“May 9, 2024 - Build Up the Church”

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Build Up the Church

Reading:  1 Corinthians 14:1-12
    
    For some reason, the Corinthians seem inordinately focused on the gift of speaking in tongues.  “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy”(1 Cor 14:1).  Prophecy is superior to tongues because “one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit” while “the one who prophesies speaks o people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation”(1 Cor 14:2, 3).  The whole issue here is understanding; when someone speaks in a tongue, they are speaking a foreign language.  As interesting as that phenomenon would be, it does little good.  Prophecy, meanwhile, speaks directly to people in intelligible ways and draws them closer to God by their understanding.  

    Paul then tries several metaphors to reinforce the point—musical instruments giving indistinct notes (v. 7), or an indistinct bugler attempting to summon an army (v. 8).  “There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me”(1 Cor 14:10-11).  We gain some insight into the nature of the gift of tongues here.  It appears to have been actual human languages that the speaker had not learned (see Acts 2:4-11).  All of these languages have meaning, but if I speak Vietnamese to a group of English speakers, there is little benefit.  “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church”(1 Cor 14:12).  Here is the principle that guides our worship and interaction:  am I actually helping Christ’s church to be built up?

    Worship is a confusing topic for many in our world.  American churches strive to make worship appealing and exciting.  Did you enjoy the service?  Did it move you?  Did you “get anything out of it”?  Paul’s perspective is jarringly different.  His questions:  Did you understand what was said?  Do you leave encouraged and built up by hearing from God?  Rather than focusing on cool experiences and fleeting emotions, our goal in worship should be to clearly hear God’s word so that his people are built up.

-----------
One Thing to Think About:  What is my focus when I gather to worship God with others?

One Thing to Pray For:  A deeper understanding of God’s word
 

Share