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1 Corinthians 14

Good Morning “Orderly Worshipers.”  Dig into 1 Corinthians 14.

Having instructors the church in Corinth on love, Paul turns his attention back to Spiritual Gifts.  He focuses really on just two gifts here.  Speaking in Tongues, and Prophecy.  

In regards to Tongues, whether the gift refers to those who temporarily, by the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, can speak in foreign languages, or in a “God Language” that has no root in any human language - his point is the same.  Apart from an interpreter being present and interpreting what is said, it only exalts the speaker.  Those listening get nothing from it.  Corinth was apparently doing this corporately - in large groups.  On lookers, listeners, would have thought they stumbled upon a group of lunatics.  Paul condemns this act.  

Prophecy on the other hand exalts God since prophecy is simply the process of speaking for God.  Prophets we read about in Scripture brought a Word from God because “The Word of God” (The Bible) was not yet completely inspired and recorded.  The Word of God (His revelation to us) is now complete!  In fact we are warned not to add to or take away even a word from it. Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19.  It is ALL we need for life and obedience, therefore; He does not need to give us a “New” Word.  

Modern day prophets then, should be seeking to simply use the existing Word of God to tell us what God says.  Many Pastors in fact have the gift of Prophecy.  We should be very careful then, regarding modern day Prophets bringing a “New Word” from God, delivering “New Information”, or providing a “New Revised version of the Bible”.  Did God “forget” to tell us something?  Is our God who knows it all,  past,  present, and future somehow surprised by something that now needs additional instruction?  Is the Holy Spirit who lives in the heart of every believer somehow incapable of directing our path on His own?  The modern day “Prophet” who claims new information from God exalts only himself.  In fact, he kind of diminishes God if we are to assume somehow God did NOT give us all the information for life and living after all.  

Through it all, we do NOT serve a God of confusion - but of order!  We do not serve a God who desires to keep things from us, but rather would that we be informed students of The Word.  

Dig in!  Know the Word, so that your spirit might be pricked when things in the world get off.