Edifying the Church Gathered

1 Corinthians 14

Paul continues to speak to the Corinthians about order in the church - public gathering - and the reasons for spiritual gifts. There was a need for him to speak about the gift of tongues and prophecy specifically. His point is that the time of public gathering of the church is for the purpose of worshipping God and the spiritual gifts are for the purpose of edifying - building up - the body of Christ.

Spiritual gifts are given to individuals to be used in the context of the gathered church. If tongues (unknown languages and/or utterances) is used in the gathered church, then it must be understood by those gathered - it must be interpreted. So, believers gathered would be encouraged, taught, exhorted, rebuked - and unbelievers would see/hear the power of God in their midst, and (prayerfully) believe in Christ!

Prophecy is the same - the preaching and teaching of the Word - and/or folks sharing something God has given them for the particular believers gathered - also must be clearly spoken for those gathered. Otherwise, it is for naught. In the last part of this chapter - vs34,35 - is (also) controversial, but need not be. Is Paul saying that women should not speak in church? No - read 11:5; and chapter 12-14 - clearly women are gifted by God to prophesy and speak and pray in public worship. Paul is speaking to this particular congregation, where in, apparently there was much disorder and disunity. In the Corinthian culture women weren't allowed to question men in public, and in the church this was happening with questions that could easily have been answered 'at home' (p2085, NIV Life Application Study Bible).

"God, help us to seek You with pure hearts, to desire unity, purpose, and building up of Your Kingdom, in the midst of the church gathered. Forgive us for the times we strive to 'have our own way', to show off and show up; fill us to overflowing with the 'rivers of Living Water', such that the "words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts would be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight" (Ps 19:14); and would be for the building up, edifying toward salvation for those unbelievers, and growth for those who are saved. Thank You Lord."