1Corinthians 14v20-40 Orderly Worship: A guide for orderly church worship, including the proper use of prophecy and tongues.

·38 min·3 clips

Why does Paul seem to contradict himself about tongues and prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14?

Eric Tribble opens the sermon with a prayer and introduces the passage, 1 Corinthians 14:20-40, as the conclusion to Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts. He states the main emphasis is order in worship, specifically concerning prophecy and tongues. Tribble reads verse 20, urging maturity in understanding. He explains verse 21-22, where Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11 to say tongues are a sign for unbelievers, using the historical example of foreign invaders as a sign of judgment. Tribble then highlights a seeming contradiction in verses 23-25, where Paul says tongues confuse unbelievers but prophecy convicts them. He acknowledges the interpretive difficulty and praises translators for preserving the text faithfully. Tribble describes the Corinthians' disorderly eagerness in verses 26, where everyone wanted to share psalms, teachings, and tongues simultaneously. He explains Paul's regulations in verses 27-28: only two or three should speak in tongues, in turn, with an interpreter present. For prophecy, verses 29-33 state two or three prophets should speak, with others judging the messages, and the spirits of prophets are subject to control. Tribble distinguishes the gift of prophecy from the office of prophet, noting the latter is not for today. He shares a story from a former Vineyard pastor about prophecies failing and causing congregational distress. Tribble uses a metaphor: Scripture is like the bright sun, while prophecy is like the dim moon reflecting it. He recounts a prophecy about Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith's worldwide ministry, which Smith did not actively pursue. Tribble addresses verse 34-35 on women keeping silent, interpreting it culturally for question-and-answer sessions. He concludes with verses 36-40, where Paul asserts his authority and encourages prophecy while maintaining order. The sermon ends with a prayer for the church to be edifying and welcoming.

As heard by us

A warm, practical reading of Paul's call for spiritual gifts to serve order, interpretation, and edification.

Order anchors this Bible study on 1 Corinthians 14:20-40, as the host traces Paul's correction of a church eager to use spiritual gifts but not always careful about how those gifts serve the whole body.

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Why you'd press play

You want a church gathering where spiritual gifts build people up instead of turning into everyone trying to share at once.

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