1 Corinthians14:39-40 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
These verses bring a rather challenging chapter to a close and summarize Paul’s key points. He makes three major points in this chapter. First, the Corinthians should seek to prophesy. The gift of prophecy speaks for the gospel in clear ways that call people to repentance and salvation. It communicates clearly to outsider who do not yet believe. It builds up the church. Paul puts this gift higher than tongues because it is clearly understood by all people.
Second, the Corinthians should not prevent people from speaking in tongues, but the tongues should be interpreted in order to be useful in the church. If there is no interpretation, then they should not be done in the gathered fellowship because they will only confuse people. This chapter suggests that the Corinthians had thought that speaking in tongues was a sign of spiritual maturity, but they had turned it all back upon themselves and not put tongues through the filter of love.
Finally, they should do everything in an orderly fashion. Whenever they gather together, especially for worship, they must do everything in an organized way so that there is no confusion and that everyone can grow in their faith. There is much we can learn from this chapter, beyond the controversial speaking in tongues. We may need to re-evaluate a lot of what we do in our gathered times, especially corporate worship. Do we embrace what the Holy Spirit is doing? Do we allow and make room for the gifts of the Spirit? Have we so limited our gatherings to be only 60 minutes on Sunday mornings and then why people are not growing and the Spirit is not moving?
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