ALL THINGS
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 14
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The ruins of Ancient Corinth (centre) are surround by a modern community that is just a few kilometres south-west of Modern Corinth. This view is from the Acropolis Hill (Acrocorinth).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:15
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.
“All things” covered in this chapter are to be done “decently and in order.” A former Archbishop of Canterbury said that we trip over the word “decently,” and he also said, “When the Spirit moves, things can become rather messy.” This happened at a conference on evangelism here in Canada. He was not discouraging us from exercising the gifts but pointing out that our spirits are in our control (14:32) and that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace (14:33). Note that the words “edification, edifies, edified” appear over and over. The public exercise of the Spirit’s gifts is for others, and for the whole Church. Also note that, in the final result, speaking in tongues and interpretation in the church service should produce the same building up (edification) as prophesy. However, it is important for a person also to build up the Spirit’s life within. Note that praying in tongues in personal prayer, while not knowing the meaning of what one is saying, edifies one’s self. Obviously this is what Paul referred to when he wrote, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” (14:18). In the book of Acts, there are five occasions when believers are filled with the Holy Spirit. In four of those we know they spoke in tongues as an initial indication that they had experienced the Spirit in this way. In the first happening (Acts 2), people understood the tongues. In the others, it does not say they were understood. It would seem that they were being personally edified by a personal prayer language on those occasions.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, John the Baptist said that You would baptize me with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11b). I’m fully open to You every day. Please immerse me in Your Spirit again today. I’m praying right now “with the Spirit” and “with the understanding.” Hallelujah!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I need to be edified so that I may bless others, and I cannot do this unless I am blessed myself. I know the Holy Spirit came to live in me when I went forward at a Youth for Christ rally in December, 1952, and He has constantly lived in me ever since. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, as are all believers in Jesus. Then in June of 1953, I was first fully filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, immersed in Him, and I spoke in tongues. It was while I was in prayer, and there was no interpretation of what I said. It was several years later that in my personal devotions I found myself praying in tongues. I immediately read again 1 Corinthians 14. I knew I was edified and that I was in good company with Paul (14:18). In the church, along with Paul, I’ve spoken well over 10,000 words in the known tongue.
I must not avoid verses 34 & 35 in our reading. My father, a preacher, missionary in Egypt, college professor, and my hero in ministry, told of a time in Timma, Egypt, when he was preaching. There was a wall between the womens’ section and the mens’ section of the church. This was a tradition based on the temple in Jerusalem and on the synagogues. At one point in his sermon, a stressed-out mother (all of the children were on the womens’ side) yelled a question over the wall to her husband. He didn’t tell us what she asked, but I can use my imagination. My father quoted 14:35 and asked her to allow him to continue his sermon without interruption. She graciously complied. Some have taken this verse to forbid women in a preaching and teaching ministry. If that’s what Paul meant, then how does one explain the many women who did preach, teach, and prophesy with the blessing of the early Church. I like my Dad’s explanation of this Scripture!
Yours for encouraging “all things,” which Paul taught are for edification,
David
Here are the ruins of an ancient church that is on top of the Acropolis Hill (Acrocorinth).
Your dad must have been something else. My most clear memories of him were after he was aged and diminished. I remember the first time I read his book “What Are You Gazing At?” and the overwhelming feeling that his life was complete and satisfying as he was totally sold out to Jesus Christ. It made me want to be like him. He is a hero and I am sure very influential in many people’s lives, even today 30 after his passing. I really enjoy your posts every day and trust that we can finish this journey together, God willing…
Actually 40 years after his passing – bad math…
“And we are witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” – Acts 5:32
A life filled with faith, trust and obedience is essential to a life filled with the Holy Spirit. A relationship is a two way street; we will not be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when we live in sin and disobedience. If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to us, we will walk within the will of God and our lives will be blessed and full of witness to this wonderful relationship.
Your fathers explanation makes sense. There are still public schools in Toronto that once had separate entrances for boys and girls. I think of one near Leaside. I have been somewhat stifled hearing tongues but have found speaking in tongues privately helpful in prayer and clarifying thoughts and feelings. Reading todays chapter 14, really does make sense with your analogy of bread in a sandwich covering chapter 13. Blessings in the Spirit to all!!
