A Meaningless Sound1 Corinthians 14:8-9
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

Thoughts for Today:A trumpet in Biblical days was not the same trumpet we know today. The trumpet Paul refers to was indeed a wind instrument and probably made of the horn of an animal (or made like the horn of an animal). It was loud, audible at great distances, and used for a variety of purposes. For example, when Gideon assembled his men to fight the Midianites, he did so by the blowing of a trumpet. Trumpets were used to both signal a time to attack -- and just the opposite -- sound the alarm in cities under siege. It all depended on which notes were played.

In today's military, it's amazing what a trumpet can do -- if someone knows how to play it. One set of notes gets the troops out of bed in the morning, and another signals the end of the day. However, if the trumpeter doesn't play familiar notes, the soldiers won't know whether it's time for breakfast or charge into battle. Get up? Go to bed? Breakfast? Charge? Retreat? If it is an uncertain sound, they won't know how to react.

In the same way, tongues can be meaningless. If they are unfamiliar or confusing, then we won't know how to respond. So it is worthless to stand up in the congregation and speak in tongues to people without an appropriate interpretation -- it's pointless. It doesn't prepare anyone for anything. And no one will know how to respond.

Questions to Ponder:Does the sound of your trumpet mean anything? Paul's been talking about spiritual gifts. With that in mind, has your spiritual gift been of benefit to the church recently? How can you reconnect?

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Constructive With an Interpretation?1 Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Thoughts for Today:Apparently, Paul is offering these instructions because there had been severe misuse of the gifts of the Spirit in the Corinthian Church. Some of the members were speaking in tongues at the wrong time or with the wrong motives. They were disrupting the assembly. Paul intended to provide these people (and the practice), with the proper guidance and perspective. Edification of the church is to be the primary goal, not selfish recognition.

However, Paul is not speaking of personal superiority in which one individual is greater than another. His meaning is simple: Since a non-translated tongue is unintelligible, it does not edify the church. On the other hand, if there is an interpretation, its usefulness increases to the degree it offers edification of the church.

So why would Paul say, "I want you all to speak in tongues"? I believe he was speaking about our private devotional use of tongues (Spirit-led prayer), rather than the public non-translated tongue of a foreign language. The first is available to all believers, the second is only constructive with an interpretation.

Questions to Ponder:Do you seek unhealthy recognition? Are you a constructive or disruptive influence upon your church?

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A Word Given for Immediate Benefit1 Corinthians 14:4b
...but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Thoughts for Today:In our previous passage, Paul told us that when we speak in tongues it is for our own edification. Today we learn prophesy is for the edification of the church. Although praying in the Spirit builds up our own faith, it has no impact on anyone else unless there is someone there to interpret. However, prophecy is for the purpose of strengthening, encouraging, and comforting others (1 Corinthians 14:3).

The gift of prophesy in the New Testament is not as much a word directed toward a future event as it is a word of truth given by God for the immediate benefit of His people. And when God's truth is spoken, heard, and acted upon -- faith is always built. The result is a strengthening of our relationship and fellowship with Jesus; encouragement for us to turn from the flesh to live and walk after the Spirit; and comfort as we realize that nothing is outside of God's sight and everything is in His loving hands.

Questions to Ponder:When properly understood, prophecy can have a powerful and immediate impact upon us. But remember, it is always Scripture-based, and the Lord speaks to us through His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.) Has the Lord been using prophesy to strengthen, encourage or comfort you in a time of need? Have you been paying attention?

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Letting the Holy Spirit Pray For Us1 Corinthians 14:2b
Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul is speaking once again about the proper use of the gift of tongues, of which, there are two primary purposes: 1) speaking publically in an actual language (although unknown to the speaker) of the wonders of God; and, 2) speaking to God privately (of our own cares and concerns) in a spiritual language.

In Romans 8:26b, Paul tells us: "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Have you ever been so paralyzed by an event or problem that you couldn't find the words to express your feelings or even know what to pray about? I've been there often. When I don't know what to pray, I let the Spirit do it for me -- "with groans that words cannot express." Yet, the Spirit somehow understands perfectly and because the Spirit is praying for me, I know I am praying in accordance with God's will.

This is the way it works for me: As I pray I ask for understanding. What I'm seeking is God's insight into the situation I'm praying about. However, it is very important to not act only on what we think we receive as a result of our prayer. It is very possible for us to have thoughts that are our own thoughts -- not an insight from God. The way to tell the difference (our own thought versus an insight from God) is to check it out against what the Bible says. God will never contradict His Word. However, we must still be careful to not misinterpret or misunderstand. It is always wise to seek out and submit our personal "insights" to mature Christians for evaluation.

