1 Corinthians Week 31

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 14:6-8 

⁶ Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. ⁷ Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. ⁸ And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? 

Paul explained why a language heard that others do not understand does not benefit them. On the other hand, a message from God told to others in a language they understand does help them. He illustrates his point by referring to lifeless instruments and a bugler if they give uncertain sounds. His entire point is that communication must be understood to be helpful. 

REFLECT 

Have you experienced being in a group where someone spoke a language others did not understand. Did it help the group? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend to pray for those involved today in translating the Bible into the heart language of others. A significant change comes into their lives when they hear or read God’s word in their own tongue.  

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 14:9 

⁹ It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space. 

After giving examples of messages that are not clear, Paul asked a question. He makes the point it is useless to speak in a language others do not understand. He told them they “might as well be talking into empty space.” Believers in Jesus realize they need to be understood if they are to clearly give God’s message to others. 

REFLECT 

Whatever language you speak, there are different levels of understanding in it. One should not use scholarly sounding words for a person with limited use of the language.  

RESPOND 

This reveals that those who minister need to know their target audience. It is not a problem to use theological terms as long as the speaker defines what they mean. Not defining unfamiliar terms will only confuse the listeners.  

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 14:10-12 

¹⁰ There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. ¹¹ But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. ¹² And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. 

Paul expressed his burden for the believers in the Corinthian fellowship. He wanted them to desire to build up the group, not just exercise a gift that built up themselves. If they speak with a language even the speaker does not understand, it may give him a good feeling, but it will not be of help to others.  

REFLECT 

Consider again the apostle’s main point: your spiritual gift should be used to help the entire church fellowship.  

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading Ephesians 4:11-13. This passage reveals that God gave gifted people to the church to build it up. Another word commonly used for “build up” is “edify.”  

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 14:13-14 

¹³ So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. ¹⁴ For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. 

Paul pointed out that one’s task is not done just by speaking in a language he does not understand. He needs also to pray for himself or someone else to be able to interpret the language he does not understand.  

REFLECT 

Not all churches agree on this issue of speaking in tongues. For those who practice it, however, do they also pray for someone to interpret the language that was not understood? 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about how to fellowship with those with differing opinions about speaking in tongues. Seek to practice what Paul said about love even if you do not agree.  

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 14:15-17 

¹⁵ Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. ¹⁶ For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? ¹⁷ You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. 

Paul gives his conclusion about the matter under consideration. His desire was to both pray and sing with words he understood. Using understandable words in praising God is also necessary so that others can praise and thank God with you. Again, he mentioned about doing that which will benefit the group, not just a single individual. 

REFLECT 

This is a difficult issue to wrestle with. Hopefully, you are helped by thinking more about it. 

RESPOND 

Read Romans 14:17-19 that tells about the apostle Paul’s desire for believers. Visit with a friend about this and discuss whether the church fellowship you attend is doing this.