive? –Is there a sin to avoid? 5. Be eager to begin

A purpose of maturity: To help us meet duties we owe to other people –20, no malice (Mt.5:23-24) –21-23, Corinthians prided them- selves on a gift that would confuse a visitor –24-25, prophecy would glorify God and teach the unbeliever. (Lk.17:16)

IV Do All Things Decently And In Order 39: summarizes the discussion on spiritual gifts (ch.12-14) 40: closes the entire section on worship (ch.11-14)

Decently and In Order Decently: properly, fitting. Correct behavior; opposite of anarchy –Lord’s Supper; demeanor of women; selfish misuse of spiritual gifts In order: with order. Correct pro- cedure; opposite of confusion, especially with spiritual gifts –V.33