Prefer Prophecy Over Tongues


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Prefer Prophecy Over Tongues – 1 Cor 14:1-25 Rob Willey, Senior Pastor HBC Davenport 1 Cor 14:1-25. Last week, we found that while love never ends, some gifts do – like prophecy, and tongues, and knowledge. When Christ returns we found, they will pass away and cease to be used. The question is, what do we do in the meantime? Especially when it comes to speaking in tongues; How should that gift be used and why? Especially in our day, where some of the differences between now and then, are as significant as the time that separates us Those are the questions and issues Paul deals with in 1 Cor 14 The bottom line being – prefer prophecy over tongues That’s the point of this entire chapter, and the point of this entire message – prefer prophecy over tongues And Paul wastes no time supporting it, saying in v1 – Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Prefer prophecy over tongues . . . 1. Because that’s what God says to do (v1) Through the pen of Paul here, God tells us that out of all the gifts, we should desire prophecy; We should prefer it Especially so, when compared to tongues Which he obviously has in mind, b/c he says in v2 – For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. And that’s the second reason we should prefer prophecy over tongues . . . 2. Because no one understands tongues (v2) That’s what it says – no one understands him Which is the first of several indicators in this chapter, as to what tongues are Namely, unintelligible syllables – b/c no one understands them . . . And prayers/praise to God – b/c those who speak in tongues speak not to men but to God And when you put that together with Acts 2, where tongues are different languages in that instance . . . • Speaking in tongues is the God-given ability to pray or praise, in languages or syllables not understood by the speaker or hearers The person is uttering mysteries in the Spirit – things not understood, and things spoken due to the Spirit’s prompting In any case, prophecy is preferred, b/c people don’t understand tongues 3. Because prophecy benefits others (v3,4b) On the one hand, the one who speaks in tongues speaks to God, and no one understands 3 On the other hand [v3], the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. This is one of the clearest indicators that the gift of prophecy in the NT, is not necessarily foretelling the future. Rather, it’s speaking truth for people’s edification – for their up-building as the verse says; Their encouragement, their consolation, their warning.

Like Agabus did in Acts 21, who warned Paul about going to Jerusalem. Or the disciples of Tyre just before that. Put all that together, and . . . • Prophecy is the God-given ability to discern and verbalize a thought that God has brought to mind, for a person or situation at hand A thought that comes with particular clarity, or urgency, or persistence – that would be a prophetic thought That doesn’t mean it’s infallible – we’ve talked about that; You could be wrong Nor does it mean that what you say, even if it’s right, is on par with Scripture – it’s not Nor is it equal to teaching about Scripture the Bible indicates But to the extent that you’re filled with the Spirit, and God brings something to mind – speak it; Speak it humbly – in case you’re wrong . . . Speak it simply – without a bunch of fanfare, or drawing attention to yourself, or saying you have a word from the Lord, or a prophecy to share . . . And speak it with the right motive, the right heart; But whatever you do, speak it; Say it Whether it’s in Small Group – where this is lived out the most, and happens naturally . . . Or in a Bible Study small group; Or over a cup of coffee . . . Wherever it is, if God brings a thought to mind for the up-building of those around you – say it; B/c prophecy benefits the church as v4b says The one who prophesies builds up the church On the other hand – The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself That’s v4a, and the 4th reason to prefer prophecy 4. Because tongues benefit only yourself (v4a) And your life in Christ is not about you And neither is your presence or participation here in church; It’s not about you Making prophecy preferable, b/c tongues by themselves, benefit only yourself Then, in v5a, he reiterates his main point, saying – Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. IOW prefer prophecy . . . 5. Because that’s what Paul desires (v5a) Now, this verse is the hallowed ground on which charismatics often plant their flag They’re like – “See, Paul wants everyone to speak in tongues, so everyone should speak in tongues” Except, that runs contrary to his statement in 12:30, that not everyone has that gift; Nor should they; The Spirit apportions to each of us individually as he wills (12:11) Not only that, but given the words, even more here in v5, this is less a command, and more an expression of desire on Paul’s part Where he’s not completely out on tongues, but trying to convey that they’re an inferior means of edifying the church when compared to prophecy “Ya, it’d be great if everyone spoke in tongues” he’s saying, “but even better if everyone prophesied;” That’s the idea Prefer prophecy b/c that’s what the Apostle Paul, under the influence of the HS, desires

