1 Corinthians 14

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

Don't we know this! As we do life together as a church, I see times for mourning, times for rejoicing, times for listening, times for speaking, times to sit quietly and let a brother pour out his heart. All of these are appropriate and fit the time appointed for them.

So, too, speaking in tongues should fit into a context. We don't practice speaking in tongues in our gatherings because of differences in theology and a concern for the pre-requisites direction Paul gives. At the same time, we don't forbid speaking in tongues, again, by Paul's direction, but direct that that should occur in a private setting. In this context it is also not clear that the tongues are not all known languages, since he calls for interpreters. (I'm about to travel to India, where foreign tongues will be used and essential to the ministry. I know, I'm bringing one and will need an interpreter!)

When we do speak, Paul gives us the following direction:

Speak with purpose - to build up one another (Love)

Speak with spirit subjection (Honoring God, Self-control)

Speak with clarity, meaning and understanding (Honoring Truth)

Speak with clarity (Honoring the hearer)

Speak with consonance and peace and order (Honoring the God of order)

Speaking emanates from the Spirit working through our thinking. So, how are we to think? Earlier, Paul tells us that we have the mind of Christ (I Corin 2:16), so our thinking ought to increasingly reflect that high standard. Here, he says, "Be infants in evil, not in your thinking; rather be mature in your thinking (paraphrase)".

Should we ever speak "in tongues"? The very concept raises emotions among Christians committed to widely different, but Biblically-defensible positions. I'm not one of those with a strong view on either side. I believe that God can do what He wants to do, how He wants to do it, and when He wants to do it. Unless He indicates He won't do it (e.g., by forbidding it), then what He does in people is not mine to put in a box. I don't have that personal experience (and I'm not seeking it, being given clear direction on what to seek), but I don't judge those who do. Paul gives direction to those who do (including himself) to recognize that the value comes from not speaking, but understanding. (That's a good general communication principle!). Understanding is what will build up the body, so if you are speaking in either a foreign language or in an unknown (but real) language, allow for someone who is gifted to interpret. This will build up the body. This requires us to be responsible worshipers in a large group, focusing not on ourselves, but on Christ and His Body, the church.

Paul directs that prophecy (truth telling) is better for gatherings of believers, but that it also benefits unbelievers. He gives an amazing vision of what happens when prophecy calls an unbeliever to account and turns his heart. Tongues may be a sign for unbelievers (as at Pentecost where there was understanding by those of many languages). But by prophecy, an unbeliever may convicted by all, called to account by all, have the secrets of his heart disclosed, and then fall on his face and worship God and declare that God is real, and present!

Apart from the gender focus of Paul's admonition (which arguably leans on a situational and/or cultural context), I love his direction! We should have quietness and attention in church while teaching is occurring. I'm not talking about crying babies here. I love the sound of babies and some natural restlessness of youth. It reminds me we're a church that is alive and giving life. I'm talking about the opposite of listening - whether it is making plans for lunch, answering a cell phone (seriously, I've seen it), the teaching of the Word of God deserves respect. Respect for the Word itself, respect for our need to hear it, respect for the hours put into preparing its delivery as well as the Holy Spirit who promises to use it (when it goes out "it won't return void") in our lives. If you doubt that, read Psalm 119 which contains 176 verses with over 200 references to the value of God's Word, His decrees, His commands, His promise, His laws, His precepts. Or read Psalm 19 which compares His words to precious gold, to radiance, to joy, to wisdom, to refreshment, to purity and strength and sweetness like honey dripping from the honeycomb. A taste of that is being offered each week (and a full cup is available to each of us each day - Hebrews 10:22). Listen!

A second application of this passage is to converse at home. Take what is taught and ruminate on it (Deut 6, Psalm 1, Joshua 1:8,9). Is it true? Does it line up with the Scriptures? Be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who went to read the Scriptures to see if what was being taught was true. Talk about its application together. What will you do differently as friends and brothers, as a family, as Christian sisters because of what you've heard? Seek to understand truth, so you, too, can pass that truth on (prophesy) to others - eagerly prophesy! Have and cultivate the Mind of Christ, Speak the Words Christ would speak through you, and receive the Word gratefully and attentively, allowing others to do the same.

TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.