My present church does not acknowledge tonges but is a small, God fearing church that puts Jesus in His rightful place – Front and Centre. When I watch some wonderful church services on TV where tonges often break forth, I cannot hold back. I do miss my former church in a community too far away from us to attend. This blog has encouraged me to look deeper. Thanks so much.
I sure could use “spell check” on this tablet! I knew “”tonges” did not look right but I could’t correct it. Sorry.
It’s all good on this blog, Doreen; no one expects perfection, here! We knew what you meant! 🙂 Bless you!
Thanks Beverlee!
Your tablet may give you spelling if you hold your finger on the word.
iPad will also provide a definition by holding your finger on a word.
GOD IS THERE FOR YOU
I was happy to read Paul’s perspective on speaking in tongues. I have never been blessed with this gift but knew someone who genuinely was–the Christian mother of a friend, when I was 18. The Spirit would come over her and speak through her, until it was finished; she had no control over it, whatsoever. I asked her to phone me the next time it happened, so I could hear her, and she did–it was amazing! I wish she would have been able to interpret it. I have heard many others speak in tongues, since then, but it has never seemed authentic to me because they speak that way when they want to, and often, in front of others. Now I have a much better understanding because of this chapter, thanks to Paul.
1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
I am glad you spoke of 1 Cor 14:34, David. Paul was preaching within the culture. Thank you for the example you gave. It is hard to imagine that unless you have gone to a synagogue. I had the opportunity to do so and wrote an ethnographic report for one of my courses. I had no idea about the mechitza, which separated men and women, until I was there. To make it more extreme, I was the only female present. The wall wasn’t up and when it was carried in and put down the middle aisle to divide me, the single white female, on the right, it had quite a profound impact. It flipped me out–to say the least! However, it brought forth insightful learning and an excellent paper. The singing and connection with the Spirit that was present at the end of the service was absolutely beautiful.
Blessings to all, today. Stay warm and safe in this stormy weather.
That made me laugh. That must have been a strange feeling.
That experience was a gift
🙂
THE 28TH IS MY BIRTHDAY
David this happen to me when I was in prayer in a church I was not a member.
Yes I was confused at first but now know its one of God’s gifts. I only speak
it when the Holy Spirit leads me in secret. I believe even though I don’t know
what I am saying God knows. As you said we edify ourselves and others
if they have the gift of interpretation of Tongues
Lianne Hogg
My question is now answered about women keeping quiet in church. I grew up in a church where that was practised.
Speaking in tongues is a puzzle to me as I don’t have the gift and can’t relate to it.
I have chosen not to worry about it.
Happy Day Everyone
Re speaking in tongues.. it is a gift that you can ask for!
Re women to keep silence in church.. yes it is a matter of order. It is not referring there about preaching… in those days women did not preach. But it was to keep an orderly service. Afterward a woman could preach with the permission of the leadership without usurping. We are all to be submitted to one another (Ephesians 5:21). Men are also told to keep silence in specific situations (1 Corinthians 14:28). All scripture must be read within context of passage and historic background.
This is a good explanation of the gifts, David. I thank God Jesus baptised me in the Holy Spirit at Riverside Drive Church in Windsor, Ont. It came at the altar after a time of searching and surrender to Him. Also we had a good spirit filled Sunday School teacher who was doing a study on this. Speaking in tongues in my personal prayer has helped me through many trials so I am edifying myself. Also I have been used in services through tongues and interpretation trustfully all for God’s Glory and building up the church in magnifying the Lord as in Acts 10:46 when it says “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…” I have a concern that we do not hear very much of that happening today even in Pentecostal churches. Am I right in saying that? The Holy Spirit still wants to speak; is it that we are not allowing time in our services for Him? I would like some feedback on that please? I have heard others voice that opinion as well. It has been proven that young people who have been struggling with bad habits stay delivered after receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. God bless you David and fellow bloggers.