Wedding Song - God Knew That I Needed You

Thursday, October 17, 2019

1 CORINTHIANS ~Chapter 14


So …

This chapter always causes a firestorm in church between men and women.

So, let me clarify the hot potato topic: v. 34 – women talking in church. When this book was written Jewish men and women were separated in the synagogues by a partition: Greek men and women freely mingled, and Greek women were very vociferous; that lead to chaos. Greeks thrived on chaos – chaos was their religion. ALL THIS VERSE IS SAYING IS: save the loud and boisterous questions for later on – at home. When in a public house of worship, let calmness reign: do not shout across the room for your husband to clarify something for you! Ask for clarification at home.

Obviously, women spoke in fellowship gatherings – some women were even ministering women. There are many, many instances where Jewish women were placed in positions of leadership. THIS PARTICULAR VERSE DOES NOT SPEAK TO THAT ISSUE.

It is okay for women to speak in fellowship – it is not okay for women to shout across the room to get their husband’s attention.

That said, let us commence to reading today’s Study ;-)


1 CORINTHIANS ~Chapter 14

Make love your goal, and aspire to all the spiritual gifts, especially that of prophesy. For when one speaks in a strange tongue, he speaks not so much to men as to Elohim, because no one understands him. He is really telling mysteries of The Ruach Ha’Kodesh. He who prophesies, on the other hand, speaks to men for their upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation.

When one speaks in an unknown tongue, he may edify himself, but when he prophesies, he edifies the whole congregation. Surely, I wish that all of you could speak in tongues; but I would much rather have you prophecy. He who prophecies is more important than the man who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets what he says so that the faith of the congregation may be strengthened.

Brethren, suppose I come to you speaking in tongues, what good could I do if I did not bring you some revelation, or information, or prophecy, or teaching? Even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, might give some distinct sound, foe how else can anyone know what is played? So also, the bugle – if it does not give a clear note, who will be ready for battle? Therefore, in speaking, you too must use a language that men can understand, otherwise how would anyone know what you say? You would just be talking into the air!

Truly, there are in the world many different languages, and none without meaning. But if I do not understand the meaning of a language, I am a foreigner to the man who speaks it, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to acquire spiritual gifts, ask for them in abundant measure, for the upbuilding of the church. Therefore, the man who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret his message.

Now, if I pray in a strange tongue, my spirit does the praying but my understanding is blank. What must I do? I will pray with my spirit, but also with my understanding. And I will sing praises with my spirit, but also with my understanding. Otherwise, if you pronounce a blessing in The Ruach, how can an unlearned man say “Amen” to your thanksgiving if he does not understand what you are saying? It is well enough for you to give thanks that way, but it is of no value to the man who cannot understand you.

I am thankful to Elohim that I speak in tongues, more than all of you. Still, in public worship I would rather speak 5 words that are understandable, so as to instruct others, than 10,000 words in a strange tongue.

Brethren, do not be children in your thinking. In matters of evil, be as babes: but in understanding you must be grown up. In the Law it is written. “I will speak to this people in other languages and by other lips, and yet not even so will they listen to Me, says the Lord”.

So, this speaking in tongues is intended for a sign, not for the Believers – but for the unbelievers; whereas prophesying is a sign for the Believer rather than the unbeliever. For if the whole congregation is assembled and everyone speaks in tongues, and some untaught persons or unbelievers happen to come in, would they not say that you are demented? But if everyone prophesies, and some unbeliever or untaught person should come in, then he may be convinced of his sin by all, and all will put questions to him. In short, the secrets of his heart will be revealed and he will fall upon his face and worship Elohim, declaring, “God is truly among you!”

What can we learn from this my Brethren? When you come together, each one may have a part to contribute – a song, a teaching, a speaking in tongues, a revelation, or an interpretation … Everything should aim at building up The Faith. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be done by 2, or at most, 3 speakers, one after the other, with an interpreter. And, if there is no one present to explain what was said, let them remain silent in the meeting and each speak his message to himself and to Elohim.

The number of prophets to speak should be limited to 2 or 3, while the others should consider carefully what is said. If a revelation comes to someone seated, let the first speaker stop talking. You can all witness, one by one, and in this way, all may learn and all may be stimulated. The prophets should exercise control over themselves. For Elohim is a God of peace, not of disorder, as can be seen in all the assemblies of saints.

Your women must keep silent at the church meetings. They must take a subordinate place, as the Law says. If they have questions to ask, they may ask their husbands at home. For, it is considered a disgrace for women to speak in the church. Did the Word of Elohei originate with you, or, are you the ones whom it has reached?

What I am writing to you is at Adonai Yeshua’s command. If any one of you thinks that he is a prophet or inspired, let him recognize the fact. If he does not admit it, let him remain in ignorance. Anyway, brethren, strive to prophesy and, as for speaking in tongues, do not forbid that. And always see to it that everything is done properly and in orderly manner.



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