And no wonder, b/c he says in the middle of v5 – The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues. Leading to the 6th reason for preferring prophecy . . . 6. Because those who prophesy are greater (v5b) Not greater in value as a person, but greater in value to the church The very thing Paul points out about the gift, at the end of ch12 The one who prophesies is greater Unless someone interprets [end of v5], so that the church may be built up. That’s the caveat, and the only way in which tongues are helpful to the church as a whole – if someone knows and interprets what’s being said • The problem is, that requires two pretty extraordinary gifts, tongues and their interpretation, instead of just one, like prophecy And, it involves twice the subjectivity With tongues you not only have to discern whether the original expression is legit or not, but also whether the interpretation is legit And what constitutes a legitimate expression of tongues? And how do you know? And if you’re leading the service or small group or Bible Study, and therefore responsible for its order . . . But don’t have the gift of interpretation yourself, how do you know if it’s real? You don’t; Except for the resonance of your spirit within you, which is subjective in and of itself, you don’t know for sure Making tongues and their interpretation, extremely subjective no matter how you look at it, and open to much error Meanwhile, prophecy is straightforward, b/c it’s spoken in plain language . . . And less subjective, b/c it stands alone; There’s only one aspect to it Making it preferable, even if tongues are accompanied by an interpretation • That’s #6; Then, in v6-12, he continues with another reason, saying . . . 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 7. Because edification depends on communication (v6-12) That’s the idea of this whole paragraph in v6-12 He beats the drum that edification, building up the church, is what it’s all about when it comes to spiritual gifts How will I benefit you he says in v6, unless I bring you something you understand?

Unless I actually communicate something that makes sense to you? He won’t; And neither will you, if with your tongue [v9] you utter speech that is not intelligible; B/c edification depends on communication (Trumpet) Good communication, good edification; Bad communication, no edification • It’s like a bad bugler as Paul says in v8, who can’t get the notes out (play) You like that? Know what I’m playing? Why not? I do; It’s all perfectly clear Maybe you didn’t hear me and I need to come a little closer; Is that better? How about if I try a different instrument, like a guitar; It’s the closest thing to a harp I could find; How’s that? Reminds you of a 5th grade band concert, doesn’t it? Painful B/c there’s not much edification going on • Here’s the point – if simple, lifeless things that play one indistinct note at a time can’t communicate and edify its hearers . . . How much more is that true of us with our tongue – a body part full of life, and capable of way more complexity, if we speak in unintelligible syllables, plural There’s no communication, no edification, and no action on the part of the troops In fact, we just as well speak into the air he says in v9b, as if there’s no audience • And then he draws yet another analogy in v10-11 Saying that speaking in tongues separates us like foreigners who speak completely different languages Anyone speak a language other than English? (Say – “I can’t believe you don’t understand what I’m saying. It’s perfectly clear to me”) Anyone edified by that? Why not? B/c communication is a two-way street And when we hold up traffic going one of the ways, it’s the furthest thing from striving to excel in building up the church as v12 says Un-interpreted tongues do not strive or excel in edifying anything That’s why we should prefer prophecy, b/c edification depends on communication 8. Because even for yourself, tongues are only somewhat fruitful (v13-15) After saying we should strive to excel in building up the church, he says in v13 . . . 13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Tongues, if you have that gift, may be an expression of your spirit, your soul, but they’re not fruitful for your mind; They’re not helpful for your intellect Or your powers of cognizance and understanding Or your reservoir of wisdom and knowledge and reason; All of which are needed for a fruitful life in Christ That’s why Paul says in v13 to pray for the power or gift, to interpret – so you can know what in the world you’re saying if you pray or praise in tongues Otherwise it does you little good

