1 Corinthians 14 - Pursue Gifts that Strengthen

        

With Meghan and Kari (Summer 1993)

        This chapter says nothing about women being unable to lead in the home and the business community (as we see in Proverbs 31).  But it does make universal statements about the proper functioning of the public orderly worship gatherings of Christians.  In this passage, Paul states that Jesus commands that we obey these standards (v. 37).  So, he’s got my attention.

        Many churches quote the previous chapter’s eloquent Christian distinctive of active love.  They do so at pretty much every wedding.  Yet at how many weddings do we hear preaching and unashamed adherence to 1 Cor. 11 and 1 Cor. 14?  Well, few, but some.

        Here are the principles from this chapter.  Let love be your highest goal (v. 1).  Seek special abilities that will strengthen the entire church (v. 14), especially speaking forth and interpreting God’s word (v. 5).

        Paul confirms that he will continue to pray in the Spirit and in words he understands (when’s the last time we heard our elders confirm they are doing the same?) (v. 15).  But Paul makes it crystal clear that he would never, ever speak in tongues in a public meeting if they were heard by others as nonunderstandable words (v.19).  That seems straightforward enough.

        I’d honestly love to see this biblical model of public worship done faithfully.  But as I interpret this biblical literature I must say I have never seen it well modeled.  In public church meetings with unbelievers present I believe Paul's teaching here applies universally.  But I also believe that women must be encouraged to share what God is saying to them openly and freely.  Just as Mary shared her feelings at the feet of Jesus.  Jesus does not limit women and the use of their abilities.  Instead, he implores men to lead as He commands and for Christians to exercise their gifts with humility and confidence.  I'm open to being corrected on my interpretation of this passage; please feel free to share your perspective.  But I challenge Christian churches to model the New Testament church.  Yes, it is risky, but obedience to Christ is worth the risk.

        When we properly and orderly interpret the word of God in our public meetings unbelievers will listen and their secret thoughts will be exposed (v. 25).  That’s good.  That’s how it should be.  This is the power of God at work to bring people to His grace.  God will use us if we follow His way.

        Most modern churches that I see have one teaching pastor preaching alone.  Rarely is there an open mic where two or three may speak in tongues or prophesy (v. 27-31).  There is no way these "called men" will give up any power.  They show a lack of faith in Jesus as they refuse to call meetings or ask the men of the Church to step up as God commands us to do in this Scripture.   Dear God, please revive your church.  Please lead men and women, worldwide, to hear from you and grow your Church as you planned and as you command.

        Paul makes it clear the standards for public Christian worship gatherings are universal - not just for the Corinthians 2,000 years ago (v. 36).  Yes, they apply today.  These rules are a command from Jesus Christ (v. 37).  So, let us be eager for helpful gifts.  And let’s honor the Bible as we claim we do.

        Let’s recap.  The Bible says that our church meetings ought to be full of the power of God.  How exciting is that!  We must speak forth from God.  And our meetings should be open and transparent.  If we speak the truth from God unbelievers will be convicted of sin and convinced of the Truth of God.

        Oh Lord, please expose our secret thoughts and help us to understand that you know everything about us and that you still love us.  Please give us a glimpse of your mercy and compassion.  And your everlasting Kingdom.  Teach us to do your will, for you are our God.  We know that you want us all to be wise and for all of us to succeed (Proverbs 23:15).

        Everything that is done at our meetings should comfort and strengthen the church.  When we teach and share a message from God (two or three people prophesying one after the other, 14:29) we must then let others evaluate what is said.

        Be orderly, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged (14:31).

        People who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns.  God says you and I have free will (v. 32).  Use it wisely.  We can control what we say and do.  God orders us to be a people of peace and orderly behavior.

        Through Paul, God establishes a standard for all of God’s holy people (14:33).  God sets a universal standard that women should not lead during public church meetings.  It is not proper for them to prophesy or speak in tongues in these gatherings.  Of course, women can teach children and other women and lead as the Bible shows they must.  And, as stated above, women must be encouraged to share and prophesy and teach children freely in private home gatherings.  But we cannot ignore the plain language of this text and the gender roles of men and women commanded by God here.  The men must lead in these public gatherings.  They must be able to teach and explain the interpretation of God’s word.  I believe in God’s word here.  I trust God will pour out his blessing on us as we trust and follow Him.  I also believe that women are equally loved by God.  They must seek and use God-given abilities as the New Testament directs.  Women are and should be servant leaders in accordance with the roles and responsibilities set out in the Bible.  Some of the best lawyers I’ve ever worked with are women.  My daughter is a tremendous leader.  She’s a teacher and a university professor.  A godly woman.  And yet she would never take the mic at a public Christian gathering to teach God's word to the meeting - not because she couldn’t preach.  She can.  She could do a lot better job than most preachers I hear.  But she wouldn’t dream of it, because God says here that such is not her role.

        This is a command from Jesus Christ himself (v. 37), so we ignore it or write it off as culturally irrelevant, at our peril.  Adherence to this portion of Scripture requires men to step up.  I pray that we do so, starting today.

        Lord Jesus, please bless our meetings, bless our families, our marriages, and our communities.  Bless our country today Lord Jesus.  Please strengthen your men and women and may we obey You in thought and deed.   Help me to be eager for the most helpful gifts.  Amen.

Me in Venezuela.