Questions to Ponder:Is there something you are unsure of what to pray for or about? Often I am in that very situation. Will you allow the Spirit to pray for you? Ask now for God's insight into your current circumstance.

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A Word to Man or Praise of God?1 Corinthians 14:2a
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.

Thoughts for Today:As we study Scripture, we find that prophecy is spoken to individuals, groups or the church. While the gift of tongues is given to offer praise of God. This is an important distinction. Why? Because Paul clearly states in our passage today: "...anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God." The interpretation of tongues always demonstrates a praise and adoration of the Father -- not a message or teaching to people in general.

In the New Testament there are several references to the gift of tongues. For example, tongues were given: to accompany the Gospel message (Mark 16:17); on the Day of Pentecost when the Gospel was revealed to the nation of Israel (Acts 2:3-11); at the home of Cornelius when the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles (Acts 10:46); and in Ephesus as the Gospel moved out to the rest of the world (Acts 19:6). In each of these cases, tongues was given at the institution of the dispensation of grace.

But there is something more -- the tongue spoken was an actual language. It might have been unknown to the speaker, but it was known to the hearer. This is the point Paul will be making with growing emphasis throughout Chapter 14. Speaking in tongues is pointless without interpretation.

Questions to Ponder:The gift of tongues is a Spirit-given ability to speak in a language, unknown to the speaker, of God's glory. Therefore, to be of value, someone must be present to interpret. What is your understanding of speaking in tongues? Does Scripture provide the example?

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Introduction to 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
Introduction to Chapter 14

Thoughts for Today:In Chapter 12, we looked at the endowment of gifts of the Spirit. Paul explained that gifts were given to maintain diversity, balance, and ultimately result in unity. Just like the human body. Each member has a separate function, yet all operate in harmony and are interdependent upon one another. Therefore, we are all placed into the body of Christ to perform a certain function, and for the church to work properly, we need to properly exercise our individual Spirit-endowed giftedness. At the conclusion of Chapter 12 Paul told us to "eagerly desire the greater gifts", yet he will show us "the most excellent way". That way is love, and Chapter 13 was dedicated entirely to it.

Now, in Chapter 14, Paul says we should continue to follow this course of love, but not to the degree of ignoring or forgetting about spiritual gifts. Whenever the gifts of the Spirit are used, they must always be balanced with love, wisdom and discretion. Paul will offer guidance for how the gifts are to work in the church, so that order is not lost. In other words, using the manifestation of these gifts appropriately.

Unfortunately, much of what we see in the church today is a reaction to the inappropriate use of the gifts of the Spirit. The right response is not to disavow these gifts, but to properly understand and administer them. This is the direction Paul takes in Chapter 14.

Questions to Ponder:Are the operation and use of spiritual gifts at work in your church? Are they administered properly? If you have questions about how gifts of the Spirit are to work in the modern church, then read on.

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Illustrating the Value of Love1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Thoughts for Today:Throughout Chapter Thirteen, Paul has been contrasting the difference between the gifts of the Spirit and God's kind of love (AGAPE). He has shown these gifts are temporary, yet love is eternal. In our passage today, Paul adds faith and hope to the "remaining" nature of love. In other words, like love they will also exist in heaven.

Some people have taken verses which are similar to our passage today, and rejected faith and hope as being inconsequential when compared to love. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Faith is also connected to hope. Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."

In our passage today, Paul wasn't making a comparison to love to dismiss the importance of faith and hope. And his comments earlier in the Chapter weren't meant to discredit those who were operating in the gifts. His sole purpose is to illustrate the value of love, not for us to minimize the importance of faith and hope, nor disregard the gifts of the Spirit.

Questions to Ponder:A person who lacks faith will not be able to love in the present because of an inability to forgive the hurts and sins of the past. And if a person lacks hope, they will also have difficulty with love in the present. Why? Because of worries and concerns about the future. Therefore, the only person who can truly love in the present is the one who has: 1) put their past behind them through the power of the Cross (faith); and 2) looks forward to their future because of the promise of heaven (hope). Power and promise equals faith and hope. Is any part of that equation missing in your life? How do you know? Are you having difficulty loving? If you are, take another look at Chapter Thirteen. What aspect of Paul's teaching do you need to embrace?

