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Friday, January 28, 2011 - 1:52 AM
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:20-33
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Let all things be done for edification
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Intro…How should a vocal gift be given? Is it necessary to use King James English? Will people be able to hear?
- Should the first person the third perseon be used?
- What about the tone of the voice I use?
- Sometimes we can never remember the content of a prophecy because of Sometimes we put too much attention and focus on the messenger and not enough on the message.
- Anything that detracts the hearer from listening, not only with the "ears" but with the "Heart" should be eliminated if possible.
Here are some comonsense principles from 1 Corinthians 14:
1. Use normal voice.
2. Use a normal language.
3. What about emotional control?
4. In the first person or the third person?
Does it make a difference? Yes, for two primary reasons:
a). Speaking in the first person ( I ) implies "infalibility"
b). Speaking in the first person ( I )can confuse "unbelievers".
c). Speaking in the third person is perdicting the future.
* A vocal gift and its delivery can be compared to a "Jewel" and its setting. The setting exists only to enhance the beauty of the jewel...(which is Jesus)!
5. How to judge a vocal gift. (Primarily a "prophecy") verse 29... Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
a). Not by our feelings...Feelings are sometimes unreliable when judging vocal gifts.
b). The word of God...Does the content of the message line up with the Word of God?
c). The fruit produced by the vocal gifts.
* Their effect on people should be to strengthen, encourage, comfort, and edify them. verses 3 & 4
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
d). 2 Peter 1:19 says;We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take
heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.
* We can expect "prophecy" to illuminate, provide insight, and enlighten.
e). Revelation 19:10 says; And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
* Prophecy must have Jesus at its heart and center. It must glorify Jesus!
f). The ring of authority? Is the vocal gift given with an authority that can only come from the Holy Spirit? Does it witness with our spirit?
g). The flow of the service? Does it interrupt the flow of the church service? Or does it fit right in?
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