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Studies in Biblical Hermeneutics "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" 2 Tim 2:15 |
Senior Sunday School Notes |
2 April 2000
Text: 1 Cor. 14:20-40
THE PRACTICE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE 1st CENTURY CHURCH (PART III)
MATURITY IN UNDERSTANDING- A KEY FACTOR 1 Cor. 14:20-22
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The danger of being "children in understanding" cannot be ignored 1 Cor. 14:20 |
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The only good thing about being "children" is "malice of babes" (and babies are not malicious) 1 Cor. 14:20 |
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Maturity in understanding enjoined 1 Cor. 14:20 |
A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GIFT OF TONGUES 1 Cor. 14:23-33
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It takes maturity to trace the idea of "tongues" to the Old Testament (Isa. 28:11-12) |
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"Tongues" or obviously, a foreign language in the text cited, was God's special way of communicating with ancient Israel |
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Therefore "tongues" was God's special way of communicating His message to unbelieving ancient Israel ("unbelievers" in the NT context 1 Cor. 14:22; Acts 2) |
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"Tongues" would therefore be a special wake-up call (sign) to unbelievers, that God had a special message for them I Cor. 14:22 |
A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GIFT OF PROPHECY 1 Cor. 14:22
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The prophetic word may not seem as "impressive" to unbelievers |
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However, the prophetic word is most significant and appreciated to believers |
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The spiritually mature will be able to discern that God is speaking through the prophetic message |
ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO PLACE THE USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CHURCH
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In the Church there would be "believers" I Cor. 14:23-25 |
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In the Church, there would also be "unbelievers" 1 Cor. 14:23-25 |
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If all were to use the gift of tongues in the midst of the "uninformed" and/or "unbelievers" would that not prove totally unwise. Would the unbelievers not conclude that the church is made up of people who are "out of their mind?" 1 Cor. 14:23 |
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On the other hand, if there were those who exercised their gift of prophecy (including the preaching/teaching of the Word of God), would not the "unbeliever" or the "uninformed person" be convicted by the Word of God expounded? 1 Cor. 14:24 |
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This could well lead to the conversion of "unbelievers" 1 Cor. 14:25 |
PRACTICAL WISDOM WITH REFERENCE TO UTILITY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
IN THE CHURCH |
The over-riding thought must be "EDIFICATION" 1 Cor. 14:26 |
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Possible participation in the Worship Service |
a) A Psalm (song) to sing 1 Cor. 14:26
b) A Teaching (to share) 1 Cor. 14:26
c) A Revelation 1 Cor. 14:26
d) An Interpretation 1 Cor. 14:26
e) A Tongue (means to an end) 1 Cor. 14:27
f) Taking of turns to speak 1 Cor. 14:27
g) The need for Interpretation emphasised 1 Cor. 14:27
h) If he cannot himself interpret, and if there isn't anyone who can interpret (at that point of time), the person is advised not to attempt to utilise his gift of tongues 1 Cor. 14:27
i) Those who proclaim themselves as having a prophetic message must also be prepared to have their "messages" carefully scrutinised (judged) by others who are competent (1 Cor. 14:29)
j) There must be mutual respect for each other's prophetic ministry. One is to keep silent while another speaks, even though he may feel an urgent need to speak forth that message that God has given to him 1 Cor. 14:30
k) All can prophesy- but all must take turns. Mutual encouragement and deep learning is in view here 1 Cor. 14:31
1) The person who proclaims that he has a prophetic word must also be one who has good control over his own spirit. The true prophet is one who is self-disciplined
m) The Church Worship Service must never appear to be in "confusion" 1 Cor. 14:33
n) The spirit of "peace" must always prevail 1 Cor. 14:33
o) The Worship Service must reflect the Lord Himself- and He is not the author of confrision I Cor. 14:33
CONCLUDING REMARKS
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The Place of Women in Worship in the 1st Century Church 1 Cor. 14:34-35 |
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The Place of humility and spiritual insight with reference to recognition and submission to Apostolic Teaching 1 Cor. 14:36-38 |
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Encourage to pursue spiritual gifts- with preference to seeking the gift of "prophecy" (that it may edify the Church) 1 Cor. 14:39 |
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The gift of tongues (in the context of the 1st Century Church) was not to be forbidden 1 Cor. 14:39 |
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At all times, "all things must be done decently |