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​Will My Loved Ones Know Me in Heaven?1 Corinthians 13:12b
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Thoughts for Today:A great many people ask the questions: "Will my spouse know me in heaven? Will my children and friends know me?" My answer may seem flippant, but it is nonetheless true: "Who really knows anyone?" We may think we know someone really well, but who do we really know?

My best friend Rick I have known each other for 42 years. That's a long time to get to know someone. We played football together in high school; we ski-bummed in Mammoth; and we saw each other's children born, and then grow into adults. But when Rick looks at me, what he sees is a head, two arms and legs, and perhaps a mid-section that has grown a bit over the years. Certainly, we know a lot about each other. Perhaps as well as anyone could know another person -- including history, personality, likes and dislikes. But we still don't know each other "fully".

The concept of being "fully known" is what Paul is speaking about in our passage today. In this life, we can never know anyone "fully" (no matter how many years we've been acquainted), because we only see others within the limits of our own mortality. Only when we are face to face in our glorified bodies will I know you "fully, even as I am fully known."

That brings us back to the original question: "Will my loved ones know me in heaven?" The Scriptural answer is, "Yes." Just because we may not be fully known in this life doesn't mean we won't be known at all in the next. I am convinced that in heaven we will not only recognize each other, but also know one another at a much deeper spiritual level.

Questions to Ponder:Who are you looking forward to meeting in heaven? I can't wait to meet Jesus face to face. Add in: Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Nehemiah, Deborah, King David, Solomon, Peter, Paul, etc. I'm looking forward to meeting each of you in heaven as well. A place where we can see each other as we truly are. All the mysteries will be solved and the questions answered. Then we shall know each other fully.

Seeing Clearly at Last!1 Corinthians 13:12a
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

Thoughts for Today:The mirrors we know today have only been around since the 1200's. Before that time, polished metal was used to reflect an image. It's why Paul refers to "a poor reflection as in a mirror." Although mirrors today are far superior and replicate our image in vivid detail, I think Paul's analogy still works. Why? Because Paul is not talking about the physical world. His point is: Christians are able to see things through spiritual eyes, but still don't see them clearly. And we have a lot of questions.

The Apostle Paul had a revelation, of God and His nature that was one of the greatest of any man who ever lived. Yet, he compared his spiritual vision to looking at an ill-defined image reflected in a piece of metal. So too, from our limited human perspective, we just can't see the intricate details of God's wisdom and purpose. In other words, the best state of our vision is nothing compared to what God is prepared to reveal.

So when does this condition change? Paul answers: "...THEN [my emphasis] we shall see face to face." The Apostle John wrote on this same topic (1 John 3:2): "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." When Jesus comes, we will be like Him. We'll see Him face to face. And, as a result, we will see clearly at last!

Questions to Ponder:We're never going to know all the answers to our questions until we are face to face with Jesus. How we approach what we don't know has a lot to do with faith, trust and belief. Has a lack of understanding led to doubt? How resolute are you in your belief? Do you completely trust the Father?

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He is the Personification of Perfection1 Corinthians 13:9-10
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

Thoughts for Today:When someone displays the gift of prophecy, they do not have access to the complete knowledge of God. Prophesy is given in part -- so we get a "word" of knowledge or a "word" of wisdom -- from the Spirit of the Almighty God to help with a present or coming situation. However, there are some people who debate this concept. They believe that "perfection" (verse 10) refers to the Bible. Their position is that upon canonization of the New Testament, there was no longer any need for prophecy. Why? Because everything God wanted us to know was already contained in Scripture.

I don't agree. Although God's Word is perfect (Psalm 19:7), that cannot be the "perfection" spoken of in our passage. The problem with this relatively new interpretation (only in the last 100 years or so) is that it violates what Paul has been saying in the context of his letter to the Corinthian Church. Paul is not talking about the Bible. And he's not speaking in a symbolic sense, but rather, of seeing Jesus -- literally face to face. There is no other way to interpret this section except as a description of when we stand before the Lord after this life. Then we will know all things. When Jesus, the perfect one comes, we will have no need for prophecy, tongues or interpretation. Why? Because He is the Personification of Perfection.

Questions to Ponder:The Holy Spirit is at work in the church and believers today. And in some cases, the result of His work can be gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues and knowledge. (1 Thessalonians 5:18-20: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies.") Have you been listening to the Spirit? Has a long held prejudice restricted your ability to operate in the gifts of the Spirit or to benefit from them? Perhaps it is time to challenge some of your long held beliefs in the on-going work of the Holy Spirit. What does the Bible say in context?

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