Better yet, is to speak and sing as Paul says in v15, with both your spirit and your mind As in, at the same time, with intelligible speech; That’s the implication of the contrast between the two types of praying in v14, 15, and 16 Paul prefers to be edified in both mind and spirit simultaneously, through prophecy It's the 8th reason we should prefer it – b/c even for yourself, tongues are only somewhat fruitful, unless you can interpret as well. 9. Because tongues isolate (v16-17) After just saying he prays and praises in a known language, advocating we do the same, Paul then says . . . 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. Speaking in tongues isolates you, and others from you, by preventing them from participating with you And how could they? How could they add their affirmation to what you’re praying? How could they say “Amen,” as in “I agree” or “that’s true” – if they don’t know what you’re saying in the first place? How can they benefit from your words in either their spirit or their mind, and praise God themselves – if they don’t know what in the world you’re saying? They can’t; In which case, you isolate yourself, and them 10. Because that’s what Paul prefers (v18-19) 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. There’s no comparison; 2000 to 1 Paul preferred prophecy in gatherings of the church, to tongues; And we should too; If that’s what he practiced, that’s what we should practice Not only b/c he’s a good example, but b/c he told us to – be imitators of me, as I am of Christ he said in 11:1 All of which is one of the biggest reasons we don’t exercise this gift publicly around here Whether in small partial gatherings, or large corporate ones – we reserve tongues for our private prayer life, and prophecy for public B/c that’s what Paul preferred 11. Because tongues alienate unbelievers (v20-23) 20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? In v20 he’s like – grow up; wise up; In your thinking about tongues, be mature; think right And then he tells us how, by first citing an OT passage from Is 28:11-12

That’s where God says – “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” This people referring to the unbelieving Israelites at the time, who rejected his message, even though it was delivered in such a fantastic way . . . Through the strange tongues of foreign people Thus, Paul says in v22 – tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers IOW just like the rejected gibberish of a foreign language brought about judgment to the unbelieving Israelites . . . So does the rejected gibberish of tongues bring about judgment on unbelievers today That’s what he means when he says tongues are a sign – they bring about or lead to, judgment for the unbeliever Why? Because v23 says that the tongues will be heard, and whatever message is intended or conveyed in that service, will be rejected . . . Because (a) it’s not understood; and (b) it’s thought to be the product of insane babblers Leading to judgment and condemnation for the unsaved hearer, because they will remain unsaved It’s reason #11 to prefer prophecy; B/c tongues alienate unbelievers; And . . . 12. Because prophecy results in worship (v24-25) Just like tongues are a sign leading to judgment for unbelievers, prophecy is a sign leading to salvation and worship, for believers That’s what he says in v22, and then explains himself in v24 saying . . . 24 But if all prophesy [as opposed to speaking in tongues], and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. It’s not as if everybody’s poking a finger at him . . . But that everything that’s said pierces him to the heart, reveals his sin, and holds him accountable for who he is and where he stands before God Leading him to salvation, and worship In the midst of prophecy, unbelievers will be saved, and join us in worship (Summary) And you don’t have to be around here long to realize that’s true That when we prophesy, when we speak the things God brings to mind – whether at work, or home, or in the lobby, or up front, or in the car going home . . . When we speak God’s message in the language of our culture – unbelievers and outsiders hear, confess their sin, and worship God Sometimes metaphorically falling on their face, and sometimes literally on their knees up front It’s the 12th and final reason to prefer prophecy over tongues Pray – Father, with both our spirit and mind – we praise you, we love you, we thank you, and we sing to you in worship And Lord, for those who are here and don’t know you – I pray that they will acknowledge your presence, confess their sin, and worship you as well Filling up the skies with endless praise