Day 1
Read 1 Corinthians 14
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2014&version=NIV
Paul returns to gifts and points out the limitations of tongues. Gifts like prophecy which edify (spiritually build up) the church are more important than tongues (14:1–12), as intelligible speech is more meaningful than unintelligible (vv. 13–19). Unbelievers may be impressed by ecstatic speech. But if they attend a church meeting where everyone speaks in tongues they will conclude “that you are out of your mind.” But if they hear God’s Word in normal speech, they will be convicted and converted (vv. 20–25).
Paul now describes an “ideal” first–century house church meeting. Everyone has something to contribute. No one speaks in a tongue unless someone with the gift of interpretation is present. Two or three “preach” and their message is carefully weighed (vv. 26–32). In weighing the prophet’s message, women remain silent (vv. 33–35). Paul sums up. Tongues must not be forbidden. But exercise of this gift is to be regulated, as the whole service is to be (vv. 36–40).
Discussion question
What is Paul trying to make clear to the Corinthians in this chapter?
Reflection question
The Corinthians presumably were ecstatic or flamboyant spiritually. What excites you spiritually?
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I believe Paul is saying to use your God given gifts appropriately. They should not be used in a way to confuse, scare or turn people away from finding Christ.
ReplyDeleteAgreed with Jan.
ReplyDeleteI am new to the Methodist church. What are your thoughts about speaking in tongues and woman's place in the church? Obviously it is pro women with Rev. Ashley. She does a fantastic job! I always thought speaking in tongues was to enable the spread of Gods word to all people who spoke different languages.
To be thoughtful & caring of spreading the word. Not forceful, but patient & understanding. Answer questions & willing to help & guide others. Not alienate, but try to include, guide & help.
ReplyDeleteThe Methodist Church does have a positive position on women in the church. I would guess close to half of the local pastors are women and increasing.
ReplyDeleteAs far as speaking in tongues, UMC is kind of silent there as well although there was a charismatic movement at one time. If you are interested in learning more go to
http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org/background/guidelines.html
I believe that men and women are needed equally in church. I learn from both.
ReplyDeleteI have been too churches that speak in tongues and believe it takes away from the service.
I believe the comments about women not speaking in the church should be considered in the light of the culture of that day. Women weren't allowed to speak much of anywhere in those days.
ReplyDeleteI have attended services where people were speaking in tongues. I didn't object to it but it didn't do me much good either, since I didn't understand it. Paul did say it was important that others be able to understand.
We will read much more on women in the church in future letters of Paul's. I did hear a good story the other day(true story). I newlywed couple went to the husband's small town church in Texas. I don't remember the denomination, but the men sat on one side and the women on the other. The wife went in with her husband and sat down beside him. He whispered to her that the women sit on the other side. She said "I am not sitting over on the otherside, I am sitting with my husband." Before the end of the service, five other ladies moved over to sit beside their husbands. Today that rule has changed and women and men sit together. A wonderful lesson of just because it is the way we always do it, doesn't necessarily make it the best way
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