Understanding by the church. 1Corinthians 14:6-25
The value of passing on the truth of God is very important. Paul made the fact plain that as an apostle, to whom had been given foundational truths, he had to speak so people could understand. A revelation from God is of no value if people don't know what is said. The same is true of telling personal experiences in the Christian life if people cannot relate to them in some way. In teaching things not heard before or that haven't been understood, and in reviewing doctrine that has been previously taught, those who speak must be understood by the people who listen. Otherwise, it is only words with no real hearing.
Every language in the world communicates some meaning to those who understand it. Without understanding, nothing is communicated. Spiritual gifts were given to communicate truth for the edification of the church. It is for that reason an interpreter is needed in order for the saints to be edified when a person speaks in a language unknown by the majority of the people there. There is no fruitfulness without understanding. The mind can only grasp what it understands. One of the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ is that we are to love the Lord our God with our minds. That means there is intellectual understanding, not merely emotional feelings.
The illustrations used are those of musical instruments, a battlefield horn to give signals and a conversation between people was how Paul, under the Spirit's guidance, pointed out what was wrong among those people in Corinth. Discordant sounds of words without understanding are a negative thing rather than a positive one. Discordant music is much worse than no music at all. If a person can't play music right, don't play. The same is true of the bugler in a battle. Clear tones give clear messages. The right notes played on the battle horn mean the difference between life and death to the hearers. When one is having a conversation with another person, he or she needs to know what is being said, or the conversation is frustrating, and usually does more harm than good.
Paul confronted those who were using the gift of tongues for their own self-centered purpose and - they thought - self-development. He was not speaking about heavenly languages either, because he wrote of the "many kinds of voices in the world." In order for anything spoken to be applied, it must first be understood. The spirit and soul of a person are both needed to intelligently pray, speak and sing with the understanding. The person who speaks must understand what he is saying himself before it can be beneficial to other people. When we understand something first ourselves, we can pass it on to other believers in the assembly for their understanding.
The use of tongues was always and still is, for the purpose of communicating truth with understanding to all who hear what is being said. The main purpose of tongues was for the benefit of God's people when those who speak a different language had something to pass on from God. Unbelievers who listened to an unknown language being spoken without interpretation would think the people were crazy to be wasting their time listening to someone speak they were not able to understand. Tongues were not a gift to be used for evangelism as a sign of God's power. They were a sign to Jews of God's judgment.
The only immaturity acceptable is to be like little children in malice. When love is in our minds and spirits, malice does not flourish. The Israelites wouldn’t listen to or obey the words of God and consequently, the foreign tongues of the Assyrians were what they heard as they were defeated, conquered, and dispersed through many different parts of the Assyrian empire. The lesson is to pay attention to what God says and make sure we know what it means. Prophesying was a sign to believers because through it unbelievers were being brought to put their faith in Christ and that showed that God is with His people.
In the local assembly, the saints of God are able to be built up as the teaching of the Word of God edifies them and helps them grow and be strong in faith and grace. It is important that what is said be understood if it is to have any profit to those attending the meeting. The real purpose of gifts is not for private use and personal benefit, but so that the whole assembly can understand God's Word and God's will, and grow in the Lord.
Yes, I can understand, it is much plainer to me now. Not only do I now know what is said, but what it means and why it is given, and how it is to be applied. Languages are divisive it's true, but to those in the family of God, we have a uniting fellowship that's based on God's written Word. If one from a different country is a brother with a message to pass on, he is able to communicate the truth to us through an interpreter if one is here to be found. If no one knows his language, then it is not right for him to speak because the edifying of the saints is the reason the church comes together.
If one who is not saved observes the order and wants to hear all that is said, that person can grasp the truth by what is spoken easier than what is read. The one who is unlearned can be convinced when by listening he understands this is God's truth to me. God is the same for every person in every land.
“In the church…”: A called-out group of people, who have left the world system (cosmos) and gathered to the name and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, is very important to God. The church has a calling to further the work of the Lord in its own area. The church provides a place of safety for those who have thus been called out. It provides a place of fellowship with - and worship of - God. It may seem small in the eyes of men around, but the size doesn’t make it a church. It is the nature, character, and convictions of the church that makes it so valuable to God. A scripturally gathered group of people that carries out the commands of God in His way, is a power before God and to man.
“Five words…”: Five words can have a lot of meaning – “Ye must be born again;” “Christ died for the ungodly;” and “Christ died for our sins” are all five-word phrases that bring clearly a message from God to me. What five-word phrases can I give that would have meaning for other people besides the ones that God Himself gives in the Bible? How about: “You are important to God.” Maybe another phrase would be: “You can be saved now.” Do I really understand the meaning of these five-word phrases? In a way, I can give a sense of the meaning but understanding goes beyond that. It means to me that I have made the meaning of the words my own by experience.
“That by my voice…”: It is a great responsibility to be called by God to speak for Him to the people. It requires my diligence to know first of all where I am speaking and to whom. I am to speak in the church. I am a part of that living organism. Then I must give an understanding to that body of the true meaning and implications of those five words. God is willing to use my voice however feeble, to make known His will and the purpose of those five words.
“I might teach others also…”: Paul knew what he was talking about because he had the understanding that was necessary. He charged Timothy to “commit to faithful men” what he had learned from Paul. Then they were to be instructed to “teach others also.” It has finally come down through the generations of humanity to my generation. Then in my generation, I am responsible to carry on the process of teaching that has been passed on. May I never multiply words that are unknown. May I never speak carelessly or without serious thought beforehand. May I not take anything said, for granted as if everyone knows all God wants them to know. May I be willing to speak out of my experience and understanding in words easily understood. May I always speak from my heart as well as my mind.
It is time to grow up and act like a man. Quit doing childish things that draw attention to you. When you are an infant learning to stand, you can put up with all the foolishness but now in this place where God meets with His people, don’t be childish in the strange voices you use. Make sure you’re understood by the words you use and the tone of your voice because if no one understands, then everyone loses.
A child makes noises just for the fun of it. There is no real reason to worry about him, but when a man makes such noise that sounds like he is in a fit, there is no glory for God - especially then. Speak right, make it clear what God gave you to speak, and be sure to clarify the truth He has told you to give. Then people that hear what you say will not think you are a child in mind inside a man’s head.
Understanding is important. It makes clear to others what God wants when the saints come together. The gift that God gave you to help others to further His work, and to gather spiritual food to pass on, will give strength to the body of saints where they live and testify in a community. They will be able to use what you say to their advantage. With a sense of the value of the truths that God has given to you, speak the word clearly, not in childish chatter.