1 Corinthians 14:21-40

 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

Of all the churches we see described in the letters of Paul, the church at Corinth was the one with the most issues. We sometimes think that the letters were  written to the churches as a description of developing an ideal situation. In this case that may not be the best description or understanding. Looking at Paul’s treatment of the chaos in this church he may not have been hoping to bring them to an ideal state so much as move them away from a total train wreck toward being  a small messy dumpster fire.

The passage Paul quotes in verse 21 is from Isaiah and is descriptive of how Israel, not listening to the prophet's warnings, would be compelled to hear the tongues or languages of the Assyrians. This was a dire warning to Israel, and Paul seems to use it to set a gloomy or dark atmosphere for the conversation about tongues and prophecy. Paul warns that even if everyone were able to speak in tongues, and they did so at the same time, it would not appear like ministry but more like lunacy. Christians sometimes say, “I don’t care what people think.” That is not the perspective Paul advocates here. Paul wants unbelievers to develop a certain thinking about the church. Specifically that the Lord is in the midst of the church.

Paul insists that Christians practice self-control in the church, specifically over the use of their gifts. The worship of the Corinthian church was apparently somewhat freeform, and in that context, it appears that anyone who wanted to be the main speaker or at least a speaker could push themselves forward. The result of such worship would be chaos. That would not express or be consistent with God‘s character, God being a God of peace. We also need to understand that within paganism there were gods of disorder. Disorder in the church could be misleading to pagan observers. Who is to speak, when, and where they are to speak are matters over which the disciple has control, and that control is to be exercised for the greater good of the church. The message of Jesus “die to yourself” is here subtly repeated. 

But Paul includes a note of liberty. Paul commands the pursuit of prophecy but does not forbid speaking in tongues. There is a principle we can draw from all of this. Within our own personal lives there is freedom in how we respond and how we worship God. We ought to enjoy that liberty. But we do not impose on others our limits or restraints in their personal discipleship. However, in the gathering of the church, self-restraint for the benefit of others is critical.

“Lord, help me to practice self control in every way for the benefit of my brothers and sisters. AMEN”

1 Corinthians 14:1-20

 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Having expressed the better option that is love, in contrast to their failures at almost every level. Paul returns to the theme of overcoming factionalism, but here specifically in the matter of ‘tongues.’ As with almost everything else at Corinth, there was a party spirit about spiritual gifts. Perhaps they had even written to ask which was better, tongues or prophecy. Paul answers that prophecy is in fact superior but does so in a bigger context.

Paul begins by pointing out that no gift that is self-serving can be a priority in the church. Whatever was happening in tongues at Corinth was apparently deeply moving and personally uplifting to the person having the experience. However, Paul makes the point that while he is happy for their personal experience, a benefit to the whole church is much preferred. (verse 5) The fruit of the speaker is found in the profit or benefit of the hearer. 

Paul also warns that the unbridled pursuit of experience can leave a person open to dangers. If the experience is nonsensical, it is like music that has no distinct sound or talking to someone with whom there is no common language. Our pursuit makes us useless. Our selfish pursuit expresses the wrong motivation for the wrong purpose and is driven by the wrong spirit , perhaps our own, or even something worse, rather than God’s Spirit. Paul encourages a desire for and pursuit of spiritual gifts, but those gifts that benefit the whole church, not just ourselves. 

Paul next points out the priority of engaging the mind. Our subjective personal experience may give us a good feeling, but it will not require much of us. In that ecstatic state we bump along having a good feeling without a care for others or the bigger picture or reality of the Christian faith and the relationships that it involves.  Those who are well versed in Christianity will be unhurt and unhelped by our pursuit of experience. But those outsiders will be unhelped and perhaps damaged by the display. Instead, Paul advises engaging our minds at every level. Not because it is easy, but because it benefits others. Paul compares the Corinthian experience to childishness. Children prefer easy to hard, experience to substance, and glitter to valuable. We all do, but mature people have the self-discipline to take control of themselves and do what is best even if it is hard. 

“Lord, help me to think deeply and then serve selflessly. AMEN”